Discover Paradise: The Most Beautiful Islands In The World…..YET!

Island beauty is unmatched. Islands are vacation fantasies, whether it’s lounging on a palm-lined beach, wading in warm, clear seas, or staring out to sea from an infinity pool.

But islands vary in size. Island excursions can take many shapes, but tropical islands or sun-drenched atolls with beautiful beaches are usually thought of. From New Zealand’s South Island’s glaciers and lakes to Bali’s temples and cultural attractions to Santorini’s cliffside views, attractive island destinations exist worldwide.

Find your paradise with this list of the world’s most beautiful islands.

1. Bora Bora – French Polynesia

This lush volcanic island, shaped like a huge hat, appears in many South Pacific dreams. This tropical paradise’s blue lagoon is its highlight. The lagoon has motus and fish, turtles, sharks, and rays swimming in clear waters.

Naturally, the island has delicious French food. Hiking trails through palm-studded woodlands and diving and snorkeling in the reefs are great.

Like the Maldives, Bora Bora has luxurious resorts and overwater bungalows where you may sleep to the sea rhythms.

2. Seychelles

The Seychelles are worth visiting for their beauty. The comparatively pristine archipelago of 115 coral and granite islands east of Kenya has UNESCO-listed jungles, healthy coral reefs, palm-lined, white beaches, and enormous boulders.

A large portion of these equatorial islands is protected, and many are in fish-rich marine sanctuaries with great diving and snorkeling.

The Seychelles are a top fishing destination due to their rich fishing grounds. After adding spicy Créole cuisine and luxury resorts like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, the Seychelles’ appeal is clear.

3. The Cook Islands

You can live your South Pacific castaway dream on the Cook Islands. These 15 islands are among the South Pacific’s undervalued gems, strung between French Polynesia and Samoa and with close ties to New Zealand.

Aquamarine lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, and volcanic summits are island highlights. Best of all, South Pacific locals are the friendliest.

The main tourist destination is Rarotonga, with its resorts, green peaks, and beaches. South Pacific islands like Aitutaki are stunning. Hibiscus-lined towns nestle on the hillsides, and 21 motus or small islets line its idyllic lagoon, several within kayaking distance of the resorts.

Stay in an over-the-water bungalow or a rustic beach house on a deserted island and live your Robinson Crusoe fantasy.

4. Maldives

While the Maldives’ islands are beautiful, the sea is what makes them stand out. These brilliant white coastlines scarcely rise above the Indian Ocean, lapped by clear turquoise waves. Overwater bungalows in the Maldives let you enjoy the calm, beautiful ocean from your room.

The Maldives, with 26 natural atolls, is the world’s lowest nation, with the highest point only three meters above the water, shrinking every year.

Underwater coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers from throughout the world. Uncrowded breaks attract surfers here.

5. Santorini, Greece

The stunning caldera-surrounded Santorini wins high marks. Villas in white fall from volcanic cliffs. Bright bougainvillea and blue-domed cathedrals contrast with the dazzling sea.

Firá and Oia, perched on black lava cliffs, are the island’s most attractive and expensive resorts. Oia is one of the world’s most photographed places.

Santorini’s attractions include Akrotíri Archaeological Site, Ancient Thira, Perissa’s black sand beach, and breathtaking sunsets. Sail into this magnificent caldera surrounded by sea cliffs for an outstanding first impression.

6. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s enticing culture is a sensory overload. The aroma of incense wafts from Hindu temples, rice paddies flash electric green, and the food tingles the taste receptors. Surfing, swimming, and sunbathing are popular activities on the island’s lovely beaches, but there are many other things to do on this exotic isle, including temple hopping and sightseeing in the verdant countryside, as well as spa treatments, shopping, and hiking.

Soak in the spiritual side of Bali in Ubud, visit Seminyak and family-friendly Sanur, experience the pulse of crowded Kuta, or explore the delights of nearby volcanic island Lombok.

Bali is far from undiscovered, and you need mentally prepare to share this little island slice of heaven with others, but this is also what gives the island its vibrant atmosphere.

7. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan, the Philippines’ paradise, has some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. The limestone cliffs and beaches of El Nido on Palawan’s north end are its most beautiful. The town’s beaches and vistas are lovely, but you may also visit Bacuit Bay, which appears in many Palawan photographs.

Karst limestone islands covered in flora rise out of the water and tower over strips of white-sand beaches with rustling palms. Take one of the many daily boat cruises to view Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.

After relaxing by the infinity pool and enjoying a delicious meal, sleep to the ocean’s soothing sounds at a luxurious island refuge.

The attractions do not stop above the water. The coral reefs here are home to a diverse array of tropical species and provide some of the best diving in the Philippines.

The World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, an outstanding limestone cave system with a lengthy underground river, is one of Palawan’s top attractions. The best way to view this attraction is from Puerto Princesa.

8. Fiji

Fiji, Australia’s tropical getaway, meets all fantasy island requirements. Beautiful white-sand beaches, turquoise oceans, and coral reefs abound here. Friendly Fijians greet guests with smiles.

Diving, snorkeling, fishing, and surfing are popular in Fiji, but lounging under a palm tree and swimming in the warm waters is just as relaxing. With over 300 islands, it’s easy to discover the perfect vacation spot, from celebrity hideaways to family-friendly resorts to the stunning Yasawa and Mamanuca group. Fijians love kids, therefore families wishing to relax will love this place.

9.  Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui has palm-lined beaches, azure waters, and a vibrant tourism sector. In Ang Thong National Marine Park, coral reefs and green peaks rise from the sea, making this tropical Thai paradise impossible to resist.

Visitors should also visit Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Koh Samui’s smaller sister islands. Day visits to these lovely islands are one of Koh Samui’s main attractions. The boulder-strewn Chaweng and Lamai beaches, Fisherman’s Village stores and food stalls, and stately Buddhist temples are also popular.

10. The Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

Dalmatian Islands in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia are a wonderful mix of laidback charm and rich history. These beautiful islands are bordered by dazzling oceans and Croatia’s greatest beaches and include charming villages, boutique hotels, and restaurants.

Brac, with Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, is first. Hvar has Gothic churches, a car-free old town, and a lovely fishing harbor. You can zip to the Pakleni Islands, noted for their clean water and hidden bays.

Other Dalmatian islands to visit include Korcula, with its red-roofed, white-washed structures, Mljet, with its two inland saltwater lakes, and uncrowded Vis.

11. Kaua’i, USA

Kaua’i is known as “the Garden Isle” because rainforests cover much of the island, waterfalls cascade from lava cliffs, and tropical flowers fill the air.

The island’s charm goes beyond its lush vegetation. Its breathtaking shoreline will wow you. This beautiful island was formed by lava rising from the ocean floor into velvety ridges and vertiginous cliffs with magnificent beaches.

Turtles and tropical fish swim among coral reefs in its cobalt-blue oceans, captivating divers and snorkelers worldwide. Kaua’i is more laid-back than Maui and Oahu.

Kauai’s best hiking paths traverse lush highlands and coastlines. The stunning Na Pali Coast, 10-mile Waimea Canyon, and cloud-capped Hanalei Bay cliffs are Kauai’s major attractions.

12. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

Some of Krabi’s greatest islands are in Ko Phi Phi, a small archipelago. Warm waters lap on palm-lined sugary beaches and lush limestone peaks emerge from the tropical sea.

The island’s natural splendor evokes the tropical island ideal from Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach, filmed at Maya Beach on Ko Phi Phi Leh.

Ko Phi Phi Don, the sole inhabited island, offers day tours to nearby islands. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, and great diving. Visit Monkey Beach, known for its cheeky monkeys.

13. The South Island of New Zealand

The South Island of New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and diverse areas on Earth. Stunning mountains, glaciers, rivers, beaches, fiords, lush pastures, and gold rush history make this a heaven for explorers.

The South Island of New Zealand is close to the end of the world. Antarctica lies 2,550 km south. The island has natural attractions found nowhere else due to its location. Best example: Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers descend from snowy peaks into a rainforest around sea level. Hiking to glaciers and helicopter flightseeing are popular.

The Southern Alps provide great hiking. Trails lead to cobalt-colored lakes, mountain vistas, and uninhabited shores past stunning landscape. Do you prefer pre-packaged adventures? Then visit Queenstown to jet boat through tiny gorges, bungee jump off a historic bridge, or discover Arrowtown’s gold rush history.

Kaikoura, a South Island gem, is often neglected. Swimming with curious dolphins, whale watching, and albatross tours are available here. The town boasts a lovely coastal stroll to seal colonies with hundreds of these fascinating creatures.

14. St. Lucia, The Caribbean

St. Lucia is hauntingly beautiful. Unlike other Caribbean islands, its biggest assets are not its beaches, though visitors love their golden sands and beautiful palms. The island is steeped in topography.

The Pitons, twin volcanic peaks more than 700 meters from the sea, dominate the lush landscapes.

St. Lucia has coconut palm woods, waterfalls, fishing communities, coral reefs, nature walks, and medicinal hot springs. Beautiful Marigot Bay and Anse Chastanet Marine Park are highlights. The island’s French influence makes it exotic.

15. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Australia’s tropical island fantasy, the Whitsunday Islands, are scattered along the Great Barrier Reef. These 74 lovely islands are drowned hills above the blue Coral Sea.

The Whitsundays are popular for sailing and diving on the fish-rich coral reefs. Hike several of the islands in this delicate ecosystem protected by six national parks.

Beachfront campsites, eco-retreats, family resorts, and luxury getaways like Hayman Island and Qualia on Hamilton Island are available.

Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island has spectacular silica sands, one of Australia’s best. Whitsunday activities begin at Airlie Beach.

16. Capri, Italy

Glamorous Capri, 20 km off the Amalfi Coast, lives up to the reputation. Floral blooms frame sea stacks and cliffs rising from the teal Tyrrhenian Sea.

The blue grotto, a shimmering sea cave, is a popular tourist attraction where locals drive tourists in on miniature boats and sing opera to test the acoustics.

From Marina Grande, take the funicular to Capri, a movie set. The piazza is full of well-dressed natives and tourists buying luxury garments and the island’s exquisite perfumes.

Visit Anacapri, the highest settlement, and take the chair lift to Monte Solaro for stunning views of the island and sea.

17. St. Barths, The Caribbean

St. Barths is a famous Caribbean island. Beautiful and subtle, it attracts movie stars and moguls from throughout the world—for good reason. St. Barts is a tropical paradise with a French flair that discriminating guests enjoy.

An attraction of St. Barths is its glamorous blond beaches that curve along its coastline surrounded by green hills. The island’s other draws include privacy and solitude, but these come at a cost. One of the Caribbean’s most costly islands, you may stay in a private villa or boutique hotel, eat gourmet French food, and live like a celebrity if you can afford it.

18. Mallorca/Majorca, Spain

Mallorca is a Mediterranean hotspot with sandy beaches, boat-filled coves, limestone peaks, and a lively atmosphere. The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, this Spanish beauty is known for its stunning coastline and lively beach scene.

But Mallorca provides more than beach dancing. Visit mountain monasteries, trek the Serra de Tramuntana, stroll medieval villages, or eat Mediterranean food in the sun. Culture vultures will also be satisfied. Museums and galleries are top Mallorca attractions.

19. Sardinia, Italy

Beautiful white-sand beaches, rocky coastal peaks, delicious food, a diverse culture, and ancient archeology: Why not love this sassy Italian island?

The Emerald Coast, with its rugged coves and pure green oceans, is well-known to tourists, but this big and diversified Mediterranean island has many more attractions. Gola su Gorropu, Europe’s greatest canyon, prehistoric archaeological sites, Alghero’s Catalan charm, and Cagliari’s medieval alleyways are all in Sardinia.

Stay at one of the numerous luxurious hotels and resorts and take a picturesque coastline drive to enjoy the scenery.

20. The Bahamas

The Bahamas has 700 islands and over 2,000 cayes, making it easy to choose your Caribbean paradise. These lovely islands include beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and great shopping and restaurants.

Want duty-free stores, mega-resorts, and fun? Visit Nassau, New Providence’s cruise ship port, or Grand Bahama. Is big-game fishing your favorite? Best choice: Bimini. If you want to dive or bonefish, Long Island and Andros are great.

For quiet, wonderful beach time, visit the Out Islands, such the Exumas, Abacos, and Eleuthera, which have stunning white-sand beaches and clear blue ocean. You prefer pink-sand beaches? You should prioritize Harbor Island.

You’ll find gorgeous resorts everywhere, from luxury to family to affordable all-inclusive.

21. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Not all gorgeous islands are tropical. Lofoten Islands in Norway’s Arctic Circle are one example. Jagged peaks and high rock walls tower over mirror-like fjords. Private beaches under sea cliffs and bright red fishermen’s huts complete the image.

Snow adds fairy-tale beauty to these stunning views in winter. The Arctic Circle-based Lofoten Islands are not as chilly as you may think. Gulf Stream-warmed islands have milder winters and warmer summers than other resorts at this latitude.

This is paradise for nature lovers. The Lofoten Islands are popular for hiking, kayaking, boating, surfing, birding, and whale watching. Occasionally, you may see the northern lights.

22. The Domincan Republic

This big Caribbean island has beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rivers, luxurious resorts, and quiet spots for a getaway.

Golden beaches surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are one of the rare places you may discover a deserted beach undeveloped.

The Dominican Republic’s most popular destinations are Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, where waterfront all-inclusive resorts provide lavish stays.

Cabarete is a great bohemian kiteboarding and surfing destination for thrill-seekers. Beachside restaurants offer fantastic food and nightlife.

Las Terrenas is another popular destination for non-resort vacationers who like good restaurants and beachside hotels.

For those who want to get well away from the crowds, places like the small community of Las Galeras on the Semana Peninsula or Punta Rucia, west of Puerto Plata, offer a quaint escape.

The capital city of Santo Domingo is a world away from the rest of the island and a fantastic cultural experience. The Zona Colonial (the old section of the city) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for visitors.

23. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Skye means “cloud island” in Old Norse. See this Scottish beauty to understand. This secluded Inner Hebrides island, the largest, is enchanted by misty green hills.

This beauty is harsh. Wind-whipped beaches, toothy crags over apple-green moors, deep lochs, and soaring cliffs show nature’s might.

The Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Fairy Pools, with misty veils of water cascading into green pools, are Isle of Sky highlights.

Most tourists visit Portree, which has a picturesque port and pastel-painted homes. When mist rolls across the island, historic castles, museums, and art galleries await.

24. Samoa

Samoa epitomizes South Pacific beauty. On this island, jungle-clad cliffs plunge to the Pacific and craggy rock islands rise from the sapphire water due to volcanic eruptions.

The 10 tropical islands of Samoa are midway between New Zealand and Hawaii. In the heart of Polynesia, the islanders’ huge hearts make the islands appealing.

Some of the South Pacific’s most stunning waterfalls, coral reefs, wild beaches, hiking routes, crater pools, and surf breaks are in Samoa. Relax on Lalomanu Beach, trek rainforest paths, or swim in the tropical garden-surrounded To Sua trench. Staying on Samoa means experiencing South Pacific culture.