The 25 Most Beautiful Islands in the World in 2018

With its semi-arid climate, Aruba gives you the full Caribbean island experience without the hurricanes. It’s one of the best places to visit in September but any time of year is a good time to come to this Dutch island just north of Venezuela. The beaches are gorgeous but even prettier are the historic buildings of Oranjestad the capital.

The only state in Australia that is also an island, Tasmania also boasts the coolest climate in the country. Because of its southerly location, it’s one of the best places to see the Southern Lights. There’s much more to Tasmania, though: historical sites from the Convict Era, rugged wilderness, food markets and whisky distilleries, Tasmanian devils and, of course, beaches.

You know those postcard pictures of wooden bungalows built right over impossibly clear blue water? Chances are that they were taken in the Maldives. There are 1,192 coral islands here, making up 26 atolls, each with its own charm. Pack your favourite bikinis when you visit the Maldives but also be sure to throw in some one-pieces – the number one swimsuit style you need – so that you can dive and snorkel without wardrobe malfunctions.

Overwater bungalows, coconut palms, crystal-clear waters filled with marine life, perfect weather, inland jungle and mountains to explore: what more could you want from an island holiday spot? What you don’t want is a serious illness, so the fact that Bora Bora is one of the world's Zika-free beach destinations makes it all the more appealing.

Even though many of Palau’s Rock Islands are uninhabited, they’re one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions. The waters surrounding these tree-covered limestone islands make for great diving. The most unique snorkelling site here, however, is one of those surreal destinations you probably didn’t know existed: Jellyfish Lake is home to thousands of stingless jellyfish.

Santorini is touristy, yes, but it’s also very obvious why everyone wants to visit. Whitewashed houses glimmer in the sun, against the background of the blue Mediterranean. Add some fresh seafood and the local dry white wine and life can’t get much better than this.

Whitsunday Island is the main island in the group of the same name. It’s located off the coast of Queensland in Australia and is a popular camping destination. The main attraction here is Whitehaven Beach. The contrast of white sands, blue waters and green vegetation makes this beach one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Back in the day, Rhodes was famous for the Colossus, a huge statue of the sun god Helios that was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While the Colossus was destroyed in an earthquake nearly two millennia ago, many buildings showcasing the island’s history still stand: Byzantine churches, medieval castles and monasteries, Turkish baths, the oldest synagogue in Greece and one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

The smell of cloves and nutmeg permeates the air on Zanzibar, an island as exotic as they come. The vast array of wildlife found here includes monkeys, small antelope like dik-diks, butterflies, burs, turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. Amazingly, it’s not the wildlife that’s the main attraction. Instead, it’s the winding alleys and stunning wooden doors of Stone Town, also the place where Freddie Mercury was born.

When you prepare your packing list for Mexico, be sure to include all your favourite swimsuits for a visit to Cozumel. This small island near Cancun is a popular stop for cruise ships because it has something for everyone: excellent beaches, some of the best diving and snorkelling in the region, colonial churches and Mayan ruins.

Iceland is one of the cheapest places to travel from Canada, with budget flights direct from Toronto and Montreal. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world too, with its lava fields, waterfalls, glaciers, quaint fishing villages and hot springs. While it may be tempting to just stay in and explore the bustling capital, Reykjavik, you’d do yourself a disservice if you didn’t travel Iceland’s Ring Road.

Part of the Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is one of those Caribbean islands that offer any kind of adventure you can think of: climbing the Pitons, hiking through rain forests, taking a mud bath, sailing or dancing the night away at a street party. There’s even a drive-in volcano here! As if life on Saint Lucia isn’t sweet enough, the island is one of the best places to visit in August, when it’s Chocolate Heritage Month.

Skiing – on snow, not on water – probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beautiful islands. But on Baffin Island, it's one of the many activities you can do. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, Arctic wolves and caribou are just some of the wildlife species you may spot here and geographical features like Mount Thor are among those places in Canada you won’t believe exist. Mount Asgard has even been featured as the backdrop for one of James Bond’s most death-defying stunts.

Some of Maui’s beaches have white sand; others have red or black sand. They’re all spectacular, though. However, it’s not only the beaches that make Maui one of the world’s most beautiful islands. There’s some great diving and snorkelling to be had here, for instance. Maui’s deep, rugged valleys also beg to be explored, so remember to include hiking gear on your Hawaii packing list.

"La Isla Bonita", as Ambergris Caye is affectionately called, basically consists of wide, sandy white beaches surrounding a mangrove swamp, with clear blue waters all around it. "Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free," Madonna sang about the island. It’s one of the most relaxing holiday spots to relieve anxiety and stress.

At first glance, Isla de Janitzio in Lake Patzcuaro may look a little unassuming, except for the giant statue of Mexican Independence hero Jose Maria Morelos overlooking the town that covers most of the island.

Come here on the Day of the Dead and it’s a different story, though: in the evening, the fishermen light candles in their canoes and wave their butterfly nets to guide the souls of the dead to the cemetery, where the living make their way too in candlelit processions. It’s a truly moving sight.

White sand, palm trees and blue waters are par for the course in the Seychelles but if you can visit only one island in this archipelago, be sure it’s La Digue. The wildlife here is plentiful and includes giant tortoises. Anse Source d’Argent with its pinkish sand is also one of the world’s secret beach gems.

Malta is not only the name of the country but also the name of its largest island. Of course the rugged landscape and stunning beaches are great reasons to visit but what makes Malta truly beautiful is its rich architectural heritage.

There are temples dating all the way back to the Stone Age but most of the island’s architecture has been influenced by the Phoenicians Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, medieval knights, the French and the British who ruled Malta at different points in history.

Even though Isla Holbox is only a short distance from the craziness of Cancun, it’s a whole world away. For one thing, there are no traffic jams here. What really makes it one of the hidden gems of Mexico is that the shallow lagoon separating this beachy island from the Mexican mainland is home to flamingos, pelicans and other birds. The waters around the island are also popular with whale sharks.

Singapore may not be known for its beaches but the city-state is still an island. As one of the richest countries in the world, Singapore has the money to spend on innovative and mind-blowing architecture. Among all the glitzy skyscrapers you’ll find lovely green spaces, including the Singapore Botanic Gardens. One of the best ways to appreciate the many cultural influences in Singapore is to try the diverse cuisine.

Located off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is a short ferry ride from Oban, an off-the-beaten-path cruise destination on the mainland. The single track roads are a challenge for beginners, but once you get the hang of them, the island becomes super-accessible. In the summer months, you'll find pleasant weather and lots of things to do: distillery tours, sea adventures and hiking. In the winter, you'll feel like you've got the island to yourself. Some of the beaches here, like Calgary Beach, look like they belong in the Caribbean.

Whether you fly in or take the ferry from the mainland, Vancouver Island will certainly keep you busy. It's a huge island covering more than 32,000 sq. km. From the bright lights and nightlife of Victoria to the mystical feeling of Clayoquot Sound you could spend weeks here and never do the same thing twice. It's a year-round destination with activities like whale-watching and hiking old-growth forests in the summer and skiing and storm-watching in the winter.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you like big cities, Manhattan is breathtaking. Home to 1.6 million New Yorkers, it's easy to forget that Manhattan is actually an island. It's the birthplace of New York, and the most recognizable of all the city's boroughs. The list of things to do is endless, and it includes walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the world's most beautiful bridges.

Located south of India, Sri Lanka is an island nation that became independent in 1948. Once known as Ceylon, it changed its name in the early 1970s. There are traces of human settlements here that go back more than 100,000 years. An ugly civil war ended in 2009 and the country has enjoyed an increase in tourism. Food is a big draw and you'll also find cultural festivals throughout the year, some that include decorated elephants.

The beauty of Bali can't be overstated. Take the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (pictured) on Beratan Lake in Bali's central highlands. That's just a small example. Add to this the beaches, nightlife and even one of the world's most beautiful flower markets, and you've got an island destination that you'll want to return to again and again.