Beautiful islands, usually reminding people of paradise - are located away from the bustle of big cities, they have ideal beaches where you can relax under the rustle of palm trees and look at the calm blue sea. But not all islands are the same. The beauty of some of them is 100% determined by the sea - the crystal clearness of its water and the colorful coral kingdom. Others are covered with lush thickets of the jungle, and are surrounded by greenery. From Seychelles to Santorini and the Caribbean in Capri, in any region on our list, you can find your own paradise.
Here are some of the most beautiful islands on Earth, choose:
1
Maldives
Maldives is one of the most delightful islands in the world. But what really makes these islands magical is the ocean. Transparent aquamarine of crystal clear water is surrounded by dazzling white shores, which are barely visible above the water surface of the mighty Indian Ocean.
Consisting of 26 natural atolls, the archipelago of the Maldives is the lowest on the planet, rising to a height of no more than three meters above sea level, and also, it gives a little shrinkage every year. The islands fascinate with their calm beaches, coral reefs bloom, attracting divers and divers from all over the world to these places.
Surfers come here to ride on the crests of the waves. And on the shore, luxury resorts arrange various shows and coastal tours for lovers of sea adventures. The sea is the most valuable asset of the archipelago, but due to climatic changes of the planet, islands, millimeter by millimeter, go under water. However, tourists have nothing to fear for the next couple of decades - it will take another 50-100 years before the ocean finally swallows the Maldives.
About all the popular and beautiful places that will go under water half a century later, read a very interesting article on our site most-beauty.ru.
2
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Shaped in the shape of a giant sombrero, this lush volcanic island is one of the countless beautiful fantasies of the South Pacific. The tidbit of all its tropical beauty is the delightful turquoise lagoon. Fish, turtles, sharks, and stingrays swim in the clear waters of a lagoon dotted with tiny islands.
Diving and scuba diving thrive here around full of beautiful coral reefs, and hiking trails are laid right through palm forests. If you can afford it, hide here from the bustle of the world in a luxurious bungalow above the water and swim in happiness, falling asleep under the gentle splash of transparent waves.
3
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is a small paradise in the Philippines. This island province extends southwest towards Borneo. Everything here is strewn with lush peaks of limestone rising from the sea, and the water is so clear that you can see all the fish swimming underfoot.
The white sand, the rustle of palm trees will make you rest and relax. The islands here are completely covered by the jungle, and underwater, huge coral reefs bloom, with an impressive variety of tropical fish. Palawan offers tourists one of the best places in the world for scuba diving enthusiasts, emerald lakes and quaint fishing villages.
One of the main attractions of Palawan is the underground river in the National Park, and a whole maze of huge limestone caves around it.
4
Seychelles
The fabulous Seychelles islands lie east of Kenya. This is a relatively untouched archipelago of 115 coral and granite islands with dense jungle, coral reefs, and overgrown palm trees, snow-white beaches surrounded by giant rocks.
Almost half of the total area of these equatorial islands is a nature reserve. Seychelles boasts some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, making Seychelles the best place for anglers. Add spicy Creole cuisine, the velvet resorts of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, and you can understand why Seychelles is so popular among tourists.
5
Santorini, Greece
The Mediterranean Sea is filled with colorful calderas, and Santorini is perhaps the most beautiful place of them. White villas are surrounded by volcanic rocks. The blue domes of the churches are reflected in the sparkling surface of the turquoise sea, and it is pleasant to breathe with clean, moist air. Located on top of a black rock, the villages of Fira and Oia are the most picturesque and one of the most photographed places in the world.
Other attractions of the islands are the Archaeological site of Akrotiri, the ancient cities of Thira, the black sandy beach of Perissa, and, of course, magnificent sunsets. Most-beauty has repeatedly included these places in its various lists, such as the most beautiful islands of Greece, the most beautiful villages in the world, the best romantic places and many others.
6
Cook Islands
If you ever dreamed of getting lost somewhere in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands is waiting for you. The 15 islands of the archipelago are famous for their beautiful aquamarine lagoons, beaches surrounded by tropical palm trees, and volcanic peaks. Locals are one of the friendliest peoples in the South Pacific. Rarotonga is considered the main tourist center.
Aitutaki boasts indescribable beauty, and looks almost like Bora Bora. Hibiscus is filled with villages clinging to the hillsides. You can rent yourself a bungalow over the water or a room in a village shack on a remote island, and realize your fantasies about Robinson Crusoe.
7
Bali, Indonesia
Immersed in an exotic culture, the island of Bali is a real holiday for your soul. Incense comes from Hindu temples, rice fields shine with bright greenery, and delicious local food pleasantly tickles the taste buds.
Surfing, swimming, sunbathing - all this can be done while on the territory of this exotic island. Immerse yourself in the spiritual life of Bali in Ubud, feel the pulse of Kuta filled with tourists, or explore the sights on the neighboring volcanic island of Lombok. Bali's inspiring spirit will swallow you like warm, tropical waves.
8
Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
In the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia, the Dalmatian Islands will charm you with its tranquility and rich history. Quaint villages, boutiques, hotels and restaurants dot these magnificent islands, which are surrounded by the playful waters of the ancient sea. The best among these islands is considered Brac, with the famous Golden Horn beach strip.
Hvar is famous for its Gothic churches, a car-free old town and a picturesque fishing harbor. From here you can get to the beautiful Pakleni islands, known for their crystal clear water and secluded bays.
We also advise you to enjoy the beauty of the beautiful beaches of Croatia, where you can meet the most beautiful Croatians.
9
Fiji
One of the secluded tropical islands, Fiji combines all the charms of numerous Australian coral islands. White sandy beaches, translucent turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs - there is all this, and much more. Locals greet guests with warm, friendly smiles.
Scuba diving, fishing, and in some areas, surfing, a hammock under a palm tree, and gentle waves of the warm sea await tourists all year round. These more than 300 islands have everything from luxurious celebrity shelters and family resorts to wild, deserted beaches. Fijians are very fond of young children, so Fiji is an ideal place for families who want to relax on the islands with their children.
Like the Maldives, in a few decades, most of Fiji will hide under the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
10
Kauai
Kauai is called the "Garden Island" and there are good reasons for this - most of its territory is covered with dense rainforests. Waterfalls flow from volcanic rocks, the intoxicating aroma of tropical flowers hangs in the heavy sultry air. But the beauty of the island is not only in its lush flora and high humidity, the picturesque coast of Kauai is simply breathtaking.
Lava pushed this stunning island from the bottom of the ocean, forming velvety stone ridges and dizzying cliffs bordered by magnificent beaches.
In the photo: Waipoo Waterfall.
Turtles and tropical fish swim in the waters of the blue sea, delighting the eyes of divers and divers who come here from all over the globe. Compared to its more popular sister islands of Maui and Oahu, Kauai lives a more measured, calm life.
Do not miss the breathtaking view of the coast of Na Pali, the 10-km canyon of Waimea, and the fog-covered ancient cliffs of Hanalei Bay.
11
Saint lucia
Saint Lucia is full of gloomy and brooding beauty. Unlike other Caribbean islands, its chip is not beaches, although they are full of golden sand and graceful palm trees. The landscape is much more interesting here - towering stone hooks, double volcanic peaks, rising more than 700 meters from sea level, create a spectacular backdrop for stunning landscapes.
The bristling forest of coconut trees, waterfalls, quaint fishing villages, coral reefs, wild trails, and healing hot springs are just some of the local attractions.
See also: The most beautiful waterfalls on the planet.
12
Capri, Italy
The azure islands of Capri, located 20 kilometers from the Amalfi coast, look like in a fairy tale. Huge rocks rise from the colored waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, showered with spray of salty waves. The main attraction here is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave where locals take tourists on tiny boats and sing an opera to demonstrate the amazing acoustics of this place.
The local city is buzzing with a huge number of immaculately dressed locals and tourists who are carrying bags filled with designer clothes and expensive perfumes. While you are here, do not forget to take a ride on the lift to Monte Solaro to see a breathtaking view of the island and the sea.
13
Phi Phi, Thailand
Phi Phi is a small archipelago in the province of Krabi, where the lush peaks of limestone rise from the tropical sea, and warm waters caress the snow-white shore covered with palm trees. There was a tsunami in 2004, but now Ko Phi Fi has dealt with the consequences of the destruction. A tropical island of dreams from the famous film with Leonardo DiCaprio, was shot right here in Maya Beach, on the small neighboring island of Phi Phi Le.
Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island in the area and offers day trips to the uninhabited nearby islands. Other popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, diving and surfing. Don’t miss the Monkey Coast, famous for its bold macaques, which grow tourists' sweets and bananas.
14
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Whitsunday - classic dream islands with hot tropical beaches and lush greenery. These 74 islands are the tops of flooded hills towering above the waves of the clear blue Coral Sea.
Sailing and scuba diving are very developed here, and under water it is full of motley exotic fish and coral reefs. In this extremely fragile ecosystem, there are six national parks, on some islands, only walking trails are allowed. Lodging here ranges from beach campsites to luxury private properties such as Heiman Island or Qualia on Hamilton Island.
15
Sardinia, Italy
Cozy white sand beaches, rocky coastal peaks, mouth-watering cuisine, a unique combination of modern culture and ancient archaeological treasures - how can you not love this impudent Italian island?
Most travelers have heard of the glamorous Costa Smeralda, or the Emerald Coast, with its rocky bays and the warm waters of the greenish seas, but this large Mediterranean island also claims to be one of the Italian attractions. In Sardinia there is the largest canyon in Europe, Gola su Gorrop, many prehistoric archaeological sites, and the medieval streets of Cagliari.
16
Saint Barthelemy
Stunningly beautiful, the island of Saint Barthelemy attracts movie stars and rich people from all over the world. This place combines the unique flavor of France with tropical beaches that most tourists love. The privacy of tourists, private parties, and private beaches are the main features of this island.
Saint-Barthelemy is one of the most expensive places in the Caribbean, but if you don’t have enough money for luxury, you can rent a room in a boutique hotel, go to the beach, sunbathe in the warm sun, dine on delicious French dishes and imagine for a moment that you are a rich and famous person.
Conclusion
So our list of the most beautiful and stunning islands in the world has come to an end! Your task is to decide which one will be the first, or maybe the next! If you have an opinion on this topic, please express it in the comments. Thanks for your attention!