These are countless beautiful islands around the world that offer stunning natural landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and unforgettable vacation experiences. However, here are 10 islands that consistently rank among the best in the world, based on various travel awards , expert opinions, and traveler reviews:
1.Ischia, Italy:
Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea known for its hot springs, stunning coastline, and picturesque villages. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation, natural beauty, and delicious Italian cuisine.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Ischia:
The best time to visit Ischia is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, these months are also the busiest, and accommodation prices can be high. If you prefer a quieter time, consider visiting in the shoulder season of May or October when the weather is still pleasant.
Population in the Island: According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics, the population of Ischia as of 2021 was approximately 60,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Ischia is a volcanic island with hot springs and therapeutic waters that are believed to have healing properties.
- The island is also famous for its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Ischia Film Festival (June)
- Sant’Anna Festival (July)
- Ischia Global Film & Music Fest (July)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
Ischia is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Naples. It is known for its natural hot springs, sandy beaches, and picturesque landscapes. Some of the best things to do in Ischia include visiting the Aragonese Castle, exploring the Giardini la Mortella botanical garden, and soaking in the thermal waters at the Poseidon Thermal Gardens. I recommend staying for 3-4 days to fully explore the island.
2.Bali, Indonesia:
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its lush forests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to unwind, enjoy water sports, or explore Hindu temples and traditional art forms.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Bali:
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for surfing and swimming. The wet season runs from October to April, and while it can be more affordable, it also means more rain and potentially rough seas.
Population in the Island: The population of Bali as of 2021 was approximately 4.4 million people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Bali is known for its stunning natural beauty, including beautiful beaches, lush rice terraces, and ancient temples.
- The island also has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional music, dance, and art.
- Bali is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Nyepi Day (March)
- Galungan (February)
- Kuningan (March)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Some of the best things to do in Bali include visiting the Tanah Lot Temple, exploring the Ubud Monkey Forest, and enjoying the water sports at Nusa Dua Beach. It is recommend staying for 5-7 days to fully experience the island.
3.Milos, Greece:
Milos is a small Greek island located in the Aegean Sea known for its rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and picturesque villages. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in Greek cuisine.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Milos:
The best time to visit Milos is during the shoulder season of May to June or September to October when the weather is warm, and the crowds are fewer. July and August are the peak tourist season, and the island can get crowded.
Population in the Island: The population of Milos as of 2021 was approximately 5,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Milos is an island of unique natural beauty, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and impressive rock formations.
- The island is also rich in minerals, particularly obsidian, which has been used for thousands of years to make tools and weapons.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- The Feast of Agios Haralambos (February)
- The Festival of Matsoukas (August)
- The Festival of Pano Meria (August)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
The most vibrant island in the cyclades group known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some of the best things to do in Milos include visiting the fishing village of Klima, exploring the ancient Roman theater in Tripiti, and sunbathing on Sarakiniko Beach. I recommend staying for 3-4 days to fully explore the island.
4.Fiji Islands:
Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and clear waters. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to relax in a tropical paradise, enjoy water sports, or experience Fijian culture.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Fiji:
The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for water activities such as diving and snorkelling.
Population in the Island: The population of Fiji as of 2021 was approximately 900,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Fiji is a group of over 300 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean.
- The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
- The Fijian people are also known for their hospitality and friendly nature, making it a great place to experience local culture.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Bula Festival (July)
- Hibiscus Festival (August)
- Diwali (October/November)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
Best things to do in Fiji include snorkeling or diving in the Coral Coast, exploring the Nausori Highlands, and visiting the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. I recommend staying for at least 7-10 days to fully experience the island.
5.Maldives:
The Maldives is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its stunning coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and luxury resorts. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to unwind in a tropical paradise, go diving or snorkeling, or indulge in spa treatments.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Maldives:
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April during the dry season when the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm. However, these months are also the busiest, and accommodation prices can be high. May to October is the rainy season, but it’s also a good time for surfing and lower prices.
Population in the Island: The population of the Maldives as of 2021 was approximately 540,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- The Maldives is a group of over 1,000 coral islands located in the Indian Ocean.
- The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, including crystal-clear waters and beautiful coral reefs.
- The Maldives is also one of the best places in the world to see marine life, including dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Ramadan (April/May)
- Eid al-Fitr (May/June)
- Independence Day (July)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
Country with its 1,000 coral islands, known for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Some of the best things to do in the Maldives include snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs, visiting the historic Hukuru Miskiy mosque, and enjoying the local seafood cuisine. I recommend staying for at least 5-7 days to fully experience the island.
6.Galapagos Islands, Ecuador:
The Galapagos Islands are a remote archipelago located off the coast of Ecuador known for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the islands’ natural wonders and learn about Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Galapagos:
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the dry season, which runs from June to December. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for water activities and wildlife watching.
Population in the Island: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: The population of the Galapagos Islands as of 2021 was approximately 30,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique and diverse wildlife.
- The islands are home to many endemic species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
- The Galapagos Islands are also an important destination for scientists studying evolution and ecology.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Whale Shark Festival (August)
- Darwin Day (February)
- Galapagos Day (September)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
One of the island listed in UNESCO world heritage known for its wildlife and landscape beauty.Some of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands include visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, hiking to the Sierra Negra Volcano, and observing the giant
7.Phuket, Thailand:
The island with rich culture and vibrant nightlife famously known for its beautiful beaches. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, or explore Buddhist temples and local markets.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Phuket:
The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for water activities such as diving and snorkeling.
Population in the Island: The population of Phuket as of 2021 was approximately 420,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Phuket is a popular island destination in Thailand known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lively nightlife.
- The island is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including Buddhist temples and traditional Thai festivals.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival (October)
- Songkran (April)
- Loy Krathong (November)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
The island is popular for its vibrant nightlife and cultural heritages. Some of the best things to do in Phuket include visiting the Big Buddha, exploring the Phuket Old Town, and enjoying the local street food. I recommend staying for at least 5-7 days to fully experience the island.
8.Dominica:
Island widely known for the rainforests , territory and rainforests consisting’s of natural hot springs. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to hike in the mountains, swim in waterfalls, or relax in natural pools.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Dominica:
The best time to visit Dominica is from October to March when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also the peak season, and prices can be higher. The rainy season runs from June to September, but it’s also a good time to visit if you’re looking for more affordable prices and fewer crowds.
Population in the Island: The population of Dominica as of 2021 was approximately 73,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Dominica is a volcanic island located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning natural beauty and lush rainforests.
- The island is also home to many rare and endemic species of plants and animals.
- Dominica is a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure activities, including hiking, diving, and snorkeling.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Carnival (February)
- Creole in the Park (October)
- World Creole Music Festival (October)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
Some of the best things to do in Dominica include visiting Trafalgar Falls, exploring the Emerald Pool, and taking a dip in the natural hot springs. I recommend staying for at least 5-7 days to fully explore the island.
9.Sri Lanka:
The country is in rich with its history of ancient ruins beautiful beaches and cultural heritages that carries through centuries. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Buddhist temples, go on safari, or relax on the beach.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Sri Lanka:
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March on the west coast and from April to September on the east coast. During these times, the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.
Population in the Island: The population of Sri Lanka as of 2021 was approximately 21 million people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning natural beauty, including beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and lush tea plantations.
- The island is also home to many rare and endemic species of plants and animals, including the Sri Lankan leopard and the Asian elephant.
- Sri Lanka is also a great place to experience local culture, including traditional music, dance, and food.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (April)
- Vesak Festival (May)
- Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
Some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka include visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura, exploring the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and going on a safari in one
10.Azores, Portugal:
This island consist of natural beauty and crater lakes , volcanic mountains meanwhile situated in the Portuguese archipelago Atlantic ocean. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the islands’ natural wonders, go hiking or whale watching, or relax in natural hot springs.
Best seasons for tourist to visit Azores:
The best time to visit the Azores is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the shoulder seasons of May or October are also good times to visit when the crowds are fewer, and the weather is still pleasant.
Population in the Island: The population of the Azores as of 2021 was approximately 245,000 people.
Geographical advantages and mind-blowing facts:
- The Azores is a group of volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, known for their stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife.
- Azores island consist of many species around the azores island including the whales and dolphins , even a superior place for whale watching.
- The Azores are also home to many traditional festivals and cultural events, making it a great place to experience local culture.
✦Popular Cultural and Festivals to witness:
- Festival of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (May)
- Sanjoaninas (June)
- Festas do Espírito Santo (Pentecost)
Things to do and recommended days for stay:
The Azores, an archipelago located in Portugal’s mid-Atlantic, is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can hike to crater lakes, swim in thermal pools, go whale watching, and explore the charming towns. To fully experience the beauty and serenity of the islands, I recommend staying for at least a week.
Conclusion
Choosing the 10 best islands in the world is no easy task, as each island offers unique experiences and attractions that appeal to different types of travelers. However, there are some common factors that make these islands stand out.
Firstly, natural beauty is a key feature of these islands, from pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to lush rainforests and stunning landscapes. Secondly, cultural richness and heritage play a big part in making these islands special. From ancient ruins and historical sites to colorful festivals and unique customs, these islands offer a glimpse into different cultures and ways of life. Above listed islands are the destinations most ideal to spend your breaks for easter
Finally, the range of activities and experiences available on these islands is diverse, from relaxing on the beach to adventure sports, from luxury resorts to backpacker hostels, and from fine dining to street food. These islands truly offer something for everyone, making them the best islands in the world.
