Holidays are special, but there is something truly magical about an island holiday. Spending time on an island completely surrounded by white sand, blue waters and landscapes that reflect the raw beauty of nature is both peaceful and therapeutic. Our planet is filled with gorgeous islands that have the capability to take your breath away. Be it a family holiday, a solo trip, a honeymoon, or an adventurous trip, visiting an island will ensure the best memories. While there are innumerable beautiful islands around the world, here we present 10 best islands in the world that are worth visiting.
1. Koh Mook, Thailand
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If you want to enjoy the beauty of Thailand with peace and tranquillity, Koh Mook is the place for you. A small island, Koh Mook is a secluded island, perfect for unwinding and relaxing. There are plenty of amazing beaches here like Pearl Beach, Charlie Beach, Sivalai Beach, and more. But the one that takes the cake is the Emerald Cave, which is home to a stunning lagoon and a beach. To reach the place, you will have to swim through a 100-meter narrow, dark cave. But the view at the end is worth all the trouble. Some other things to do here are hiking, biking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Koh Mook is one of the best honeymoon places in Thailand for couples who love adventure as well as privacy.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Best for: Adventure seekers and honeymooners
Visa: Thailand visa options include eVisa and Visa-on-Arrival for eligible travelers
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2. Boracay, The Philippines
One of the main reasons for visiting the Boracay island in the Philippines is its breathtaking beaches. With powdery white sands and picture-perfect, turquoise waters, Boracay is nothing less than paradise. Some of the best beaches here where you relax and enjoy splendid sunsets are White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Diniwid Beach, Banyugan Beach, etc. When you are not lounging on the beach, you can try some thrilling activities like scuba diving, kiteboarding, helmet diving, parasailing, hiking, and cliff diving. Apart from all this, Boracay is known for its incredible nightlife complete with beach parties, bars, live music, and fire shows.
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Best For: Water sports and relaxation
Visa: Apply Philippines visit visa in advance before planning your Boracay trip
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3. Ithaca, Greece
Most people who visit Greece limit their trip to the popular places like Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, etc. But if you are a Greek mythology fan, a visit to the Ionian island of Itaca, the home of the Trojan hero Odysseus, is a must. Steeped in history and mythology, Ithaca is home to some interesting archaeological sites and ruins. The Cave of the Nymphs, School of Homer, Pilikata, the ancient town of Alalcomenae, etc., are some of the best archaeological and historical spots in Ithaca. You will also find some interesting museums here. Apart from this, this island is endowed with graceful natural beauty and beaches to die for. While you can lie down at the beaches here all day, there are plenty to do to here like hiking the cypress forests and olive groves, scuba diving, kayaking, and driving a scooter along the island.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Best For: History and mythology enthusiasts, couples, and quiet travellers
Visa: For travellers visiting Greece; apply Schengen visa online in advance for a smooth trip
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4. Guernsey, United Kingdom
If you have the UK visa, make sure your holiday is more than visiting London, Scotland, Edinburgh, and other popular cities. One of the best places to visit if you want to enjoy peace and quiet is Guernsey. Located in the south of the UK, close to the French Coast, Guernsey is most popular for its dramatic landscapes, especially its rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The best way to explore the place is by walking. In fact, if you visit during the spring season, you can join the Spring Walking Festival. The beaches are perfect for lounging, resting, and even swimming. You can also enjoy adventure sports like rock climbing and coasteering here. The place has a rich history, which is also worth exploring.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Best For: Adventurous travelers, outdoor explorers, and history enthusiasts
Visa: Make sure to secure your UK visa in advance before planning your Guernsey getaway
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5. Penang, Malaysia
Located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is one of the best islands in the world. While the natural beauty of the place is one of the main attractions, Penang is most popular for its history. The capital of Penang, Georgetown is a great reminder of its colonial history and is home to innumerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here, you can explore old forts, colonial architecture, amazing street art, and historic shophouses, which are some of the best things to do in Penang. For nature exploration, there is the Penang Hill, the Penang National Park, and the beaches. Apart from all these, Penang is well-known for its delicious food too.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Best For: History and culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, couples, and food lovers
Visa: Ensure you obtain your Malaysia visa before planning your Penang trip
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6. Bali, Indonesia
If you are looking for an island holiday that brings together natural beauty, culture, spirituality, and adventure, then head over to Bali. The natural beauty of the island is the first thing that attracts people here. The lush rice terraces, dense jungles, gleaming waterfalls, picturesque rivers and lakes, pristine beaches, and dramatic volcanoes will definitely take your breath away. Bali is also known for its spirituality, thanks to the beautiful Hindu temples dotting the island. The beauty of Bali is that there is something for everyone here. Adventure lovers would fall in love with the place as it offers a host of adventure and water sports. Moreover, it is also a place where people go to rest and relax, as it offers plenty of wellness retreats and luxury spa centers.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Best For: Couples on honeymoon, nature lovers, adventure lovers, luxury and leisure travellers
Visa: Ensure you obtain your Indonesia visa before planning your Bali vacation
7. Maui, Hawaii, USA
With the US trip, you may want to explore the most popular places like New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, etc. But if you want to go somewhere away from the city to enjoy the beauty of nature in this North America country, Maui in Hawaii would be your best bet. The beaches here are unique, as here you get to see black and red sand beaches. These beaches are also perfect for water adventures like surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and even whale watching. When not at the beach, you must explore the island while hiking or with a scenic driving tour. But Maui is not just about its beauty. Rather, the island is known for its rich history and culture and you can explore these with visiting historical sites and checking out the various cultural activities. Adventure enthusiasts would love to indulge in snorkeling, going on helicopter tours, and hiking up the volcanic craters on the island.
Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to November (December to March for whale watching)
Best For: Luxury travelers, families, and couples
Visa: Secure your US tourist visa before planning your Maui getaway
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8. Baros, Maldives
If you are looking for a romantic holiday experience with your partner, you cannot go wrong with Baros in the Maldives. Baros, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, has everything that one expects from Maldives. White sand beaches, azure blue waters, palm tree, and serenity, you experience all of this and more here. Baros is also the epitome of Maldivian luxury where you get access to water bungalows, plush villas, and impeccable service to make your experience truly exceptional. Apart from indulging in the luxurious amenities of the island, you will also get to try snorkeling and scuba diving at one of the best Maldives islands for couples.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best For: Couples and luxury travellers
Visa: Indian travelers get visa-on-arrival, but ensure your travel documents are in order before planning your Baros trip
9. Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Another place where you can revel in the beauty of untouched nature is on Fiji’s Yasawa Islands. These group of islands in Fiji are known as the perfect location for a stunning holiday in the lap of nature. The beaches here are gorgeous, endowed with pristine white sand, and crystal-clear waters. The Yasawa Islands have the best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling. Other adventurous activities available here are swimming, hiking, sunset tubing, sea kayaking, etc. You can also get the chance to know more about the local Fiji island culture here. The best part about Yasawa Islands is that it is for everyone, right from the budget travelers to the luxury seekers.
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Best For: Couples, adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, and people looking for a relaxed holiday.
Visa: Ensure you obtain your Fiji visa before planning your trip to the Yasawa Islands
10. Mauritius
The last on this list (but not the least) is Mauritius, an island belonging to the African continent. Located on the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a group of 16 islands and islets and one of the best tourist islands in the world. The pristine beaches and calm lagoons are the star attraction of the place, while the water adventures add to the thrill of this island. Moreover, Maldives is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts too. Apart from the beaches, you can also enjoy raw nature in the form of forests, volcanic mountains, national parks, and so much more here. The cultural aspect of Mauritius also makes it worth visiting. The Creole culture, which is a combination of Indian, Africa, European, and Chinese traditions, makes it special. Then there is the Maldivian cuisine, which is influenced by all the ethnicities that live here.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best For: All types of travellers
Visa: Travelers must obtain a Mauritius visa or travel authorization before planning their trip
Conclusion
Picking an island for your holiday would depend on your expectations and interests. Be it a family holiday, a romantic vacation with partner, a fun trip with friends, or a soul-searching solo voyage, you will easily find an island that is apt for your holiday goals.
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