Islands are among the world’s coziest locations, and the most remarkable islands can accommodate visitors searching for a relaxing weekend, an action-packed adventure, or a memorable family holiday. To help you plan your dream vacation, we’ve compiled a list of some of the world’s most stunning islands.
World’s Top 10 Must-See Islands You Should Visit
1. Ischia, Italy
Ischia is an Italian volcanic island located in the Gulf of Naples. In particular, its mineral-rich hot waters have gained international renown. The southernmost Maronti Beach is home to bubbling hot springs. Submerged Roman structures can be found at Cartaromana Beach towards the east. The beach looks out over the medieval Aragonese Castle that spans the channel between Ischia and the main island.
Things to do in Ischia
Tourists travel from far and wide to unwind and take in the breathtaking panoramas of lush greenery, beautiful gardens, rolling vineyards, and small villages. Here are best things to do in Ischia:
- Discover the living relics of history in Ischia’s port town, Piazza Antica Reggia
- Visit Castello Aragonese for stunning views
- Must visit Castello Aragonese
- Keep yourself relax at Ischia’s best Chiaia Beach
- Take a pleasant stroll through Giardini la Mortella hillside park
- Take a meal overlooking Ischia from La Grotta da Fiore
- Explore the quaint village of Lacco Ameno
- Indulging yourself in some luxurious spa treatments amidst nature’s thermal pools
Must-see Attractions in Ischia
The little Italian island of Ischia is famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and hot springs, resulting from the island’s volcanic origins.
Whether you’re looking to explore nature, learn about history or just relax on the beach, Ischia has a myriad of attractions to keep you entertained. From its iconic Castello Aragonese castle to its thermal baths and local wineries, this beautiful Italian island offers something for everyone.
Popular Food in Ischia
Despite the island’s limited fishing economy, Coniglio all’Ischitana, a rustic rabbit dish, is widely regarded as the island’s signature dish.
How to Reach Ischia
The only way to get to Ischia is via boat. Ischia is easily accessible from Naples, Pozzuoli, Cabo, and Procida by ferry or hydrofoil. Ischia may be reached by ferry from several Amalfi Coast and Riviera ports.
Best time to visit Ischia, Italy
Ischia’s weather is typical of the Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and warm, rainless winters. If you’re looking for some sun, the months of June through August on Ischia are your best chance. The average high for the month is 32 degrees Celsius in July, while the average low is 21 degrees Celsius.
2. The Maldives
The Maldives are a collection of 1,190 islands in the southwest corner of the Indian Ocean, along the coast of the subcontinent. They are the world’s most magnificent overwater villas and offer privacy and stunning ocean views. The Maldives are unlike any other beach vacation spot and offer superb scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing.
Things to do in Maldives
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious island getaway on your private island or a cheap bed for the night, the Maldives can accommodate your every need. The beaches are perfect, and the water is clear enough to snorkel or dive, making for some of the best underwater experiences in the world. Here are top 7 must do activities in Maldives
- Submerge yourself in an unforgettable experience, scuba diving at Maaya Thila
- Embark on a Maldives Island hopping tour and discover the hidden gems of each island
- Get enchanted by the mesmerizing Glowing Beach of Vaadhoo Island during nightfall
- Stay in a Overwater Bungalow
- Enjoy a panoramic view from up above with a Helicopter Tour Of The Maldives
- Explore underwater creatures with snorkeling in Maafushi Island
- Unveil dolphins’ secrets at sea on the Dolphin Watching Tour
Must-see Attractions in Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical nation composed of 26 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. It is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and exotic marine life. But the Maldives has much more to offer than just its gorgeous beaches. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Maldives you should visit during your vacation:
- Male Fish Market: This vibrant market is a great place to experience local life and sample delicious seafood dishes. The market sells everything from fresh fish to fruits and vegetables, spices, and souvenirs.
- Manta Point: Located on the southern tip of North Malé Atoll, Manta Point is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. You can swim with gentle manta rays, colorful reef fish, and even sea turtles!
- National Museum: The National Museum in Male showcases the country’s rich history and culture through its exhibits of artifacts from ancient times to present day. It’s a great place to learn more about the local culture and people of Maldives.
- Olhuveli Beach: Olhuveli Beach on South Male Atoll is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country with powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.
Read also: Maldives Honeymoon Travel Guide
Popular Food in Maldives
From freshly caught seafood to tropical fruits, Maldives has something for everyone. Popular dishes include Garudiya (fish soup), Mas Huni (tuna with onions, chili and coconut), Kukulhu Roshi (flatbread with tuna or egg), and Bajiya (a sweet pastry).
There are also many tasty desserts like Haluva and Kulfi made from milk and sugar, as well as traditional drinks such as “Maldive Fish” made from toddy extracted from palm trees. With all these delicious options, it’s no wonder why the Maldives is such a popular destination for travelers!
Crispy fried yams, which are related to sweet potatoes, are called “friend yams” and make a delightful snack. It’s a staple dish in the Maldives, and it goes great with a variety of drinks and condiments.
How to Reach Maldives
The Maldives are connected to the rest of South and Southeast Asia via Male International Airport (MLE), which flies directly into India, China, and Sri Lanka. Besides the regular flights, there are chartered ones from Europe, China, and Singapore, as well as direct ones from Dubai.
Best time to visit Maldives
November through April are ideal for a trip to the Maldives. The average annual high temperature ranges from 29°C to 31°C, and the average yearly low temperature rarely drops below 24°C, making the climate warm and tropical.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s colorful, profoundly spiritual, and uniquely creative culture stands out against the striking backdrop of the island’s diversified scenery of hills and mountains, jagged coasts and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces, and desolate volcanic slopes.
Things to do in Bali
Bali is a stunning island destination filled with amazing sights and activities. From exploring the lush jungles to lounging on golden sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone in Bali. To make the most of your time in this paradise, here are our top things to do in Bali:
- Visit the beautiful temples: Bali’s spiritual culture is evident in its picturesque temples, ranging from centuries-old shrines to grandiose complexes adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings. Take a tour of the most famous ones such as Tanah Lot Temple and Uluwatu Temple.
- Explore Ubud: Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and the perfect place to explore the island’s traditional arts and crafts. From rice terrace fields to ancient temples, Ubud has something for everyone.
- Enjoy the beach life: With its stunning coastline, it’s no surprise that beach life is a highlight of any trip to Bali. The beaches offer everything from surfing and sunbathing to swimming and snorkeling – you’re sure to find one that suits your needs!
- Go on an adventure: From surfing lessons at Kuta Beach to stand-up paddle boarding in Sanur, there are plenty of activities that will get your blood pumping while on vacation in Bali.
- Visit Nature Parks: Whether you’re looking for a day hike or simply want to take in some breathtaking views, Bali has plenty of nature parks that are worth exploring.
Must-see Attractions in Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s rich culture is an enticing experience for the senses. Its varied topography includes more than just beaches, mountains, and volcanoes. There are over 10,000 temples to enjoy the rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
Popular Food in Bali
The roasted whole pig known as babi guling is a popular dish among both local Balinese and visiting Indonesians and foreigners. The dish consists of a whole pig that has been marinated in Bali’s special spices and then skewered and roasted.
How to Reach Bali, Indonesia
Bali being an island means flying there is the most convenient and often the only option. With its single international airport, Bali welcomes visitors from all around the world. The southern part of Bali is home to the airport, named Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Best time to visit Bali
Classic Bali beach vacations are best experienced in May, June, July, August, or September. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also at their best during these times, as rain reduces visibility below the surface while sunshine improves the overall experience.
4. Milos, Greece
Milos Island is located in Eastern Cyclades and is a part of the Cyclades county administratively. Unique and stunning, the island owes its attractive appearance to its rocky, volcanic foundation, which is responsible for its vivid hues and bizarre geological formations.
Must-see Attractions in Milos
There are more than seventy-five beaches on Milos, and they all feature silvery sand and clear, sometimes-blue or green waters. Milos is well-known not just for its stunning scenery and idyllic beaches but also for its extensive past.
Things to do in Milos, Greece
The rainbow’s worth of hues can be found in the lava rocks and the sand at Paleochori, making it a beach with a lot of character and vibrancy. Joining a boat tour to discover Milos’s hidden coves, caverns, beaches, and sceneries is a must for any visitor to this wonderful island.
Popular Food in Milos
The white Milos pumpkin has become essential to many people’s diets. Although it has several potential uses, the Milos specialty, Kouféto spooning compote, is made from it.
How to Reach Milos, Greece
You may get to Milos quickly and simply from Athens by plane or boat from Piraeus Port. Since the island only has a national airport, only domestic flights can land there. On the other hand, the island is linked to Santorini, which is serviced by aircraft from numerous European cities.
Best time to visit Milos, Greece
It may be better to visit Milos in late spring or early fall if you have some wiggle room in your schedule.
5. Fiji Islands
Fiji is one of Australia’s favorite tropical vacation spots since it has everything one would want from a paradisiacal island getaway.
Must-see Attractions in Fiji Islands
Unwinding is a national pastime in Fiji. Since there are more than 300 islands here, you can relax with some sand between your toes in either a secluded spot or alongside other tourists.
Things to do in Fiji
You can go skydiving, whitewater rafting, or even take a helicopter ride, but if you want to see something, you should go diving or snorkeling among the more than 1,500 types of aquatic life.
Popular Food in Fiji
Rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, fish, coconut, and taro are staples in most Fijians’ diets. The Lovo is also traditionally used to cook meat, poultry, and fish. Fruits like sea grapes, pawpaw, banana, and various melons, as well as the more common pineapple and jackfruit, abound in Fiji.
How to Reach Fiji Islands
Since Fiji is an archipelago of 333 islands in the South Pacific, the quickest and cheapest way to get there from Australia is by plane.
Best time to visit Fiji
There is a window between May and September when the skies over Fiji are most reliably clear. The wet season lasts from October to April and is also the peak of the cyclone season.
6. Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman Islands are India’s most distant state, located more than 1,000 kilometers off the east coast in the Bay of Bengal. Flights and boats connect them to Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. The archipelago is home to a wide variety of animals, including several very rare bird species, thanks to its dense tropical forest cover.
Things to do in Andaman
Havelock Island, a part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, is one of the most well-known destinations in the Andaman Islands. Havelock is a picture-perfect paradise with its pristine beaches of white sand, colorful coral reefs, and verdant jungles.
Must-see Attractions in Andaman Islands
Many tourists visit the Andaman Islands every year. Vast numbers of people visit the Islands annually. Visitors come from around the world to see the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ natural splendor and abundant wildlife.
Popular Food in Andaman
Andamanians eat a lot of fish and a lot of rice with a lot of coconut and spices. In reality, due to its nature as a collection of islands, the Andaman is a dreamland for those who enjoy eating fish and other marine creatures.
How to Reach Andaman
Due to its status as an island, Andaman can only be reached from India by sea or air. Direct flights arrive at the airport in Port Blair from Kolkata, Bangalore, and Visakhapatnam.
Best time to visit Andaman
October through May is considered the finest time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands because of the excellent weather, making it ideal for sightseeing, water activities, and beach trips. The high tides, constant rains, and powerful monsoon gusts are not perfect travel conditions.
7. Sicily, Italy
The city of Palermo, in particular, is one of Sicily’s cultural crown jewels due to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and abundance of public art. Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, dominates the landscape, but you’ll also see grassy hills, rugged mountains, the ocean, and even more volcanoes.
Things to do in Sicily, Italy
In addition to its popularity as a hiking and watersports destination, Sicily is often cited as a top destination for ornithologists. The good news for foodies is that while Italian cuisine is well-known worldwide, each region of Sicily offers its unique delicacy.
Must-see Attractions in Sicily
Cathedrals, vineyards, beaches, and amazing buildings have made the island famous. In addition to Agrigento’s Greek Temples in the Valley of the Temples, other famous Sicilian structures include the Palermo Opera House and the Baroque churches of Noto and Modica, both of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Popular Food in Sicily
Cannoli, artichokes, and citrus fruits are just a few of the internationally renowned Sicilian culinary specialties. The Gambero red prawns and Modica chocolate are both well-known and highly sought-after, but there are many other lesser-known delights that are just as delicious.
How to Reach Sicily, Italy
Sicily is conveniently connected to the rest of Italy and may be reached by boat, aircraft, or rail. Make your way to Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, and from there, get a ferry to Messina, and you will have reached Sicily from the south of Italy.
Best time to visit Sicily
If you want to go to Sicily, you should go in May or June or the months of September or October. Pleasant 70°F to 80°F weather prevails in the late spring and early fall, making those times of year perfect for sightseeing at ancient monuments, lounging on the beach, or hiking.
8. Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui, one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, is also renowned as a top destination for fine eating and relaxing on the beach.
After a long day of hiking, unwind at one of the numerous tranquil spas in the area. Koh Samui is a popular tourist destination because of its reputation as a fun and peaceful getaway.
Must-see Attractions in Koh Samui
The stunning temples, lush jungle, crashing waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas are just a few of the highlights. This island is a great destination since it has something special to offer every kind of traveler, from those on a budget to those with more disposable income, from young singles and couples to older families with children.
Popular Food in Koh Samui
If you’re visiting Koh Samui, you just must try the Grilled Coconut Rice. The delicacy is made by flavoring steamed sticky rice with creamy coconut milk, wrapping it in banana leaves, and grilling it.
How to Reach Koh Samui, Thailand
You can go to Koh Samui in many different ways. You may fly directly to Koh Samui from Bangkok or take a bus, rail, or ferry from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then another ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.
Best Time to Visit Koh Samui
Weather-wise, it’s most pleasant to travel there between December and March. June is the hottest month, with average highs of 33 degrees Celsius and lows of 24 degrees Celsius.
9. Island of Hawaii
Hawaii’s size, culture, and people all combine to give tourists a wide range of options for entertainment. If you’re searching for a place to soak up some rays, explore local culture, go surfing on some of the world’s most powerful waves, or climb some of the world’s most impressive volcanic peaks, go no farther than the Island of Hawaii.
Things to do and Must-see Attractions in Hawaii
Hawaii has several stunning beaches, and some of them even have odd hues. It’s not uncommon to find white sand on Hawaiian beaches, but you’ll also find a wide variety of other colors and even black sand in some locations. Hawaii is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s trekking through the mountains, riding bikes along the coast, paddling out on the water, or simply relaxing on the beach.
One hundred thirty-seven individual islands make up the state of Hawaii, which stretches over the North Pacific. Seven are inhabited, and only six are open to tourists. As a means of distinguishing it from the rest of the state, the island of Hawaii is often referred to as the Big Island. The three major islands—Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii—have enough attractions to keep most visitors busy for a week or two.
Popular Food in Hawaii
The national food of Hawaii is a soup of thin pasta noodles and a dashi broth containing shrimp, pig, and eggs. A savoury fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino cuisines, best eaten hot with chopsticks.
How to Reach Hawaii
It is a breeze to get from one Hawaiian island to another. Numerous airlines run dozens of daily, short-haul flights connecting the islands. Almost all tourists who come to Hawaii will begin and end their trip on Oahu, even if they travel to other islands.
Best time to visit Hawaii
Generally speaking, the months of March through September offer the finest weather for a trip to Hawaii. The weather is excellent for a day at the beach or in the water.
10. Santorini, Greece
One of Greece’s most photogenic islands, Santorini (or Thira) is known for its iconic whitewashed buildings and blue domes. Volcanic activity on this tiny island likely occurred several thousand years ago.
Things to do and Must-see Attractions in Santorini, Greece
When in Santorini, nothing beats a romantic dinner for two with a view of the lagoon and a bottle of wine from the island’s storied wineries.
With its stunning sea-filled caldera, Santorini is a favorite pick for dramatic scenery. The volcanic eruption that created the terrain is responsible for the city’s worldwide fame, as is the sight of its whitewashed cliffside dwellings.
Popular Food in Santorini
The island of Santorini is well-known for its Fava. Fresh Seafood, tomato fritters, and Cretan Dako Salad are some of the other popular dishes served here.
How to Reach Santorini, Greece
Due to the lack of direct flights, the boat is the best option for getting from Crete to Santorini. You can take a ferry from Heraklion, Crete, to Santorini, Greece, and arrive there in approximately 2-6 hours.
Best time to visit Santorini
The months of June through September are ideal for a trip to Santorini due to the high temperatures and abundant sunshine. The hottest month is August, with average highs of 30 degrees Celsius and lows of 24 degrees Celsius.
To Conclude
Don’t forget to check out this list the next time you need a peaceful vacation spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. These islands are among the most stunning in the world.
