Island vacations are seen as a luxury escape to paradise and are very popular destinations to visit. They offer sandy beaches and clear waters that create the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate. From tropical islands to European islands, there are so many destinations that create the ideal holiday with lots to do.
Take a look at a few of the best islands to visit across the world and what sort of holiday they can offer you to inspire your next vacation. Get packing and see the world’s beautiful islands that everyone will love!
Bora Bora- French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a dream vacation for many and offers luxury and picturesque views everywhere you go. Situated near French Polynesia, there is so much to do when visiting this island. You could lounge on the white sands of Matira Beach, take boat trips through the crystal-clear waters around the island, and even go on an adventure by swimming with sharks and stingrays. Bora Bora offers a mixture of relaxation and adventure giving a perfect balance for a vacation. However, it can be quite pricey so it’s ideal to save up for a once-in-a-lifetime dream trip.
Bali-Indonesia
Often known as the “Island of the Gods” Bali is a gorgeous island that provides a unique and unforgettable trip. Located in Indonesia and across from Western Australia, this island has a rich heritage that can be explored, giving you the chance to delve into a different culture and way of life. You can head out and discover old temples, such as Lempuyang Temple with the gates of heaven, and see traditional ceremonies or unwind on the beaches and indulge in local tasty food.
Sardinia- Italy
Sardinia is situated just off of Italy and is a popular Mediterranean cruise stop. This island is stunning and offers a rich history and culture. It offers a wonderful subtropical climate, sprawling beaches with powdery sand and turquoise water, and quaint villages to explore. You can truly have a luxurious getaway at Sardinia as there are plenty of luxury resorts to choose from, particularly in the Costa Smeralda. You can visit the island’s capital on the hills, Cagliari, to explore museums, historic churches, and an amphitheater!
Cyprus- Mediterranean
Cyprus is an amazing island to visit with white sand beaches and ancient ruins, you can have the best of both worlds of adventure and tranquility. This island is located in the Mediterranean, next to Turkey and across from Israel where the Gaza appeal is occurring. When planning a vacation to this luscious island, consider what type of trip you would like as Cyprus can offer a jam-packed adventure or a peaceful cultural visit. This is what makes this island appeal to many travelers. If you love beaches, you can head to Nissi Beach and swim in the gorgeous clear water and if you are a history and architecture enthusiast, you can admire many historical buildings like the Hala Sultan Mosque.
The island is home to both Greek and Turkish descendants so there is a wealth of culture to discover and immerse yourself in!
Mauritius- Africa
A wonderful island to visit, while being difficult to reach, is the African Island of Mauritius. Located around 500 miles east of Madagascar, the island’s calm and serene beaches and epic natural beauty is worth the 24-hour travel from the U.S. It has jaw-dropping scenery that makes you feel like you’re in a dream and provides you with so much to do while you visit. You can explore waterfalls, mountains, and geological wonders or you can swim and snorkel with sea life in the turquoise waters. There are also plenty of opportunities to taste the local cuisine and laze around on epic beaches.
Santorini- Greece
The Greek Island Santorini, located near Greece, is a popular honeymoon destination and offers a tranquil, romantic escape to rejuvenate and spend time with a partner. With picturesque white and blue-roofed buildings, this island gives you lots of activities to do and various history and culture to explore. You can sip on gorgeous wine during a winery tour, admire the unique red and black sand beaches, and stroll through romantic scenic villages. You can also discover the remains of Ancient Thira and Akrotiri or go for a hike to the top of the caldera to gaze at the inspiring views!
Whitsunday Islands- Australia
Visit the beautiful collection of the Whitsunday Islands that is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. These islands provide the perfect laid-back vacation where you can de-stress and escape reality. There is so many swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and sailing opportunities when visiting these islands, keeping your trip at a leisurely and pleasant pace. You can easily explore above and beneath the water’s surface and admire the incredible scenery. Visit Whitehaven Beach for soft white sand to relax on or hike to the top of Passage Peak on Hamilton Island.
Madeira- Portugal
If you would like a weather-proof destination, then look no further than Madeira. This island enjoys year-round pleasant temperatures in all seasons, so you can visit whenever you like! Based just off of Portugal, Maderia is the perfect vacation to delve into history and culture and offers brilliant walks through quaint villages, beautiful coastlines, and wooded areas. You can explore Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gorgeous coastline of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. However, what makes Madeira magical and popular is the food. Taste fresh seafood and regional specialties, paired with scrumptious Madeira wine!
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and try out some of these gorgeous, scenic, and tranquil islands for the vacation of a lifetime!
