BEST ISLANDS

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Why Visit: Iconic overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and Mount Otemanu. A paradise for snorkeling, romance, and luxury.

2. Santorini, Greece

Why Visit: Whitewashed villages with blue domes, volcanic beaches, and legendary sunsets over the Aegean Sea.

3. Maldives

Why Visit: Pristine private-island resorts, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and surreal bioluminescent beaches.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Why Visit: Spiritual temples (Tanah Lot), lush rice terraces (Tegallalang), vibrant nightlife in Seminyak, and surfing in Uluwatu.

5. Maui, Hawaii, USA

Why Visit: Road to Hana waterfalls, Haleakalā National Park’s volcanic landscapes, and humpback whale watching in winter.

6. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Why Visit: Wildlife wonderland with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and snorkeling alongside sea lions. A living laboratory of evolution.

7. Palawan, Philippines

Why Visit: UNESCO-listed lagoons (El Nido, Coron), crystal-clear kayaking spots, and the underground river in Puerto Princesa.

8. Fiji

Why Visit: Friendly villages, soft coral diving in the Yasawa Islands, and private-island resorts with traditional bure huts.

9. Iceland

Why Visit: Volcanic landscapes, geothermal lagoons (Blue Lagoon), and the dramatic Westfjords. A gateway to the Northern Lights.

10. Seychelles

Why Visit: Granite boulders on Anse Source d’Argent, rare Aldabra giant tortoises, and secluded beaches on La Digue.

11. Phuket, Thailand

Why Visit: Vibrant nightlife in Patong, day trips to Phi Phi Islands, and lush rainforests in Sirinat National Park.

12. Sicily, Italy

Why Visit: Ancient Greek ruins (Valley of the Temples), Mount Etna hikes, and Sicilian cannoli in Palermo’s markets.

13. Cook Islands

Why Visit: Untouched Polynesian culture, Aitutaki’s lagoon (the “world’s most beautiful”), and quiet, crowd-free beaches.

14. Tasmania, Australia

Why Visit: Wild wilderness in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, convict history at Port Arthur, and vibrant Hobart.

15. Azores, Portugal

Why Visit: Volcanic lakes (Sete Cidades), whale watching, and hot springs on São Miguel. Europe’s hidden Eden.

16. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Why Visit: Spice tours in Stone Town, white sands of Nungwi Beach, and historic Swahili architecture.

17. St. Lucia, Caribbean

Why Visit: Pitons’ volcanic peaks, sulfur springs, and luxury resorts nestled in rainforests.

18. Corsica, France

Why Visit: Dramatic cliffs (Calanques de Piana), GR20 hiking trail, and Napoleon’s birthplace in Ajaccio.

19. Jeju Island, South Korea

Why Visit: Hallasan Mountain hikes, lava tube caves, and Haenyeo (female diver) culture.

20. Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Why Visit: Na Pali Coast’s emerald cliffs, Waimea Canyon (“Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), and lush Hanalei Bay.