The 15 Most Beautiful Islands On The Planet Belong On Your Bucket List

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Paradise means different things to different travelers. For some, it's the soft rhythm of waves and warm sand underfoot; for others, it's a sense of remoteness, of culture, or of story. Whether you're dreaming of warm-weather European islands or planning a dreamy escape to a Caribbean island, there's one common quality most people are looking for: beauty. Places where sea and sky seem to meet and time feels suspended. And while the idea of an island paradise may conjure white sands and palm trees, the reality is far broader. Beauty can also be volcanic cliffs and wind-carved headlands, coral lagoons alive with color, or green mountains rising from the mist. 

This curated collection of 15 islands spans oceans and continents — from the dramatic shores of the North Atlantic to the still, glassy lagoons of the South Pacific. Each destination on this list has been chosen for its distinct personality and, together, they reveal just how many shapes paradise can take.

, Bora Bora is — a phrase that captures its near-mythic beauty. At its heart rises , a jagged volcanic peak that soars above the lagoon and gives the island its iconic silhouette. , with its curve of soft white sand and calm, shallow water, is the word stunning personified; meanwhile, the and reveal a vivid underwater world where rays, sharks, and clouds of tropical fish reside. 

Yet Bora Bora is much more than postcard-perfect scenes and beautiful overwater bungalows. here through dance, music, , and many other ancestral traditions that continue to shape daily life. That said, as a high-profile l, the island also faces the ongoing challenge of  — from preserving coral reefs to protecting marine life, and maintaining cultural authenticity. Thankfully,  and and .

Few islands are as instantly recognizable as Santorini, its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches tumbling down volcanic cliffs . Formed by  a vast amphitheatre of sea framed by black and red rock. Each village and town along the rim also offers its own character: , , and  — a Minoan settlement preserved in ash that's often referred to as a "Greek Pompeii" with views to the sea. 

Despite its fame, Santorini still has quiet corners of extraordinary beauty. The black sands of and stretch beneath the cliffs, while the rust-red cove of glows like embers at dusk. From the , the view sweeps across the caldera to the open Aegean, a panorama that reveals just how dramatic this landscape truly is.  

, a place where limestone cliffs rise like sentinels from clear, jade-green water. , , and have made it a

Above the waves, In fact, sustainable tourism is crucial here.  As a result, travelers will find that Coron's magic lies not only in its surreal beauty but also in its a paradise where nature, community, and tourism live side by side.

Sun-drenched and sophisticated, at its most alluring. Its , fringed with cafe terraces and polished yachts, gives way to winding lanes . Beyond the Old Town, the island stretches into a sun-drenched landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and hidden bays where the ocean shimmers in countless shades of blue.  nurturing its  

Evenings move to an easy rhythm in Hvar: locals strolling the palm-lined Riva, the scent of grilled fish and rosemary drifting through the air, church bells echoing from stone piazzas. Inland, the quieter heart of the island like Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje, hillside monasteries, and serving wine from the native Plavac Mali grape. Though Hvar is now known for its , it remains rooted in tradition, perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the Mediterranean.

La Digue, , feels like an echo from a gentler era. Here, the coastline unfolds as , revealing one heart-stoppingly beautiful beach after another, while the . The island's greatest treasure is  

Despite its almost other-worldly beauty, La Digue remains remarkably laid-back. Life here , while  and  Beneath the surface, ,  The result is an island that feels timeless, unhurried, and close to nature.

When most people picture the Maldives, they see exactly this: coral isles circling a sapphire lagoon, over-water villas on stilts, white-sand beaches, and reefs alive with color. In the heart of the archipelago, Malé Atoll — often distinguished as and  perfectly embodies that ideal. and Malé Atoll delivers a natural amphitheater of calm water, house reefs, and horizon-wide skies. 

It is a place where the choreography of arrival heightens the sense of wonder. A and within minutes, you are drifting above coral gardens, watching and the light ripple across branching acropora. Yet, this beauty is delicate. mean travelers have an important role to play when considering the best things to do in the Maldives. This includes always 

, Moskenesøya, in Norway's Lofoten Islands, offers a very different kind of paradise carved from granite and silence. Here, sharp peaks rise from glassy fjords, and , reflections suspended in the stillness. In summer, the lingers over mountain ridges; in winter, the  regularly twist across polar skies. Villages such as . D they underscore the connection to the sea, while the island's dramatic geology frames every village and fjord.

Despite its growing fame, Lofoten remains a place where solitude is easy to find. Much of the island is part of  created to protect its wild coastlines, turquoise bays, and towering cliffs. Visitors can hike across mountain passes to reach remote spots like framed by sheer rock walls — or . Moskenesøya is living proof that paradise doesn't always mean palm trees and heat. 

, feels almost impossibly idyllic. Its vast, shallow lagoon glows turquoise in every direction, that seem made for daydreams. Unlike its glossier cousin Bora Bora, Aitutaki has remained quiet — , barefoot dining, and a slower pace.  

With "no building taller than a palm tree," as The Daily Telegraph once put it, the skyline remains pure horizon. Days on Aitutaki unfold at an easy, unhurried pace —  The lagoon itself is alive with color, too, and  Could this be paradise on Earth? Quite possibly, yes. 

, Nusa Penida is Bali's wilder, more elemental sister. A place of cliffs, caves, and untamed shoreline, its most famous viewpoint, Kelingking Beach is instantly recognizable from above — a limestone headland that plunges into impossibly blue water.  

However, the island's beauty isn't just above the surface. Snorkeling at Crystal Bay,  Here, the sky melts into shades of gold, pink, and violet over a perfectly still sea. It's Bali before the boom: wild, spiritual, and irresistibly beautiful.

 with  This is Fiji at its most natural, where days begin with birdsong and end with the hum of cicadas. The island is famed for the , a technicolor world of soft corals and marine life that's considered among the  Inland, of coastal forest and Fijian jungle. 

The park's crown jewel is the Tavoro (Bouma) Falls,

Maui gathers the essence of Hawaiʻi into one island, with a combination of volcanic peaks, lush valleys, bamboo forests, and beaches that shift from gold to black. It's an island of contrasts, where you can , then drive the i Along the way, spots like , , and the showcase the island's natural drama.

and coexist here, each shaping the island's identity.  Inland, and speak of a deeper past. Maui's diversity, from its coastlines to its high country, gives it a sense of completeness — a microcosm of Hawaiʻi itself, where volcanic power and tropical calm meet. More than just a holiday spot, Maui embodies the living spirit of Hawaiʻi, revealing a place of extraordinary beauty and deep cultural roots.

, La Maddalena and its surrounding archipelago form one of the Mediterranean's most unspoiled marine landscapes. Comprised of a sweep of granite coves, turquoise shallows, and windswept headlands protected within the  it's an untouched natural wonderland. A , revealing ever-changing views of white-sand bays such as and , secluded inlets like , and lookout points where granite and porphyry cliffs meet the deep blue sea. 

At its heart lies the town of La Maddalena itself, elegant, colorful, and full of character. , and animated bars invite visitors to linger over a glass of wine or Across the narrow , a bridge that connects La Maddalena to the nearby Caprera, travelers can visit  as well as hidden coves such as for its luminous water.

You may have expected another pristine beach shot here — with white sands, water so clear you can see through it, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. Well, Isla Mujeres has all that, but it's actually  that truly set this island apart. An easy addition to any list of the world's most beautiful places, Isla Mujeres is one of the most underrated islands in Mexico — a place where outnumber cars and life moves to an unhurried rhythm. it's a world apart from nearby Cancún —  offering a more local, authentic feel. 

Down by the water, fishing boats sway in the shallows and serve ceviche and margaritas as the sun sinks into the Caribbean. Isla Mujeres captures the spirit of Mexico at its most easy-going and enchanting.

Upolu, , unfolds like a living palette of green, with  It's also a place of stunning contrast — from the sapphire plunge of the  (pictured), a dramatic sinkhole filled with crystalline water set amid volcanic terrain, to , and . Everywhere here, nature feels alive with  

Meanwhile, Upolu's largest town and Samoa's capital, Apia, brings a lively counterpoint to the island's tranquility.  — showcase the island's rich cultural life and modern creativity. 

The Isle of Skye, , is a study in drama and myth. Its in a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. Mist curls around the , and , their waters shifting from deep green to luminous blue. Set on the  These areas are remote, so if you're hiking solo for the first time, make sure you follow all safety tips, including having your downloaded map handy. 

The Isle of Skye draws as much power from its traditions as from its dramatic scenery. With around  — remains a vital thread of island life, connecting the land, sea, and people. Meanwhile, continue to echo through the glens, mountains and coastlines, enriching the landscape with myth and meaning. 

This collection highlights the beauty of each island in its purest form. These 15 destinations were each chosen as a self-contained world with its own geography, culture, and character. Our final selection was based on three main criteria: striking landscapes, cultural or historical depth, and a strong sense of individuality. 

Drawing from official tourism boards, established travel guides, and conservation organizations, we conducted meticulous research to ensure accuracy. More than a ranking, this is a curated set of islands that, together, represent paradise and beauty in all its forms — from remote wilderness to serene tropical escape.