The 50 Best Islands In The World

From remote tropical hideaways and wildlife-rich archipelagos to sun-soaked beach escapes and rugged, windswept islets, the world’s islands offer some of the most unforgettable travel experiences on Earth. Whether you want to spot unique species found only on islands or want to snorkel in waters brimming with marine life, there’s an island to suit every type of traveller.

Whether you want to experience the turquoise lagoons of the South Pacific, the ice-covered archipelagos of North America, or the emerald rainforests of Southeast Asia, these remarkable islands showcase the incredible diversity of our planet’s coastlines. Here are the 50 best islands in the world.

Where are The 50 Best Islands in the World?

50. Isla Mujeres – Mexico

Just off the coast of the Mexican resort city of Cancún, Isla Mujeres is quickly becoming a popular destination for holidays. Turquoise waters, pristine beaches and colourful marine life, Isla Mujeres needs to be on your bucket list. There’s also a dedicated sea turtle sanctuary, an underwater museum and plenty of lively markets to explore.

49. Eysturoy – Faroe Islands

Not all beautiful islands are tropical. Eysturoy is one of the 18 islands which make up the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Smaller than Streymoy, which is home to Tórshavn – the capital – Eysturoy is quieter, but just as gorgeous. Expect majestic fjords, foam-lashed cliffs and quaint villages across the rugged landscape.

48. Isle of Skye – Scotland

One of the most spectacular destinations to visit in Scotland, the Isle of Skye is home to a range of spectacular geological formations, such as The Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr, while the island is also rich in history, being home to Dunvegan Castle, which has been occupied by members of Clan MacLeod since its founding over 800 years ago. The island is also known for being an excellent spot for wildlife watching, with puffins, seals, sea eagles, deer and more calling Skye home.

47. Príncipe – São Tomé and Príncipe

The smaller of the two islands, which makes up the tiny West African island country of São Tomé and Príncipe, Príncipe is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it the perfect place to visit for nature lovers. Lush volcanic peaks, incredible beaches and vibrant jungles make up this wonderful tropical paradise, and because it is not so well-known, you won't find crowded tourist-heavy beaches here, rendering Príncipe a perfect secluded island escape.

46. Koh Rong – Cambodia

One of the smallest islands in Cambodia, the most-well known element of Koh Rong is its bioluminescent beach, which comes alive at night as the plankton shimmers and shines in the water. It’s also a great island to visit for party lovers, as raves go on into the early hours, while you can nurse a hangover on the white sands, backed by palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze behind.

45. Socotra Island – Yemen

This incredible island off the coast of Yemen is one of the most otherworldly-looking places on Earth. Looking like it could be plucked straight out of Star Wars, around a third of Socotra's plant life is found nowhere else on the planet, including its famous dragon's blood trees with their umbrella-shaped canopies. The whole island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the sheer biodiversity of the island makes it recognised as one of the most scientifically important islands in the world. From its white-sand beaches to its limestone cave systems, you truly have to visit Socotra Island to experience it in its sheer magnificence and beauty.

44. Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) – India

One of the best tropical destinations in the Andaman Archipelago, Havelock Island – known officially as Swaraj Dweep – is a classic picturesque island escape. Home to white-sand beaches and turquoise waters brimming with marine life, including turtles, rays and hundreds of species of fish which call the coral reefs home, it’s also a world-renowned scuba diving destination. Radhanagar Beach on the island’s west coast is known for being one of the world’s best places to watch the sunrise and sunset.

43. Saaremaa – Estonia

The combination of rich history and untouched nature is what to expect when visiting Estonia’s largest island. Kuressaare Episcopal Castle dates back to the 14th century, while Angla Windmill Park is home to 19th-century windmills. The island is also known for its strong spa culture and is a favoured spa break getaway for Estonians. Enjoy farm-to-table dining after a relaxing afternoon of bird-watching from a traditional spa for the perfect island break weekend.

42. Greenland

The largest island on Earth (given that the landmass of Australia is generally classed as a continent), Greenland is without a doubt one of the most unique places to visit. The capital, Nuuk, recently became the world’s first capital to be certified as a sustainable tourist destination by EarthCheck. In addition, there are areas of the island which are practically unexplored, and it's also home to an estimated 4,400 polar bears, making it one of the last remaining sanctuaries for this majestic animal.

41. Wuzhizhou Island – China

Known as ‘the Maldives of China’, Wuzhizhou Island is home to the most coral reefs in the country, and some of the clearest waters, with visibility up to 27 metres. This tropical island is the ultimate destination for water sports enthusiasts, as well as nature lovers who want to enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving in some of China’s clearest waters. With plenty of hotels on the island, it's more urbanised than others, but it can accommodate plenty of people at a time.

40. Réunion – French Overseas Territory

From the Maldives of China to the ‘Hawaii of the Indian Ocean’, Réunion is an excellent island choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes – Piton de la Fournaise – Réunion is dotted with lush green volcanic craters, and helicopter tours are one of the most popular excursions for tourists, alongside adrenaline-fuelled activities like skydiving, canyoneering and paragliding. While the island has some gorgeous beaches, swimming can sometimes be restricted due to shark activity, so be aware before entering the waters.

39. Raja Ampat – Indonesia

Raja Ampat is an Indonesian archipelago made up of over 1,500 islands, islets, cays and shoals off the coast of West Papua. The waters surrounding the archipelago are some of the richest and most diverse anywhere on Earth, with over 1,700 species of reef fish recorded, as well as hundreds of coral species. Above the surface, jungle-covered limestone islands create breathtaking scenery as they rise above the turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches. Dedicated marine protected areas have helped to preserve the surrounding seas and make it a haven for wildlife lovers, travellers and scientists alike.

38. Baffin Island – Canada

A truly remote and rugged Arctic frontier, Baffin Island is a destination for the truly adventurous. Auyuittuq National Park on the island is eight times larger than Luxembourg, and a perfect spot for wildlife watching, including polar bears, narwhals, beluga whales, walruses and Arctic foxes. There is a strong Inuit culture and arts tradition on the island, which can be explored further by visiting places such as Pond Inlet or the capital, Iqaluit.

37. Dominica

Nicknamed the 'Nature Island of the Caribbean', Dominica is a destination defined by adventure. Not your typical Caribbean beach holiday destination, the small yet mountainous island contains a staggering 300 rivers, countless waterfalls and the world's second-largest boiling lake. Unlike its Caribbean neighbours, Dominica has a strong focus on eco-tourism rather than large-scale resort holidays, which helps to preserve its largely unspoiled landscape, which is covered in tropical rainforest. Whether you want to go jungle trekking, whale watching or volcano exploring, Dominica is the ultimate tropical adventure island escape.

36. Sentosa – Singapore

If you’re a theme park enthusiast, then few islands can compete with Sentosa in Singapore. Home to Universal Studios Singapore, SkyPark Sentosa and the Mega Adventure Park, it’s a great place for families to visit. While secluded beaches aren’t the vibe here, there is still more to explore outside of the commercial theme parks, including the Fort Siloso Skywalk, offering canopy views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

35. Menorca – Spain

The smallest of the three major Balearic Islands, Menorca is Ibiza and Mallorca’s quieter cousin. With over 100 beaches on the tiny island, Menorca is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while the capital, Mahón, has one of the world’s largest natural harbours. While the coastal towns are built up, much of the island has been left green and untouched, and offers the opportunity for a serene Mediterranean escape, just a few hours by plane from the majority of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

34. Baros – Maldives

If boutique hotel stays in the Indian Ocean are your idea of an island getaway, then look no further than Baros. Indeed, while the Maldives as a whole could have featured on this list, we have highlighted Baros for a few reasons. Firstly, the surrounding reefs are widely considered the best in the Maldives for snorkelling, home to harmless sharks, rays and fish. It is also only around 25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, making it a convenient island to escape to after the long flight to the Maldives. Aimed at couples and honeymooners, few islands have the charm and luxury of Baros.

33. Senja – Norway

Imagine Norway in miniature form, and that’s what Senja can offer you. Dramatic fjords and epic hiking trails, Senja is an underrated and quieter destination compared to Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Because of its seclusion, it is an excellent place for seeing the Northern Lights in winter and for sea kayaking and deep-sea fishing under the Midnight Sun in the summer. 

32. Aeolian Islands – Italy

Found in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago bursting with Mediterranean charm. The seven major islands are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to their spectacular landscapes and geological significance. With centuries of history, dramatic coastlines and beautifully turquoise waters, the Aeolian Islands a must-visit for both cultural holidaymakers and nature enthusiasts. We also named Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, one of the best places to visit in June.

31. Hvar – Croatia

While most visitors flock to the likes of Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Split when visiting Croatia, Hvar is the place to be if you want an ultimate Balkan island escape. Known for its extensive vineyards, Hvar is an ideal location for wine-lovers, while the Old Town is perfect to explore to see the largely untouched Baroque architecture. 

30. Grand Cayman – Cayman Islands

One of the safest islands in the Caribbean Sea, Grand Cayman has long been associated with the ultra-rich, who use the island as a tax haven. However, it is also home to some of the finest beaches in the world – including Seven Mile Beach, with its pristine white sands and calm, crystal-clear waters. It is also a superb destination for foodies, with many of the restaurants on the island offering fine dining experiences using local ingredients. 

29. Jeju Island – South Korea

Over the last few years, South Korea has quickly established itself as a premier tourist destination for travellers in East Asia, and there are few better places to explore than Jeju Island. A long-time favourite holiday destination of South Koreans, Jeju Island is home to the country’s highest mountain, as well as extinct volcanoes, beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails and quaint villages – a far cry from the urban landscapes of Seoul, Busan and Incheon.

28. Madagascar

Few islands hold as much charm and mystery as Madagascar, found in the Indian Ocean, around 400km from the coast of Mozambique. Perhaps best known for its incredible biodiversity, Madagascar is home to hundreds of unique species, including lemurs, fossa, tenrecs, aye-ayes and lots more. It is also home to mighty baobab trees, which are now protected thanks to their scarcity. In addition, the World Heritage Committee recently made the Adrefana Dry Forests a natural World Heritage area, further protecting the biodiversity of this incredible island.

27. Redang – Malaysia

Floating in the turquoise waters of the South China Sea and part of the protected Redang Marine Park, the Malaysian island of Redang is fringed by snow-white beaches and coral reefs teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish. Conservation programmes have helped to protect sea turtle nesting sites on the island, while Pasir Panjang, the longest and most pristine beach on the island, offers a castaway-type vibe, perfect for a tropical island escape in the sunshine.

26. Siargao – Philippines

This teardrop-shaped island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, and is quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia's most beloved island escapes. While the waves attract surfers from across the globe, beyond the beach the lush green mangroves and palm tree-lined roads lead to hidden lagoons and waterfalls, perfect for a day of exploring. Sustainable tourism is on the rise on Siargao, and this is helping to protect its fragile coastal ecosystem. For foodies, it's also one of the best places to eat kinilaw - a local version of ceviche.

25. Rottnest Island – Australia

Just 19km off the coast of Perth in Western Australia, Rottnest Island sounds much better than its name. And it is best known for its friendly marsupial natives: quokkas. These cute creatures have no natural predators on Rottnest Island, so they’re not afraid of humans and will often approach visitors unprompted. The island itself is car-free and a Class-A protected reserve, while it also boasts 63 beaches and 20 bays, all connected by cycling trails.

24. Mull – Scotland

One of the UK’s truly wild paradises, the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland is a must-visit island. Foamy waves crash up against basalt columns, while the colourful town of Tobermory – the setting for the children’s TV show Balamory – adds a vibrant splash of colour to the coastline. In the summer months, highland cows can be seen cooling off in the sea, and the island itself is one of the best spots in the UK for dolphin, seal and whale watching.

23. Koh Lipe – Thailand

One of Thailand’s many pristine islands, Koh Lipe is arguably one of the country’s most underrated. Closer to Malaysia than the Thai mainland, Koh Lipe is characterised by its tropical white-sand beaches, lined with swaying palms. It’s also one of the best spots in the Andaman Sea for diving and snorkelling, with its coral forests providing a safe sanctuary for a stunning array of colourful fish.

22. Madeira – Portugal 

Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, geographically closer to Morocco than the Portuguese mainland. Known as ‘the Island of Eternal Spring’ thanks to its year-round subtropical climate, Madeira has everything from volcanic black sand beaches to jagged mountain passes, perfect for hiking. Funchal, the de facto capital of the island, is also a Mecca for football fans, being the birthplace of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

21. Chiloé – Chile

As Patagonia continues to attract growing numbers of travellers, Chiloé offers a quieter alternative with much of the same wild beauty. Found off Chile's Pacific Coast, the islands are characterised by their rolling green landscapes, temperate rainforests and dramatic coastlines. Like Patagonia, the islands are home to several unique species including Chiloé penguins and Darwin's fox. Beyond its impressive natural wonders, Chiloé is known for its colourful stilt houses, UNESCO-listed wooden churches and rich folklore. If you want Patagonia without the crowds, then Chiloé is the place to be.

20. Rakiura (Stewart Island) – New Zealand

The lesser-known sibling of the North and South Islands, Rakiura (also known as Stewart Island) is the third-largest island in New Zealand. Over 85% of the island is dedicated to Rakiura National Park, and it is one of the best places in the country to spot wild kiwis and penguins. There are over 280km of hiking trails on the island, and it is also a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best locations for the Southern Lights anywhere in the world. With only 400 permanent residents, Rakiura is perfect for a wilderness-themed, digital detox type of escape.

19. Ilha Grande – Brazil

Just a stone’s throw from the shores of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande is the ultimate chill-out destination after a few days of partying. The island is actually car-free, and a world away from the high-rises and late-night music joints of Rio de Janeiro. With plenty of jungle hiking trails further inland, and beautiful coral reefs surrounding the shores, there are few better islands in South America to sit back and recharge on.

18. Achill Island – Ireland

Rugged, windswept and undeniably beautiful, Achill Island is Ireland's largest island - try saying that three times quickly! Achill boasts over 80km of coastline, where towering sea cliffs feel the full force of the foaming waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Keem Bay is often regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, while for those wanting to learn about the island's history, there are numerous abandoned villages and archaelogical sites which offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional Irish history. Connected to the mainland via a bridge, it's also one of the most accessible islands in the British Isles.

17. Unguja (Zanzibar Island) – Tanzania

The largest island on the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, Unguja (better known as Zanzibar Island) is a truly appreciated African island. Stone Town is filled with bustling markets, beautiful mosques, and cobbled streets, while the former Sultan’s Palace is open for public exploration. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean, which surround the island, are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, and for seeing some of Africa’s best marine life.

16. Bora Bora – French Polynesia

Few islands on the planet live up to the phrase ‘tropical paradise’ more than Bora Bora. Surrounded by a luminous lagoon and a coral reef, this volcanic jewel in the South Pacific is famed for its crystal-clear waters, overwater bungalows and serene remoteness. The poster child of tropical luxury, Bora Bora does not come cheaply, but once on the island, visitors soon realise it was worth every penny to get here. 

15. San Blas Archipelago – Panama

Made up of over 360 islands and islets scattered across Panama's Caribbean Sea coast, the San Blas Archipelago is one of Panama's most treasured destinations. Most of the islands are postcard-perfect sites, with swaying palm trees fringing white-sand beaches. Culturally, the islands are autonomous, and goverened by the indigenous Guna people, whose traditions remain central to life on the islands. Thanks to low-impact tourism and community-led conservation efforts, the natural beauty and history of the San Blas Archipelago has been well-preserved for future generations to see, experience and learn.

14. Mauritius

Few islands have captured the imagination of painters, writers and creatives more than Mauritius. This tiny island in the Indian Ocean rarely dips below 21℃ year-round, making it a perfect destination to visit any time of the year. Migratory whales such as humpbacks and sperm whales, as well as thousands of dolphins, bypass the shores in great numbers throughout the year, while numerous luxury resorts have begun to pop up along the white-sand beaches of the island, making it a fantastic spot for honeymooners.

13. Maui – Hawaii, USA

Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is a quieter alternative to visiting O’ahu and is known for having some of the state’s best beaches. The coastline stretches for over 190km, while the famous Road to Haña meanders past waterfalls, bamboo forests and black-sand beaches. Haleakalā National Park is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise above the clouds, while if you visit the island during the winter months, you can see humpback whales on their migratory journeys from the island’s beaches and peaks. Increasingly focused on sustainable tourism, Maui will be here for generations of travellers to see and experience just like those before them.

12. Palau

Palau is the only country in the world where visitors sign an eco-pledge in their passports, a promise to help protect the pristine environment which makes up the country’s 340 islands and islets. Best known for its Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and favoured spot for scuba divers and marine biologists for the sheer biodiversity in the warm Pacific waters, Palau is one of the most beautiful and environmentally-committed island countries in the world. 

11. Bonaire – Dutch Overseas Territory

Part of the Dutch Caribbean ‘ABC Islands’ (the other two being Aruba and Curaçao), Bonaire is a pioneer in sustainable tourism, as well as being one of the Caribbean’s most pristine island destinations. The entire coastline of the island is protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park, and has been since 1979. This commitment to protecting the island has made it a model of eco-conscious tourism, while also making it one of the best diving destinations in the world thanks to the unpolluted and clear waters.

10. Aitutaki – Cook Islands

One of the lesser-known destinations in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands do not suffer from over-tourism as many of the others do, and as such, Aitutaki has retained its postcard-perfect tropical island escape vibe for decades, if not centuries. With fewer than 2000 people who call this island home, Aitutaki is known for having one of the most beautiful lagoons on Earth, with palm-fringed motus and waters in every shade of blue surrounding this pristine island. Once you go, you’ll never want to leave.

9. Porquerolles – France

Just off the coast of the French Riviera, the island of Porquerolles feels a world away from the glitz and glamour of the mainland destinations such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Cars are heavily restricted on the island, meaning most people get around by bicycle or on foot, and with around 30km of trails to explore across the island – the majority of which is protected in the Port-Cros National Park – as well as some of France’s clearest waters, Porquerolles offers a quieter, more natural side to the South of France.

8. San Cristóbal – Ecuador

Part of the Galápagos Islands, and one of the easternmost islands in the chain, San Cristóbal is a wildlife-lover's paradise. From sealions to frigate birds to giant tortoises, there are all sorts of unique species which can be spotted on the island. The 360 Tour is one of the most immersive things to do, with a boat trip taking visitors around the perimeter of the island, offering them the chance to snorkel through the clear waters and get up close and personal with marine life. Many of the island's other excellent snorkelling points are just a short walk from the main town, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

7. Seychelles

Made up of over 115 islands, the Seychelles are one of the premier island chains to visit on Earth. Found in the Indian Ocean, around 900km from Madagascar and 1,600km from Kenya on the African mainland, the Seychelles beaches are some of the best in the world, with Anse Source d’Argent frequently named among the very best worldwide. Away from the coast, tropical rainforests dominate the landscape, while from an urban perspective, the main island of Mahé is home to Victoria, the world’s smallest capital city.

6. Fernando de Noronha – Brazil

Found 350km off Brazil’s northeast coast, few places on Earth combine such dramatic scenery with extraordinary wildlife. Strict visitor limits are in place to protect Fernando de Noronha’s fragile ecosystem, while around 70% of the archipelago is protected by a National Marine Park. Playful dolphins, reef sharks and sea turtles thrive in the rich waters of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, while the jungle-covered islets offer places of respite for migratory and resident seabirds. Baía de Sancho is also frequently regarded as one of South America’s best beaches.

5. Milos – Greece

While islands like Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Santorini and Corfu dominate Greek island holidays, the quieter island of Milos often goes under the radar – making it the perfect Greek escape. Set in the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea, Milos is ideal if you’re looking for a foodie-themed relaxing island getaway. Think fresh Greek cuisine – centred around olive oil and seafood – beautiful chilled wines, and if you’re a sunrise or sunset lover, then there are few better places to witness one than from Sarakiniko Beach.

4. Whitsunday Island – Australia

The namesake and largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, this tropical haven sits right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast of Queensland. The star attraction is Whitehaven Beach, a seven-kilometre-long beach made of silica-rich sand, which helps the sand to stay cool underfoot even in the sweltering Australian summers. Whether you want to experience snorkelling, diving, sailing, or even dune exploration, a visit to Whitsunday Island is a must if you’re in Queensland.

3. Mo’orea – French Polynesia

The quieter, laid-back cousin of Bora Bora, Mo’orea is everything that a tropical island should be. It is less heavily developed than other Tahitian islands, and friendlier on the budget, too. That means that the landscape is relatively untouched, from the lush jungle environment with fantastic viewpoints over the island, to the crystal-clear waters, filled with a vast array of marine life, from mighty humpback whales and manta rays (with an eight-metre wingspan) to the tiniest, colourful tropical fish and crustaceans. Relax and soak in the majesty of the South Pacific under the Tahitian sun for an unforgettable island visit.

2. Borneo – Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei

The third-largest island on Earth, Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, and covers more than 730,000 km². Much of the island is covered in dense rainforest, which is the oldest in the world at around 140 million years old: more than twice as old as the Amazon. It is home to some of the most unique species on earth, including Bornean orang-utans, pygmy elephants and clouded leopards, while the waters surrounding the island are some of the richest marine ecosystems in Southeast Asia. With large conservation areas, Borneo is one of the most nature-focused islands to visit on Earth.

1. Sri Lanka

Known as ‘the Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island of Sri Lanka off the southeast coast of India simply has it all. Tiered tea plantations, jungles bursting with wildlife, and golden beaches which surround the 1,300km coastline. Whether you want to visit historic colonial-era towns and cities, book onto a safari in Yala National Park to see wild tigers and elephants, or experience calmness at a wellness retreat in the misty mountains, Sri Lanka needs to be on your bucket list to visit.