The World’s Best Islands

 Tens of thousands of islands dot our planet’s oceans and seas. From New Zealand to the Philippines to South Carolina, these are the best of the best.

No. 10: Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been the favorite destination for locals and international tourists for ages. Full of magnificent beaches, breathtaking sceneries, marvellous trinkets and interesting culture, Bali is ideal for people wanting to escape from daily activities, enjoy a honeymoon, or even, have a great time with family and friends.

No. 9: Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is dubbed the "Garden Isle" for good reason, it is by far the 'greenest' of the islands and thus the most lush in all of Hawai'i. This jungle-like island can attribute its climate to the trade winds that blow over the land allowing the ancient volcanic peaks to catch rain from the sky and pull it down to the earth below. 

 No. 8: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is the ideal place to make memories that last a lifetime. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is relaxing on the beach, teeing off on the green at our lush golf courses, perfecting your backhand, exploring the island by bike, riding high on a parasailing adventure, trying your hand at shark fishing, checking out the NEW Shelter Cove Community Park with your family, or sipping a frosty beverage on a sunset cruise, you can do it all right here in the heart of the Lowcountry, on Hilton Head Island!

No. 7: Maui, Hawaii

 Nicknamed “The Valley Isle,” due to the great valley that lies between its two major volcanoes, Maui is known for its stunning natural beauty, as well as its high-end luxury resorts and popular tourist attractions—a triple threat ranking the island among the world’s top vacation destinations. Honeymooners especially abound here, and whether they are soaking up the sun on the sparkling sands of Kaʻanapali Beach, touring a local coffee farm, strolling down the charming main street of historic Lahaina town, or frolicking through the fragrant fields of the island’s lavender farms, Maui ensures every couple a beautiful beginning to their wedded bliss. 

No. 6: Cebu, Philippines

 Simply being from Cebu carries a certain cultural heft, and it’s not hard to see why. Cebu is the hub around which the Visayas revolve. It is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and is second only to Luzon in its strategic and economic importance to the country. The main attractions are its white-sand beaches and spectacular diving, namely off the northern tip of Cebu at Bantayan and Malapascua islands, as well as on the southwest coast at Moalboal. And don't ignore much-maligned Cebu City, which has lively bars, emerging eateries and great island-hopping opportunities.

No. 5: Santorini, Greece

 Santorini may well have conquered a corner of your imagination before you’ve even set eyes on it. With multicoloured cliffs soaring over 300m from a sea-drowned caldera, it rests in the middle of the indigo Aegean, looking like a giant slab of layered cake. The island spoons the vast crater left by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. Smaller islands curl around the fragmented western edge of the caldera, but it is the main island of Thira that will take your breath away with its snow-drift of white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops and, in places, spilling like icy cornices down the terraced rock. When the sun sets, the reflection on the buildings and the glow of the orange and red in the cliffs can be truly spectacular.Santorini is no secret and draws crowds for most of the year, yet it wears its tourism well and its offerings make it worth the bustle. The island’s intrigue reaches deep into the past, with the fascinating Minoan site of Akrotiri and the gorgeous traditional hilltop village of Oia. It also glides effortlessly into the future with accomplished artists, excellent wineries, a unique microbrewery, and some of the Cyclades finest accommodation and dining experiences. The multicoloured beaches are simply the icing on the cake.

No. 4: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

 In landscape, lifestyle and experience, Waiheke is a world away.Come for a visit and you’ll find beautiful galleries and craft boutiques in this homeland of artists. There are plenty of places to enjoy a good coffee or a taste of New Zealand's fresh Pacific Rim cuisine. The island also boasts more than a dozen high-quality  vineyards, many with relaxed restaurants onsite. Enjoy local wine while looking out over vine-covered valleys to the blue sea beyond. 

No. 3: Ischia, Italy  

 The volcanic outcrop of Ischia is the most developed and largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples. It is an intriguing concoction of sprawling spa towns, abundant gardens, buried necropolises and spectacular scenery, with forests, vineyards and picturesque small towns. Ischia only attracts a fraction of the day trippers that head for Capri from Naples in summer. Perhaps someone should tell them that the beaches are a lot better here.

No. 2: Boracay, Philippines

 While only 7 km tall and at its bikini line 500m wide, tiny Boracay has rapidly become the Philippines' top tourist draw, fuelled by explosive growth and a tsunami of hype; in 2013 the readers of Travel & Leisure voted it the second-best island destination in the world after Palawan .The centre of the action is dreamy White Beach, a 4km, postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined from one end to the other with hotels, restaurants, bars, and dive shops now several blocks deep. The beach path is typically awash with visitors, including large groups of package tourists drawn from all over Asia – most commonly Korea, Taiwan and China. The ocean is full of romantic paraws (an outrigger sailboat) giving rides; colourful parasails fill the air. After perfect sunsets, live music breaks out, and firedancers twirl their batons. The party goes on all night. All of this can be great fun, à la Waikiki, and can easily occupy your entire visit. Just don't expect the Boracay of 30 years ago, when visitors revelled in the fact that their dirt-cheap nipa hut had no electricity.

No. 1: Palawan, Philippines

Palawan first received the coveted No.1 spot in 2013, and it’s little surprise that the island is back at the top. Visitors are greeted with mountains rising out of impossibly turquoise waters, where shipwrecks and reefs make for prime scuba diving and snorkeling. “Palawan is every beach lover’s dream destination,” said one voter, who regarded it as a “wonderful and magical place.” Palawan is also home to a five-mile-long underground river. It’s considered one of the world's wonders of nature, and visitors shouldn't miss the chance to boat through its limestone caverns.