It is practically impossible to say which is the most beautiful island in the world.
Paradise on earth is generally associated with a remote island with white beaches, lush forests and poignant sunsets.
The truth is that on our planet there are so many wonderful islands and it is not always necessary to reach the other side of the world to enjoy spectacular beaches and crystal clear waters. Sometimes the island you dream of is two steps away from you.
With this guide I want to take you, through a virtual journey, discovering the 15 best holiday islands.
A list of 15 destinations tailored to the needs of each of you, for those who travel with their family or as a couple and want to rediscover the value of relaxation, but also for groups of friends looking for unbridled fun.
Here is what the best islands offer for holidays and what is the best time to explore them.
Sardinia
To get used to the idyllic wonders of this roundup, it is better to start the journey from a local island that never ceases to enchant us, Sardinia.
A few hours of flight or ferry and you will have your own Caribbean beaches, with the advantage of not having to perfect your English or undergo vaccinations before departure.
The island is a skilful synthesis of exoticism, archaism and uncontaminated places, a sort of space out of time, just what it takes for a dream vacation.
In Sardinia the old and the new coexist side by side, so you will find both wild beaches such as Cala Spinosa and equipped beaches such as Costa Rei.
This is why the island is appreciated both by those who want to shake off the fatigue of winter by relaxing on an enchanted beach, and by lovers of nightlife and archeology enthusiasts will be amazed by the nuragic villages such as the Tombs of the Giants.
Although enchanting from every point of view, the places of greatest attraction remain the beaches and consequently summer is the season to be preferred, but temperatures are mild until November.
Corsica
The tour of best islands for holidays continues in Corsica, a destination appreciated above all by those who want to enjoy the crystal clear sea and get lost in the picturesque streets of the villages overlooking the sea, such as Bonifacio.
While it is true that many southern resorts are out of reach for those on a tight budget, it is also true that in the northern part of Corsica the beaches are wilder and the prices much lower.
Some advice? Choose places like Porto Vecchio if you are fashionable, but stop in Calvi if you are traveling with your family and are looking for a quiet pace.
Good news for cyclists and motorcycle touring enthusiasts: Corsica is the ideal destination for those traveling on two wheels. In particular, the north of the island is teeming with suggestive itineraries and scenic roads, such as those that line the Cap Corse peninsula.
The best time to go to Corsica is from May to September, because in autumn the rains are abundant and most of the bathing establishments close in late summer.
Hvar
Board a ferry and cross the Adriatic, the Croatian island of Hvar awaits you, located a short distance from Split.
No time to set foot on the pier and you will find yourself immersed in fairytale landscapes kissed by the sun, so much so that Hvar is known as the sunniest and most chic island in Croatia.
The upscale restaurants and exclusive nightclubs attract and make a variety of celebrities a destination suitable for groups and couples, but at the same time the island of Hvar also offers quieter areas for a family holiday.
It is also appreciated by history buffs because of the valuable Gothic-Renaissance monuments that evoke the glorious past.
The winding streets of the old towns, the Stari Grad castle and the fortress of Vrboska (or “Little Venice”) will take you back a few centuries. Thanks to mild winters and bearable summer temperatures, it is possible to visit Hvar in any season.
Malta
Board a fast ship and head to the heart of the Mediterranean, where the archipelago of Malta is located.
In Malta you will find beaches for all tastes, mostly rocky, while the islet of Comino houses the famous Blue Lagoon, a beach that alone is worth the price of the ticket.
Malta is the perfect destination for groups of friends who can count on a lively nightlife, but also for families, couples, history and culture lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
Hikers will be able to follow the trekking routes that flank the Victoria Lines, "the Great Wall of Malta", while fans of the Game of Thrones saga will hunt for locations such as the dungeons of the Red Fortress.
The temperate climate and the incessant sirocco make it a good destination for all seasons, indeed the advice is to organize the trip in spring or autumn.
Santorini
Climb aboard the ship and point the bow towards the Aegean Sea, where the island of Santorini will welcome you to the rhythm of the sirtaki and with its typical contrast between the dark volcanic rocks and the blinding white of the houses topped by blue domes.
Lovers of the sea and the sparkling nightlife will be in their natural element, but the island is a particularly popular destination for couples because of the enchanting sunsets over the caldera, romantic views and picturesque villages.
Whether you are traveling as a couple or traveling with friends, know that the island is not accessible to all budgets, indeed Santorini is the most expensive of the Cyclades.
Obviously you pay for the beauty of the places and beaches, as well as the typical dinners with a view of the caldera, perhaps in the fiery light of the sunset.
Maiorca
The last Mediterranean stop of this review is Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands which is the ideal destination for families, couples and young people looking for fun.
Unlike Formentera, Majorca can be visited even in winter, also because Palma de Mallorca is a lively city in every season.
If you are traveling with children in Playa de Muro you will find equipped beaches and shallow waters, do not miss a trip to the Dragon Caves.
Majorca is also an island suitable for art lovers, to whom a visit to contemporary art museums such as the Fundació Joan Mirò, to the enchanting village Vildemossa and to Deià, the place where a large number of people settled in the XNUMXs, is recommended. community of intellectuals.
Lanzarote
In this list of the best islands for holidays, the Canary Islands could not be missing, in particular the splendid Lanzarote.
The island is the perfect destination for all nature lovers, with postcard landscapes, nature reserves, protected parks and wild beaches in the shade of low palm trees.
Rent a car and explore Lanzarote from North to South, it will be an incredible experience to discover unspoiled nature and the unique works of the artist César Manrique.
Don't miss the park National of Timanfaya, a crazy lunar-looking landscape, created following the violent volcanic eruptions that took place between 1730 and 1736.
You can organize the trip at any time of the year because it is warm here even in winter.
Cuba
The other side of the Atlantic offers you the magical island of Cuba, a must for those who love Caribbean rhythms and beaches of fine sand such as Cayo Largo.
Relax on the paradisiacal beaches between lush mangroves and magnificent coral reefs, it is no coincidence that Cuba is appreciated by snorkelers.
Those who want to savor the authentic Cuban atmosphere will have to go to Havana, where the Caribbean sound overwhelms everyone. It is true that music is everywhere, throw yourself on the dance floor and dance Salsa until dawn.
The holiday climate of Cuba is perfect for every need: for lovers of the sea, Caribbean beaches and the legendary history of this country. In addition, the island is rich in natural attractions such as the beautiful Vinales Valley.
The rainy season and in particular the month of August are generally not recommended periods, therefore it would be better to leave during the dry season which runs from December to March.
Isla Mujeres
300 km from Cuba is Isla Mujeres, a Mexican island 7 km long and just over 500 m wide. A strip of land that contains extraordinary beauties so much that it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
The name is due to the female statues that were found in the temple devoted to the Aztec goddess of fertility. On the northern side lies the spectacular North Beach, which appears at the top of all the rankings of the best beaches in the world.
Isla Mujeres is a tourist destination suitable for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts and for all those who want to spend a relaxing holiday.
However, avoid the hottest months because the climate is purely tropical. This is not a low cost island, but consider that the cost of living is on average lower than ours.
Zanzibar
Circumnavigate Africa and land on the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania.
Here you will not know the meaning of winter as temperatures never drop below 20 ° C and therefore you can visit the island at any time of the year, as long as you avoid the rainy season which runs from March to early June.
The fairytale beaches, the luxuriant nature, the Arab fortresses and the fairytale palaces attract tourists from all over the world.
The distinctive note of the island, however, is the mix of cultures, a synthesis of Indian, Middle Eastern and African traditions that has no equal in the world. Zanzibar is perfect for couples but also if you are traveling with children.
Seychelles
Year-round summer and postcard backgrounds in the Seychelles archipelago, located off the coast of Madagascar.
If in Zanzibar it is the smells of spices that inebriate you, here the magic is entrusted to the vivid colors of the landscapes and the sculptures created by the rocks close to the crystalline sea.
Do not miss Anse Source d'Argent, the icon of the Seychelles and one of the most photographed corners of the planet, so spectacular it seems fake.
In particular, the Seychelles are perfect for a romantic getaway, for honeymooners and families with children.
Maldives
The Indian Ocean holds another treasure, whose name is synonymous with dream holidays: the archipelago of the Maldives, 26 atolls arranged in a ring and a myriad of wonderful islets.
White beaches and coral reefs make it the favorite destination for VIPs, diving enthusiasts, as well as, of course, couples on their honeymoon.
The best time to visit them is from December to April. The costs are very high, especially in luxury resorts but if you want to spend less you can stay in guest houses.
Koh Lipe
We finally arrive in my beloved Thailand and in particular in the most beautiful island in the country: Koh Lipe.
It is a small island with beaches of white sand, waters of a unique transparent and depths rich in tropical fish. Unlike the Maldives, the costs of a holiday on Koh Lipe are much lower.
A stay on Koh Lipe is ideal for a winter escape in the name of pure relaxation on one of its beautiful beaches.
In addition, from Koh Lipe you can set out to discover the nearby islands, dive into the best depths of Thailand, snorkel, explore the surroundings of the island by Kayak or simply admire the wonderful sunsets of Sunset Beach.
Bali
Indonesia is a true paradise for sea lovers, there are many islands among the most beautiful in the world and it is not easy to choose.
One thing is certain, the most famous is Bali, known and appreciated by tourists from all over the world.
Known for its many temples, unspoiled nature and beaches for all tastes. In particular, surf lovers will be spoiled for choice for the many spots among the most interesting in the world.
Spirituality reigns supreme here, almost every corner has a temple, so much so that Bali is known as the Island of the Gods.
Philippines
Sail the Celebes Sea and land on one of the 7000 islands that make up the Philippine archipelago. Yes, the tour of the best holiday islands ends with the embarrassment of choice.
The fashionistas can stop at Boracay, diving enthusiasts in Malapascua, while Palawan will appeal to fans of tropical beaches and Ifugao to lovers of trekking among the rice fields.
They are places accessible to anyone because, apart from the flight, a vacation in the Philippines requires a small budget. Moreover, the engaging good humor and the proverbial friendliness of the local population will be the constant notes of the holiday.
The most suitable months for a trip to the Philippines are those ranging from January to April
Conclusions
These 15 paradisiacal islands are the stages of our personal island hopping, but even just one of the destinations described is enough to give you a dream vacation. To say it with a poet, even being shipwrecked will be sweet in these seas.
