The world's most beautiful islands top the bucket list of many discerning travelers. Islands are generally pretty gorgeous. They are islands after all. But not all islands are created the same. The ones that made it into my top 10 list are just incredibly beautiful. Featuring breathtaking topography, spectacular beaches and/or fascinating cultures, these islands offer something for everyone, whether you are dreaming of a relaxing beach holiday or plotting an active adventure. From Canada's rain-drenched coastal areas to the sunny reefs of the Maldives, here's my selection of the world's 10 most stunningly beautiful islands.
There is more information (with YouTube videos) below my slide show (including a selection of luxury hotels). What's your favorite island? Leave a comment.
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10. LA REUNION
La Reunion offers one of the Indian Ocean's last great island adventures. With dramatic natural scenery, a French identity and a rich melting pot of cultures, the beautiful island is quite unlike its beach paradise neighbor Mauritius. La Reunion feels like an epic real-life version of the Jurassic Park movies, with emerald forests, tumbling waterfalls, awesome mountainscapes, and soul-stirring panoramas. The formidable Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, adds to the thrill. I recommend combining Reunion and Mauritius in the same travel itinerary, as a relaxing stay at one of Mauritius' luxurious beach resorts perfectly complements the sightseeing, activities and more modest accommodations on offer in La Reunion, which is just a short flight away.
9. TASMANIA (AUSTRALIA)
Separated from the Australian mainland during the last Ice Age, for nearly 10,000 years Tasmania has evolved in splendid isolation, creating a living museum of some of the world's oldest and rarest plants and animals. Nearly a third of the island is protected by national parks and more than 20% of Tasmania has been declared a World Heritage Area, a pristine yet accessible wilderness of dramatic coastlines, thick forests and snow-capped mountains. The untamed beauty of Tasmania is so precious it meets more World Heritage criteria than anywhere else on the planet. Here, you can find countless world-class nature and adventure experiences, be captivated by the Aboriginal heritage and Australia's early convict and settler history, and stay at some of the world's most exclusive wilderness lodges.
8. BALI (INDONESIA)
The most famous island in Indonesia, Bali is called the famed island of the Gods. With its varied landscape of sandy beaches, hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, as well as lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides, some people claim that Bali is earth's ultimate paradise. In addition to that, Bali is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. But Bali also has a colorful and deeply spiritual culture, which is why it is known as the "island of a thousand temples". There are sea temples, directional temples and so many others so that 1,000 is an understatement. It is true that the island is partly overrun with tourists, hence explaining while neighboring Lombok may offer a more authentic experience.
- My selection of hotels: click here for my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in Bali.
7. VANCOUVER ISLAND (CANADA)
The exposed top of a submerged mountain range, Vancouver Island - located on the Canadian west coast - stretches for 460 km (285 mi) from charmingly sophisticated Victoria in the southwest to Cape Scott's windswept beaches and rugged headlands at its northern tip. And it's an outdoor lover's paradise. You can paddle through serene coastal waters, backpack in majestic wilderness parks, or marvel at the furred, feathered and finned wildlife on land and out to sea. You can also gaze at distant snow-capped mountains while striding barefoot along softly curving beaches, bomb down mountain bike trails, surf the big waves and all that while inhaling crisp, clean ocean breezes and the mossy fragrance of old-growth rainforests.
6. SICILY (ITALY)
Known as the hiding place of the Corleone family, Sicily is a delightfully verdant island, the largest in the Mediterranean Sea, and covered in olives and lemon groves, vineyards and citrus fruit. The famous coastline of the island varies from sandy beaches and gulfs opening onto peaceful crystal clear bays, to steep cliffs, and crags. Sicily is also a world-class cultural destination, with impressive witnesses from ancient times encountered at every turn. From the beautiful shore line, to the top of the still active volcano Mt Etna, from the well-preserved Greek ruins, to the world-class shopping in Taormina and, of course, the picturesque villages and incredible cuisine, Sicily remains one of Europe's gems.
- My selection of hotels: click here for my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Sicily.
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