Many seasoned travellers have their sights set on seeing some of the most stunning islands in the world. In general, islands have stunning beauty. After all, they’re a chain of islands. However, not every island is the same. Those who made it into my top 10 are breathtaking.
Whether you are hoping to relax on a beach or plan an action-packed adventure, these islands have plenty to offer you, thanks to their gorgeous landscapes, stunning beaches, and intriguing cultures. Here are the top five most beautiful islands in the world, ranging from the wet coasts of Canada to the arid reefs of the Maldives.
Maldives
The islands of the Maldives are among the most beautiful in the world, but the ocean gives them their true radiance. These beaches scarcely rise out of the Indian Ocean and are lapped by blue seas of pristine purity.
The Maldives archipelago consists of 26 coral atolls and is the lowest-lying country on Earth. Its highest point is just three metres above sea level, and that number decreases by a metre per year. Divers and snorkelers from all over the globe are drawn to the area because of the thriving coral reefs found under the hypnotic surface waters. Surfers are also drawn to the area for its relatively empty waves.
Back on land, the Maldives’ five-star resorts serve as excellent jumping-off locations for ocean-centred excursions; the ocean is the archipelago’s greatest asset and its biggest danger due to global warming.
Vancouver Island (Canada)
Vancouver Island, off the coast of Canada, runs for 460 kilometres (285 miles) from Victoria in the southwest to the windswept beaches and craggy headlands of Cape Scott in the north. It is the exposed top of a submerged mountain range. It’s also a fantastic place for those who like being outside.
Paddling along peaceful coastlines, backpacking through gorgeous wilderness areas, and seeing furry, feathered, and finned flora and fauna are all options. At the same time, you may breathe in the fresh ocean air and smell the mossy aroma of old-growth rainforests as you walk barefoot down gently sloping beaches and see snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Capri, Italy
Twenty kilometres off the Amalfi Coast, the glamorous island of Capri lives up to its reputation. High cliffs and rocky outcrops rise from the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, dotted with brightly coloured flowers.
The blue grotto, a shimmering sea cave where residents drive visitors in on miniature boats and perform opera to show off the cave’s acoustics, is a popular destination. Take the funicular from the harbour of Marina Grande up to the main town of Capri, which looks like something out of a movie. The inhabitants and visitors alike are all decked up to the nines in designer threads and the island’s signature beautiful scents, and the piazza is a hive of activity. If you have time, ride the chairlift up to Monte Solaro in Anacapri, the island’s highest settlement, for breathtaking views over the island and the sea.
Martinique
You won’t find a more culturally diverse and fascinating place than Martinique. As a French territory in the Lesser Antilles, French and West Indian influences blend into the island’s cuisine and culture. The national cuisine, ‘Colombo,’ is highly recommended; it’s created with spicy chicken and coconut and features the country’s two primary varieties of food, Boudin Creole and Boudin Blanc.
But if you’re not particularly interested in the island’s cuisine, its beautiful beaches, floral gardens, volcanic peaks, and ancient buildings are sure to provide enough visual stimulation. Fort-de-France, the capital, has museums that detail the pre-Columbian and colonial history of the island.
You should also check out Saint-Pierre. After the island’s previous capital was devastated by an eruption of Mount Pelée in the early 20th century, this contemporary metropolis was constructed on its remains.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday Islands are Australia’s take on the traditional tropical island ideal, and they’re all scattered around the Great Barrier Reef, which is on the list of World Heritage sites. The 74 verdant islands that make up the Caribbean archipelago are the resurrected summits of hills submerged in the azure waters of the Coral Sea. The Whitsundays are a great place to go sailing and diving due to the abundance of marine life around the coral reefs. There are six national parks to safeguard the delicate environment, and hiking routes allow you to visit several islands.
There are many places to stay, from budget hostels to five-star resorts like the ones on Hayman Island and Hamilton Island’s Qualia. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island’s white silica sands is among the nicest in Australia. To explore the Whitsundays, most visitors begin their journey at Airlie Beach.
If you spin the Earth around, the most common hue you’ll notice is blue. What we see between the shores is just a small fraction of this lovely island, which stretches over a significant portion of the globe. Outside of the safety of land and plants, the wild ocean provides no resources for human well-being. Is there a reason you think islands are so unique?
They have a great deal of aesthetic appeal, from their pristine beaches and coral reefs to their stunning sunsets and starry sky. The selection of an island vacation spot is not always easy.
Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
