15 Most Beautiful Islands in the World
Lena Rossi
54 countries · 10 yrs exp.
Published Jun 7, 2026
Reviewed Jun 2026
Editorial transparency: Written by our in-house travel experts based on firsthand experience. Some links may be affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our editorial standards.
Islands hold a special place in the traveller imagination. Cut off from the mainland by a stretch of water, they tend to preserve distinct cultures, dramatic landscapes, and that priceless sense of arrival you simply do not get on a road trip. There is something about stepping off a ferry or a small plane onto a patch of land surrounded by sea that makes a place feel like a true escape. We gathered 15 of the most beautiful islands on earth, from overwater-bungalow paradises to rugged, mist-wrapped volcanic giants.
This is inspiration to spark your next escape rather than a strict ranking, since beauty is so personal. The best island for you depends entirely on whether you want world-class diving, dramatic hiking, deep culture, or simply a hammock, a cold drink, and an uninterrupted view of the horizon.
Indian Ocean jewels
The Maldives
Nearly 1,200 coral islands scattered across turquoise atolls, famous for overwater villas, house reefs, and bioluminescent shores. It is a short, popular flight from the Gulf. Tip: Choose a resort with a healthy house reef so you can snorkel straight from your villa.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Spice plantations, the labyrinth of Stone Town, and powder-soft beaches make this a regional favourite. Tip: Base yourself in the north at Nungwi for swimmable tides all day.
La Digue, Seychelles
Granite boulders, bicycle-only lanes, and the famous Anse Source d'Argent beach give this island a timeless calm. Tip: Rent a bike, there are almost no cars on the island.
The Mediterranean
Santorini, Greece
Whitewashed villages cling to the rim of a flooded volcanic caldera, delivering some of the most famous sunsets in the world. Tip: Watch sunset from Imerovigli rather than crowded Oia for the same view with breathing room.
Capri, Italy
Glamorous and craggy, with the glowing Blue Grotto and clifftop gardens overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tip: Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for the island finest panorama.
Hvar, Croatia
Lavender fields, a Venetian harbour town, and clear Adriatic coves make this the jewel of the Dalmatian islands. Tip: Boat out to the nearby Pakleni islets for the clearest swimming.
The Pacific and Southeast Asia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The archetype of a tropical dream, with a vivid lagoon ringed by overwater bungalows beneath a jagged green peak. Tip: A lagoon tour to snorkel with rays and reef sharks is the highlight here.
Palawan, Philippines
Towering limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and an underground river give this island an almost prehistoric beauty. Tip: Island-hop around El Nido by boat for the best lagoons.
Bali, Indonesia
Rice terraces, clifftop temples, surf beaches, and a deep spiritual culture all on one endlessly varied island. Tip: Head to the quieter east or north to escape the busiest southern resorts.
Koh Lipe, Thailand
A tiny island near the Malaysian border with clear water and a relaxed, barefoot atmosphere. Tip: Visit between November and April when the sea is calmest.
Wild and volcanic
Madeira, Portugal
A lush Atlantic island of cliffs, levada walking trails, and dramatic mountain scenery, popular year round. Tip: Walk a levada trail for waterfalls and ridge views few beaches can match.
Sao Miguel, Azores
Crater lakes, volcanic hot springs, and emerald hills make this mid-Atlantic island feel wonderfully untouched. Tip: Soak in the warm thermal pools at Furnas after a day of hiking.
Iceland and its islets
While not tropical, Iceland Westman Islands and dramatic coast offer puffins, black sand, and raw volcanic beauty. Tip: Visit the Westman Islands in summer for the puffin colonies.
The Caribbean
St Lucia
The twin Piton peaks rising sheer and green straight from the sea give this island one of the Caribbean most iconic and dramatic silhouettes, framed by rainforest and warm bays. Tip: Stay near the town of Soufriere for the closest Piton views, rainforest hikes, and the island warm volcanic mud baths.
Aruba
Calm, dry, and reliably sunny year round, with wide swathes of white-sand beach on its sheltered side and a rugged, cactus-strewn windswept coast on its wild northern shore. Tip: Rent a sturdy vehicle to explore the dramatic Arikok National Park and the natural pools of the interior.
Frequently asked questions
Which islands are easiest to reach from the Gulf?
The Maldives, Zanzibar, and the Seychelles are short to medium flights with simple entry requirements for many regional travellers, making them perennial favourites.
Which island is best for a first tropical trip?
The Maldives is famously easy and self-contained, while Bali offers more variety and culture for travellers who like to explore beyond the beach.
When should I visit Mediterranean islands?
Late spring and early autumn offer warm seas with thinner crowds. July and August are hot and busy but have the liveliest atmosphere.
From volcanic peaks to barefoot sandbanks, the world most beautiful islands prove there is no single idea of paradise. Pick the landscape that calls to you, plan around the seasons, and let the ferry or seaplane do the rest.
