Island Holidays

The world's most stunning islands 

From Greece to Madagascar, an island vacation is the perfect way to destress and enjoy the natural beauty our world has to offer.

We live in a beautiful world, and there's no shortage of travel destinations. Each country has something to pride itself on, such as its culture, warm locals, lovely landscape, pleasant weather, and infinitely more. Islands are great destinations for holidays to escape the daily hustle and bustle of urban life. From the Fernando de Noronha of Brazil all the way to the Caribbean Turks and Caicos, the list below will take you through the world's most beautiful island travel destinations.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Noronha's natural beauty makes it stand out from other tropical locales. The crystal clear water surrounds it with rich marine life that includes jumping dolphins, and its greatest attractions are the island's beaches and amazing tropical landscapes. Visitor access is restricted, and only a few tourists are allowed access to the island daily. Hiking across the ecological trails of Jardim Elizabeth, Sancho Bay or the Esmerelda coast will leave visitors with a memorable experience. 

Did you know? Fernando de Noronha is one of the world's top diving destinations.

How to get there
by air or by sea. Direct domestic flights operate daily.

Best for
Those seeking to spend time away from crowds.

Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi comprises of 99 magical Islands that are surrounded by crystal clear Andaman Sea, dreamlike beaches and bays, the natural landscape, iconic structures and expansive parks. It is home to exciting activities, diving opportunities, historic attractions, enjoyable nightlife, great food, and cheap shopping. The place can be best explored through rented vehicles due to the size of the island.

Did you know? The name Langkawi was derived from the Malay word Helang (eagle) and Kawi (Sanskrit reddish-brown tone). The island's Eagle Square reminds visitors of the island's linguistic heritage

How to get there
You can travel to Langkawi by air or by sea. If you are travelling by air, you can either use KLIA or KLIA2 terminals (depending on airline).

Best for
An epic family holiday experience.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is popularly known as Garden Isle with its rainforest interior, the fragrance from the tropical blooms and the falling waters from the island's lava cliffs. The beauty extends to Kauai's luxurious flora and abundant rains, all the way to the amazing beaches. Below the crystal clear waters, you can see tropical fish and turtles swimming along the coral reef. Travellers are given the chance to explore and experience thrilling moments below the surface as well, which excellent diving excursions available.

Did you know? Kauai is the rainiest and most thunderous island in the world!

How to get there
You can only access Kauai by flight. Lihue Airport, located in southeastern Lihue, is the main airport on the island.

Best for
Those who have an eye for pacific waters and golden sand; you will find your refuge along Kauai shores.

La Palma, Canary Islands

The beauty of La Palma, Canary Islands, is clearly seen in the island's incredible landscapes, deep forests, volcanoes, impressive beaches, as well as the clear sky full of glittering stars at night. From a distance, the island appears to be completely green due to the deep colour of the forests. Travellers can hike through the volcanoes and the deep gorges, enjoy the welcoming beaches and the cool moments of stargazing clear skies at night.

Did you know? La Palma is known as the world's steepest island.

How to get there
Non-stop flights from the UK to La Palma Airport or daily ferry connections from other Canarian Islands.

Best for
People who love to stargaze and have unparalleled views of the night sky.

Madagascar

Madagascar is famous for its rare wildlife, spotless coastline, and fantastic landscapes. The beautiful island is located in the Indian Ocean and is covered in great baobab trees, wide-eyed lemurs, and vanilla bean farms. The island gives visitors the chance to experience great adventures, and travellers will find beaches, rainforests as well as deserts in Madagascar.

Did you know? Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, it is full of wildlife and culture.

How to get there
Flights from the UK to Antananarivo Airport with 1 or 2 stops depending on connection. Duration: minimum 14 h

Best for
Lovers, thrill-seekers, and honeymooners to enjoy their romantic moments.

Kefalonia, Greece

Kefalonia Island's beauty lies within the crystal clear waters of greenish-blue, picturesque villages, exquisite beaches, amazing stretches of sand, rich biodiversity, fun nightlife, and medieval monasteries and castles. The green island carries a rich cultural tradition. It is best for visitors who love snorkelling and diving adventures, sea turtles, and monk seal encounters, as well as the rare Caretta Caretta sighting.

Did you know? Kefalonia is famously known as the Movie Island as the setting of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," and is the largest island in the Ionian Sea.

How to get there
To get there you can use a ferry boat from Patras or Kyllini ports.

Best for
Those who want a destination that has endless choices of fun activities.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island prides itself on its hidden beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, cool sunsets, and delicious seafood in festive restaurants. All this fun is experienced within the United States where tourists can make the island a stop on longer East Coast excursions. The island itself is seven miles long, dotted with three main towns: Anna Maria to the north, Bradenton Beach in the south, and Holmes beach between the two.

Did you know? Ana Maria has rare quartz beaches that attract visitors all year long.

How to get there
Take a flight from Sarasota Bradenton International airport to the small Island.

Best for
Sun-seekers who want to enjoy the Instagram worthy sunsets.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Everyone wishes to spend some time on Bora Bora, with its soaring mountain peak, lagoons, and its bungalows built over waterways. Bora Bora lies in the northwest of Tahiti where visitors will spot sharks, turtles, and dolphins, as different colourful fish and rays swim beneath the surface. 

Did you know? Bora Bora tops the list of the most celebrated Islands in the South Pacific. Its fame is on another level and people refer to it as French Polynesia's 'top lady.' 

How to get there
Fly from the capital city of Papeete in Tahiti

Best for
Newlyweds who want to explore romantic adventures.

Elba, Italy

Elba can be described as a true paradise, with its crystal clear sea waters, green hills, beautiful landscapes, luxuriant flora and fauna, not forgetting its friendly inhabitants. You can spend quality time in any of its welcoming beaches of shingles, gravel, sand, and pebbles, depending on your taste. The island is surrounded by a preserved coral reef that adds to its beauty. 

Did you know? Elba is not as famous as the other islands in the country but it is home to a very beautiful aquarium. 

How to get there
Fly to Italy, then drive or take a train to the town Piombino, and then catch a one hour ferry to Portoferraio.

Best for
Those who love spending time in less crowded destinations.

Lofoten, Norway

On Lofoten, visitors can enjoy fishing activities, natural attractions like the midnight sun and the northern lights, and the surrounding villages. The island runs across the Norwegian blue waters with fantastic stretches, and with the sheltered inlets, the trip to the island will just be perfect. The area has a diverse landscape where you can enjoy hiking, scuba diving, skiing, fishing, and ocean rafting.

Did you know? Lofoten Island is strongly connected to the Viking age as tourists can see when they visit the island's Viking Museum. 

How to get there
Book direct flights from several cities in Norway especially with Norwegian Airlines or SAS.

Best for
Nature lovers and those who love fishing.

Koh Jum, Thailand

Koh Jum, also known as Koh Pu, is a small island in Thailand where travellers can find beautiful and unpopulated beaches with very welcoming locals and incredible local cuisine. The prices around the island are low and it's a good place to add to your travel bucket list. Koh Jum is a small island but has nine amazing beaches waiting for you to explore. You get to enjoy popular activities such as snorkelling, swimming, cycling or exploring the island by rented scooter.

Did you know? Koh Jum is the most relaxing island in Thailand. Though small it is quiet and peaceful.

How to get there
From Krabi international airport take a bus or taxi to Klong Jilad pier and catch a ferry to the Island.

Best for
Travellers who love chilling out on unpopulated beaches

Murter, Croatia

Murter is a dreamy spot in Croatia, providing first-class sandy beaches, see-through waters, beautiful landscapes, sunbathing and many other fun activities. Visitors can enjoy cycling around the island, diving into the blue waters, playing tennis on the beach, windsurfing, scuba diving and sailing. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the Kornati national park.

Did you know? Murter Island is famous for its outstanding beautiful beaches. 

How to get there
The nearest airports are Zagreb, Split and Zadar. From the airport, hire a car or a taxi to the island.

Best for
Those who want to try different fun activities on the beach.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The beautiful island is made up of the stunning natural landscapes, welcoming beaches, and the warm-hearted locals of the surrounding villages. It is surrounded by a great coral reef making the waters perfect for sailing adventures. Experience plenty of activities, from eating, hiking, nightlife, and other backpackers' activities.

Did you know? There are 74 islands in the Whitsunday. 

How to get there
You can use two main airports to get to Whitsunday or by ferry, bus, rail and by car.

Best for
Divers, campers, resort lovers, as well as boat and fishing enthusiasts.

Baros Atoll, Maldives

The Indian Ocean waters of the Maldives have crystal clarity and beautiful white waves. The Maldives is the home of some greatest islands and outdoor excursions in the region. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, gazing at the marine life, diving, and much more. Tourists can also watch underwater life as they enjoy seafood in the island's submerged spa, Huvafen's Fushi.

Did you know? Baros Atoll has the largest number of sea bungalows in the world. 

How to get there
Go to Velana international airport (Island of Hulhule) and take a speedboat, a ferry or a seaplane to reach the Island.

Best for
People looking for a place to enjoy romantic moments

Turks & Caicos Islands, Caribbean

Turks and Caicos are one of the places where travellers can enjoy the nicest beaches and greatest beach conditions in the world. Many activities here are ocean-oriented, meaning that water sport enthusiasts will have plenty to do. You can also enjoy fantastic guided boat tours and excursions, and take in the beautiful surrounding environment on longer cruises. Get closer to nature as well, and visit the nearby national parks and reserves.

Did you know? The water temperature at Turk and Caicos is much warmer than in other destinations - almost like the water in a nice warm bathtub.

How to get there
To reach the island, take a domestic flight from Providenciales International airport.

Best for
Turks and Caicos is the perfect destination for divers and snorkelers

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