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🏝️ Top 20 Tourist Islands in the World
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#01 Bora Bora
Rank #1 • South PacificWhy visit?
- Iconic turquoise lagoon encircled by barrier coral reefs.
- Home to some of the world's most famous overwater bungalow resorts.
- Dramatic volcanic peaks rising above pristine waters.
Don't miss
- Snorkeling safaris with reef sharks and manta rays.
- Helicopter tour over Mount Otemanu.
- Sunset catamaran cruise across the lagoon.
Best for: Couples • Romance • Luxury Beach Escape
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#02 Bali
Rank #2 • IndonesiaWhy visit?
- Vibrant Hindu temples, sacred monkey forests, and terraced rice paddies.
- World-class surf breaks and trendy beach clubs in Seminyak and Canggu.
- Exceptional wellness retreats in the cultural heart of Ubud.
Don't miss
- Sunrise trek up Mount Batur volcano.
- Traditional Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple.
- Scuba diving shipwrecks in Amed.
Best for: Culture • Adventure • Budget & Wellness
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#03 Mykonos
Rank #3 • Cyclades, GreeceWhy visit?
- Whitewashed lanes of Mykonos Town, the iconic Kato Mili windmills and Paraportiani church.
- Sunset cocktails in Little Venice, where houses rise straight out of the sea.
- Famous beaches such as Psarou, Paradise and Super Paradise, plus lively beach clubs.
Don't miss
- A boat trip to Delos, the sacred island and UNESCO World Heritage Site next door.
- Sailing to quiet coves on the island's south coast.
- Mykonos's famous summer nightlife.
Best for: Nightlife • Beaches • Photography
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#04 Sheybarah Island (Shebara)
Rank #4 • Saudi ArabiaWhy visit?
- 73 futuristic, mirrored stainless-steel "orb" villas set over the water and along the beach.
- The villas reflect the turquoise Red Sea and sky, making the resort an architecture icon.
- Part of Saudi Arabia's new Red Sea destination, with protected coral reefs around the island.
Don't miss
- Reef snorkelling and diving.
- Seaplane scenic transfers across turquoise atolls.
- Spa treatments and sunset cruises.
Best for: Eco-Conscious Luxury • Romantic Seclusion • Architecture Lovers
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#05 Maui
Rank #5 • Hawaii, USAWhy visit?
- Diverse landscapes from Haleakalā summit to lush Hana rainforests.
- World-class marine sanctuaries for humpback whale watching.
- Luxurious resort communities in Wailea and Kapalua.
Don't miss
- Driving the winding Road to Hana.
- Sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park.
- Snorkeling the Molokini Crater.
Best for: Family • Beach • Adventure
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#06 Palawan
Rank #6 • PhilippinesWhy visit?
- Towering karst limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons in El Nido.
- UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
Don't miss
- Island hopping around Bacuit Bay.
- Kayaking through secret turquoise lagoons.
Best for: Adventure • Diving • Secluded Beaches
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#07 Sicily
Rank #7 • ItalyWhy visit?
- Millennia of Greek, Roman, and Arab-Norman history and architecture.
- Active Mount Etna volcano and rich culinary traditions.
Don't miss
- Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
- Sampling authentic cannoli and street food in Palermo.
Best for: Culture • History • Mediterranean Cuisine
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#08 Phuket
Rank #8 • ThailandWhy visit?
- Stunning Andaman Sea beaches, vibrant night markets, and Sino-Portuguese Old Town.
- Exceptional value luxury resorts and world-class hospitality.
Don't miss
- Speedboat tour to Phi Phi Islands.
- Big Buddha viewpoint panorama.
Best for: Beach • Family • Nightlife & Budget
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#09 Fiji
Rank #9 • South PacificWhy visit?
- Famous for warm, welcoming 'Bula' hospitality.
- Pristine soft coral reefs and secluded island resorts.
Don't miss
- Traditional Kava welcoming ceremony.
- Island hopping across the Yasawa archipelago.
Best for: Family • Romance • Snorkeling
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#10 Zanzibar
Rank #10 • TanzaniaWhy visit?
- Historic Stone Town labyrinth of alleyways and carved wooden doors.
- Pristine Indian Ocean beaches and spice farm tours.
Don't miss
- Forodhani Gardens evening food market.
- Snorkeling off Mnemba Atoll.
Best for: Culture • Spice History • Beach Romance
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#11 Madeira
Rank #11 • PortugalWhy visit?
- Dramatic jagged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush levada walking trails.
- Subtropical year-round climate and world-famous fortified wine.
Don't miss
- Hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
- Traditional wicker toboggan ride down from Monte.
Best for: Hiking • Adventure • Nature
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#12 St. Lucia
Rank #12 • Eastern CaribbeanWhy visit?
- Dominated by the twin volcanic Pitons rising dramatically from the sea.
- Luxurious rainforest hideaways and sulphur spring mud baths.
Don't miss
- Hiking Gros Piton.
- Catamaran cruise into Soufrière bay.
Best for: Romance • Adventure • Luxury Resorts
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#13 Ibiza
Rank #13 • Balearic Islands, SpainWhy visit?
- World-famous nightlife alongside serene pine forests and bohemian coves.
- Historic Dalt Vila medieval walled old town.
Don't miss
- Sunset dinner at Cala Conta.
- Boat trip to the mystical rock island of Es Vedrà.
Best for: Beach Clubs • Nightlife • Coastal Romance
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#14 Vancouver Island
Rank #14 • British Columbia, CanadaWhy visit?
- Ancient old-growth rainforests, rugged Pacific surf beaches, and fjords.
- World-class whale watching and grizzly bear eco-tours.
Don't miss
- Exploring Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino.
- Butchart Gardens floral displays in Victoria.
Best for: Wildlife Adventure • Nature • Family
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#15 Sri Lanka
Rank #15 • Indian OceanWhy visit?
- Ancient rock fortresses, misty hill country tea plantations, and wild elephants.
- Incredible biodiversity and golden southern surf shores.
Don't miss
- Climbing Sigiriya Lion Rock.
- Scenic highland train ride from Kandy to Ella.
Best for: Culture • Safari Adventure • Budget Travel
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#16 Mauritius
Rank #16 • Indian OceanWhy visit?
- Famed for turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and multicultural Creole heritage.
- Luxurious beachfront resorts and championship golf courses.
Don't miss
- Underwater waterfall optical illusion off Le Morne.
- Chamarel Seven Colored Earth geological formation.
Best for: Beach Resorts • Family • Golf & Romance
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#17 Crete
Rank #17 • GreeceWhy visit?
- Home of the Minoans, often called Europe's first advanced civilisation, and the Palace of Knossos.
- Rugged gorges, pink sand beaches, and celebrated Cretan gastronomy.
Don't miss
- Hiking the breathtaking Samaria Gorge.
- Relaxing on the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach.
Best for: Ancient History • Hiking • Mediterranean Beaches
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#18 Corsica
Rank #18 • FranceWhy visit?
- "The Mountain in the Sea" featuring rugged granite peaks plunging into clear blue bays.
- Distinctive French-Italian heritage and pristine nature reserves.
Don't miss
- Hiking sections of the legendary GR20 trail.
- Exploring the clifftop citadel of Bonifacio.
Best for: Mountain Hiking • Rugged Coastlines • Culture
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#19 St. Kitts & Nevis
Rank #19 • CaribbeanWhy visit?
- Unspoiled dual-island federation with lush rainforests and historic sugar plantations.
- Tranquil, uncrowded beaches and boutique luxury inns.
Don't miss
- Touring UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress.
- Taking the scenic tourist railway around St. Kitts.
Best for: Seclusion • Romance • Colonial History
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#20 Galapagos Islands
Rank #20 • EcuadorWhy visit?
- Unrivaled endemic wildlife encounters (giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas).
- The islands that helped inspire Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Don't miss
- Snorkeling with sea lions and Galapagos penguins.
- Exploring volcanic highlands of Santa Cruz Island.
Best for: Wildlife Expedition • Diving • Adventure
Island Comparison Matrix
Quick reference guide comparing top destinations across climate, best use, and ideal trips.
| Island | Country | Best For | Climate | Ideal Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bora Bora | French Polynesia | Romance & Overwater Luxury | Tropical Marine (Warm year-round) | 7–10 Days |
| Bali | Indonesia | Culture, Surf & Wellness | Tropical Monsoon (Dry May-Oct) | 10–14 Days |
| Mykonos | Greece | Beaches, Nightlife & Delos | Mediterranean (Hot, Dry Summers) | 4–6 Days |
| Sheybarah (Shebara) | Saudi Arabia | Futuristic Eco-Luxury & Reefs | Hot Desert Coast (Mild Nov–Apr) | 3–5 Days |
| Maui | USA (Hawaii) | Family Adventures & Beaches | Tropical Oceanic (Mild) | 7–10 Days |
| Palawan | Philippines | Limestone Lagoons & Diving | Tropical Marine | 8–12 Days |
| Sicily | Italy | Ancient History & Cuisine | Mediterranean (Hot Summers) | 7–10 Days |
Find Your Island
Answer 5 quick questions to discover your ideal AtlasWise island match.
Your AtlasWise Island Match: Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Tailored for overwater luxury, pristine lagoons, and secluded romantic tranquility.
Explore this destination →Island Travel FAQs
What is the best island in the world to visit?
It depends on the trip you want, but in the AtlasWise editorial ranking Bora Bora comes first for its lagoon, overwater bungalows and scenery, followed by Bali, Mykonos, Sheybarah Island in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, and Maui.
Which islands are best for families?
Maui, Phuket, Fiji, Mauritius and Vancouver Island are all strong family choices, with calm beaches or easy nature, family-friendly resorts and plenty of activities for different ages.
Which tourist islands are good on a budget?
Bali, Phuket, Palawan, Sri Lanka, Sicily, Crete and Madeira offer good value, with affordable guesthouses, local food and cheap transport, especially outside peak season.
What are the best islands for diving and snorkelling?
The Galápagos, Palawan, Fiji, Bora Bora and Mauritius stand out for marine life, from sea lions and penguins in the Galápagos to soft corals in Fiji and reef sharks and rays in Bora Bora's lagoon.
When is the best time to visit tropical islands?
Most tropical islands are best in their dry season: roughly May to October for Bali, Fiji and French Polynesia, and November to April for Phuket, the Caribbean and Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Always check the local wet or cyclone season before booking.
What are the best islands to visit in Europe?
Sicily, Crete, Mykonos, Madeira, Ibiza and Corsica are Europe's standouts, combining beaches with history, food and mountain scenery. Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to go.
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