We have collected a selection of the most beautiful islands in the world, which were recognized as the best in 2015. It includes archipelagos and small islands – from Caribbean beaches to islands in Southeast Asia.
20. Croatia, islands of Hvar and Dolmatia
Hvar is rightfully considered one of the most exquisite islands of the Adriatic. Its main city of the same name can be called the epicenter of all this beauty: within the walls of the 13th-century fortress are collected the best examples of elegant architecture, which are connected by marble pedestrian streets.
Tip: Local fashionistas usually gather at the Top restaurant on the roof of the Adriana Hvar Marina Hotel & Spa, which offers a beautiful view of the bay filled with beautiful yachts. The hotel also offers an excellent spa complex, which includes 2 seawater swimming pools – indoor and outdoor.
How to get there: Book a flight to Split – this is the closest airport to get to the Dalmatian Islands, and then take a water taxi to Hvar. The trip will take about an hour.
19. Cebu, Philippines
Cebu, being the most international island in the Philippines, is also famous for its beaches – both on the mainland and on the islands. The island could be compared in atmosphere to Thai Phuket, but it is more developed – there are more unusual restaurants and shopping options.
Tip: To experience the beauty of island life, head to the Camotes Islands, two hours from Cebu. But be prepared for the fact that people pay here mostly in cash.
Getting there: Many Asian airlines fly through Mactan Cebu Airport. But it is located on a neighboring island, from which it will take about 30 minutes to get to Cebu.
18. Santa Lucia
It’s hard to imagine something more photogenic than the 2 volcanoes of Santa Lucia. However, the entire island consists of a luxurious jungle and luxury hotels – which is why Santa Lucia is so popular among destinations for honeymooners.
Tip: Be sure to check out Anse Cochon (“Bay of Pigs”). Rent a boat, dive to the bottom or just swim – the experience will be incredible.
Getting there: Many American airlines fly directly to Santa Lucia from Atlanta and Miami. If you have time, be sure to take a boat to the neighboring islands of Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.
17. Orkney Islands, Scotland
You can still feel the spirit of the Vikings on the islands in the north-eastern part of Scotland. Home to Neolithic UNESCO sites, beaches with clear blue waters, and a diverse landscape, this archipelago is a great place to explore, both historically and for beach holidays.
Tip: Stay in the rooms at the Creel Restaurant. And be sure to try the seafood here.
Getting there: There are regular flights from Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Another option is the ferry from Aberdeen, but it doesn’t run as often. If possible, take a day cruise through the Orkney islands of Eday, Sunday and Hoy.
16. Maldives
There is more ocean here than land: chains of tiny islands and coral atolls stretch far into the Indian Ocean. Even most hotels offer accommodation over the water – in original bungalows.
Tip: The Maldives is rich in coral reefs, formed in prehistoric times, and atolls. They are home to thousands of species of fish, turtles, dolphins and even whales. Many hotels offer a variety of underwater excursions for those who are interested in how and what the ocean lives.
How to get there: Many Asian and European airlines offer direct flights directly to Male, the main city of the Maldives.
15. Boracay, Philippines
This tiny island (only 10 square kilometers) in the western part of the Philippines is much closer to the tropical idyll that everyone usually tries to find in Southeast Asia: it has amazingly beautiful beaches, beautiful nature, and stunning sunsets . Add to this the vibrant nightlife, and you have one of the best places in the region.
Tip: White Beach, with its simple name, is considered one of the best on the island: white sand and azure shallow waters are an ideal combination for diving and just swimming.
How to get there: There are regular flights from Manila to Caticlan, from where passenger boats go directly to White Beach.
14. Mykonos, Greece
They say that it was here that Hercules killed the invincible titans – and this is by no means the only legend with which the Greek island of Mykonos is associated. A popular tourist stop on numerous cruises, Mykonos has been one of the best party destinations since the time of Dionysus.
Advice: It is better not to come here in July and August – you will only see crowds and are unlikely to get a proper idea of the life of the locals. A must see is the so-called “Little Venice” area, where it is worth dining at the Kounelas restaurant, near the harbor, to try what regulars call the most delicious fish on the island.
Getting there: There are daily flights from Athens that last only 35 minutes. There is also a well-established ferry crossing – this is a more budget option, but you will spend about 5 hours on the way.
13. St. John’s, Virgin Islands
This small island in the Caribbean is an area that has not yet been taken over by global development. Perhaps this happened due to the fact that two thirds of the island’s territory is a national park. This makes St. John’s an ideal destination for those who love being close to nature and don’t mind exploring the jungle or scuba diving.
Tip: St. Bay John’s Trunk, with its turquoise water and perfect sandy beach, is considered one of the best in the entire world for both relaxation and diving.
How to get there: There is no airport on the island, so a boat will be your main means of transportation. Ferries depart from two ports: Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie. Travel time usually takes from 20 to 45 minutes.
12. British Virgin Islands
The eastern part of the Virgin Islands archipelago is a more laid-back version of the US Virgin Islands. The archipelago has about 60 islands, many of which are uninhabited. But to explore the local beaches, bars and shipwrecks, you’ll need a boat.
Tip: Be sure to swim among the towering cliffs at Baths, a national park located on the Virgin Gorda coastline. Huge boulders were once formed by ancient volcanoes, but today there are a lot of grottoes and cozy natural pools to explore.
Getting there: There are no direct flights to the British Virgin Islands, but you can fly to Puerto Rico or St. Thomas and then find a boat to get there by boat.
11. Cook Islands
Have you ever dreamed of an abandoned island? So the Cook Islands, between New Zealand and Hawaii, are it: coral lagoons, limestone caves and fields of pearls.
Tip: If you like surfing, then go to the northern part of Rarotonga, where the waves will be stronger.
Getting there: There are daily flights from Auckland to Rarotonga International Airport. There are also weekly flights from Sydney, Fiji and Los Angeles.
10. Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania, located on the southern coast of mainland Australia, attracts those who love trekking, intense thrills and breathtaking views.
Tip: Be sure to check out Saffire Freycinet. As the guidebooks write, there is little that can compare in beauty with this place.
Getting there: There are regular low-cost flights from Melbourne to Hobart.
9. Santorini, Greece
Perhaps none of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea is shrouded in as many myths as this one. Santorini in the southern part of the Cyclades was originally formed by volcanism, thanks to which beautiful rocks, picturesque cities and ancient ruins appeared here, reminiscent of the fabulous Atlantis.
Tip: Spend an evening in the small town of Oia, located on the southwest coast.
How to get there: there are direct flights from London and Athens. But if you have time, it is better to take a ferry from Athens: the journey will take from 5 to 8 hours, but what you see will remain in your memory for a long time.
8. Bali, Indonesia
Many who have been here claim that there is little that compares to Bali. Here the best seafood and the best beaches, families ride motorbikes, and monkeys are trying to steal your glasses – every step will become a memory, say experienced ones.
Tip: Avoid Denpasar and Kutu, they are tourist traps, but make sure to get to Ubud and set aside a few days for the small town of Munduk in the mountains of northern Bali.
Getting there: There are many direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
7. Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver lovers say you should stay on this island for as long as you can afford, because there is so much to see and do. You can choose a pastime from fishing in the most picturesque places, wine tasting, sailing or just long walks along the beaches.
Advice: it is best to check in at the Wickaninnish Inn, considered one of the best hotels on the island. It is made of cedar and is located at the entrance to the Pacific National Wildlife Refuge.
How to get there: you need to fly to mainland Vancouver and get to the island on one of the ferries that make about 25 routes to 47 terminals in Vancouver Island.
6. Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef consists of more than 3,000 individual reefs and hundreds of islands, and has such an unusual structure that it is even visible from space. The 74 islands of the Whitsunday group offer perhaps the best snorkeling and diving courses in the world.
Tip: The water at Whitehaven Beach is famous for its changing colors, changing from turquoise to green and azure. Quartz sand sets off the water.
Getting there: Domestic flight from Brisbane.
5. Bermuda
Although this small island is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the climate in Bermuda is decidedly subtropical. As a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda is a blend of American, English and Caribbean cultures, and offers travelers plenty to do, from snorkeling off sandy pink beaches, golfing, quaint shopping, museums and more. much more.
Tip: Bermuda Caverns is famous for its famous Crystal and Fantasy caves. Did you know that one of their first visitors was Mark Twain?
How to get there: there are regular direct flights to Bermuda from 8 cities on the east coast of the United States, including New York, Atlanta and Miami (travel time will be about 2-3 hours).
4. Wake Island, New Zealand
Wake Island in New Zealand is a cross between America’s Nantucket and Sonoma, but with New Zealand charm. It’s only a 30-minute boat ride from Auckland, but is an area filled with vineyards and great restaurants, which makes it a great option for those looking for an excuse to escape the city. Another advantage of Wake is that in addition to the beaches on the northern part of the island, there are also tunnels that survived World War II – meaning, don’t worry, you’ll find something to do here.
Tip: Rent a car, with a driver if possible, and just drive around the island, following your intuition or the driver’s directions.
How to get there: ferry leaves every hour from Auckland.
3. Moorea, French Polynesia
Moorea is located in the northwestern part of Tahiti and is an amazing combination of green mountains, white sand beaches and blue lagoons. Also on the island are the ruins of ancient temples of marae – ancient Polynesians who lived here many centuries ago.
Tip: be sure to go for a swim in the Lagoonarium de Moorea, a lagoon protected from prying eyes and winds, where you can dive with your equipment. Here you can explore coral reefs and see sharks, rays and other inhabitants of the underwater world.
How to get there: from the port of Papeete in Tahiti there is a regular service to Moorea.
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
In 2014, this island was recognized as the most photogenic place on Earth, and when you get here, you will understand that it is deserved. Bora Bora is protected by a barrier reef, which makes the lagoon safe and even more beautiful.
Tip: The most luxurious rooms on the island are usually thatched-roof bungalows directly over the water. But the most luxurious hotel can rightfully be called St. Regis, who has the territory of the entire island at his disposal.
How to get there: take a flight from Tahiti, the journey takes only 45 minutes.
1. Palawan, Philippines
This small island made it to the top of the list due to its unique natural features, namely underwater rivers, especially common in the area of the city of Puerto Princesa.
Tip: Palawan’s underground rivers are considered to be some of the longest rivers underground, so the best way to see them is to take a boat tour.
How to get there: You can fly directly to Puerto Princesa, where Palawan’s main airport is located. There are also ferries from Manila, but the journey time will be about 24 hours.
Source: cntraveler.com
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