These Are the World’s Best Islands for 2025

1. Paros, Greece

Best for food lovers, relaxed beaches, and classic Cycladic beauty

Paros shot from 24th place straight to number one, and readers say it “surprises around every corner.” The island combines postcard-perfect villages with a food scene that rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Paros is widely considered one of the best Greek islands for cuisine, known for mushroom dishes, chickpeas, fresh seafood, and excellent local wines. Towns like Naoussa offer charming harbors and blue-and-white architecture without the crowds of neighboring islands.

The island’s luxury hotels and boutique stays are impressive, but the real draw is the Aegean Sea itself, always close, always sparkling.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Best for culture, wellness retreats, and affordable luxury

Bali remains one of the best islands for culture and wellness travel, blending beaches, temples, rice terraces, and spiritual traditions. With more than 10,000 temples, the island offers depth far beyond its famous resorts.

Travelers can pair surf towns like Uluwatu with jungle stays near Ubud, or focus on yoga retreats, spa resorts, and cultural festivals. Despite its popularity, Bali continues to evolve and attract travelers looking for meaning as much as scenery.

5. Fiji Islands

Best for honeymoon travel and coral reef snorkeling

Fiji consistently ranks among the best tropical islands for honeymoons, with white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant marine life. But beyond the postcard views, Fiji also offers strong cultural traditions and genuine hospitality.

Indian and Chinese influences shape the cuisine, while village life and rituals remain central to everyday culture. It is a tropical paradise with substance.

7. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Best islands in the world for wildlife and nature travel

The Galápagos are unlike any other island destination. Frequently ranked number one in Central and South America, the archipelago is famous for endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Traveling by boat allows visitors to explore multiple islands, snorkel alongside sea lions, hike volcanic terrain, and observe wildlife up close. For nature lovers, this is one of the most meaningful trips imaginable.

9. Madeira, Portugal

Best island in Europe for hiking and outdoor adventure

Madeira is one of the best islands for hiking and nature lovers, with dramatic cliffs, volcanic pools, and a laurel forest recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers mild weather year-round and a slower pace than mainland Portugal. It is perfect for travelers who want scenery, walking trails, and excellent food.