Let’s face it: your Instagram feed is begging for a little more turquoise water and a little less desk clutter. Whether you want to lounge poolside with a coconut in hand or head inland for a rugged adventure, there’s no shortage of stunning islands to explore.
But if you’re an island addict with restless feet, soaking up the sun is only the beginning. The real magic happens beyond the beach, whether it’s marveling at penguin colonies in the wild, hiking around bubbling volcanoes, or immersing yourself in the rhythms of a remote island community.
These experiences turn an island escape into something far richer than just a luxurious getaway—they make it an adventure. If you’re looking to trade in your keyboard for a coconut drink, we’ve scoured the seven seas to bring you the best islands to visit in 2025. Here are the best islands to visit in 2025;
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The Falkland Islands
Perched at South America’s edge with the vast Antarctic beyond, this windswept archipelago is home to an astonishing 500,000 pairs of breeding penguins across five species. But the Falklands are far more than a penguin haven—they offer a rare sense of solitude, where the only company for hours might be grazing sheep.
The landscape, often associated with echoes of war, is surprisingly vibrant, with dazzling white sands meeting an ocean painted in endless shades of blue. Wildlife enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice, as albatrosses, dolphins, sea lions, and whales share this untamed world.
Spend a few days among bustling penguin colonies, marvel at the army of downy chicks at Volunteer Point, or kayak past curious seals and historic shipwrecks. The Falklands may feel like the edge of the world, but with its kaleidoscope of colors and creatures, it’s a destination that stays vividly in your memory long after you leave.
Sado Island
Sado Island feels like one of those beautifully preserved time capsules. After the exhilarating speed of the Shinkansen to Niigata and a hydrofoil ride across the sea, you’ll arrive at the island that demands that you slow down. Once Japan’s gold-mining powerhouse, Sado’s industrial past has faded into history.
You’ll find eerie yet fascinating remnants—underground tunnels where mechanical miners now stand in for real laborers and museums with hauntingly still classroom displays. Above ground, nature has begun reclaiming ancient wooden temples. The best way to take it all in? Drifting along the shore in a traditional round tub boat, where the island’s tranquil beauty feels like a world away from the neon glow of the mainland.
Madagascar
Stepping off the plane in Madagascar is like stepping into a world untouched by time, where nature reigns supreme in all its bizarre and breathtaking glory. Set off the coast of southeast Africa, this island nation boasts an otherworldly landscape shaped by millennia of isolation, resulting in unparalleled biodiversity.
Madagascar’s most famous residents—the wide-eyed lemurs, striking panther chameleons, and towering baobab trees—offer just a glimpse into its ecological wonders. Incredibly, about 90% of the island’s wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth. This makes every hike through its rainforests, stroll along its pristine beaches, and boat ride through its winding rivers a true adventure into the extraordinary.
Sicily
Sicily is more than just an island; it’s a grand stage where centuries of civilizations have left their mark. Washed by the warm Mediterranean, this sun-drenched gem has seduced seafarers, conquerors, and dreamers for millennia. In Syracuse, echoes of gladiators and orators still linger in the weathered stones of both Roman and Greek amphitheaters.
At Villa Romana del Casale, the dazzling mosaics bring to life a bygone era of opulence. And as you ascend the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the towering ruins transport you to a time when gods and mortals intertwined. In Sicily, history isn’t locked in museums; it spills into bustling piazzas, flavors every bite of arancini, and drifts through the air with the scent of citrus groves.
Dominica
If your idea of a Caribbean escape involves nothing more than lazing on powdery beaches with a rum punch in hand, Dominica might surprise you. Known as the “Nature Island,” this wild and untamed paradise offers far more than just sun and sand. Here, adventure is a way of life—canyoning through misty waterfalls, trekking through lush rainforests, and paddling past volcanic cliffs that rise from the sea like ancient sentinels.
Dominica feels like a secret whispered among true explorers, but perhaps not for long. A new runway extension in 2024 has unlocked direct flights from Miami. Also, the world’s longest cable car is set to debut here in late 2025. So, the island’s days of being the Caribbean’s best-kept secret may be numbered. If ever there was a time to experience Dominica in its raw, untouched glory, it’s now.
The Faroe Islands
Scattered like emerald stepping stones in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are a wild and windswept escape where nature reigns supreme. Nearly equidistant between Norway and Iceland, this remote archipelago of eighteen volcanic islands is a land of mist-draped cliffs and turf-roofed cottages. First settled by Norse adventurers in the 9th century, the Faroes have long withstood the unrelenting forces of the ocean.
Their rugged landscapes were sculpted by gales and roaring waves. Yet, beneath this untamed exterior lies a surprisingly modern heartbeat—Tórshavn, one of the world’s smallest capitals. The city blends futuristic architecture with centuries-old traditions, while award-winning chefs turn the surrounding waters into culinary masterpieces.
Wadjemup
If you’ve never heard of a Quokka before, prepare for your heart to melt. These irresistibly smiley marsupials have a way of turning even the most seasoned traveler into a giddy wildlife enthusiast. You’ll find them on one of Australia’s most spectacular islands—Wadjemup, also known as Rottnest Island.
Just a short ferry ride from Perth, this car-free paradise invites you to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and explore at a leisurely pace, whether by foot or bicycle. Pristine white sands spill into shimmering turquoise waters, where hidden coves and secluded bays beg for a midday dip.
Visitors can cycle around the car-free island, snorkel in the vibrant marine sanctuaries of The Basin and Parker Point, or simply unwind on secluded white-sand beaches. History buffs can explore the island’s past at Wadjemup Museum, while those seeking a touch of luxury can indulge in oceanfront dining or glamping under the stars.
Conclusion
2025 is shaping up to be the year of epic island adventures. Whether you want remote serenity, jaw-dropping landscapes, or just an excuse to sip cocktails in a hammock, these islands have got you covered. So go ahead, book that flight—your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
