10 Most Beautiful Islands In The World You Must Visit
(This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.)
Here’s our list featuring the most beautiful islands in the world.
Islands are a slice of paradise on earth. They are the perfect answer to those seeking dreamy and relaxing getaways from their hustling daily city lives. The amazing blues of the shiny crystal clear waters and the bright sky with views of mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets are a source of heavenly experience for beholders. Here’s the best selection for the most beautiful islands in the world that are well worthy of being added to your travel bucket list.
Most Beautiful Islands In The World
1. Maldives, South Asia
Maldives is a bucket list island destination for every traveler. The pristine beaches, dreamy water villas, clear blue waters, coral reefs, natural lagoons and palms host mesmerizing vacations for visitor’s throughout the year. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a honeymoon destination, an adventure trip or a family vacation; Maldives is the place for you. This fairy-tale island never fails to enchant anyone.

Points of Interest : Snorkeling is one of the most fascinating things to do in Maldives. Most of the resorts have their own in-house reefs that can be easily accessed through their beaches. Maldives is an ultimate destination for you to go for scuba diving. The crystal clear waters offer great visibility making the experience of exploring the beautiful marine life and the coral reefs really incredible.
Best Time To Visit Maldives : The months November till April are amazingly pleasant in Maldives. This is also the peak season with many tourists visiting the island. The months of June-July are rainy, but with showers not lasting for long. If you are on a budget travel, you could plan visiting Maldives during June-July.
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is hands down the most beautiful island in the world. Located in the French Polynesia in the South Pacific, it is rather remote but popular with honeymooners from around the world. Known for its crystal clear blue waters, color snorkeling and dreamy over-water bungalows. Some of the most popular things for visitors to do is swim and snorkel off their own over-water bungalows, Jet Ski in the azure waters of the lagoon and swim with stingrays!

Points of Interest : Hotels rarely let you check in early, so be prepared to hang out until 4 PM. There is a high fee (around $300) per person round trip from the Bora Bora airport to each hotel. Each resort is on its own Motu (island) and so is the airport. You get there by boat.
You will have no problem finding people who speak English, But the islands actually speak French as they are part of France.
Book in advance as there are not many rooms. Bring cash to change at the airport for local currency – French Pacific Franc, and book a room that has breakfast included. Food can be very expensive.
Best Time To Visit Bora Bora : The best time to visit Bora Bora comes in different forms. If you are looking for the best weather, then you go in August, which is also high season. If you are looking for the best price and willing to chance the weather, you go during April or October. These months are considered shoulder season. You can get unbelievable deals and still stay in the same five star hotels.
By Nicole Sunderland From Eat Live Travel Drink
3. Sao Miguel Island, The Azores
Sao Miguel is the largest of the nine islands of the Azores found in the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese archipelago sits on top of three tectonic plates leading to fantastic landscapes with misty hills, volcanic craters and perfectly green fields. The reason to visit really is for the beautiful nature and the island has countless walking trails to explore.
There are also lots of activities on Sao Miguel including canyoning, coasteering and kayaking for adventurous tourists and natural hot springs and beaches for those looking to relax. The island is quite spread out so it’s worth renting a car to make the most of it.

Points of Interest : Aside from nature, the food on the island is excellent. There is plenty of fresh seafood, beef and Portuguese pastries to enjoy. You can also visit one of Sao Miguel’s many pineapple plantations to see how they’re grown on an island that’s outside of their normal climates. Be sure not to leave without trying a Bolo Lêvedo, a muffin-type bread, possible the best food on the island.
Best Time To Visit Sao Miguel : For the nicest weather, Sao Miguel is best during the summer months of July to September. But this is also peak tourist season. During the winter months, it’s a lot quieter. The temperature doesn’t drop too low but it does rain a bit more! It almost doesn’t matter too much when you visit because the Azores are beautiful all year round.
By Oli Diprose from Not Brits Abroad
4. Oahu, Hawaii
The island of Oahu is one of the best destinations in the world for a tropical getaway. With all-year-round with its temperate weather, picturesque beaches, and incredible hiking trails, it has something for everyone. With lots of hotels and resorts right on the beach, it is the dream vacation spot. Oahu is the most popular island in the state of Hawaii in the U.S.A. It can be reached with just a five-hour flight from the mainland.

Points of Interest : With so many activities on Oahu, it’s hard to choose! Two of the most popular activities are the short hike up to Diamond Head lookout or a snorkeling tour at Hanauma Bay. It’s also a unique experience to enjoy a Luau at night and learn about the ancient Hawaiian culture/
Best Time To Visit Oahu : The best times of the year to visit are during the American summer. You will enjoy an endless stream of sunshine throughout your stay so you can make the most of the beaches. However, in the winter, Oahu becomes a surfing mecca and the best board riders from around the world come to surf the huge waves on the North Shore, which is an attraction in itself.
By Jackson Groves from The Journey Era
5. Sicily, Italy
Italy has over 450 islands, but Sicily is arguably one of the country’s most beautiful and culturally rich island. Located just 20 miles off the mainland, Sicily is Italy’s largest island that benefits from a Mediterranean climate. Growing in popularity every year with International tourists, Sicily has a lot to offer its visitors.
Sun Worshippers will surely find relaxation and bliss in the seaside town of San Vito lo Capo, while architectural lovers will be in their element in Palermo. Hikers and nature lovers will find beauty in the Zingaro nature reserve and wine enthusiasts will delight at the range of top vineyards that can be visited on the foothills of Mount Etna. There is literally something for everyone in Sicily, an island that will draw you back to its shores time and time again.

Points of Interest : With a diverse landscape including a gigantic volcano, seven UNESCO World Sites, more beaches than you could ever visit in your lifetime and a cuisine to die for, you could easily spend 2 weeks vacation in Sicily and yearn to return year after year. Top places to visit in Sicily include Taormina, Catania, Mount Etna, Palermo, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Noto and Syracusa.
Best Time To Visit Sicily : Most visitors head to the island between the months of June and September, but smart travelers will choose to visit in the shoulder seasons to benefit from slightly cooler temperatures, lower hotel rates and less crowded sights and beaches.
By Samantha from The Wandering Wanderluster
6. Tasmania, Australia
When most people visit Australia, they tend to stick to the famous places around Sydney and Melbourne, such as the Great Ocean Road, and Bondi Beach. However, the country (or continent actually!) is huge and there are many more interesting places to see and experience.
One particularly beautiful area is the island of Tasmania. Located south of Melbourne, you can fly there in just about an hour, or take the much slower, but more scenic, ferry. Once you arrive, you’ll find that the natural landscape in Tasmania is spectacular. The island has the most magnificent coastlines, a rich flora, and plenty of wildlife.
You’ll have the best experience if you take things slow in a camper van, and the ultimate Tasmania itinerary takes you around the entire island in no less than a week. You don’t want to rush it, because part of the charm is to take long walks on the beach and have barbecues at the campground, long into the night.

Points of Interest : It’s relatively easy to plan your road trip, as you don’t really need to book campgrounds beforehand. However, as you’ll be spending most of your day in the company of your camper van. So you will appreciate booking a premium version of those!
Things which shouldn’t be missed include the famous Bay of Fires, hiking around Cradle Mountain National Park, and admiring the view of Hobart from atop Mount Wellington.
Best Time To Visit Tasmania : Visit in the summer months of December to February for the best weather, including the chance to see baby penguins and blooming lavender fields.
By Nick from The Danish Nomads
7. Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest Greek island and a complete paradise for any type of traveler. It offers an interesting mix of enchanting towns and villages, historical landmarks, scenic gorges (and other natural landscapes), and of course – the dreamiest beaches. With four different regions that offer plenty of things to do and see, a trip to Crete can include a road trip through the entire island, focus on one region, or combine day trips from one major city.

Points of Interest : The region of Chania is home to some of Crete’s most iconic points of interest. This includes the beautiful city of Chania, the pink-sand Elafonissi Beach, and the Balos Lagoon. Continuing to the East, the less-touristy region of Rethymnon prides itself on beach towns like Agia Galini and Bali, traditional villages like Spili and Prasses, and historical sights like the Preveli monastery and the Ideon Cave (where Zeus grew up).
Next, the region of Heraklion is home not only to Crete’s capital but also to the ancient Knossos Palace, the quirky hippie town of Matala, and popular beach towns like Malia and Agia Pelagia. Last but not least, the region of Lasithi is filled with interesting places to visit including the picturesque village of Kritsa, Vai Beach (and dozens of other paradise beaches), and the fascinating Spinalonga Island, which was an active leper colony up until the 1960s.
There’s no shortage of many more beautiful places to see on this island, which is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Best Time To Visit Crete : Thanks to pleasant Mediterranean weather, this gorgeous island can be visited almost all year round.
By Or from My Path in the World
8. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is probably the most famous island in Indonesia situated in the Java Sea. There is a good reason for its popularity. The island will leave you in complete awe of its beauty with its alluring pristine beaches, dramatic clifftops and lush rice fields.
Bali has a unique culture, and the local people are known for their deep spirituality. There are various impressive temples to explore on the island dedicated to different natural powers. Visit Uluwatu Temple situated on the edge of the cliff. Watch the traditional Balinese dance at sunset and Ulun Danu Temple that is floating on the lake with a picturesque mountain backdrop.

Points of Interest : Bali has some best world-class surfing spots where you can watch professional surfers in action. It’s also a great place to take a surfing class with a good selection of surfing schools. These schools offer courses to all levels of proficiency.
In your Bali itinerary don’t forget to include Ubud, which is a cultural centre of Bali. Visit Monkey Sanctuary, take a stroll amongst scenic rice fields at Tegalalang and discover some gorgeous waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle! Ubud is also an excellent base for an unforgettable sunrise hike of the nearby Mount Bromo, which is an active volcano. And don’t forget to take some time to chill, Ubud has some best spas and yoga centers.
Best Time To Visit Bali : The best time to visit Bali is from April to October, the pleasant summer months.
By Mal Hellyer from Raw Mal Roams
9. Menorca, Spain
One of the group of Balearic Islands, Menorca has to be a contender for one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. The interior is made up of rolling, fertile farmland famous for the Menorca cheese, while the rocky coastline offers some gorgeous coves and beaches that are easily accessed on the Cami de Cavalls coastal path.
Tourism on Menorca is important but there’s a relaxed and upmarket feel to this island that prides itself on its natural beauty and unspoiled atmosphere.

Points Of Interest : The south coast of Menorca has some of the best beaches, with clear turquoise water and sheltered bays. While the north coast is wilder, with wetlands and a protected natural reserve. Add to this, the two main towns at either end of the island that are packed with historic buildings. This would make a great day out with busy restaurants and bags of character.
The island capital of Mahon has a harbor full of swanky yachts, charming old quarter and lots of maritime history dating back to the 18th century when Menorca was a British naval base.
The second city and former island capital of Ciutadella is impossibly pretty, with winding streets and honey stone buildings dating back to medieval times, as well as many seafood restaurants to linger with a view of the marina.
Best Time To Visit Menorca : Visit Menorca in the summer for beach fun or the spring and autumn to enjoy warm sunny days, walking and sightseeing. You won’t be disappointed!
By Heather Cowper from Heather On Her Travels
10. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a small paradise island in the Indian Ocean that has so many things to offer its guests. The main reason why people travel to Zanzibar are the beautiful sandy beaches and the gorgeous water colored in different shades of blue. Zanzibar is however much more than just its beaches, water sports and seafront resorts. Zanzibar is known as the spice island because of the abundance of spices growing here. There are many tours that will take you around the spice gardens to see how the cardamom, nutmeg, cloves or black pepper grow.

Points Of Interest
Diving and snorkeling are experiences that every hotel on the island offers. The main two areas where tourists choose to go for sun tanning and water activities are the North, around Nungwi and in the East, around Paje. The later is famous for windsurfing. So if you want to learn how to tackle the waves with a kite, this is a great base. Some of the great places to base yourself in Zanzibar are Kendwa, Kizimkazi, Jambiani or Pongwe. The restaurants in Jambiani are worth mentioning for their seafood feasts.
The cultural hub of Zanzibar is Stone Town, one of Africa’s oldest ancient towns. Its narrow streets with houses featuring Arabic architecture, beautiful doors, mosques, and bazaars make Stone Town a base for at least two days, for many tourists. This is one of the only places on the island where you can try to Zanzibar pizza, a grilled pastry filled with different ingredients and topped with a dollop of Happy Cow cheese. The night market in Stone Town is a must. Here you can try many of the delicacies of the Zanzibari cuisine.
Just off Stone Town you will find Prison Island where you can have a close encounter with the giant tortoises.
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar : Zanzibar is an year round destination. The most popular fall between June and October during the cool and pleasant spring season. December till February are the summer months that are enjoyable to on this tropical island.
By Joanna from The World In My Pocket
Here you have it, the list of the most beautiful islands in the world. Let us know your favorite in the comment section below.
Pingback: 10 Beautiful Islands In The United States That Will Mesmerize You - Cheerful Trails
Pingback: Treasures of Cambodia - Visiting Tonle Sap Lake - Cheerful Trails
Pingback: 10 Best Things To Do In Holland, Michigan - Cheerful Trails
Pingback: 10 Best Things To Do In Scarborough UK (North Yorkshire) - Cheerful Trails