The world is a beautiful place where nature sometimes fascinates us with its mysteries and wonders. There are different countries, inhabited by people of different ethnicities. Different languages and cultures are spoken. Each region has something unique and different to offer. Either it has a rich culture, a diverse population, beautiful weather or a varied landscape. Of these, the islands are the ideal holiday destination. Take long walks on the beach, take a dip in the cool sea water, or sit back and relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunshine.
If you are one of those people who love to travel and want to see the world, here is a list of the most beautiful islands in paradise, which you should add to your list of sites and visit as soon as possible.
Read also: The most beautiful islands in the world: Top 55 of these dream places
Ranking 2022: the most beautiful islands in the world
1 - Moorea, French Polynesia
Do you dream of volcanic mountains, powdery sandy beaches and turquoise waters? Moorea is surely one of the most beautiful islands in the world! It is only 30 minutes away from Tahiti by high-speed catamaran. Mo'orea is a place to relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.
Discover the authentic Tahitian culture of the island. Explore the tropical nature on foot. Rent a car or bike and drive around Moorea's 60 kilometres of coastline. Pass by white churches and sleepy fishing villages. Finally, stop for tropical fruit, fresh tuna or a frozen coconut.
Recommended hotels include Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora.
2 - Jamaica
In Jamaica, you'll love the warm Caribbean climate. In addition to its picturesque beaches and beautiful sunsets it has majestic waterfalls.
Our favourite spots: for the romantics "Reach Falls" in Portland. For party lovers, Negril town for its reggae concerts and psychedelic sunsets. Also visit the Pelican bar, named after the pelicans that like to perch on its roof. It's one of the coolest bars in the world. It's located in the middle of the sea! If you're lucky, you might even see wild dolphins on your way.
3 - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has long appealed to adventurers. There are mountains to climb and thick forests to explore. There are also ancient shipwrecks to discover in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There are many beautiful beaches. But with so much to see and do, finding time to lie back and relax can be a challenge. Whether on land or at sea, there is always plenty to explore and the curious can't resist.
The island is a real melting pot. Comprising countless cultures and languages, but life is easy. Visit prehistoric sites and sites rich in cultural heritage. Wander through forests, rice fields and quiet villages - on foot, on horseback or even on an elephant. And take the paths to the hills and mountains, the choice is yours. The interior begs to be explored. But the beach is the biggest temptation. You'll find attractive sands, diving and world-class surfing.
4- Fiji Islands
Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is divided into nine island groups. You can visit Fiji all year round. Temperatures remain stable at around 27°C. Marine activities such as swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are possible in all seasons. Divers enjoy increased visibility around the coral reefs during Fiji's winter months from May to October.
The largest and most important island in the country is called Viti Levu. It is the most economically developed. In addition, it has a rich cultural heritage to explore. The best attractions of Viti Levu are on the beach. Our favourites are the dolphins, the kitesurfers' paradise of "Nananu-i-Ra" and the coral reefs of "Bligh Passage".
5- The Maldives Islands
The Maldives are a beautiful chain of atolls in the Indian Ocean. It consists of over 1,000 coral islands. The Maldives Islands are distinguished by their white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters. The tropical islands are sunny and warm all year round. However, the most popular time to visit is between November and April, as this is the rainiest period.
Visit the coral reefs of the Maldives for one of the world's most unique destinations. The area is world famous for scuba diving and snorkelling. Divers can see turtles and brightly coloured tropical fish. For the more adventurous, swim with giant whale sharks and see manta rays at night.
When planning your trip, you'll be spoilt for choice for luxury hotels. Some are located on tiny private islands and accessible by seaplane or boat from the main island.
The Maldives is often selected by tourism magazines as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
6- Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
The Ko Phi Phi archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The latter is a marginal sea in the Indian Ocean. Since it lies off the west coast of southern Thailand, it is home to an interesting range of plant and animal species. The two main islands of the group are Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Ko Phi Phi is the ideal destination for nature lovers. Koh Phi Phis Flora impresses with its mix of jungle and rocky landscapes. In addition, the island's guides can take you on an incredible jungle trek. This way you will see many animals, such as monkeys, snakes and wild birds.
7- St Lucia
St Lucia is just an eight-hour direct flight from the UK, and the ideal destination for adventurers. The island has volcanic origins and if you like hiking, you'll love 'The Pitons', two mountainous World Heritage-listed volcanic plugs.
The best beaches in the Caribbean are found in St Lucia, the most famous being Sugar Beach and Marigot Bay. Grande Anse is the place to go if you want to see sea turtles emerging from the water and laying their eggs on the sand. The luxury Sugar Beach resort is unique and is perfect for family holidays and romantic getaways.
8. Djerba "The island of dreams" is a favourite
Djerba is a small island in southern Tunisia with white sandy beaches and whitewashed domed houses. The Djerban people are culturally distinct from mainland Tunisians and retain many of their traditions and unique architecture. The medina of Houmt Souk is particularly pleasant and an inexpensive place to shop and dine without hassle. Resort hotels line the east coast in the Tourist Zone.
Djerba can be visited all year round as the climate is moderate. However, the best time to visit the island and enjoy the sun and sea is in summer, from May to October. In April the temperature is quite warm, especially in the second half of the month, but the sea is still cool. In October the sea is still warm, and there are still many warm and sunny days, but the first lows, which bring the first rains further north, can bring some cloudiness and wind.
9- Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 tropical islands of white sandy beaches located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Marine life enthusiasts won't miss the opportunity to snorkel or dive in the wonderful Great Barrier Reef, an emotional and unforgettable experience.
It is difficult to choose where to stay in the archipelago as there are so many islands.
Our favourite resort is on Hamilton Island, the largest and most popular of the Whitsunday Islands. "Qualia" is a resort of 60 secluded lodges hidden away on the northern tip of the island. Condé Nast Traveler named Qualia the best resort on the planet in 2012. It's an adults-only retreat with an award-winning spa, two superb guest restaurants, a library, two bars and an excellent catalogue of water activities.
10- Kauai, Hawaii
This dream island is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Kaua'i is part of the Hawaiian archipelago and is also called the "Garden Island". It is indeed an island of rugged mountains, lush valleys and cascading waterfalls. Our tips: explore the beautiful cliffs of the Napali Coast on the north side of the island and the Coconut Coast on the east side.
On the south shore you will find sites of cultural, historical and geological significance alongside beautiful beaches. The island of Kauaʻi has been featured in over 70 Hollywood films and television shows, including Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and Jurassic World.
11- Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Waiheke is only a 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland. Enjoy this paradise of vineyards and olive groves, take part in a wine tasting and relax over a delicious lunch in the vineyards. Waiheke is an immersive adventure, where you can walk along the cliffs, explore the beaches or fly gently through the forest on a zip line.
If you want to stay overnight on the island, we recommend staying at the Delamore Lodge, where you can enjoy relaxing spa treatments, sophisticated food and wine and an irresistible pool overlooking the bay.
12- Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
The Croatian Dalmatian coastline borders the west coast of the country and is a unique destination of picturesque islands and resorts. No matter which of the seventy islands you choose, you will return with incredible memories. Our favourite island is undoubtedly Cres, known for its griffin population, where you can marvel at the oak forests, admire the majestic cliffs that line the sea and relax on the peaceful beaches.
The largest city and coastal hub is Split, a paradise of UNESCO World Heritage sites and museums. Tourists sometimes neglect to pass by the beach-starved Croatian capital, the giant of Zagreb, an architectural and historical treasure that we recommend visiting.
13- Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a favourite destination for surfers and divers from all over the world. But there is much more to discover than its beaches and marine biodiversity. Exotic temples and palaces set against breathtaking scenery make the island an experience of its kind.
Choose wisely where to stay on the island as each town offers a different experience. "Seminyak is Bali's beach resort. Most of the island's best restaurants are located around it and night owls will enjoy its nightlife. In contrast, Ubud is very quiet and is an ideal place for nature lovers. Known for its lush green valleys by the beach and its rich art, culture and history. But if you are a party animal, "Kuta" is known as the ideal destination. There are many bars and discos open until the early hours.
14- Cook Islands
The fifteen Cook Islands are a small, warm tropical paradise in the heart of the Pacific. The main island "Rarotonga" is very modern but has a robust culture firmly rooted in traditional Polynesian values and history. You'll enjoy great coffee, artisanal cuisine and be spoilt for choice with a range of outdoor activities, from lagoon cruises and cultural visits to fishing and hiking.
Don't miss the sublime lagoon of Aitutaki, one of the jewels of the Pacific, surrounded by tiny deserted islands and swim in the underground pools of "Mitiaro" and "Ma'uke".
15- Santorini, Greece
Welcome to one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Santorini offers a unique landscape of exotic coloured beaches: black, red and white, a product of their volcanic sand. Imagine yourself swimming in the mythical warmth of the Aegean Sea, with a backdrop of a volcano and beautiful sunsets.
The architecture of the island is very special, with churches built in caves and whitewashed houses, blue domed churches and cobbled paths of stunning beauty.
Read also: The most beautiful Greek islands to discover with a charter boat
16- Palawan, Philippines
Voted #1 among the most beautiful islands in the world in 2015, treat yourself to delicious local cuisine and local beers in Palawan. One of the things we loved most was the "Puerto Princesa Underground River" in Sabang. It was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012 and is a good day trip with "Sabang Beach".
If you're not a fan of the crowds, Port Barton is a very quiet village where you'll find some nice beaches. You can also go snorkelling to see sea turtles. Others prefer to kayak to the nearby islets, which you'll have all to yourself. Palawan is an important stopover for migratory birds. The island is home to 15 species of birds found nowhere else. "Coron Bay is a very interesting destination for divers. Here you will find more than half a dozen sunken ships from the Second World War. Experienced divers can enter the ships and discover a dark and lost world of abandoned engine rooms. In some wrecks you will find personal effects and bomb holes opening up in the depths.
17- Mauritius
Mauritius is the ideal holiday destination for any tourist. The island offers a variety of water sports, beautiful white sandy beaches, long walks in the mountains, wildlife etc. It is an island full of history and culture.
It is an island steeped in history. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit: "Aapravasi Ghat" in the colonial capital of Port Louis and "Le Morne". This is a mountain used as a refuge by runaway slaves in the 18th century.
There are also some incredible national parks to see, such as the "Black River Gorges" and the "Casela Wildlife Park" where you can walk with lion cubs.
Mauritius is often ranked among the most beautiful islands in the world.
18- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora is a remote island in the South Pacific. Located northwest of Tahiti, it is popular with tourists for its luxury resorts with bungalows on stilts. One of the best hotels is the five-star Four Seasons Hotel.
Surrounded by white sandy beaches and turquoise waters protected by a coral reef, it's a great place to snorkel and dive.
The most impressive view of the island is from the centre of Mount Otemanu, where there is a dormant volcano rising to 727m.
Bora Bora is often selected as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
19- The Seychelles Islands
The Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, has 115 idyllic islands. The majority of these islands are characterised by long white sandy beaches with huge pink granite rocks. Anse Lazio is one of the most special beaches to be seen and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.
The Aldabra Islands are the second largest atoll in the world, surrounded by coral reefs and home to 152,000 giant tortoises.
The lush Vallee de Mai National Park is the only place where all six endemic palm species are found together. The Coco de mer produces one of the largest fruits. Many Asian cultures value this fruit for its aphrodisiac, medicinal and mystical properties.
20- Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a volcanic island in Hawaii with 30 miles of beach and crystal clear waters. If you like snorkeling, you must see the rainbow of corals and tropical fish.
There's so much to do on the island too. Don't miss the famous Haleakalā National Park. Visitors will discover beautiful waterfalls, bamboo forest, Hawaiian geese and dormant volcanoes. Spend the day in the park and enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the mountains. Stroll through the historic sites of Lahaina and head to Hana. From the island of Maui, you can sail to romantic Lanai. This island is also known for its shipwrecked beach, with the wreckage of a World War II tanker.
The island is made up of a few microclimates and the weather varies considerably depending on which side of the island you stay on. The western side is generally the warmest, although the tropical climate can even vary from day to day, with extremes of sunshine and thunderstorms.
21- Reunion Island, France
Situated to the east of Madagascar, Reunion Island is one of the most magical islands you can imagine. It is known for its lush green landscapes, active volcanoes and black and white sandy beaches. It is not only one of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, but the world as a whole!
Reunion Island is a French island with some of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world. The island is a favourite place for tourists to escape their hectic lives and relax on white sandy beaches for a while. Although you may think "I've never heard of this island", this is not surprising as it is a French territory (known as "France-Lointain") and the island's website is only in French.
Reunion Island is a must for your visit to French Polynesia. It has some of the best dive sites in the world and is a great place to learn or improve your scuba diving skills. The coastline is breathtaking with turquoise water stretching to the horizon.
22- Azores, Portugal
Looking for a unique island experience? Look no further than the Azores!
The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean and far from the big cities. There are nine islands: São Miguel, São Jorge, Terceira, Faial, Pico, Flores and Corvo. They were under Portuguese rule until the 19th century. Today they belong to Portugal but have their own autonomy and institutions. The region obtained the status of OEC (Organised Entities with Community Attributes) in 2002. The Azores are known worldwide as an excellent destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to a temperate climate and low wave heights in summer that allow for good days on the water all year round. So if you like to spend your holidays under sunny skies where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes surrounded by fascinating nature, you should visit an island in the Azores.
The Azores are known for their outdoor adventures, namely diving, surfing and whale watching. It also offers mouth-watering cuisine and breathtaking scenery.
I visited the Azores in 2014, and I couldn't believe how pristine and untouched it was! Sure, it's getting more popular every year, but it still retains much of its rustic island charm.
23- Corsica, France
Corsica is a breathtakingly beautiful Mediterranean island, nicknamed "The Island of Beauty". Corsica doesn't get as many tourists as the neighbouring islands of Sardinia and Sicily because it hasn't marketed itself as well... but who needs marketing when you have such a beautiful island?
"The Isle of Beauty" is one of the best islands in the world with incredible beaches and scenery. I took a long holiday in Corsica and met new friends there. The people are lovely and it is worth spending some time there.
Corsica is a great place for anyone looking for a beautiful island to visit. This Mediterranean paradise has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Calvi, where you can sunbathe and relax on a pristine beach overlooking crystal blue waters. Beautiful secluded beaches such as Ajaccio and Mercato are also places to visit if you're looking for a beach holiday in Corsica.
24- Tahiti, France
French Polynesia has many breathtaking islands, but Tahiti is certainly among the best. Unlike some tropical islands that only offer beach clubs and resorts, Tahiti has a bit of everything. In the same day, you can sip cocktails on a beautiful white sand beach, go waterfall hunting and shop till you drop in the myriad of shops and markets that dot the island. It's one of the most romantic islands in the world, but it also has plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts. And don't forget the incredible French cuisine!
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and one of the most famous islands in the world. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, very close to Hawaii. When you think of Tahiti, the first thing that comes to mind is paradise and it is! Tahiti is best known for its exotic blue lagoon (Te Ava-i-Tai) surrounded by motu (islets), deep green hills, tropical forests and coconut trees. Tahiti has a rich history, from the indigenous Polynesians who populated the island around 800 AD to the explorer James Cook who was killed on the island. The people of Tahiti are called "Tahitians" and are known to be always smiling and friendly.
25- Majorca, Spain
Located in the western Mediterranean, Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands chain. It is also one of the most interesting islands in the world and it is not hard to see why.
Mallorca is home to many Roman and Moorish sites from centuries past, including royal palaces and historic churches. Palma, the capital of Mallorca, has beautiful Spanish architecture and plenty of shops and cafes dotted around.
Stay in a lively seaside resort overlooking the turquoise waters. Discover beautiful coves and limestone mountains. Music festivals pop up here all the time, so it's no wonder Mallorca attracts a younger crowd. With its sunny personality and vibrant charm, it's no surprise that Mallorca is among the most beautiful islands to visit. It's also one of the best getaways in Spain!