Whether you are looking for a traditional summer holiday or a means to escape the winter blues by traveling to the other hemisphere, the greatest island holidays in the world are waiting for you. When you reach your island paradise, surrounded by water on all sides, those notes almost write themselves.
But where do you even begin organizing such a tropical holiday? The variety of locations and cultures represented on this list guarantees that you’ll be able to locate an option that suits your holiday demands.
Santorini
You’ve probably seen Santorini if you’ve spent time on Instagram in the past ten years. Located in the azure Aegean Sea, this Greek island is a sight.
Gorgeous homes dot the countryside, their white facades capped with blue roofs and shutters. Santorini is the most popular island in Greece, and with good reason.
The stunning landscapes are only the beginning of what this island has to offer. The stunning sunsets from Ia, the charming towns, and the interesting cave explorations are just a few of the highlights.
And if you’re a foodie, Santorini is also the ideal holiday spot. The traditional cuisine of the Mediterranean, including its famed diet, includes an abundance of fresh fish. Santorini is only one of several stunning Greek islands; to make the most of your holiday, consider taking a boat to nearby Mykonos or perhaps Crete for a day excursion.
Con Dao, Vietnam
A part of me almost doesn’t want to tell anybody about how great the beaches on Con Dao are in Vietnam for fear that they won’t remain undiscovered for long. Con Dao is a little island off the southern coast of Vietnam that has seen relatively little economic growth. As a result, the beaches are peaceful, and the few resort choices provide an intimate getaway. The long, sandy beaches are ideal for paddle sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and a stunning reef is only a short kayak ride away. The downtown area has a charming, coastal vibe thanks to its many cozy cafes and eateries, and history buffs will appreciate the proximity of landmarks.
Attend the birth of baby turtles! On the nearby island, you may travel over at night and stay at the ranger station, where you will be told when they detect a mother turtle depositing her eggs. Visit in August, and you can see this miraculous event. Plan your trip so that you may be at the turtle refuge early in the morning when the hatchlings are released, and you can witness them swim out to sea.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a unique island in the Caribbean due to its tropical warmth, isolated palm-fringed beaches, and patchwork quilt-like geography. You may go for a night swim in bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, see tree frogs in the El Yunque jungle, and marvel at the country’s wealth of stunning golden dunes. Hotel Wyndham Grand Rio Mar The Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is a world-class hotel with all the comforts and conveniences of a four-star establishment. The Mandara Spa, inspired by Bali, has meditation spaces, a salon, and multiple steam rooms, and there are two championship golf courses. Meanwhile, the bedrooms are bright and open, with pops of color here and there.
Aside from being considerate of the money, Chalet Olas del Sol sports spectacular sea views. There is a garden and several excellent trails nearby. With two bedrooms, a living area, and a fully equipped kitchen, Olas del Sol is a perfect alternative for small parties or families on a budget.
Lanai, Hawaii
Visit Lanai, the smallest populated island in Hawaii, to escape it all. This little island, located only nine miles off the coast of Maui, was formerly used for growing pineapples but today provides a unique blend of raw adventure and ultra-luxurious leisure.
The Azores
The Google image search results for The Azores will transport you to another world. The nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago off Portugal’s coast are home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in all of Europe and the finest of Southern European culture. In the Azores, the environment is transformed into lush green trees all year, and gorgeous meadows are dotted with wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Gorgeous beaches, iridescent lakes, and centuries-old Portuguese settlements can be found on each island. A journey here will seem like you’ve traveled back in time to a land untainted by civilization.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
This one is perfect for you if you want to go to a faraway place without leaving the country. Fuerteventura could be the most intriguing island in the Canaries due to its desolate beaches, crystal-clear sea, and hippie culture. The consistent trade winds make it an ideal location for all water activities.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a terrific island destination for honeymooners, couples, friends, families with children, and even solitary travelers—anybody searching for lovely, warm tropical weather and plenty of exciting things to see and enjoy.
Beautiful beaches, Turquoise Ocean, mouth-watering cuisine, and infinite activities. Island holidays provide all this and more in a tiny, easy-to-navigate package.
Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
