Seeking Paradise? 15 Islands You Must Visit For A Vacation in Paradise
Escape the humdrum of reality with a unique venture to any of these islands. Islands double as an oasis, providing a sense of solace away from the commotion of the everyday. Switch out heavy traffic highways for a warm climate matched with clear blue waters and white sands. Live on island time, if you will.
1. Palawan
Mossy green cliffs spread throughout the sector of the Phillipines Islands. The cliffs surround the blue, see-through water spilling into the Sulu and West Philippine Seas. A popular attraction for visitors in Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a collection of underground caves allowing boats to pass through and glimpse into the charming underground river.
Rock formations gather on the cliff’s ceiling, enclosing the boaters and shading them from the harsh sun. This southeast Asian island appeals to travelers of all backgrounds with activities like cliff diving off limestone cliffs, sunbathing on the white sand beaches, exploring the forestry and wildlife present, and snorkeling or scuba diving throughout the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea.
2. Santorini
An island with as much mainstream fame as Taylor Swift, Santorini invites millions of tourists to its ideal landscape each year. A snapshot of Santorini’s landscape includes bright-blue domes on top of sparkly white buildings, all enveloped with purple flowers. Pastel buildings on the horizon look out over the Aegean Sea, a body of stunning, cobalt-blue water.
Santorini exists due to a volcanic eruption back in the 16th century BC. With volcanic eruptions come distinctive beaches. Santorini prides itself on black sand beaches where the sand comes from millions of volcanic pebbles, white sand beaches (a formation of rocky white pebbles as sand), and a unique red sand beach complemented by red clay cliffs.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius, the large Indian Ocean nation, contains everything fit for a serene island escape. From a drone view, green, moss-covered mountains pop up throughout the cluster of beaches. These peaks open to swells of transparent water attached to renowned beaches like the Belle Mare and the exquisite Flic en Flac. The Flic en Flac beach, the free flat land, overlooks the Flic en Flac village.
A gorgeous mountain lingers in the distance, complemented by miles of silky sand and cerulean water. Foodies find comfort and joy in Mauritius’s offerings from Indian, African, Chinese, and European culinary selections. History buffs adore the rich history following Mauritius’s emergence. The island began as an Arab area before expanding into Dutch, French, and British waters. While in Mauritius, try gateaux piments (chili poppers) or dholl puri (lentil bread) for an authentic tour of Mauritian food.
4. Oahu
A strong sense of community echoes through the Hawaiian paradise deemed Oahu, The Gathering Place. Oahu also houses Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, a fabulous destination for surfing and sunbathing on the beach or returning to history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Oahu’s ethereal landscape paints a dream for modern-day tourists and lucky locals. The breezy Pacific Ocean laps onto the white sand beaches framed by palm trees and mountain mounds.
Check out Waikiki Beach, an expansive plot of land curving C-shaped along the Hawaiian coast. Aside from the water and sand, skyscrapers jut into the sky, creating an exclusive Hawaiian beach town. Travel to the Honolulu Zoo to peek at native critters like Komodo dragons and peacocks. Tired of lazing at the beach? Stroll around the beach town’s bustling nightlife with traditional hula shows and delectable restaurants.
5. Cozumel
Where are the scuba divers? Cozumel is one of the most revered locations for scuba divers, as the translucent water yields an unmatched underwater experience. This Mexican island welcomes creatures from nurse sharks, Eagle rays, barracudas, and loggerhead turtles within the Caribbean Sea, for a sample.
Cozumel’s location, right inside the world’s second-largest reef system, the Mesoamerican reef system, showcases dazzling displays of reef fish and coral species intermingling in this glorious underwater wonderland. The fusion of coral reefs with underwater volcanoes created extraordinary underwater caves, delighting scuba divers daily.
6. Sanibel Island
I will never quit talking about Sanibel Island. The Floridian Escape sits on the opposite side of a bridge stemming from Fort Myers. The island invites guests to participate in environmental practices to reduce harm within this beautiful space. Sanibel’s focus lies in protecting the island rather than pleasing humans. Perhaps the pledge leads to Sanibel’s decent outpour of shells, as it ranks as a top shelling beach in the world. Sanibel’s stress on coexistence and harm reduction equates to an uber-relaxing island experience compared to other places. With restrictions set in place, allowing the animals to roam, little worry pops up about their safety or quality of life.
7. Maldives
Floating in the middle of the Indian Ocean, you’ll find a cluster of islands known as the Maldives. Nearly 1,200 islands of coral, or atolls, form this country/archipelago near Asia. How was this awe-inspiring destination birthed? Eon upon eon, underwater volcanic eruptions created the idyllic islands we call the Maldives today. Given its special location, unique opportunities flood the tourism market in The Maldives. Scuba divers swim next to whale sharks, marveling at their existence, marine scientists mingle with the coral formations, and the true dare-devils opt to eat (or sleep) at an underwater restaurant or lodge.
Sixteen feet below sea level, the world’s first underwater hotel provides guests with an unforgettable view and night under the blue sea. Imagine fish swimming above your room as you nestle into bed for the night. A cheaper option,though expensive due to rarity, includes a meal under the sea. Dine on delectable dishes as sharks and rays swim over the restaurant’s glass tanks.
8. Bali
Deep in the Indian Ocean, an Indonesian province home to the superb island of Bali plants its roots. Bali makes headlines for its unlimited access to island activities. Where select islands solely offer beachgoing activities, Bali steps up the game. The island contains droves of beaches—yes, beaches of remarkable beauty—but the island is distinct for its rice terraces, waterfront temples, animal sanctuaries, and cultural practices.
Rice terraces give farmers and citizens a specific location to harvest grain while maintaining environmental respect. The Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a top-visited spot in Bali, presents layers of greenery. Mazes meet each other in the middle of this UNESCO heritage site, growing rice and plants. A sacred monkey sanctuary devoted to rescuing wild monkeys stands near the rice terraces and jaw-dropping temples like the Taman Ayun Temple and the Pura Taman Ayun space.
9. Galapagos
Picture a paradise where Komodo dragons roam freely. The lizards meander by the largest living species of tortoises, The Galapagos Giant Tortoises, who prowl through the world on a slow, steady gait. Cactus plants decorate the island’s shore, adding flair to the land which inspired Darwin. The Galapagos Islands live about 620 miles off Ecuador’s Coast in the Pacific Ocean.
Darwin dedicated his studies to the island because of the massive collection of endemic species (species that exist only in one location). To name a couple, The Galapagos contains its own version of sea lions, tortoises, penguins, fur seals, hawks, and mockingbirds, making this a bucket list destination for animal lovers.
10. Fiji
The stunning flora and fauna in Fiji captivates visitors. Fiji is home to 25 species of palm trees throughout the island’s forests. Sling a hammock between two palm trees while peeking out over the Fijian water, a popular spring water source for water consumers worldwide. Bored of lounging around lagoons and beaches? Test out a hot spring and a mud pool for a new kind of relaxation. Enhance the experience with a coconut oil massage after the mud bath. A standout waterfall adding to Fiji’s stunning beauty materializes on the Coral Coast. The Biausevu waterfall dances down 65 feet of craggy rock, entrancing every passerby with natural beauty.
11. Sicily
The Tyrrhenian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Ionian Sea bear teal water that circulates the Sicilian coast. The water allures visitors to journey on the seas, peering at the rainbow of houses perched on the Sicilian cliffs. Restored ruins and religious buildings crop up around the island. The Valley of the Temples exemplifies ancient Grecian architecture, with standing remnants of tanned Doric-Greek columns cemented atop cracking rock. Mount Etna, Italy’s most famous volcano, urges visitors to check out the active volcano mentioned in mythology.
12. Sardinia
Another island in the Mediterranean Sea enchants jetsetters with a myriad of terrains. Sardinia boasts over 1200 miles of sandy coastline streaming along the Mediterranean, promising visitors a refreshing, relaxing vacation amidst clear water and warm weather. Sardinia’s noticeable landscape extends to interesting stone formations spanning back generations. These beehive-esque formations (nuraghi) jump up around the island, indicating ancient civilizations. Back then, Sardinian people built these formations to protect themselves from unwanted visitors. Nearly 7,000 nuraghi dwell in Sardinia.
13. Gozo
Twenty-one islands comprise this Maltese archipelago. I believe Gozo won the award for the prettiest Maltese island. Plant a seat on top of the highest cliffs in Gozo, the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs. The rocky run expands up over 390 feet, perfect for a romantic sunset date or a simple stroll. Gozo’s picturesque backdrop shows off caves lingering in the Mediterranean Sea. The island, whose name means “joy,” is a perfect place for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore. When planning a diving trip in Gozo, make sure you explore the Blue Hole, a natural cave harboring beneath the water.
14. Bora Bora
You’ve probably seen a picture of Bora Bora’s famous attraction, the overwater bungalows. These huts float in the water near the shore, acting as a temporary hangout space for guests looking to enjoy the water without dipping. Guests can rent these gadgets for a few hours or choose to spend a night (or a few) in the bungalows. Aside from the incomparable bungalows, Bora Bora entices guests with Mount Otemanu and its lagoons. Mount Otemanu’s mossy-capped peak stretches into the sky. The island fosters multiple hiking trails for admiration of its luxurious forests. Mount Otemanu protrudes through Bora Bora’s lagoon, a crystalline body of water where coral and marine life reside.
15. Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard varies from the other islands on this list due to its flourishing fields of wildflowers and its North American location. The Massachusetts vineyard flaunts its collection of lighthouses and its prime location in the continental United States. The New England island wins over guests with New England hospitality, pounds of incredible seafood, and multi-colored, cutesy houses. History hounds must visit The Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest operating merry-go-round in the U.S.
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