The 50 Best Islands In The World

Islands have a certain alluring magic that sets them apart from mainland destinations. Maybe it’s the sense of mystery that comes from their separation, or the remote beauty of being surrounded by nothing but horizon-stretching ocean. Whatever it is, these 50 islands have it. Picture sun-drenched beaches, moonlit parties, epic hiking trails, and far-flung retreats that promise an idyllic escape from the everyday grind.

For this year’s annual ranking of the world’s best islands, we’ve combined insights from our social audience with the expertise of our editorial team. From laid-back Caribbean cays to windswept Atlantic bays, here are the 50 best islands to visit this year. 

50. Bissagos Islands, Guinea

Bijagos, located 50 kilometres off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is an archipelago of 88 islands and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rare wildlife. This is where you come to encounter endangered species like the West African manatee and the saltwater hippopotamus, then sink back in a hammock on a pristine beach looking out to a teal sea. It’s barefoot living at its best.

49. Eysturoy Island, Faroe Islands

You won’t find tropical beaches and palm trees here, but you will get endorphin-rushing adventure and raw, rugged wilderness. There are 18 islands in the Faroes, and hopping between them comes with the territory. Streymoy, home to the capital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, is the most popular base, while Eysturoy is a quieter but still well-connected gem. It’s known for dramatic fjords, amazing hikes, and the traditional Faroese village of Gjógv, nestled in a gorge between two cliffs. 

48. Barbados

Of all the Caribbean islands, Barbados is probably one of the best-known and best-loved among sunseekers thanks to its year-round sunshine, palm-fringed white beaches and luxurious hotels. It might not have soaring peaks and tropical rainforests, but its wild interior is well worth exploring for its exotic wildlife (which includes monkeys and eight species of bats as residents) alone. It’s also the Caribbean capital of cricket, with as many as 160 cricket clubs dotted around the island.

47. Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

For those chasing crystal-clear waters, soft sand beaches and world-class waves, the Mentawai Islands could be just the ticket. Situated in West Sumatra, Mentawai encompasses at least 70 islands and islets, stretching over 150 km along the idyllic Western Indonesian Coast. It’s the ultimate tropical getaway, complete with unspoiled coral reefs, jungle-clad hills and an eye-popping amount of wildlife, including langurs, macaques and the long-armed Mentawai.

46. Key West, Florida, USA

With its candy-coloured houses and world-class diving, Key West is a go-to getaway for Floridian beach lovers, even if it is technically closer to Cuba than Miami. As well as palm-tree-lined sandy stretches like Smathers Beach and wildlife-rich national parks, there are rum distilleries, literary museums and top-notch restaurants to explore too.

45. Bozcaada, Turkey

This secret Aegean paradise is beloved for its traditional tavernas, brilliant beaches and sprawling vineyards. Few international visitors get as far as this idyllic island, which means it’s blissfully quiet in the summertime too. You’d never guess that it was from these beaches that the Achaeans launched the Trojan Horse, either. There are dozens of charming pensions to check into, too.

44. Hydra, Greece

Handsome Hydra offers everything you could want from a whitewashed Cycladic island – spine-tingling views of blue-domed churches, sugar-cube houses and sparkling sea – all without cars. Just a short ride from Athens, this entirely pedestrian island is brimming with hidden coves, cafes, art galleries and boutiques.

43. Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Fondly referred to as “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Benguerra is a jewel within the Bazaruto Archipelago. This protected conservation area and national park boasts pristine sandy beaches, sparkling sapphire waters, and untouched coral reefs. As the ultimate remote tropical retreat, Benguerra Island offers miles of unspoiled coastline and unparalleled natural beauty. The recently opened Kisawa Sanctuary, an eco-resort nestled along the beachfront, provides guests with a prime vantage point for spotting the endangered dugong, often mistaken for mermaids by sailors of yore.

42. Waiheke Island, New Zealand

This beautiful, bohemian island is famous for its good food, wine and art, but it’s heartstoppingly beautiful too. The second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, it’s just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, which makes it popular with city dwellers too. The beaches are breathtaking too, boasting secret coves, calm waters and endless expanses of sugar-soft sand.

41. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The secret might be out about the beautiful island, but that doesn’t make it any less special. Standing out in the Caribbean like a hallucination of a tropical paradise, just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. There’s also an underwater museum (MUSA), a turtle sanctuary and dozens of lively local markets.

40. Hvar, Croatia

Croatia’s trendiest island is the country’s most popular for very good reason. From the pretty harbour brimming with yachts and the baroque architecture-filled Hvar Town to secluded beaches and acres of vineyards, there’s something for every budget and taste. Those who like a tipple should head to Jelsa, where wines are made from Bogdanuša, Pošip, and Plavac Mali.

39. La Gomera, Spain

Lesser known than the big three Canary Islands, La Gomera is a far cry from the beachside resorts and package holidays for which the region has become famous. This volcanic island is carpeted in ancient forests and encircled by wind-whipped beaches, making it ideal for adventurous travellers. But it’s really the food that takes centre stage here. The colourful capital, San Sebastian, is brimming with world-class restaurants serving up farm-fresh dishes and shellfish plucked straight from the sea. La Gomera was also named one of Europe’s most underrated islands.

38. Caye Caulker, Belize

With its laid-back Caribbean charm and pristine natural beauty, Caye Caulker is a quintessential paradise. This enchanting island, kissed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, powder white sands and colourful wooden cottages. Barefoot strolls along sandy pathways inevitably lead to tiny beachside restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and refreshing tropical cocktails – heaven.

37. Greenland

Greenland might not immediately spring to mind when it comes to spectacular islands, but this year it should. Nuuk became the world’s first capital city to be certified by EarthCheck as a sustainable tourist destination, and is now more accessible than ever with a new international having opened in 2024 and one more due to open in 2026. Plus, as the sun reaches peak activity in the next few years, visitors can enjoy a surge in aurora sightings, making for the perfect northern light escape.

36. Siargao, Philippines

Surf’s up in Siargao, an island whose tourism grew in search of the perfect wave. The word got out about Siargao’s glassy barrels, and the island’s main outpost, General Luna, transformed from a working fishing village to a backpacker’s favourite, with surfboard shops and hostels. Surf sessions are interspersed with tidal pool exploring, mangrove adventuring, palm grove hopping, and skateboarding at sunset on Catangnan Bridge.

35. Jeju Island, South Korea

Home to Korea’s highest mountain, dormant volcanoes and lush countryside encircled by miles of soft white sand and cobalt seas, Jeju has long been a top destination for South Korean tourists. Now, with the spotlight on South Korea as a top destination for 2025, the rest of the world is taking notice. Beyond the beautiful beaches, visitors are treated to some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes – including Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest in the world – as well as traditional villages, scenic trails and fantastic food.

34. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and home to five of Italy’s most beautiful villages: Atzara, Bosa, Carloforte, Castelsardo and Posada. The island is best known for its blockbuster beaches (the Costa Smeralda is brimming with billionaire jet-setters and mega yachts), but there are quieter, wilder patches to explore too. As well as golden sandy stretches, there are impressive castles, several archaeological sites and epic hikes through oak forests and along coastal paths.

33. San Juan Islands, USA

This beautiful but underrated archipelago, nestled in the Puget Sound between northwest Washington and Canada, is a bucolic blend of charming B&Bs, sustainable farms and serene natural landscapes. Days are best spent kayaking, whale watching, beachcombing and savouring farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines. It’s the perfect place to sink into a slower pace, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

32. Cuba

Shut off from the modern world for almost half a century, Cuba skipped the worst of the 1970s package holiday developments and went straight in for luxury and boutique offerings. Sun-seekers hotfoot to the north, but beyond the rum cocktails and white sand beach resorts, there are enchanting colonial towns, Jurassic Park-like national parks and folklore-rich mountain villages to explore.

31. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a bucket-list destination, and between its lush rainforests, protected parklands, epic cliff-diving and tropical beaches, it’s easy to see why. But for those seeking a little more seclusion, there’s Cocos Island. Situated 310 miles off the Pacific coast, this remote island is a true castaway paradise. It’s said to have inspired Treasure Island and Jurassic Park thanks to its evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and waters teeming with hammerheads and whitetip reef sharks.

30. Sal, Cape Verde

This tropical paradise located off the coast of West Africa boasts stunning beaches, vibrant music, and a fascinating fusion of Portuguese, African and Creole. It’s also home to the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, the oldest European settlement in the tropics. While it might be tempting to bed down at one of the island’s dreamy resorts and stay there all day, there’s plenty to explore beyond beaches, from simmering volcanoes to UNESCO World Heritage towns. Cape Verde is also committed to developing tourism infrastructure sustainably by working with nature and the local communities, rather than exploiting it. 

29. Haida Gwaii, Canada

Teetering just below Alaska and 90 nautical miles off British Columbia’s North Coast lies the 155-mile-long archipelago once known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, now named Haida Gwaii. Carpeted in moss and ancient cedar trees, the island is a place of rare wildlife and rich culture and has been touted as a model for how Indigenous stewardship of land and waters could help our planet as it spirals out of control. Head here for winter and spring for the best surf, while in summer it’s all about hiking, water sports and fishing. There’s also a whole string of local festivals to enjoy, including the Edge of the World Music Festival – a three-day extravaganza showcasing a lineup of local and off-island talent.

28. Unguja (Zanzibar Island), Tanzania 

A tropical island off the coast of mainland Tanzania, Unguja (more commonly known as Zanzibar Island) is the main island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Its talc-soft sands, crystalline waters, marine life, and lush palm forests are outstandingly beautiful, but there’s more to Zanzibar than its good looks. Lucky visitors can take a break from beaching to explore the former sultan’s palace, 19th-century Hamamni Persian Baths, and the Stone Town, which is full of markets, mosques, and storied cobblestone streets.

27. Munroe Island, India

Say Kerala, and most people think “beach”, but Munroe Island offers so much more than top-quality sunbathing. Tucked away in the labyrinth of Kerala’s serene waterways, lush coconut palms sway gently in the breeze and emerald rice fields shimmer in the golden hues of the sun. There’s a vibrant village life here, and residents are renowned for their warm hospitality, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in local life, from participating in traditional canoe rides to gobbling up traditional South Indian dishes.

26. Yoron Island, Japan

This hidden paradise couldn’t feel further from bustling Honshu. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs and a blend of traditional Okinawan and Kagoshima culture, the remote island belongs to the Amami Gunto National Park in the East China Sea. It also boasts some fantastically offbeat attractions, like a Greek village, a phantom beach and a fictional railway station. Days here are best spent exploring the surrounding waters and swimming alongside clownfish, though time it right and you might just get roped into joining the annual marathon, which involves two loops of the entire island.

25. Salt Spring Island, Canada

This groovy Gulf island sees more sunshine than most of British Columbia thanks to its unique microclimate. Floating in the shimmering Pacific Ocean between the mainland and Vancouver Island, Salt Spring was once home to a sizeable community of hippies, and today it encapsulates chilled-out BC. The island is encircled by white sandy stretches and punctuated with pretty painted wooden houses, with terraced vineyards, organic farms and brilliant boutiques squeezed between.

24. Mauritius

Mauritius offers the perfect marriage of culture, cuisine and countryside. Squeezed between a coral coastline and verdant green mountains, this island might be small, but there’s plenty to keep visitors happy, from brilliant beaches to botanical gardens. Bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales and humpbacks all play in the sparkling waters to complete the picture. Average temperatures rarely dip below 21 degrees, and in the past year, a whole string of dreamy resorts have either opened or been refurbished, including the InterContinental Resort Mauritius and LUX Belle Mare.

23. Mull, Scotland

Mull’s rugged coastline is defined by rocky bays, cliffs that overlook tiny islets, and unexpectedly white sands. It’s an island of contrasts – where highland cows bathe in the calm, crystal-clear sea, and foamy waters crash into basalt columns. Tobermory, the island’s main hub, is beloved for its technicolour houses, whisky distilleries, and is the main port for dolphin and seal-watching tours – though you might spot seals lounging in Salen Bay, too. Inland, hikers can ‘bag a Munro’ (a Scottish mountain over 3,000 ft) by scaling Ben More, or follow routes that traverse over hills, through sap-thick forests, and across wildflower-strewn fields. 

22. Yasawas, Fiji

This string of 20 breathtakingly beautiful islands is blessed with soaring peaks, sun-drenched sandy beaches and technicolour coral reefs. Sparsely populated, it’s a haven for nature lovers, as well as film directors who hotfoot it here for breathtakingly beautiful backdrops. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts revel in the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, from playful sea turtles to kaleidoscopic schools of fish, while hikers are treated to a lush, verdant interior stuffed full of exotic flora and fauna. Sunsets are best served with a freshly made cocktail overlooking the sparkling waters.

21. Koh Rong, Cambodia

This tiny island offers the perfect antidote to days of temple touring around Siem Reap. The island’s late-night raves might make it a popular spot for those seeking a more hedonistic holiday, but it’s impossible not to relax with all those swaying palms and casuarina trees, soft white sands and bathwater-warm waters within touching distance. At night, the warm waters glow and sparkle with bioluminescent plankton.

20. Bali, Indonesia

Nowhere does surf, sea and spirituality quite like Bali. Known as the “Land of the Gods”, Bali is the archetypal tropical paradise, complete with pristine beaches, verdant rice terraces and some seriously sumptuous hotels. Whether you’re up for surfing in Uluwatu, diving in Tulamben, or hoping to catch traditional dances, music and crafts at the Bali Arts Festival, there’s a corner of Bali for everyone.

19. Jamaica

Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and the birthplace of Reggae, Red Stripe beer and the world’s fastest sprinter, Usain Bolt. It also inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond, so this colourful island has a lot to say for itself. Most tourists head straight for the “big three resorts”, but beyond Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, there are cascading waterfalls, cobalt lagoons and the country’s colourful capital, Kingston, to explore too.

18. Corsica

Set in the Mediterranean, this chic island offers more than sun and sand. Corsica is technically a French territory, but culturally it leans closer to Italy, from the cuisine to the architecture. However, Corsicans have a strong sense of identity that defies comparison with the French or Italians. The landscape is unique, too, where golden beaches meet towering, craggy peaks that stay snow-capped into the spring months. You might not expect such epic hikes on an island known for summer holidays. But Corsica’s legendary GR20 route – 124 miles of rugged terrain – takes at least 16 days to complete. 

17. Ibiza

This beautiful Balearic island has been pulling in crowds since the 1960s, and it’s since become the ultimate party island, with big beats and DJs spinning till dawn. But beyond the nightlife, there’s a charming old town, unbelievably turquoise sea, and hiking trails to explore. Ibiza’s hedonistic side is also mellowed by its spirituality – the island is equal parts dancing and meditating. 

16. Dominica

Nicknamed “Nature Isle”, Dominica is often overlooked by visitors to the Caribbean on the hunt for powder white sands and turquoise waters. But as well as brilliant beaches, the island is home to the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail – the Waitukubuli National Trail – and the Caribbean’s only sea-kayaking trail, which opened in 2022. It’s the perfect way to explore the island’s pristine coastline, dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

15. Ischia, Italy

This picturesque, volcanic island is just a 50-minute ferry from Naples. And the best part? Ischia has all the charm of a southern Italian beach resort, without the crowds. The hotchpotch of pastel houses that tumble down the sloping streets set the scene for a sweet getaway, and the sun-drenched beaches seal the deal. Known for its thermal waters, the island has plenty of spas. Or, for a wilder experience, relax in the bubbling mineral-rich waters at Maronti Beach.

14. Kangaroo Island, Australia

From kangaroos and koalas to sea lions and penguins, Kangaroo Island is a true sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. Between its rugged beaches, dense forests and rolling hills, there’s plenty to keep visitors occupied – all just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Beyond awe-inspiring scenery, the island is also well-known for its local produce, and no trip would be complete without a handful of just-caught oysters washed down with a zesty sauvignon blanc. Even better, the beloved Southern Ocean Lodge has recently reopened after extensive renovations.

13. Ilha Grande, Brazil

The unofficial chill-out spot after partying in Rio de Janeiro, but still a destination in its own right, Ilha Grande is an undeveloped haven. Despite being so close to the city, the rainforest-carpeted island is a world away from high rises, airports, or even cars. It’s all jungle, hiking trails, beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The island’s untouched beauty and biodiversity are fiercely protected, and being a car-free zone adds to the Castaway-esque charm. 

12. Madagascar

It’s impossible not to be wowed by Madagascar’s staggering biodiversity, which encompasses weird and wacky animals (including the world’s smallest frog), acres of thick-trunked baobab trees and endless pristine beaches. The island boasts a burgeoning art scene too, and recently, the former post office has been transformed into the island’s first contemporary art venue. If that’s not reason enough to visit, the World Heritage Committee recently made the Adrefana Dry Forests a natural World Heritage area.

11. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

Indonesia is hardly short on islands (there are 18,110 in total), but when it comes to postcard-perfect, the Raja Ampat archipelago is hard to beat. Located in the Coral Triangle, the world’s most biodiverse marine habitat, this island offers some of the best diving experiences in the world. Back on dry land, there are equally exciting landscapes to explore, from dense jungles to stunning white sand beaches to rugged islets. No wonder it’s been described as “the last paradise on earth”.

10. Milos, Greece

Out of Greece’s 227 inhabited islands, we’re staking our claim: Milos is the crème de la crème. With some of the best beaches in the Aegean, seafront tavernas, sparkling coves, and sugar-cube Cycladic architecture, the vibe here is simple: slow days punctuated by sea swims and good food. The only real decisions to make on Milos? When to catch sunrise from the moonlike Sarakiniko Beach, and which day to take a boat trip to the otherworldly rock formations and sapphire waters of Kleftiko. 

9. Koh Lipe, Thailand 

A picture-perfect tropical paradise, Koh Lipe is our favourite Thai island. Think Maldives-rivalling beaches and rustic beach restaurants coupled with a quintessential Thailand buzz, thanks to a small but lively bar street. Closer to Malaysia than Thailand, getting there from Bangkok is no easy feat – but the travellers that do make the trip are in for a dreamy white-sands-and-turquoise-sea treat. The island is popular with divers for its coral forests and abundance of fish, and the waters are just as stunning for snorkelling, with a variety of marine life flourishing just off the beaches. 

8. Achill Island, Ireland

A small island off Ireland’s Atlantic coast, Achill knows how to show off. The island is a kaleidoscope of colour, from soft pink sunrises and turquoise seas to moss-green hills and fiery sunsets. Achill is loved for its breathtakingly beautiful, pristine beaches – Keem Bay, for example, is consistently voted one of the world’s best stretches of sand. The crystal-clear waters are also popular with basking sharks, Ireland’s gentle giants. Try spotting them from the golden sands – or, if luck is on your side, you might get a chance encounter on a paddleboard. 

7. Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 idyllic islands, the Seychelles' beaches are hard to beat. Famous for its otherworldly granite boulders, Anse Source d’Argent is consistently named one of the best beaches in the world. The main island, Mahé, is just 17 miles long and home to the smallest capital in the world, Victoria. Despite being the most populated island in the Seychelles, Mahé still feels wonderfully untouched. The landscape is all thick rainforest, thriving biodiversity, and pristine waters.

6. Great Exuma, Bahamas

This 37-mile-long island is the biggest in the Exumas, a chain of approximately 365 islands in the Bahamas. Famed for having some of the most pristine, mesmerising waters on earth – so striking that astronauts can see them from space – the Exumas are truly captivating. The water isn’t just beautiful, it’s your playground. Between swimming with dolphins, windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking, and even splashing around with famous Bahamas pigs, the fun is ever-flowing. 

5. The Galapagos, Ecuador

This year will mark 190 years since Charles Darwin first arrived at this otherworldly archipelago, and since then, the islands have continued to captivate and inspire travellers from across the world. On land, visitors can get up close to 100-year-old giant tortoises, penguins and blue-footed boobies, while underwater there are adventures to be had with marine iguanas, sea lions and over 550 species of fish.

4. Madeira

A dot in the North Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is officially a Portuguese island, yet it’s geographically closer to Morocco. But really, the island defies comparison with either – it’s one of a kind. The wild, windy, and wonderful refuge is fondly nicknamed ‘The Island of Eternal Spring’ for its year-round subtropical climate, with minimal changes in temperature between seasons. So, there’s never a bad time to explore Madeira’s soaring peaks, famous levada walks, black sand beaches, and viewpoints overlooking crashing waves.

3. Socotra, Yemen

Marooned between Somalia and Yemen, the Socotra archipelago is one of the most isolated islands on earth. The UNESCO World Heritage site has been nicknamed the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean” thanks to the high proportion of endemic flora and unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Adventure seekers can hike through rugged mountains and limestone plateaus, while those seeking a quieter life can sink their toes into sandy beaches fringed by turquoise waters.

2. Mo’orea, French Polynesia 

Footprint-free beaches, outstanding marine life, pink sunsets, and palm trees swaying over crystal-clear waters – Mo’orea is pure paradise. The lush island dazzles with colour, from the emerald green mountains to the electric turquoise sea. Nature lovers will truly be at home here, where days consist of hiking through the jungle, climbing to incredible viewpoints, snorkelling with manta rays, and even swimming with humpback whales. The best time to see humpback whales in Mo’orea is between August and November. 

1. Sri Lanka

This teardrop-shaped island off the southern coast of India has it all, from golden beaches to terraced tea plantations. Whiling away blissful days beach-hopping along the 833-mile coastline is part of the charm, but Sri Lanka offers much more beyond the shore. Itineraries fill up quickly here, between the timeworn temples, colonial towns, misty mountains, and wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, home to tigers and elephants. It’s easy to see why Marco Polo called Sri Lanka ‘the finest island of its size in all the world’.