23 Must-Visit Islands Around The Globe
Islands offer a special kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else. From tropical paradises with white sandy beaches to rugged volcanic landscapes, each island has its own unique charm and story.
I’ve gathered 23 incredible islands from around the world that should be on your travel bucket list. Pack your bags and let’s explore these unforgettable island destinations!
1. Santorini, Greece
Ever dreamed of whitewashed buildings with blue domes overlooking a sparkling sea? That’s the everyday reality in Santorini. This crescent-shaped island was formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
The stunning caldera views from clifftop villages like Oia and Fira will take your breath away. Don’t miss watching the sunset from Oia – it’s considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Local tavernas serve fresh seafood and regional specialties that taste even better with a glass of volcanic-soil wine.
2. Bali, Indonesia
They call it the Island of Gods for good reason! Bali blends spiritual tranquility with tropical paradise vibes in a way no other place can match. Hindu temples dot the landscape alongside rice terraces that cascade down hillsides like giant green steps.
Surfing beaches in the south contrast with serene yoga retreats in Ubud. The local Balinese people welcome visitors with genuine warmth and fascinating cultural traditions.
From monkey forests to volcanic mountains, every corner of this Indonesian gem offers something magical to discover.
3. Maui, Hawaii
Where can you drive a winding coastal road, hike a volcano crater, and swim with sea turtles all in one day? Only in Maui! This Hawaiian island perfectly balances adventure with relaxation.
The Road to Hana offers unforgettable views with its 600+ curves and 50+ bridges. Meanwhile, Haleakalā National Park lets you stand above the clouds on a massive volcano crater that resembles a Martian landscape.
Beach lovers rejoice – Maui’s golden shores are consistently ranked among the world’s best for swimming, snorkeling and whale watching.
4. Sicily, Italy
If food is your love language, Sicily might just be your soulmate! This Mediterranean island at Italy’s toe serves up culinary delights influenced by Greek, Arab, Spanish and Italian traditions. Arancini, cannoli, and fresh seafood will have you planning your next meal before finishing your current one.
Beyond the food, ancient ruins tell stories of civilizations past. The Valley of Temples features Greek structures that have stood for 2,500 years.
Mt. Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, provides both dramatic landscapes and fertile soil for Sicily’s exceptional wines.
5. Palawan, Philippines
Hidden lagoons and secret beaches await your discovery in Palawan! This long, narrow island in the western Philippines consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful destinations, and for good reason.
El Nido’s limestone cliffs rise dramatically from crystal-clear waters, creating a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. The Underground River near Puerto Princesa is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature – a river that flows through a cave system you can boat through!
Marine life thrives in the protected waters, making snorkeling here like swimming in a natural aquarium.
6. Iceland
Though technically an island, Iceland feels more like another planet! This Nordic wonderland of fire and ice showcases nature’s most dramatic elements at every turn. Massive glaciers neighbor active volcanoes in a landscape that’s constantly being reshaped.
Waterfalls cascade around the Ring Road that circles the island. The Blue Lagoon’s milky blue geothermal waters offer a surreal swimming experience, especially with snow falling around you in winter.
Between September and April, the Northern Lights dance across the night sky, creating light shows that no photograph can truly capture.
7. Fiji
When I think of paradise, Fiji immediately comes to mind! This South Pacific archipelago consists of over 300 islands, each more beautiful than the last. White sand beaches meet water so clear you can see tropical fish from shore.
Fijian culture is incredibly welcoming – you’ll hear “Bula!” (hello) called out cheerfully wherever you go. Traditional kava ceremonies offer insight into local customs that have survived for generations.
Underwater explorers will find some of the world’s best soft coral reefs, earning Fiji the nickname “Soft Coral Capital of the World.”
8. Capri, Italy
Glamour meets natural beauty on this gem in the Bay of Naples! Capri has been a playground for the rich and famous since Roman emperors built villas here centuries ago. The island’s dramatic cliffs rise straight from the azure Mediterranean waters.
Don’t miss the Blue Grotto – a sea cave where sunlight passing through an underwater cavity creates an otherworldly blue glow. The Gardens of Augustus offer spectacular views of the famous Faraglioni rock formations jutting from the sea.
Piazzetta, the tiny main square, becomes a buzzing social hub each evening as visitors sip limoncello under the stars.
9. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Where else can you walk alongside giant tortoises and marine iguanas without them fearing your presence? The Galápagos Islands offer a unique wildlife experience that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Located 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast, these volcanic islands host species found nowhere else on Earth. Blue-footed boobies perform mating dances right on hiking trails, while sea lions playfully swim alongside snorkelers.
Each island has its own distinct landscape – from barren lava fields to lush highlands – creating multiple ecosystems within one archipelago.
10. Maldives
If your dream vacation involves overwater bungalows and impossibly blue waters, the Maldives should top your list! This Indian Ocean nation consists of 26 atolls containing nearly 1,200 coral islands, most rising just a few feet above sea level.
Luxury resorts occupy private islands where white sand beaches circle turquoise lagoons. The underwater world here is spectacular – manta rays, whale sharks, and colorful reef fish thrive in the warm waters.
Night swimming reveals another marvel: bioluminescent plankton that light up like stars when disturbed by your movements.
11. Kauai, Hawaii
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai showcases nature at its most dramatic and lush. As Hawaii’s oldest main island, erosion has carved incredible features like the Na Pali Coast’s towering sea cliffs and Waimea Canyon, nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Waterfalls cascade down emerald mountains draped in tropical rainforest. Many parts of the island remain accessible only by boat or helicopter, preserving their pristine beauty.
Movie buffs might recognize scenery from films like Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark – Kauai’s landscapes are so spectacular they seem straight from fantasy.
12. Seychelles
Mother Nature was showing off when she created the Seychelles! This archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean features beaches with massive granite boulders that look like sculptures placed by giants. The most famous, Anse Source d’Argent, regularly tops world’s best beaches lists.
Giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely on some islands. These gentle creatures can live over 100 years and weigh up to 550 pounds!
The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island protects the rare coco de mer palm, which produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
13. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Black sand beaches and overwater bungalows make Tahiti the quintessential South Pacific dream! The largest island in French Polynesia offers a blend of French and Polynesian cultures that’s utterly captivating.
Dramatic volcanic peaks rise from the center of the island, covered in lush rainforest and punctuated by waterfalls. The surrounding lagoon teems with colorful marine life, making snorkeling here an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss the Papeete market, where vendors sell everything from fresh fish to handcrafted pearls – Tahiti’s most famous export.
14. Boracay, Philippines
White Beach on Boracay might just be the softest sand your feet will ever touch! This small island in the central Philippines has undergone an environmental rehabilitation that has restored its pristine beauty after suffering from overtourism.
The famous 4-kilometer White Beach features powdery white sand so fine it feels like flour between your toes. The shallow, crystal-clear water ranges from turquoise to deep blue as it extends from shore.
When the sun sets, the beach transforms with fire dancers, live music, and seafood barbecues creating a festive atmosphere under the stars.
15. Mallorca, Spain
More than just a beach destination, Mallorca offers a perfect blend of Mediterranean charm and diverse landscapes. This Balearic island features everything from secluded coves with turquoise waters to dramatic mountain ranges.
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains provide stunning hiking trails with views across the island. Medieval villages like Valldemossa and Deià perch on hillsides, their honey-colored stone buildings glowing in the Spanish sun.
Palma, the capital, surprises visitors with its Gothic cathedral, historic quarter, and sophisticated dining scene that showcases the island’s fresh produce and seafood.
16. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Spice markets filled with aromatic treasures welcome you to Zanzibar! This semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania’s coast blends African, Arab, and European influences into a fascinating cultural tapestry.
Stone Town’s narrow alleyways reveal ornately carved doorways, a legacy of the island’s trading past. The beaches along the eastern shore feature pristine white sand and water in countless shades of blue.
Spice tours let you see how cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg grow – spices that once made this island incredibly wealthy and earned it the nickname “Spice Island.”
17. Jamaica
Feel the rhythm of reggae music as you explore Jamaica’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes! This Caribbean island nation gave the world Bob Marley, whose music still forms the soundtrack to many Jamaican experiences.
Negril’s Seven Mile Beach offers powdery white sand and legendary sunsets. Meanwhile, Dunn’s River Falls lets you climb up a natural staircase of cascading water – a truly unique experience!
Jerk chicken, cooked over pimento wood and seasoned with fiery spices, exemplifies the bold flavors that make Jamaican cuisine so distinctive and delicious.
18. Jeju Island, South Korea
Where can you find Korea’s highest mountain, incredible lava tubes, and fields of yellow rapeseed flowers? Jeju Island offers all this and more! This volcanic island off South Korea’s southern coast has been designated one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Hallasan, a dormant volcano, dominates the island’s center. Hiking trails lead to its crater lake, offering spectacular views across the island to the sea.
Haenyeo – female free divers who harvest seafood without oxygen tanks – represent a fascinating cultural tradition that has been recognized by UNESCO.
19. Crete, Greece
History comes alive on Greece’s largest island! Crete was home to Europe’s first advanced civilization – the Minoans – whose palace at Knossos dates back 4,000 years. Their mysterious culture left behind incredible art and architecture that still amazes visitors today.
The landscape varies dramatically from pink sand beaches to the White Mountains and the impressive Samaria Gorge. Traditional villages seem frozen in time, with elderly locals still wearing traditional dress.
Cretan cuisine deserves special mention – the Mediterranean diet originated here, featuring olive oil, wild herbs, fresh vegetables, and dakos (rustic bread topped with tomato and cheese).
20. Aruba
“One happy island” is Aruba’s motto, and you’ll quickly understand why! Located in the southern Caribbean outside the hurricane belt, this Dutch island enjoys near-perfect weather year-round with constant cooling trade winds.
Eagle Beach regularly ranks among the world’s best beaches with its soft white sand and gentle surf. The island’s arid landscape features unique divi-divi trees that grow sideways due to the constant wind.
Arikok National Park reveals a different side of the island with desert-like terrain, cacti, natural pools, and ancient cave paintings left by indigenous peoples.
21. Madagascar
Lemurs leaping through forests and baobab trees standing like giants against the sunset – Madagascar feels like a world apart! This massive island off Africa’s southeast coast separated from the mainland 88 million years ago, allowing unique species to evolve in isolation.
Around 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth. The Avenue of the Baobabs features trees up to 800 years old that look like they belong in a fantasy film.
Diverse landscapes range from rainforests to spiny deserts and limestone formations called tsingy that form natural mazes of razor-sharp rock.
22. Corsica, France
Mountains meet the Mediterranean on this rugged French island! Corsica offers an intriguing blend of French and Italian influences, having changed hands multiple times throughout history. Napoleon Bonaparte was born here, and the island maintains a fierce independent spirit.
The GR20 hiking trail traverses the island’s spine, considered one of Europe’s most challenging and beautiful treks. Pristine beaches range from long sandy stretches to hidden coves accessible only by boat.
Corsican cuisine reflects the island’s wild landscape, featuring wild boar, chestnuts, and brocciu cheese made from sheep’s milk.
23. Skye, Scotland
Misty mountains and fairy pools create a mystical atmosphere on the Isle of Skye! This largest island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides features some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes, from the jagged Cuillin mountain range to the otherworldly rock formations of the Quiraing.
Ancient castles like Dunvegan (the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland) tell tales of clan warfare and highland history. The colorful harbor town of Portree provides a charming base for exploration.
Weather changes rapidly here – locals say you can experience all four seasons in one day!