Lady’s Guide to the World’s Best Islands

When I dream about travel, it’s always tropical islands. White sand, turquoise water, and buckets of sunshine all play a role in my fantasies. If you’re the same way, today I want to inspire you with 10 of the world’s best islands.

World’s Best Islands

I’ve traveled to all these islands, and can attest to their beauty, magic, and ability to awe. If you visit, I hope you find them as enchanting as I do.

1. Zanzibar, Tanzania

The spice islands of Zanzibar are the stuff of legend. With both Arab and African roots, the islands not only have a unique cultural heritage, but also beautiful beaches, great diving and snorkeling, and excellent cuisine.

2. Cyprus

Turkish in the north, Greek in the south, Cyprus may be a divided island, but it’s also one of the world’s best islands for everything from Roman history to delicious food and wine.

Beachfront resorts in Paphos and other areas attract visitors from all over the world, and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite makes it a great place for romantic getaways.

3. Floating Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

They may be made by humans, but the Floating Islands in Lake Titicaca are some of the most unique of their kind in the world.

Constructed of reeds that grow in the lake, the islands are home to one of Peru’s indigenous groups and have a distinct, colorful culture.

4. Ile de Goree, Senegal

Just off the coast of Dakar on the westernmost point in Africa, the Ile de Goree was once a departure point for slave ships headed to the Americas.

Now the island is home to a museum dedicated to the plight of those sold into the slave trade, as well as brightly hued buildings and homes that make it as rich in aesthetic appeal as it is in historical importance.

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali needs no introduction, and my list of the world’s best islands wouldn’t be complete without it. The famous Indonesian island has long been a popular beach destination in Asia.

The island’s unique culture, vibrant art scene, dramatic landscapes, and great nightlife draw visitors from all over the world.

6. Easter Island, Chile

The mysterious moai statues on Easter Island have enchanted visitors for centuries.

The windswept island in the Pacific Ocean is dotted with moai, which line beaches, hills, fields, and just about every other place in a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the civilization that built them.

7. Bohol, Philippines

With over 7,000 isles in its archipelago, the Philippines was bound to make my list of the world’s best islands.

But Bohol stands out with its unique mix of natural attractions—the Hershey Kiss-shaped Chocolate Hills, to name one—and activities—diving, snorkeling, and boat trips to tiny desert islands off the coast are just a few.

And that’s to say nothing of the Panglao sunset skies on the island next door. They’re nothing short of breathtaking.

8. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Charles Darwin wasn’t the only one fascinated by the unique mix of species on the Galapagos Islands. They’re some of the world’s best islands for wildlife.

People from all over the world continue to flock to the Ecuadorian archipelago to witness the amazing array of animals that can be seen here.

9. Nosy Komba, Madagascar

Off the northwest coast of Madagascar sits a small island called Nosy Komba. The island is best known for its indigenous lemur population, which along with the island’s other wildlife species can be seen by visitors.

Its sandy beaches and fresh seafood also draw people from nearby islands like Nosy Be and Tsarabanjina, as well as from mainland Madagascar.

10. St Croix, USVI

In the Caribbean, St Croix is another of the world’s best islands. One of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s packed with everything from beautiful beaches to great inland areas.

I spent 5 days in St Croix. It was a great amount of time to go kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and more. There were amazing restaurants, bars, and beaches, and the island impressed me with its diversity of offerings.

If this island appeals to you, you can take a look at my blog post about the best area to stay in St Croix to find the perfect accommodation for your travel style. And if you want to see more, my itinerary for the U.S. Virgin Islands can help.

Best Islands in the World

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the world’s best islands and that it’s inspired you to travel to some new places in the future. Whether you prefer sunbathing, snorkeling, or sightseeing, there’s an island getaway for you.

How about you? What would you consider the world’s best islands?

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