The Best Islands in the World: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
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Unforgettable food. Cutting-edge design. Immersive experiences. These are some of your top criteria for judging what makes a quality hotel—not to mention a worthy resort, cruise, spa, or island. In tallying up the 575,048 votes cast in our 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, we were struck by both your eagerness to embrace the new and your reverence for tried-and-true classics. Your favorite hotel in the five boroughs is the two-year-old Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, but you also can’t stop returning to storied French Polynesian resort The Brando. You’ve jetted through the sprawling Istanbul International Airport, booked intrepid sailings to Antarctica, and fallen in love with historic yet innovative cities like Copenhagen. Read on to start planning your next round of travels—these are the best islands in the US, as voted by our readers.
View all of the the Readers’ Choice Awards winners for 2024 here.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
GettyTop 5 in Africa & The Indian Ocean
Chris/Unsplash5. Seychelles
Our readers aren’t the only ones who consider this African nation one of the best islands in the world: Prince William and Kate Middleton and Victoria and David Beckham spent their honeymoons on the North Island of the Seychelles. Yet some stretches of sand are so deserted that parts of the movie Castaway were filmed here. The ultimate draw, however, is the nature—the white beaches here are so beautiful that visiting them borders on a religious experience.
Pro tip: Seychelles is one of the best spots in the Indian Ocean for snorkeling. Head to the islands of La Digue and Félicité for the best variety of sealife.
Getting there: Air France, Air Seychelles, and Turkish Airlines have regular flights that connect to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), just south of the capital of Victoria.
Matteo Colombo/Getty4. Maldives
A chain of 26 atolls and more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. It’s dense with villas and overwater bungalows, and the diving is unreal (though, sadly, some of the coral has been threatened by bleaching). Still, there’s a dive for all skill levels at Ari Atoll, where you can swim with rays and, deeper down, reef sharks.
Pro tip: Cheval Blanc Randheli, the number one resort in the Indian Ocean (per this year’s reader survey), has 45 luxe villas—some tucked among the coconut groves, some jutting out directly over the water.
Getting there: Fly into Malé’s international airport and transfer there to the appropriate resort or atoll.
8vFanI/Getty3. Mauritius
Instagram and Pinterest have created renewed interest in this island in the Indian Ocean, thanks to its “underwater waterfall”—a visually stunning runoff of sand and silt best viewed from above. Roughly 550 miles east of Madagascar, Mauritius may also be home to a lost continent hiding beneath the waves.
Pro tip: Don’t trust the scales on Mauritius: The island has a stronger gravitational field, causing things (and people) to weigh more.
Getting there: The island’s Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is your link for flights to other cities in Africa, as well as to major cities in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
borchee/Getty2. Mnemba Island, Tanzania
Often overshadowed by neighboring Zanzibar, Mnemba Island demands attention—and our readers heard its call this year. Aside from dazzling white-sand beaches and some of the best snorkeling in this region of the Indian Ocean, this tiny sliver of an island is also home to andBeyond Mnemba Island, often considered one of the best private island resorts in the world.
Pro tip: There are no jetties or docks leading to the island, so getting to the beach from your connecting boat will require a bit of wading in the water. Save your nice clothes and shoes for after you reach the resort.
Getting there: Fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), then take a 90-minute (bumpy) drive followed by a 15-minute boat ride to reach Mnemba.
Demerzel21/Getty1. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
The six islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago—Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, Bangue, and Shell—are a protected conservation area and national park off the eastern coast of Africa. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” the islands have only seen the arrival of big-name resorts within the past decade, like the impeccable andBeyond Benguerra Island in 2015.
Pro tip: This is one of the few habitats of the endangered manatee-like dugong, which sailors sometimes mistook for mermaids.
Getting there: Fly to Vilanculos on the coast of Mozambique; from there, take a seaplane to your final destination.
Top 10 in Asia
Marco Bottigelli/Getty10. Siargao, Philippines
A teardrop island in the southeast of the Philippines, 500 miles away from Manila, Siargao is an under-the-radar beach getaway. It’s all-too-easy to daydream about the island’s coconut trees, butter-smooth waves, and verdant mangroves as you plan for your next travels. With a population of around 160,000, Siargao has remained unspoiled and relatively unknown, despite the recent development of new infrastructure such as the Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge and Siargao Island Sports and Tourism Complex.
Pro tip: Cloud 9 is one of the most famous surfing spots on an island known for them. Come here during peak surfing season, which starts in late August and winds down in October.
Getting there: Siargao has no international airport, so you’ll have to fly via Manila, where a 2.5-hour propeller plane flight will get you to Sayak Airport. From there, it takes about an hour to reach the hotels and other traveler-friendly areas.
Ermakova Elena/Getty9. Bali, Indonesia
Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality, and sun-kissed pleasure as Bali. The island has sadly become synonymous with the concept of overtourism, but there are still enclaves of hidden cultural treasures and undiscovered gems—if you know where to look. For a primer on everything Insta-famous and off-the-beaten-track, check out our list of the best things to do in Bali.
Pro tip: The shoulder months of April-May and September-October are the best times to visit Bali. Not only can you enjoy lower airfares and hotel rates during the low season, but you’ll also have the rare ability to see the island without its usual crowds.
Getting there: Many airlines fly directly from the United States to Bali, including Singapore Airlines, Delta, and American.
Alex Punker/Getty8. Cebu & Visayan Islands, Philippines
The Visayan Islands are a central Philippine archipelago composed of seven main islands—Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, and Semar—each with a distinct character that spotlights the many different faces of natural beauty the Southeast Asian country wears. Visit Bohol between March and June and see the legendary golden-brown, cone-shaped hills that extend as far as the eye can see. Head to the interior of Cebu and witness the milky turquoise cascades of Aguinid Falls while also touring through the forest’s abundant flora.
Pro tip: Beyond these islands’ natural beauty, they also have a host of historical sites to view such as Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the Heritage of Cebu Monument where visitors can gain a holistic view of Philippine history.
Getting there: The nearest airport to Visayan Islands is Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB). From there, depending on the destination, travelers can take a ferry or drive.
Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty7. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is not exactly a hidden gem, but that's because it's such a magical place to vacation, whether you want a busy immersion in city life or a quieter experience. Since it’s the biggest island in Thailand, you’re sure to find something to fit your desired itinerary. In general, though, we recommend skipping the overcrowded west coast and heading to quiet corners like Cape Panwa, where you’ll find luxury accommodations and rum distilleries that feel a bit more removed from the oft-touristed track.
Pro tip: Phuket Town receives far fewer tourists than the western beach areas. Here you can sample colorful spices at markets, visit aging Taoist temples, and snap photos of the colorful street murals.
Getting there: There are more than a dozen daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket, with most trips clocking in at an hour and 20 minutes.
Mlenny/Getty6. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan makes a striking first impression with its towering Karst Mountains that drop directly into its shimmering sea. But there’s more to the island than what’s on the surface—quite literally. One of its greatest assets is the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River, which stretches over five miles making it one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers. As they cruise down the river, passengers are treated to a ceiling of dramatic rock formations above them.
Pro tip: History meets adventure in Coron Bay, which is known for its shipwrecks. Divers swim alongside scorpionfish, sea turtles, and tuna through oil tankers and cargo ships that the ocean has reclaimed.
Getting there: Major carriers like United, American, and ANA service connecting flights to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), but travelers also have the option of ferrying from Manila.
Andrea Pistolesi/Getty5. Phu Quoc island, Vietnam
As an up-and-coming destination in Asia, Phú Quốc has all the trappings of a tropical white sand beach—and a genuine sense of serenity. A hop off the southern tip of the main island is the An Thoi archipelago, a more remote collection of 15 smaller islands with rugged hills and waters teeming with coral reefs that you could spend a whole trip snorkeling through.
Pro tip: The central and northern regions of Phú Quốc boasts black pepper plantations—over 950 acres of them to be exact. Establishments like Duc Ninh Pepper Farm take visitors through the meticulous process of harvesting one of the most popular spices in the world.
Getting there: Flights from Ho Chi Minh city take about one hour.
Sylvain Bouzat/Getty4. Sri Lanka
With living history dating back to over 3,000 years, nods to Sri Lanka’s many colorful lifetimes are sprinkled throughout the island nation today. While we hold out for time travel, its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are one of the best ways to tour the country through the millennia. From the verdant Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the island’s last untouched forests, to ancient fortress of Sigiriya, which displays vibrant frescoes on its storied fortress walls—the past braids easily with the present in Sri Lanka.
Pro tip: Yala National Park has the highest concentration of leopards in the world; safari in the dry season from February to July to see them. If you go during dawn or dusk, they gather at watering holes with the added bonus of soft lighting from the sunrise and sunset.
Getting there: There are several flights from the United States from Sri Lanka from major cities such as New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix from EVA Air, China Eastern, and Qatar Airways.
Vuk8691/Getty3. Boracay, Philippines
At less than four square miles, this compact Philippine island transformed from under-the-radar to overtouristed in the span of a few rocky decades—it was even temporarily shut down in 2018 to allow for much-needed redevelopment and rehabilitation. But with its sugary sands, magical sunsets, and see-your-feet-clear water, we suspect Boracay’s popularity isn’t going to wane anytime soon.
Pro tip: On Boracay’s eastern shores, steady winds make for some of the best kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions in the region.
Getting there: Take an hour-long flight from Cebu or Manila.
Manish Tulaskar/Unsplash2. Langkawi, Malaysia
Located off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, the Langkawi archipelago has pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush mountains—plus that famous Sky Bridge you’ve definitely seen pictures of. This collection of 99 islands is also a foodie wonderland (eating is the unofficial national sport here), with spicy peanut satay skewers and macheted coconuts sold everywhere from high-end hotels to sidewalk stands.
Pro tip: The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi was voted the best resort in Asia by our readers this year—chalk it up to a world-class spa, multiple beachfront restaurants, and a location in a 10 million-year-old rainforest.
Getting there: Take a one-hour flight from the Malay capital of Kuala Lumpur.
Chelsea Chehade/Unsplash1. Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand’s second-largest island is famous for its palm-lined beaches, buzzing nightlife scene, and luxurious hotels. AVANI+ Samui Resort was voted one of the best resorts in Thailand by our readers, though the hillside villas at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves at The Library are also worth checking out. In terms of beaches, be sure to visit the five-mile Chaweng Beach, lined with coconut trees and surrounded by a natural reef. Just note that the northern end of the beach is party central.
Pro tip: If you are looking for parties, check out Green Mango, one of Koh Samui’s oldest and most famous clubs.
Getting there: You can fly directly from Bangkok to Koh Samui. A more budget-friendly option may be to fly to Surat Thani and then catch a ferry to Koh Samui—it will add a couple of hours to your travel time, but the views are pretty spectacular.
Top 5 in Australia & the South Pacific
Guillaume Marques/Unsplash5. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
While many islands claim to have the perfect snorkeling conditions, the Whitsunday Islands edge out the competition with one major claim to fame: the Great Barrier Reef. This collection of 74 islands is a popular jumping-off point for exploring the world’s most famous reef, though its abundance of gorgeous beaches—namely Whitehaven Beach—makes a great case for staying closer to dry land for a while.
Pro tip: Making literal waves since it opened in late 2019, Reefsuites—Australia’s first underwater hotel—is the perfect spot to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.
Getting there: The easier way to reach the Whitsunday Islands is by air. From Australia’s main cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne), either hop on a flight to Hamilton Island or Whitsunday Coast Airport on the mainland.
Fabe Collage/Unsplash4. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, offering enough sheltered lagoons, staggering mountains, epic surf breaks, and colorful markets to satisfy every type of traveler. The world’s first overwater bungalows were built here in the 1950s, and the tradition stays strong at properties like InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa and Tahiti La Ora Beach Resort.
Pro tip: For a fun day trip away from the coast, hike up to the Faarumai Waterfalls from the northern village of Tiarei.
Getting there: Fly into Tahiti International Airport, located just a couple miles west of Papeete.
VV-pics/Getty3. Moorea, French Polynesia
Framed by jagged mountains and lush jungle valleys, Moorea’s beaches are on the smaller side and often attached to single resorts; sitting on one of them, you might imagine you have the entire island to yourself. Temae is one of our favorite slices of coastline, with all the coral reefs and soft white sand you expect from a South Pacific beach.
Pro tip: Take a taxi to the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea and walk the long stretch of beach all the way to and from the airport.
Getting there: Air Tahiti offers several 15-minute flights every day from Tahiti International Airport to Moorea. There are also passenger ferries that operate up to eight times per day between downtown Papeete and Moorea.
Courtesy IHG2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Famous for its turquoise waters and verdant mountains, Bora Bora is pretty close to heaven on earth. The island has some of the best resorts in the South Pacific as well: Our readers are fans of InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
Pro tip: Matira Beach is not only the most famous stretch of sand on Bora Bora, but it’s also one of the only public-access beaches on the island. Come early to stake out a spot.
Getting there: After flying into Tahiti International Airport, hop on a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport.
Timothy Ah Koy/Unsplash1. Fiji
This archipelago of more than 300 islands is a true tropical paradise, with perfect beaches, colorful marine life, and resorts fit for royalty. As is usually the case with volcanic islands, including tiny Waya Island, Fiji’s landscapes are as dramatic as they come. With rugged coastlines and mountains covered with greenery, you might even be tempted to look away from the ocean every once in a while.
Pro tip: The best time to enjoy Fiji’s good weather and beaches is May through September, after cyclone season.
Getting there: Fly into Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu.
Top 5 in Central & South America
Michael Dunning/Getty5. Easter Island
Nowhere else on earth is as far from mainland—sitting 1,200 miles away from the Pitcairn Islands and a further 2,200 miles away from Chile—which certainly adds to Easter Island’s otherworldliness. The iconic island strikes a poignant balance between the landscape’s quiet beauty and the undeniable humanity imbued in its sentinel Moai statues; symbols of Rapa Nui Polynesian roots.
Pro tip: As pristine and preserved as Easter Island is, exploration is encouraged. Try the two-hour climb up the dormant Orongo volcano, which rewards adventurers with a key statue site at the end of the hike upon the crater’s rim.
Getting there: LATAM is the only airline which flies to Easter Island, with direct flights from Santiago and Tahiti. The flight from Santiago to Hanga Roa takes about 5.5 hours. Another option is to cruise with lines like Seabourn and Silversea, which offer Rapa Nui port of calls.
Courtesy Islas Secas4. Islas Secas, Panama
An entire archipelago owned by conservationist Louis Bacon, Islas Secas has the perfect combination of rugged natural beauty and pure resort luxury. The retreat only allows a maximum of 18 guests at one time, with a handful of guest cottages run entirely on solar energy. There's no TV on the island, but you'll be too busy fishing and kayaking to notice.
Pro tip: Set aside an afternoon to have the staff motor you over to Isla Pargo, one of the other islands in the archipelago, where they’ll leave you with a pair of lounge chairs, a picnic lunch, and paddleboards.
Getting there: From Panama City, it’s a short flight to the regional hub of David, then about two hours of combined car and boat transit before you actually arrive.
Arturo Peña Romano Medina/Getty3. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Belize is home to over 450 individual islands, known as cayes. Ambergris Caye is the most-visited destination in the country, known for its quintessential Caribbean island vibe, with humming golf carts—the main method of transportation—and great snorkeling and diving.
Pro tip: Check out above-water activities, too, like the nighttime crocodile-watching tour offered by the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary.
Getting there: Ambergris Caye is about a 15-minute flight from mainland Belize. Catch an hourly flight from Philip Goldson International Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.
Unaihuizi/Getty2. Roatán, Honduras
In addition to its timeless white sand beaches and evergreen good weather, Roatán is known for having an entire second world inside its glassy deep blue waters. The seafloor is dotted with intricate sea fans, gaping maroon barrel sponges, and sculptural coral colonies. Like its neighbor Belize, long known as a bucket list destination for avid divers, Honduras is home to waters alive with crayon-bright fish, but as a slightly off-the-beaten-path island, you’ll have even better luck dodging the crowds.
Pro tip: The Carambola Gardens are the best showcase of the island’s rich biodiversity. Hike up the namesake Carambola Mountain where travelers can visit Iguana Wall, a sheer cliff that protects the endemic iguana population and serves as a parrot breeding ground.
Getting there: Roatán has direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston by American Airlines and United.
Eachat/Getty1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Do we really have to explain the allure of the Galápagos? Many lucky readers have had the chance to visit this of-another-time stretch of Ecuador, with its blue-footed boobies and dinosaur-like giant tortoises lumbering through the tall grass—and they clearly liked what they saw.
Pro tip: A cruise is definitely the preferred way to explore the islands. Lindblad’s newest Galapagos Islands cruise ship, the National Geographic Islander II, feels like a boutique hotel at sea—but it’s still the best option for adventure seekers.
Getting there: Most travelers fly to Quito or Guayaquil (which is closer to the islands) before picking up their tour. You can also extend a trip and stay on Santa Cruz or Isabela within the Galápagos, with more lodging options on Isabela.
Top 10 in Europe
Andrew Fox/Getty10. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca feels as elusive and hotly desired as the A-listers it has always attracted; the island has a long legacy as a bohemian artist's escape hidden inside a ring of cliff-lined shores and packed with the medieval cathedrals and winding streets of its mountain villages. Famed artists like Frédéric Chopin, Robert Graves, and Joan Miró helped convert the obscure island into the aesthete’s haven it is today.
Pro tip: For a fully-embodied feeling of escape, historic rural hotels like the Castell Son Claret feel like sequestered castles fit with unbeatable views of the island’s craggy mountain ranges.
Getting there: The easiest way to get to the island is to fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). Flights from Barcelona take between 45 minutes to an hour to arrive, while flights from Madrid take about 90 minutes.
Maremagnum/Getty9. Ischia, Italy
Ischia’s hotels share balcony real estate with nonnas hanging laundry to dry and zooming Vespas dart by religious street parades. Here, you don’t have to prod in-the-know to get a real taste of Italy, and now, finally, Ischia is finally having its moment with its bounty of wellness spas, thermal pools, lush vineyards, and blooming gardens. It’s wonderfully tranquil; the perfect antidote to the glitz of nearby Amalfi.
Pro tip: For a thermal pool that feels hidden away and unvarnished, consider taking a dip at Via Sorgeto Natural Hot Spring. The secluded cove is the real highlight, and a private place to dive headfirst into healing rock pools, which derive warmth from volcanic activity.
Getting there: Ischia is only accessible by boat. There are ferry connections in Naples, Salerno, Pozzuoli, Monte di Procida, some Amalfi Coast ports, Sorrento, Capri, and Procida.
Marcus Lofvenberg/Unsplash8. Hvar, Croatia
With warm summers and mild winters, the island of Hvar is the sunniest spot in Croatia—with over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually. It may be known for its beaches and turquoise water, but there’s another side to this resort island. From the town of Hvar on the island’s southern shore, make the slow, uphill climb to Tvrđava Fortica, a 13th-century fortress with the best views around.
Pro tip: To see Hvar’s spectacular fields of lavender in full bloom, visit in early summer; harvest takes place in late July, but you can buy all sorts of scented souvenirs in the local markets year-round.
Getting there: Take a cab from the Split Airport 20 minutes to the ferry station and board a catamaran or ferry to the town of Stari Grad. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes.
Marco Bottigelli/Getty7. Canary Islands, Spain
The surfaced tips of a giant volcanic mountain range make up this Spanish island group off the northwest coast of Africa. Moroccan and Spanish influences marry here, and year-round sunshine and a wildly diverse topography make for a permanent honeymoon season. The varied scenery of the islands is enchanting: Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria have stunning volcanic landmarks, fertile pine forests, hidden rocky alcoves, and rolling sand dunes. Between the historic towns, local wine, and eclectic cultural calendar, the best time to visit is truly whenever you’re ready.
Pro tip: On the island of Tenerife, Teide National Park contains Spain’s highest peak, the eponymous Mount Teide. Ambitious hikers are encouraged to take up the gauntlet, but for those among us who aren’t so inclined, the views are just as gorgeous from the cable car.
Getting there: The most economical option to make it to the islands is to fly to the four largest: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Flights have service from Madrid and other Spanish cities on airlines like Iberia/Iberia Express and Air Europa, and other Europe cities are also serviced from airlines including Air France and British Airways.
Jeremy Villasis/Getty6. Mykonos, Greece
Said to have been where Hercules killed the giants, Mykonos is steeped in mythological history. A popular cruise ship stop, the island hasn’t quite outgrown its raucous party reputation—which would impress even Dionysus—but it’s on the path to attracting a more sophisticated and upscale type of traveler. Head to Little Venice in Mykonos Town, an uncrowded neighborhood full of tavernas. While in the area, stop by Kounelas, close to the harbor, to eat what locals say is the best fish.
Pro tip: Avoid July and August to miss the major crowds and get a better sense of local life.
Getting there: Daily flights from Athens take about 35 minutes. Ferry trips, the less expensive option, last between three and five hours on high-speed or slow ferries.
Sylvain Sonnet/Getty5. Malta
In the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta’s ancient heritage thrums through even the most unassuming side streets where Roman ruins sit by natural wine bars. One of the smallest European nations, at 122 square miles, every corner of the island feels jam-packed with history: Between the main island and Gozo, there are 359 churches, and the stalwart Megalithic Temples of Malta are perhaps the best proof that structures built across the islands were made to last.
Pro tip: The famous Blue Grotto is worth the visit. Unlike its Caprese twin, boat tours run all-year-round with stops by six caves along the main island’s southern coast.
Getting there: While Malta International Airport (MLA) has some layover flights from carriers Ryanair and Easyjet, travelers can also ferry in from Sicily, which takes about two hours.
Marcobarone/Getty4. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores were virtually unheard of a decade ago, but it looks like the secret is out. Roughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photo. The verdant valleys, steep oceanside cliffs, and scattering of waterfalls make this cluster of nine volcanic islands a paradise well worth exploring.
Pro tip: The Azores are famous for their endemic blue hydrangeas—catch them in peak bloom on São Miguel Island from July to August.
Getting there: Catch a direct flight from mainland Portugal to João Paulo II Airport (PDL) on São Miguel.
Federica Giusti/Unsplash3. Sicily, Italy
The largest island in the Mediterranean has a culture all of its own. Rules by everyone from the Greeks to the Normans, Sicily boasts an entirely distinct food scene, pristine beaches with translucent waters, and cities packed with grand cathedrals and phenomenal markets. For a perfect beach day, visit the stratified white cliffs at Scala dei Turchi or the secluded paradise of Cala Tonnarella.
Pro tip: While most guidebooks will direct you to La Vucciria (a famous street market in Palermo), dodge the crowds and head to Ballarò instead. This fish and farmers’ market winds through alleys just north of the city center, hawking chickpea fritters, cuts of beef, and mounds of divine Sicilian pistachios.
Getting there: There are four international airports on Sicily, serviced regularly by major airlines from mainland Italy and Europe. You can also take a 20-minute ferry ride on BluJet from Villa San Giovanni.
Roman Kraft/Unsplash2. Sardinia, Italy
When most people think of Sardinia, they imagine sun-kissed coasts and dazzling beaches. But this Italian island encourages travelers to look inland with hilltop ruins, craggy mountains, and vineyards thick with fruit. If you’re lucky, you may even get to drive past some roaming Giara horses, a perfectly petite species native to Sardinia.
Pro tip: The pocket-sized town of Irgoli is yet one more reason to leave the beach, with excellent hiking opportunities and a must-visit Antiquarium Museum.
Getting there: Flying is the easiest way to reach Sardinia, and there are three airports on the island. You can find many direct flights from Rome and many other major European cities, usually on KLM and Lufthansa.
Op23/Unsplash1. Crete, Greece
The largest Greek isle, Crete is also one of the most distinctive, with its own unmistakable culture, landscape, cuisine, and mythological history. If you make it beyond the beach, make sure to visit the Minoan Palace in Knossos.
Pro tip: Balos Beach is one of the most photographed spots in Crete, but skip the bumpy drives and three-hour hikes. The spot is most easily accessed by ferries from Kissamos port.
Getting there: Most flights to Crete connect in Athens, but visitors can also take the year-round ferry from Piraeus or the seasonal, summer ferry from Santorini.
GettyTop 5 in North America
YinYang/Getty5. Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is an immensely popular cruising port, but it’s worth disembarking and exploring the island if you can. (Or, you know, just book a flight here on your own.) While there are densely packed pockets of souvenir shops and restaurants near the docks, you can venture a bit further to find ancient cenotes, golden beaches, and Mayan steam lodges.
Pro tip: Many beaches and swimming holes on Cozumel have banned visitors from using certain sunscreens, so be sure to buy some reef-safe SPF before you visit.
Getting here: You can find nonstop flights to Cozumel International Airport from various U.S. cities, including Houston, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Alternatively, get yourself to Cancun and hop on a quick 20-minute flight down to Cozumel.
Csondy/Getty4. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
While often thought of as a side trip from Cancún, Isla Mujeres is a destination in its own right. The main beach of Playa Norte is made of crushed coral, has warm shallow waters, and is much quieter than the beaches across the bay.
Pro tip: Scuba enthusiasts take note: The island is home to the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet.
Getting there: Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez in Cancún—it’s about a 20-minute ride to Isla Mujeres.
Shayes17/Getty3. Cape Breton, Canada
Comprising the northeastern portion of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton is a rocky, rugged island that’s begging to be hiked. On the northern tip, you’ll find the Cabot Trail, a 185-mile loop considered one of the most scenic drives in Canada.
Pro tip: At peak fall foliage, which generally hits around October, entire ridges blaze bright red, and the sloping, winding roads offer constantly shifting views from multiple angles. Multiple species of whale come to hang out along Cape Breton’s northern coast at the beginning of summer and stick around through the end of fall.
Getting there: Fly into Sydney via Toronto or Halifax, or drive the Trans-Canada Highway 104 straight to Cape Breton Island.
iStock/Getty2. Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island is consistently voted one of our readers’ top islands in Canada, and now it’s also a favorite in the world—namely because there’s just so much to do. Pick from salmon fishing, wine tasting, sailing, strolling along beaches and nature trails, or even learning about glassblowing.
Pro tip: Check into the cedar-plank Wickaninnish Inn, which sits at the gateway to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. After a walk on one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada, enjoy a hot soak in an oversized tub with aromatherapy bath salts.
Getting there: Fly to Vancouver and then hop onto one of BC Ferries’ four routes from the mainland to the island. If setting off from Victoria, it’s a stunning drive (albeit grueling, clocking in over five hours) across the island to Tofino.
Nathan Cima/Unsplash1. Isla Holbox, Mexico
At only about 35 miles from the hectic party zone of Cancún, Holbox is about as sleepy a spot as one can find in Mexico nowadays—just a nature preserve, a stretch of beach, and a single small town (also called Holbox) that feels completely out of time.
Pro tip: Rosa Mexicano—no relation to the American chain—is a rollicking restaurant that serves coconut shrimp and octopus with black-bean relish. Viva Zapata Grill is a must for mezcal cocktails and live music.
Getting there: Drive two hours from Cancún to the port of Chiquilá, park your car, then take the 15-minute ferry ride to the town of Holbox; boats go every half hour during the day.
Top 20 in the Caribbean & the Atlantic
Kris Mikael Krister/Unsplash20. Bonaire
Only 50 miles from South America, Bonaire is the farthest east of the ABC Islands. And while the island has a dry, rather foreboding desert landscape, its true beauty can be found just below the surrounding waters. The entire coral reef around Bonaire is a national park (Bonaire National Marine Park), with brightly colored coral and wildlife ranging from nurse sharks and seahorses to friendly green turtles.
Pro tip: One of Bonaire’s most striking features is Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, located on the island’s southern salt flats and home to over ten thousand flamingos. While the sanctuary itself is off-limits to travelers, you can catch views from nearby (and appropriately named) Pink Beach.
Getting there: Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to the Flamingo International Airport (BON) in Kralendijk; connections are also available through Aruba.
Getty19. St Maarten
Time seems to slow here as you sip Guavaberry Colada, the signature drink on St Maarten. The daily rhythms of life feel inherently restorative, and Marigot’s markets welcome wandering with bounties of fresh fruit like mangoes picked from the tree that morning. Hearty oxtail stews and buttery Johnny cakes bring immediate comfort, and the community feels just as warm as the weather—there’s a good reason why it’s known as the Friendly Island.
Pro tip: While visiting between December and April brings calm, sunny weather and major events such as Carnival, shoulder season in November brings even higher temperatures and fewer crowds, if you don’t mind the occasional light rain shower.
Getting there: American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, and United provide direct flights to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of the island.
SkyHighStudios/Getty18. The Bahamas
More than 700 islands and thousands of uninhabited cays make up this sprawling island nation barely 60 miles east of Florida. Although technically in the Atlantic, the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Bahamas are on par with islands farther south.
Pro tip: You’re probably already planning to visit the pink-sand beach on Harbour Island, but you can elevate your experience by horseback riding along the shore during sunset.
Getting there: Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau—or one of the other 19 international airports in the Bahamas.
Hugh Whyte/Unsplash17. Grenada
There’s no such thing as a bad view on the island of Grenada. No matter where you stand, it is invariably green, moody, and pulsing with plant life. Even the capital city of St. George’s has a picture-perfect skyline, with brightly colored houses and churches reminiscent of an Italian coastal town.
Pro tip: Grenada is something of a mecca for chocolate lovers, with perfect environmental conditions for growing cocoa trees. At Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, guests can partake in estate tours, chocolate tastings, and chocolate-forward takes on Caribbean cuisine.
Getting there: American Airlines, JetBlue, and British Airways all have flights that go directly to Grenada. There are also ferry rides from surrounding islands, as well as quick flights on LIAT from Antigua and Barbuda.
Ed-Ni-Photo/Getty16. Antigua
Antigua mixes tropical beauty with British history—just look at the candy-colored colonial buildings and much-touted 365 beaches to choose from. The island is also a must-visit for sailing fans. During the first two weeks of April, hundreds of yachts from around the world converge for the Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing Week. On race days, people gather atop Shirley Heights to get the best views of the boat-filled English Harbour.
Pro tip: Even if you visit on non-yachting holidays, Shirley Heights should be on your itinerary: Looking out over the harbor’s curved coastline is a truly unforgettable experience.
Getting there: Fly to V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) just north of the capital, St. John’s.
Cultura RM Exclusive/Russ Rohde/Getty15. Curaçao
You might be tempted to group the Dutch “ABC Islands” together, but each of the islands—the three westernmost of the Leeward Antilles—has something a little different to offer. Curaçao is like a little slice of Europe in the Caribbean, with rows of colorful Dutch and Portuguese-inspired buildings in the UNESCO-protected area of Downtown Willemstad, plus a steady stream of new hotels and restaurants.
Pro tip: Sample local liquor while learning about the island’s fascinating history at Landhuis Chobolobo, a bright yellow 19th-century mansion.
Getting there: Curaçao International Airport (CUR) in Willemstad is served most frequently by American Airlines and KLM.
Simon Dannhauer/Getty14. Barbados
Barbados has something for everyone: pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife (think monkeys, sea turtles, and eight species of bats), and sunsets just begging to be enjoyed with a fresh cocktail. Head straight to Bathsheba Beach on the east coast, where you’ll find big, surf-friendly waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore.
Pro tip: No trip to Barbados is complete without a stop at Champers Restaurant, a seafood spot on Rockley Beach with panoramic views of the ocean.
Getting there: Fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA).
Jeffrey Richards/Getty13. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—have some of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. Most people head to resorts on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, but it’s well worth exploring the others: Cayman Brac for underwater adventures, and Little Cayman for a splendidly relaxed way of life.
Pro tip: Make sure to pay a special visit to Stingray City off of Grand Cayman to snorkel with the rays in shockingly clear water.
Getting there: Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman is the country’s main point of entry. Cayman Airways Express can get you to the other two islands in just under an hour.
David Madison/Getty12. Puerto Rico
Just a couple hours from the East Coast, Puerto Rico offers classic Caribbean charm with a big perk for Americans: no passport required. Don’t leave without sampling the island’s most iconic dish—tender but crispy-skinned lechón. Here are the best spots to find it across Puerto Rico.
Pro tip: Get out of town. Many travelers make San Juan their home base, but there are surf towns, museums, and natural wonders just a day trip away.
Getting there: More than a million cruise ship passengers pass through the port of San Juan every year, making it the second-largest cruise port in the Western Hemisphere. If Puerto Rico is your sole destination, most major U.S. cities offer direct flights to the San Juan Airport.
Courtesy Secret Bay11. Dominica
Dominica has all the draws of a classic Caribbean escape—especially when it comes to outdoor adventures—but with a slightly more undiscovered slant. The island is defined by its untamed jungles, volcanic beaches, and hiking trails dotted with waterfalls and hot springs. It’s also a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving, with places like Champagne Reef drawing divers with its bubbly, sealife-rich waters.
Pro tip: Dominica has seen an uptick in chic hotels in recent years, but we still have a soft spot for Secret Bay—a long favorite among couples for its intimate seclusion and luxurious villas.
Getting there: American Airlines just launched a daily direct flight to Dominica from Miami, which is by far the easiest way to reach the island. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a connecting flight from nearby islands like Puerto Rico or Antigua.
Joel Blit/Getty10. British Virgin Islands
Made up of more than 60 tropical isles, the British Virgin Islands epitomize Caribbean relaxation with white-sand beaches and lush rainforests—not to mention some of the best hotels in the entire region. Richard Branson’s Necker Island is arguably the most famous resort, freshly reconstructed with an emphasis on sustainability. New wind turbines join the existing solar farm so that the resort runs on 90 percent renewable energy. Even the staff uniforms are made from recycled plastic.
Pro tip: Head to Virgin Gorda for one of the prettiest (and most popular) attractions in the BVI: the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos.
Getting there: Either fly to Beef Island Airport (EIS) on Tortola, or fly to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas and take the ferry to Tortola.
Federico Cabello/Getty9. Aruba
The second largest of the Dutch ABC islands, Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s best islands for beaches—and you’re guaranteed to find a great hotel on nearly every stretch of sand. For a more intimate beach experience, head to the privately-owned Renaissance Island, complete with shallow coves, overwater bungalows, and (best of all) a population of bright pink flamingos.
Pro tip: The Arikok National Park, comprising 18 percent of the island, is a hidden treasure—a cacti-filled landscape well worth exploring.
Getting there: You’ll find tons of nonstop or one-stop flights to Queen Beatrix International Airport from cities across the U.S.
Steve Giralt/Gallery Stock8. United States Virgin Islands
No matter what kind of vacation you’re craving, you'll find it on one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John gets accolades for its natural beauty—particularly Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park. If you’re an Alexander Hamilton fan, head to St. Croix, where the U.S. founding father spent much of his youth. Or, if you’re heading to St. Thomas, make sure to book a room at the incredible Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas.
Pro tip: One of the best snorkeling spots in the region is the Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument, located off the coast of St. John.
Getting there: Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas; from there, you can take a ferry to St. Thomas or St. Croix.
Mikolajn/Getty7. Turks and Caicos
Far and away one of the best places for a quick escape, Turks and Caicos checks almost every box, from private island spa retreats to miles of empty white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. The island of Providenciales in particular has some of the world’s loveliest beaches, namely 12-mile Grace Bay on the north shore.
Pro tip: Bight Reef (aka Coral Gardens) is an always-popular snorkeling spot, but we head for Smith’s Reef in Turtle Cove for the chance to spot turtles, rays, and barracudas.
Getting there: Providenciales International Airport (PLS) will be your first stop, offering connections on to other islands in the Lucayan Archipelago.
Peter Phipp/Getty6. Nevis
It may be smaller than St. Kitts, but Nevis holds its own. The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton is almost perfectly round, with gentle slopes rising to the peak of its dormant volcano, and the island is known for its historic inns and top-drawer resorts. Set up camp at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis for easy access to Pinney’s Beach, a favorite for both families with kids and travelers seeking a calm respite.
Pro tip: If you prefer your hotels to be more historic than modern, you can’t do much better than the 60-acre Montpelier Plantation & Beach on the slopes of Mount Nevis.
Getting there: Fly into Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB) on St. Kitts, then hop a quick flight or ferry to Nevis.
Courtesy GoldenEye5. Jamaica
Jamaica may be your entry into the Caribbean, be it on spring break or an exclusive trip to GoldenEye, the former estate of Ian Fleming—and one of our favorite resorts in the world. You can also come just to eat...and eat...and eat. Make sure to try all the local flavors during your visit, from jerk chicken to cassava cakes and smoked marlin.
Pro tip: Head to the western town of Negril for some of the best diving and swimming spots in the country (Seven Mile Beach is a particular favorite).
Getting there: Kingston (KIN), Montego Bay (MBJ), and Ocho Rios (OCJ) are the island’s three major points of entry from the U.S.
Paul Baggaley/Getty4. St. Lucia
This deeply green and mountainous island is a favorite for those looking for adventure and romance. Climb the Pitons (the island’s twin volcanic spires), scuba and snorkel, or simply hole yourself up in hotel rooms with some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean.
Pro tip: St. Lucia has a surprisingly great Indian food scene. Head to Windjammer Landing’s new beachside restaurant, Masala at Embers, for the best chicken tandoori and cheesy naan of your life.
Getting there: The country’s main airport is Hewanorra International (UVF), at the very southernmost tip of the island. Inter-island propeller-driven flights use the George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) at the northern tip.
Getty3. St. Barts
While any mention of St. Barts tends to conjure up images of Rolexes and caviar, the tony territory has enough natural beauty and scenic views to give any five-star hotel a run for its money. One of the best ways to explore the island is to start your day with a morning walk around the capital, Gustavia, a tidy collection of old, red-roofed buildings clad in volcanic stone. Soak in the views before stopping into one of the town’s great restaurants or fish markets.
Pro tip: Companies like WIMCO Villas can set you up with a splendid villa on par with any luxe hotel room.
Getting there: Hop on a tiny plane from St. Maarten or San Juan, and get ready for a thrilling runway approach at St. Barts’ Gustaf III Airport (SBH).
Angelita Niedziejko/Getty2. Anguilla
Need to unwind or reconnect with yourself? Readers recommend Anguilla, where the island’s untouched beauty is only surpassed by that of the world-class resorts. Located 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, the island is relatively accessible to North American travelers looking to escape more touristed spots.
Pro tip: Plan to spend at least one day at Shoal Bay, with white sand and clear water that makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Getting there: From the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten, there are four 10-minute flights per day to the tiny Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on Anguilla. A half-hour ferry also runs from Marigot in St. Martin throughout the day.
Kino/Unsplash1. Bermuda
Bermuda is among the most accessible of the North American islands from the East Coast, making it ideal for a long weekend getaway. Fill up your days exploring the island’s spectacular caves and reefs, strolling through charming villages, and hopping between excellent museums and restaurants. Most of your time should be spent at the beach, however, and Bermuda has them in spades—pink and otherwise.
Pro tip: Real Bermudians don’t go in the water before Bermuda Day (May 24) or after Labor Day, so plan your trip accordingly.
Getting there: Fly into L. F. Wade International Airport (BDA); it’s only a 90-minute flight from New York.
