Dreaming of a tropical vacation on a serene island with pristine pockets of wilderness, sprawling beaches and rolling waves? Life is pretty short, ladies and gentlemen, so make your dream a scintillating reality by visiting any of these enticing island destinations. Not only do these islands boast a transcendent beauty, but they have tons of fun activities to offer as well.
Maui, Hawaii, USA
They don’t call Maui as one of the best places to visit in the United States for nothing. After all, it’s a tropical paradise with opulent resorts and dramatic natural scenery. Of course, the island offers a plethora of exciting adventures. For a memorable trip in Maui, hit the Waimoku Falls Trail, and be enthralled by the waterfalls as well as surreal bamboo forest in Haleakala National Park.
Additionally, you may stretch out on Maui’s warm and golden sands, or surf the world-class waves of Hawaii. And, don’t forget to drive the picture-perfect road along the northeastern shore in Maui to Hana.
Cebu, Philippines
From posh seaside resorts to untouched sandbars, Cebu can entertain you in so many ways. Labeled as one of the world’s top islands, Cebu will appease your gastronomic urges with its booming culinary scene, highlighted by street food stalls and international restaurants. Nicknamed fittingly as the gateway to a thousand journeys, the island also is a base to a plethora of other wondrous destinations in the Philippines, like Negros and Bohol.
Crete, Greece
With its authentic Greek restaurants, charming oceanfront villages and excellent sunny weather, Crete is absolutely a favorite for sun-seekers across the world. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, you’ll surely have a blast exploring this Greek island destination. To make your visit even more interesting, visit the archaeological sites and museums that bring the ancient past of Greece to life.
Bali, Indonesia
With a skyline of picture-perfect mountains and pointed pagodas, it’s easy to see why Bali is nicknamed as the Island of Gods. Like most of the popular and trendy island destinations, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Bali, Indonesia. Here, you may explore ancient temples, lounge on a resplendent beach, or play with a bunch of Sumataran elephants. To make things even better, Bali has luxurious spa treatments, decadent cuisine, lush landscapes and a vibrant international backpacking roster.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Soft white sands, clear azure lagoons and deep tangerine sunsets set the stage for a romantic evening in Bora Bora. Enjoy a self-driving tour while taking in the breathtaking vistas of Mount Otemanu or meet a heap of tropical fish as you flutter around Coral Gardens or Tupitipiti Point. Afterwards, head to the Lagoonarium, to watch shark feedings and swim with the turtles. To end your day on a high note, drop by a fine French restaurant and reward yourself with a tropical cocktail and a titillating meal.
The Maldives
No list of the world’s best island destinations is complete without the inclusion of the Maldives. Ethereal and romantic, this island paradise will sweep you away with its peaceful ambiance and unrivaled natural beauty. Moreover, the island destination teems with fun water activities, such as snorkeling, swimming and diving. And, if you need a little break, the island paradise also has stunning sunset views and relaxing sun-bleached sands.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is a slice of heaven on earth. Voted often as the best island in the world, Palawan wows travelers with its turquoise lagoons, towering karst mountains, world-class dive sites and scenic beaches. On top of it all, the island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. And, speaking of which, did you know that it was listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature?
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is Santorini’s energetic and wild sister. Unlike its sophisticated and romantic sibling, though, this Greek island pulses with an electric beat for almost 24 hours per day. Surprisingly, there’s also a laid-back side to this wild child. If you prefer to unwind in Mykonos, watch the sun as it sets from The Windmills over the Mediterranean.
Got an island destination that you think should be on our list? Think we missed anything? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas through the comment section!