20 most beautiful Islands in the world: plan your next vacation!

Are you planning your next vacation? Holidays are around the corner and I am sure you must be looking for a place where can spend them. So, where you would like to go this holiday season? Will it be a place that you have already visited (and loved) or a completely new destination? I would prefer spending my holidays on an Island, they are an escape from the rat race, city crowd and noise, a perfect patch of sand where you can relax under rustling palms and gaze at a serene blue sea. Here are our picks of the top 20 islands in the world you should visit.

1. The Seychelles

Seychelles is located on the east coast of Africa, these islands are purely heaven. If anywhere in the world would influence me to give it all up and live in a beach hut, Seychelles would be top of that. Tons of islands to choose from, perfect beaches, perfect water, and all the privacy you could want. Seychelles are my dream place and should be yours, too.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE SEYCHELLES

• It has 115 islands with a total population of under 100,000 people.
• The Seychelles was once a pirate hideout and legend says there is still unexplored gems buried somewhere eternity the island!

2. The Maldives

Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a chain of 1,000 islands (200 are inhabited, and only 5 have any substantial population). Maldives has many coral atolls that are hardly above sea level. After the 2004 Tsunami, numerous of these islands were completely wash away and government has built flood barriers to help lessen the impact of any future tsunamis. The best time to go to the Maldives is from November to May, when the weather is dry and cool.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE MALDIVES

• The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and over 1,100 coral islands.
• It’s the lowest and flatest nation in the world.
• The capital Male is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

3. Ko Lipe

 Situated in southern Thailand, this semi-off-the-map island is one of my favourites and the month I spent here remains one of my lovable memories. Close to this island is a little island that gives best snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a some reef sharks. Visit between November and March for the best weather and the less people.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KO LIPE

• You can walk from one end of the island to the other in under an hour.
• There are no cars found on the island.
• There is 1,000 full-time local residents on the island.

4. Bali and the Gili Islands

This tourist mecca is chosen one of the best islands in the world year after year. There’s enough room on Bali for everyone, the surfing is great, the food is amazing, it’s dirt cheap, the parties are best, the locals are some of the friendliest in the world, there’s a volcano to climb, and there are temples to see. But Indonesia has more than just Bali. The close Gili Islands are another unbelievable island getaway.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BALI AND THE GILI ISLANDS

• Thanks to the volcanoes that call the region home, Bali is home to both black and white sand beaches.
• 80% of Bali’s economy depends on tourism.
• Fresh water is rare in the Gili Islands, leading some guesthouses and hotels to provide salt-water showers.

5. Fiji

Though this country has around 322 islands, less than a third are populated. Most of the action happens in the western islands, but no matter where you go, this is paradise. Any time the name Fiji is heard, images of beaches and Tropical Ocean comes in people’s head. It is a very popular destination with honeymooners and young people, with something for everyone. Temperature remains generally constant through the year and best time of visit is between November and January.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FIJI

• There are 333 islands in Fiji, but less than half are peopled.
• It has 1,500 different species of sea life call the waters around Fiji home.
• Fiji has 28 airports.

6. Tahiti

You know those images you always see of hot bungalows in the water? That’s Tahiti. The name has long been identical with tropical paradise. One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti gives pure heaven and a lot of romance. You can relax here in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right from your bungalow.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TAHITI

• Tahiti is has 118 islands and atolls.
• The first over-water bungalows in the world were made in Tahiti.

7. Big Island Hawaii

Hawaii’s biggest island has everything you could ever think to do and more. But what made it unique it from the other islands is Volcano National Park. Climb through old lava tubes, explore volcanoes and watch as new lava oozes into the ocean. The best weather to visit Hawaii is from October to March

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BIG ISLAND

• Big Island is home to the world’s most active volcano (Kilauea).
• Hawaii is the only state in the United States that produces coffee.
• The majority of the world’s macadamia nuts are grown on Big Island

8. The Cook Islands

This is another South Pacific island group, the Cook Islands are very far off the map. OK, not too far, but they are much less visited than some of their neighbors. The cook island has similar weather to the rest of the area, with temperatures hot and humid all year round.

INTERESTING FACTS THE COOKE ISLANDS

• The Cook Islands is made up of 15 islands spread out over 1.8 million square kilometers.
• Cook Islanders are granted citizenship to New Zealand.

9. Curaçao

Situated in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch-owned island is best. The town is built in the Dutch style, but the surrounding areas are all hot. Hit the beaches, party the night away and lay in the sun.  The weather is pretty even here year round. It’s always hot and sunny.

INTERESTING FACTS CURACAO

• Curaçao is a part of the Netherlands.
• Iguana is a popular meal, usually in stews or soups.

10. The Perhentian Islands

Situated on the eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentians consist of two islands. Both are gorgeously covered with a lot of wide beaches, palm trees and crystal blue water. It’s the picture-perfect place to put up a hammock.

INTERESTING FACTS THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

• Perhentian means “stopping point” in Malay, as the island was a regular waypoint for seafarers in the past.
• The Perhentian Islands are made up of 2 inhabited islands and 5 uninhabited islands.
• The Perhentian Islands are reliably featured on lists of the worlds best beaches.

11. Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the lovely islands in the world. Sadly, it’s also very expensive! The locals are very friendly people and you can find some world-class food here too. To keep you busy, there is tons of snorkeling, lots of hiking, some caves to explore and tons more!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BERMUDA

• Bermuda is a self-governing British external territory.
• There were no inhabitants on the islands until the 17th century when a shipwreck led to Europeans colonizing the island.
• Bermuda is the shipwreck capital of the world.

12. Barbados

Barbados is a vibrant island with a great nightlight. Bermuda has amazing beaches and caving. You’ll also find some world-class surfing. The food here is amazing, and you’ll be able to enjoy expensive, tasty meals alongside cheap local food.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BARBADOS

• The Portugese were probably the first Europeans to visit the island, though no one knows for certain.
• Rihanna was born here.
• Many stores offer tax-free shopping if you bring your passport.

13. Isla de Providencia (Old Providence)

Located between Jamaica and Costa Rica, Providencia is actually part of Colombia. Isla de Providencia is made up of two smaller islands: Providencia and Santa Catalina. Unlike its luxurious Caribbean neighbors, here you’ll only find more affordable guesthouses and hotels. Everything needs to come by ship or airplane, so it’s not super cheap.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA

• The island was once the site of an English Puritan colony.
• There is a sizeable Rastafari population on the island.

14. The San Blas Islands

Panama is an underrated destination in Central America, including the San Blas Islands. This is a popular spot for boat tours and sailing, though there are also some resorts in case you’re looking for a more luxurious visit. Usually, the islands are quite rustic and make for a great island getaway. There are many beautiful spots for good sailing, snorkeling and diving.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS

• The San Blas Islands are made up of over 365 islands.
• Rising sea levels will make most of the islands squalid by the end of the century.

15. The Canary Islands

Situated just off the coast of Western Sahara in Africa, the Canary Islands are truly a Spanish archipelago and therefore preserved by Spain. There are 7 main islands in the Canaries, with each providing something different for the fearless traveler looking to kick back and enjoy island life.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CANARY ISLANDS

• The Canaries have 2 official capital cities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
• The Canary Islands is one of the best places to see the endangered Loggerhead Turtle.
• The islands are home to a local form of wrestling called “Lucha Canaria.”

16. Naxos

While most people head to Santorini or Mykonos, beat the crowd and head to Naxos. It’s just as stunning and picturesque, but without the crowds. Home to charming villages and pristine beaches, Naxos will satisfy your desire to enjoy that serene Mediterranean life.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, head out for a hike, enjoy some water sports, or learn about history, Naxos will be able to keep you entertained as you enjoy your little slice of Greek paradise away from the tourist crowd.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NAXOS

• Naxos is the biggest of the Cycladic Islands, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea.
• According to Greek Mythology, Zeur grew up in Naxos.
• Naxos was once nammed Callipolis, which translates to “The Best City.”

 

17. The Whitsunday Islands

 Located in Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a gorgeous collection of islands off the central coast of Queensland. A majority of the islands are designated national parks and actually form part of the Great Barrier Reef.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE WHITSHUNDAY ISLANDS

• 70% of the Whitsunday Islands par of a national park.
• Captain Cook was the first European to visit (in 1770) however the area was inhabited by aboriginals as far back as 8,000 years ago.
• Whitehaven beach is consistently rated as the best beach in all of Australia.

18. The Galápagos Islands

There are some destinations that top bucket lists like the Galápagos Islands. The opportunities to see best wildlife here are practically unbeatable. Located 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, this is not only one of the most popular destinations in the country but one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

• The Galápagos Islands are the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where you cans see penguins in the wild.
• The Galápagos tortoise has an average lifespan of over 100 years.
• 97% of the islands is a national park.

19. Saint Lucia

This stunning island is often considered one of the most romantic places in the world. St. Lucia is home to tons of best wildlife and the island also boasts some world-class diving. Whether you’re looking for a lazy escape or an active holiday, St. Lucia will be able to keep you amused!

 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAINT LUCIA

 Due to its proximity to volcanoes, Saint Lucia is home to black sand beaches.

• Saint Lucia is the world’s only country named after a woman
• The first inhabitants of St. Lucia were Arawak Indians, who were eventually forced off the island.

20. The Azores

While technically a subtropical island, the Azores make for a best getaway if you’re looking for something outside the standard resort getaway. The islands boast tons of hiking and beautiful nature.

INTERESTING FACTS THE AZORES

• The Azores is made up of 9 islands that are home to around 250,000 people.
• Mount Pico is the top point in the Azores as well as all of the Portuguese mainland.

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