There, where the endless sky merges with the bottomless ocean, where lush vegetation shelters sheer cliffs rising from the water, where sunrises and sunsets are maddening, and the air is dizzy with the intoxicating aromas of flowers, you will find a real paradise on Earth. There are the most beautiful islands where you want to get lost and endlessly enjoy life. There are a lot of them on our planet, but these fifteen are the most unforgettable!
The Maldives
The Maldives, the famous “residents” of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1190 islands (or rather, atolls) and all of them are like a selection: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for relaxation: peace and quiet, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. And also something without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes of modern tourists – good hotels and a high level of service.
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / pexels (Pexels License)
Photo: 12019 / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: fshoq (CC BY 4.0)
Read more about this place:
Maldives (ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ)
The most beautiful islands: Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a picturesque tropical island, reaching 9 kilometers in length and half its width. Its natural architect are the lava of a long-extinct volcano, coral reefs and sand. The crater, washed out by water, formed a sea bowl, shielded from the main ocean currents. It is always filled with clean, clear and warm water. Nature has created its masterpiece here, endowed the island with the natural resources of the ocean and the healing sea air. There are many interesting places here, and the most majestic of them is the 727 meters high Otemanu Peak in the heart of Bora Bora.
Photo: Samuel Etienne (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Didierlefort (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: pxhere (CC BY 2.0)
Read more about this place:
Bora Bora
Palawan
Palawan is a precious emerald, a lost paradise where vast plain and mountainous rainforests have survived. The jungle carpets the majestic mountain range that stretches across the main island. Its highest point is Mount Mantalingajan, reaching 2086 meters. In the wilds of prehistoric forests, rare species of animals live, such as the bizarre pangolins (“one who rolls up”). White beaches covered with delicate powdery sand, precipitous limestone cliffs and mangrove forests define Palawan’s graceful coastal landscape. Idyllic turquoise lagoons and countless small islands, where the traveler is often the only guest, provide an unforgettable holiday full of romance and tranquility.
Photo: H.abanil (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: QueroViajarMais / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: Ron Van Oers (CC BY-SA 3.0-igo)
The most beautiful islands: Seychelles
Seychelles is a real paradise on Earth. It is a place of dreams and one of the most incredible corners of our planet, where you forget about all the troubles, problems and fuss. It is that special place time stops, everything around reminds of how wonderful and amazing it is – just to enjoy life! Seychelles is considered a favorite place for weddings. Besides, it is a great place for diving and surfing. Visiting exotic islands is a guarantee of good mood, unforgettable impressions and just a luxurious vacation.
Photo: Hansueli Krapf (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Walkerssk / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Read more about this place:
Seychelles (Repiblik Sesel)
Santorini
The volcanic island of Santorini is considered the pearl of Greece. Holidays here mean not only the gentle Aegean Sea, but also beautiful beaches with colorful sand. According to experts, Santorini is one of the most impressive islands in the world in terms of geology and archaeology. Whatever it is, this place is amazingly beautiful!
Photo: Mariamichelle / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: pxhere (CC0 1.0)
Photo: Gozitano (pixabay.com) / needpix (CC0)
Read more about this place:
Santorini (Σαντορίνη)
Cook Islands
In the heart of Polynesia lies a long chain of 15 islands that make up the Cook Archipelago: 6 in the Northern group and 9 in the South one. The largest of the islands are of volcanic origin, the smallest are of coral origin. This destination is not spoiled by mass tourism, although there are many travelers from all over the world. The main attractions of the islands are pristine nature, white beaches, magnificent reefs and Polynesian culture. Serving tourists is the backbone of the economy and the main occupation for local residents.
Photo: Christina Spicuzza from Santa Clara, United States (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Photo: John Game / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Mr Bullitt (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The most beautiful islands: Bali
Bali is often referred to as the Island of the Gods. It is unique and unlike any other island on the planet. It has its own culture, its own religion, its own style of dress, its own traditions and its own language. Over the past decades, the island has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but despite the huge number of tourists, local people remain the same as they have been for centuries and millennia – friendly, smiling, religious and respectful of traditions.
Photo: solihinkentjana / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: Thomas Depenbusch (Depi) / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Shura / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Dalmatian Islands
Dalmatia is the largest tourist region in Croatia with over 925 islands, islets, rocks and reefs. Stone labyrinths of dry-folded walls, as well as endless number of vineyards and olive trees will surround you in all three parts of Dalmatia – North, Central and South. And in each of them you will be greeted by unique cultural monuments of Mediterranean cities and the inimitable magic of pristine, untouched nature. Among most famous places of the archipelago are the islands of Krk, Korčula, Mljet, Brač and Hvar.
Photo: Dieter_G / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: Arnie Papp / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Yacht Rent (CC BY 2.0)
Fiji
Republic of Fiji is home to more than 300 separate patches of land, where tourists are greeted by fabulous lagoons, superb beaches, rolling hills and a forest that stays green 365 days a year. People inhabit only ⅓ of all the islands. This piece of paradise is located away from the continents.
Photo: catlin.wolfard (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: HeikoBrown / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: pxhere (CC0 1.0)
Kaua ʻi
Kaua ʻi is a fabulously beautiful Hawaiian island, which is known to a number of travelers under its unofficial name “The Garden Island”. It was formed as a result of volcanic activity and, according to scientists, is about 6 million years old. Kauai is one of the oldest islands on the planet, its main attractions are unique natural objects, which will be interesting to all travelers without exception.
Photo: Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: cello5 / pixabay (Pixabay License)
Photo: Aloha_Mahalo (pixabay.com) / needpix (CC0)
Saint Lucia
In the Caribbean Sea, in the center of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, there is a volcanic island with a rich and picturesque nature: tropical forests with giant ferns, wild orchids and rare species of parrots. Saint Lucia is famous for its healing mineral and sulfur springs, waterfalls, sandy beaches and unique descents into the craters of volcanoes. It hosts a carnival every year in February, and a jazz festival and sailing regattas in May.
Photo: Aneil Lutchman (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Photo: Destination 2 (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: JD Lasica / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Capri
Due to its delightful nature and interesting architecture, the resort of Capri has been popular since ancient times. Both ordinary people and celebrities come here. The island has a mild climate, lush subtropical vegetation and rocky coast. More than 850 species of various plants and trees grow here. And pay attention that there is almost no rain on Capri!
Photo: Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Berthold Werner (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Veselina Dzhingarova (CC BY 2.0)
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are a group of four islands located about 50 kilometers east of Phuket. This is one of the most remote daily diving destinations. It takes 2.5 hours to get to Phi Phi by dive boat, but of course it’s worth it!
Photo: Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Puripant (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo: Kullez / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
The most beautiful islands: Whitsunday Islands
These islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Most of them are home to national parks, and the main attractions for travelers here are access to coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, pristine beaches and clear aquamarine warm water.
Photo: Internet2014 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Ed Yourdon (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Photo: ArtTower / pixabay (Pixabay License)
The most beautiful islands: Sardinia
The sunny Mediterranean island of Sardinia is simply made for a heavenly holiday. It has a luxurious infrastructure, respectable hotels, white beaches and a comfortable climate. Sardinia is diverse, shining with the colors of bustling port cities and small villages on the shores of the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas.
Photo: arianta / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: scarabeo150 (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: tristanmimet / pixabay (Pixabay License)
The most beautiful islands: Galápagos Islands (Islas Galápagos)
This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and is today one of the best wildlife watching sites in the world. Each island in the archipelago is unique. It has everything from gorgeous white beaches to volcanic cliffs.
Galápagos Islands on map
