15 Most Beautiful Islands in the World

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.