Explore the Top 17 Most Beautiful Islands for Unforgettable Tropical Escapes
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by Unboxify,
8 min reading time
Discover the World's Most Beautiful Islands: A Tropical Paradise Guide
Who doesn’t love a taste of island life? Where you can kick off your shoes, leave work behind, and cocktails are provided at the snap of a finger. But island escapes aren’t just about lazy beach days. They can also be full of adventure, water sports, wildlife-watching, and age-old cultures you can trace back over thousands of years. So, whether you’re looking for that typical tropical beach escape or a trip to an exotic ecosystem untouched by tourism, there’s an island out there calling your name. Here’s a look at the most beautiful islands in the world:
🌴 17. Martinique
Martinique is nothing if not culturally interesting. A French island in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, there is a fusion of French and West Indian cultures that you can experience. The island’s scenery has plenty to inspire you, with gorgeous beaches, botanical gardens, volcanic peaks, and historical architecture.
What to See and Do
Explore Fort-de-France: The island's capital offers museums that tell the tale of Martinique’s pre-Columbian and colonial past.
Visit Saint-Pierre: This modern city was built among the ruins of the former capital destroyed by Mount Pelée's eruption in the 1900s.
Botanical Gardens: Discover the vibrant plant life that thrives in Martinique's tropical climate.
🌅 16. Hvar
The Croatian island of Hvar can be found on the edge of the Adriatic. While it is certainly celebrated for its summer beach parties and glitzy nightlife scene, Hvar has so much more to offer than raves and hangovers.
Unmissable Experiences
Stari Grad: The port town, the oldest in Croatia, offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history.
Venetian-style fortress: Perched on a hilltop above Hvar Town, this offers jaw-dropping views.
Lavender Fields and Vineyards: Stroll through inland lilac lavender fields and undulating vineyards famous for fine Croatian wines.
🏝️ 15. Kauai
Lovingly dubbed the Garden Isle, the Hawaiian island of Kauai is an enchanting place full of cascading waterfalls, tropical jungles, remote beaches, and rugged coastlines. A trip to Kauai is not your average fly and flop holiday. Here, there are adventures around every corner.
Adventurous Highlights
Zip-lining through the jungle
Trekking to waterfalls
Kayaking along winding rivers
Dolphin and Whale Watching:
Hiking Waimea Canyon and the Insta-famous Napali Coast:
🇫🇴 14. Faroe Islands
You’ll need at least a week to explore all the captivating attractions the 18 volcanic Faroe Islands have to offer. Just a short flight from mainland Europe, this underrated, untouristy archipelago is actually self-governed but associated with the Kingdom of Denmark.
Not-to-Miss Activities
Northern Lights: See the Northern Lights here from November to February.
Nature Trails: Majestic valleys, remote villages, and jaw-dropping waterfalls await.
Bird Watching: Glimpse thousands of coastal birds, including clifftop puffin colonies.
🏖️ 13. Whitsundays
Made up of a collection of 74 sun-soaked islands, the Whitsundays nestled between the coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef is something truly special. The ultimate destination for divers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Island Adventures
Water Activities: Sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are top activities.
Explore Hamilton Island: The tourist hub offers various leisure activities.
Sunbathe on Whitehaven Beach: One of the world's most stunning beaches.
🏝️ 12. Easter Island
Tucked away in the southeastern Pacific, the Polynesian Easter Island is both remote and historically significant. The enormous Moai statues are undeniably the top attraction here.
Historic and Natural Wonders
Moai Statues: Over 800 human statues with over-sized heads dotting the island.
Beaches and Caves: Some excellent beaches and remote caves for hiking and cycling.
Traditional Rapa Nui Dancing Show: Dive into island culture with an authentic performance.
🌋 11. St Lucia
A tropical retreat in the Eastern Caribbean, the once-colonial island of Saint Lucia is about as scenic as it gets. Characterized by the iconic Pitons, lush rainforests, and beautiful volcanic beaches, it is unapologetically photogenic.
Explore Saint Lucia
Beach Resorts: Top-notch options along the coastline.
Castries: The melting-pot capital and a popular cruise port.
Natural Wonders and Local Life: Discover sulfur springs, secluded bays, bustling markets, and Caribbean dance parties.
🌞 10. Mallorca
One of the most popular of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a celebrated beach escape that gets 300 days of sunshine every year. With quiet coves, limestone mountains, citrus orchards, and sleepy stone villages overlooking the Mediterranean.
A Perfect Escape
Historical Ruins: Explore Roman and Moorish remnants.
Nightlife in Palma: Enjoy the pumping nightlife scene in the capital.
Architectural Gems: Don’t miss the royal palace and the Palma Cathedral.
🦎 9. Galapagos
The Galápagos Islands are a collection of volcanic islands and smaller islets in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. What makes this string of islands so special is the spectacular ecosystem.
Unique Attractions
Diverse Wildlife: Home to animals, plants, fish, and birds not found anywhere else on Earth.
Still-active Volcanoes: Witness the extraordinary geology.
Penguin Colony: The only one in the Northern Hemisphere.
⛵ 8. Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is possibly one of Thailand’s most famous archipelagos. It is most notable for a stunning natural bay filmed in the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Top Attractions
Maya Bay: Visit the famous bay known for its beauty.
Marine Life: Swim and snorkel among extraordinary marine creatures.
Monkey Beach: Home to playful tree-swinging monkeys worth a visit.
🌄 7. Lofoten
Lofoten is an island group that’s famous for its dramatic natural attractions – from towering mountains to the deepest bays. Those in the know come here hoping to witness the mysterious Northern Lights.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking and Climbing: Popular climbing peaks and numerous trails await.
Fishing and Bird Watching: Great activities for nature enthusiasts.
Sea Kayaking and Skiing: Enjoy in summer and winter.
🌊 6. Palawan
Palawan is an island province in the westernmost part of the Philippines. This string of islands is a pure paradise made up of enigmatic limestone caves and bays.
Thrilling Adventures
Diving Sites: Explore unforgettable shipwrecks that have transformed into natural coral reefs in Coron Bay.
Waterfalls and Lagoons: Swim in waterfalls and kayak in secluded lagoons.
Paddle Boating at Night: Experience luminous fireflies lighting up the night.
🏝️ 5. The Seychelles
The Seychelles are one of those elite island destinations. Popular among the rich and famous, these 115 granite islands in the Indian Ocean are idyllic, to say the least.
Island Highlights
Nature Reserves: Visit various nature reserves showcasing the islands' biodiversity.
Cultural Experiences: Mahe provides rich cultural experiences.
Diving and Beach Hopping: Silhouette Island for diving and Praslin for beach hopping.
🌺 4. Bali
Possibly one of the most popular islands on Earth, Bali is a vacationer’s playground, with regular retreats on the social calendar. While Bali has become much more commercialized in recent years, there’s still plenty of culture to be found.
Cultural and Natural Attractions
Balinese Temples: Discover the many temples scattered across the island.
Uluwatu Temple: Situated on the edge of a cliff, it's a prime spot for sunsets.
Forests and Beaches: Enjoy the forest-clad volcanoes and stunning beaches.
🌅 3. Santorini
The volcanic island of Santorini is probably one of the most recognized islands on Earth. Characterized by its whitewashed and blue-domed Cycladic towns hugging the caldera cliffs above the edge of the Aegean, this Greek island is world-famous for its enviable sunsets.
Epitome of Luxury
Oia Town: Stroll through the alleyways of this picturesque town.
Gourmet Dining: Indulge in fine dining at gourmet tavernas.
Sunset Cruises: Sail off into the sunset on a catamaran cruise.
🏝️ 2. Bora Bora
Beach bliss is the order of the day on the volcanic island of Bora Bora. While the enormous turquoise lagoon is the main attraction here, many flock to the island for its dazzlingly white beaches and ultra-luxurious resorts.
Unforgettable Activities
Mount Pahia: Hike for 360-degree bird’s eye views.
Coral Gardens and Sea Turtles: snorkel and swim among extraordinary marine life.
Scuba Diving: Get close encounters with manta rays and reef sharks.
🌴 1. The Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the idyllic Maldives archipelago is spellbindingly beautiful. Close to the equator, the Maldives has a warm and tropical climate that’s perfect for lazy beach days all year round.
Ultimate Relaxation
Designer Accommodation: Choose from underwater villas to over-water bungalows.
Underwater Restaurant: Dine surrounded by schools of tropical fish.
Slow Life Vibes: Spend your days sipping cocktails and sunbathing with occasional diving excursions to keep things interesting.