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.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
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.
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Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
Palawan, The Philippines
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.
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Read also: Stunning Beaches Across the Globe
Maui, Hawaii
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.
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Read also: Best Islands for Beach Vacation in the US
Koh Lipe, Thailand
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.
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Read also: Top Tropical Destinations
Tahiti, South Pacific
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.
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Read also: Underrated Tropical Getaways
Lefkada, Greece
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.
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Read also: Must-Visit Greek Island Beaches
Fiji, South Pacific
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.
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Read also: Best Exotic Beaches Across the Globe
Key West, Florida
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.
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Read also: Best Beach Destinations in the US
Zanzibar, Tanzania
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.
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Read also: Best Hidden Beaches in the World
Bali, Indonesia
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.
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Read also: Warm February Getaways
The Maldives, Indian Ocean
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.
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Read also: Visa-Free Asian Destinations
Milos, Greece
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.
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Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
