12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away
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12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away

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Sometimes, breathtaking coastal views and a beautiful beach are all you need to recharge your batteries. If you want to kick back and unwind somewhere paradisiacal, islands that fit the bill can be found in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, the South Pacific, and more. Here are some of the world’s most idyllic island destinations.

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12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away © umike_foto / Adobe Stock
Palawan, The Philippines 1/5
12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away © stryjek / Adobe Stock
Koh Lipe, Thailand 2/5
12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away © Fokke Baarssen / Adobe Stock
St. Lucia, Caribbean 3/5
12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away © remixon / Adobe Stock
Tahiti, South Pacific 4/5
12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away © Stan Jones / Adobe Stock
Maui, Hawaii 5/5

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12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away 1
Palawan, The Philippines
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12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away 2
Koh Lipe, Thailand
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12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away 3
St. Lucia, Caribbean
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Tahiti, South Pacific
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12 Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away 5
Maui, Hawaii
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St. Lucia, Caribbean

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away St. Lucia, Caribbean
© Fokke Baarssen / Adobe Stock

St. Lucia is one of the most lush Caribbean islands, and the landscape is awash with emerald green. The island’s distinctive pitons, Petit Piton and Gros Piton, make it stand out. They’re a UNESCO-listed site, and climbing them is very popular. Afterward, you can relax on one of St. Lucia’s black sand beaches due to past volcanic activity.

  • Explore Pigeon Island National Landmark: Discover the history and natural beauty of Pigeon Island National Landmark. Admission is USD 10 per person.
  • Visit Sulphur Springs Park: Explore the world’s only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs Park. Admission is USD 11 per person.

Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean

Palawan, The Philippines

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Palawan, The Philippines
© umike_foto / Adobe Stock

Palawan is a dream destination for lovers of natural coastal landscapes and rich marine life. The archipelago is also known for its lush rainforests and distinctive limestone cliffs. Don’t miss the ​​Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, where you can ride a boat through pretty, bat-filled caverns.

  • Snorkel at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: Explore the rich marine life at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: Experience the natural wonder of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River by taking a boat tour through its bat-filled caverns. Admission is USD 10 per person.

Read also: Stunning Beaches Across the Globe

Maui, Hawaii

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Maui, Hawaii
© Stan Jones / Adobe Stock

The pick of the Hawaiian islands for peace-seekers has to be Maui, which is mercifully free of the high rises and noisy nightlife of Oahu and the Big Island. Volcanoes and waterfalls are accessed via hiking trails or seize the chance to learn surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Maui also offers cooking classes and whale-watching trips during the season.

  • Hike in Haleakalā National Park: Explore the volcanic landscapes and waterfalls of Haleakalā National Park. Admission is USD 20 per person.
  • Go Whale Watching: Experience a whale-watching trip during the season with tours departing from Lahaina Harbor.

Read also: Best Islands for Beach Vacation in the US

Koh Lipe, Thailand

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Koh Lipe, Thailand
© stryjek / Adobe Stock

Though part of Thailand, Koh Lipe lies close to the Malaysian border and is still inhabited by several Urak Lawoi – aboriginal Malay people. The island belongs to Tarutao National Marine Park, an area rich in coral reefs and other diving sites. Not that you need to do too much, with all that soft, white sand and azure water at your disposal.

  • Explore Tarutao National Marine Park: Discover the rich marine life and coral reefs of Tarutao National Marine Park. Admission is USD 6 per person, offering access to stunning diving and snorkeling sites.
  • Relax on Pattaya Beach: Enjoy the soft, white sands and azure waters of Pattaya Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Read also: Cheapest Countries To Visit Around the World

Tahiti, South Pacific

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Tahiti, South Pacific
© remixon / Adobe Stock

When luxury calls, head to Tahiti. This South Pacific island is famous for upmarket accommodation, so it’s one for when you have cash to splash. Expect pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and deluxe overwater bungalows. Tahiti also offers lovely lagoons, cascading waterfalls, black sand beaches, and inactive volcanoes.

  • Explore Papenoo Valley: Discover the natural beauty of Papenoo Valley with its cascading waterfalls and lush landscapes.
  • Relax on Black Sand Beaches: Visit the unique black sand beaches of Lafayette Beach. These beaches offer a striking contrast to the island’s lush greenery. 

Read also: Underrated Tropical Getaways

Lefkada, Greece

Island paradises_Lefkada_kite_rin_AdobeStock_230408272
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Lefkada, nestled in the Ionian Sea, is connected to the mainland by a short causeway, making it unique among the otherwise island-bound Ionian islands. Its rugged coastline offers some of Europe’s most stunning beaches, such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni, known for their deep blue waters and white cliffs. The island’s charming villages, like Agios Nikitas and Vasiliki, offer a glimpse into traditional Greek life, set against a backdrop of lush mountains and sparkling seas.

  • Visit Porto Katsiki Beach: Experience the stunning beauty of Porto Katsiki Beach, famous for its deep blue waters and dramatic white cliffs. Access to the beach is free, but parking may have a fee.
  • Explore Egremni Beach: Discover the breathtaking Egremni Beach, known for its pristine sands and turquoise waters. Be prepared for a descent down many steps.

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Read also: Must-Visit Greek Island Beaches

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Fiji, South Pacific

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Fiji, South Pacific
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The archipelago of Fiji comprises over 300 South Pacific islands, though most inhabitants live on Vanua Levu or Viti Levu. Suva, the Fijian capital, can be found on the latter and features streets lined with colonial architecture. Palm-spotted beaches, coral reefs, and unspoiled landscapes characterize the islands.

  • Relax on Natadola Beach: Enjoy the palm-spotted sands and clear waters of Natadola Beach, one of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches. Access to the beach is free.
  • Snorkel at Coral Coast: Experience the vibrant marine life at Coral Coast, famous for its coral reefs. Snorkeling tours are available, and prices vary by operator.

Read also: Best Exotic Beaches Across the Globe

Key West, Florida

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Key West, Florida
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Key West isn’t only the most southerly of the Florida Keys; it’s also the southernmost point of continental America. The island has an end-of-the-line feel and is close to one of the most remote national parks in the US, Dry Tortugas. This is a historic water sports mecca with fabulous beaches to boot.

  • Visit Dry Tortugas National Park: Explore the remote Dry Tortugas National Park, known for its historic Fort Jefferson and vibrant marine life. Admission is USD 15 per person, and ferry or seaplane access is required.
  • Relax at Smathers Beach: Enjoy the sun and sand at Smathers Beach, one of Key West’s most popular beaches. Access to the beach is free.

Read also: Best Beach Destinations in the US

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Zanzibar, Tanzania
© Ralf / Adobe Stock

Even the name sounds incredibly exotic, and Zanzibar is also known as the Spice Island. Visit Stone Town to dive into spice trade heritage and local history, or head to the northern beaches in Kendwa and Nungwi. Zanzibar is everything you’d expect from an island paradise, plus much more.

  • Explore Stone Town: Discover the rich history and spice trade heritage of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its narrow streets and visit local markets. 
  • Visit Nungwi Beach: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Nungwi Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets and water activities. Access is free, and local vendors offer snorkeling and diving tours.

Read also: Best Hidden Beaches in the World

Bali, Indonesia

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Bali, Indonesia
© javarman / Shutterstock

Bali is a breathtakingly beautiful island with black and white sand beaches, arts and culture, rice terraces, and local wildlife. There are some lovely places to stay for all budgets, and the spas are superb. Visit Bali, and you’ll find glorious sights around every corner, from world-class surf beaches to the colorful, spiritual offerings left out by locals.

  • Visit Uluwatu Temple: Explore the stunning Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff with breathtaking ocean views. Admission is USD 3 per person, and don’t miss the traditional Kecak dance performance at sunset.
  • Explore Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Discover the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, known for their lush greenery and stunning landscapes. 

Read also: Beach Destinations Around the World in May

The Maldives, Indian Ocean

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away The Maldives, Indian Ocean
© Sergii Figurnyi / Adobe Stock

The Maldives is not just one island, but way over 1,000 of them. This destination is known for luxury accommodations and is famous for its overwater bungalows. It’s a honeymooners’ favorite, with idyllic white sand beaches, superb snorkeling, and scuba diving. Sea turtles are often spotted in the cerulean waters.

  • Stay in Overwater Bungalows: Experience the luxury of Maldives’ overwater bungalows with stunning ocean views. Prices vary, so check with resorts for details.

Read also: Visa-Free Asian Destinations

Milos, Greece

Island Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away Milos
© moofushi / Adobe Stock

Tucked away in the sparkling Aegean Sea, Milos is a hidden gem among the Greek islands. It’s a paradise for beach lovers, boasting some of the most unique and stunning shorelines in Greece. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to Milos for its dramatic landscapes and unique beaches.

  • Relax on Firiplaka Beach: Enjoy the colorful cliffs and turquoise waters of Firiplaka Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Access to the beach is free.
  • Hike to Profitis Ilias: Take a hike to the highest point on Milos, Profitis Ilias, for panoramic views of the island. This trail is ideal for nature enthusiasts and offers breathtaking scenery.

Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands

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