Travel and Leisure’s World’s Best Islands and Which Have You Been To?
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of islands. I am always thinking about my next trip to Hawaii or visiting one of the Caribbean islands. That’s why this article on Travel and Leisure about the world’s best islands caught my eye. The rankings are, of course, very subjective to the author, but I fun it fund to compare to my own perceptions and opinions. Here is their list of the 20 best islands and I highlighted in bold the ones I personally visited… so feel free to ask me any questions about them in the future!
Here is a link to their list with discussion and pictures: World’s Best Islands
- Santorini, Greece
- Maui, Hawaii (My Trip Report Here)
- Kauai, Hawaii (My Trip Report Here)
- Big Island, Hawaii
- Bali, Indonesia
- Oahu, Hawaii
- Galapagos, Ecuador
- Virgin Gorda, BVI
- Vancouver Island
- San Juan Islands, WA
- Capri, Italy
- Fiji
- Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
- Moorea, French Polynesia
- Crete, Greece
- Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Sicily, Italy
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- The Exumas, Bahamas
- St. John, USVI
I’ve only been to five islands, but a few more are definitely high on my list. Among them are Crete and Santorini in Greece, St. John and Virgin Gorda among the Virgin Islands, hopefully Moorea someday as well as Galapagos.
Which islands have you been to and which are high on your list?
Id add in some of the islands in the whitsundays of australia like white haven beach
I’d also add in Grand Cayman myself. I know you’d back me up on that one!
I’ve been to most of those listed, but my favorite island always has and always will be Manhattan. The only island I will never tire of!
Well said! ;)
You must go to Anguilla, British West Indies, fabulous beaches, gourmet food, warm friendly people, can hardly wait to get there and never want to leave. Tranquility wrapped in blue.
Anguilla is definitely on my list… on a day trip from St. Martin, at the very least :)
I would put Komodo on the list. Amazing place.
Got nine and adding BarrierReef and Bora Bora this year. Bora Bora should be there instead of Moorea.
Wow, you’re quite the traveler!
I’ve been to a few islands as well. The beaches of the Galápagos Islands are beautiful. Giant sea iguanas roaming the beach, huge families of sea lions and pups that waddle right past you. Definitely worth the visit. Getting there may be expensive, but staying there is incredibly affordable. $1 taxi rides anywhere you want to go, plus the US Dollar is the “official” currency.
I’ve been to 11 of the 20 and will be visiting Corfu, Kefalonia, and the Seychelles next year.
So far, the four Hawaiian islands on the list, and Virgin Gorda.
For a less traveled island I really liked San Salvador, Bahamas (pre-Club Med).
I can’t believe the Maldives (or just one of its islands) is not on this list. But it appears the list reflects preferences in the western hemisphere mainly with some exceptions.
Just got back from santorini. It should definitely be on the list, but not quite sure as #1. Depends on what you want from the islands I guess….santorini isn’t known for its beaches…more so the views of the caldera.
I’ve been to all the Hawaiian Islands listed plus Santorini, Fiji and the Great Barrier Reef. I have to agree with putting the Hawaiian Islands at the top of this list. I’m not sure why Santorini beat them, but I didn’t spend much time there so maybe I am biased. I’ve traveled all over the world though, and my favorite destination is still always Hawaii!
I’ve been to many of those listed and many other nice ones not listed. On the list I’d have to say the Galapagos, Moorea, Kauai and Maui are amongst my favorites. I’d say Bali was a disappointment. I’m surprised to see San Juan Islands on that list. Most people forget about those. I think Zanzibar should be on the list. And I disagree that Bora Bora should be on the list over Moorea. Moorea is far more beautiful and has so much more to do.
I’ve been to the 4 major Hawaiian islands, many Caribbean islands, the ones in Canada, and many others not listed. Hawaii (especially Kauai) is still my favorite.
I visited some of these including the Hawaii. Hawaiian islands are nice but not “exotic” enough for me (they feel like just extension of US mainland). My favorites are some of the far east islands belonging to Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam etc.
Been to 9 of those listed, few compare with the beaches on the eastern shores of Anguilla or Buck Island in St. Croix …
Santorini, Crete, Capri, Maui, and Vancouver Island. If you want tips for either Santorini or especially Crete, I would be happy to share.
Gotta do rodrigo in the Macarenes!
I also think that Moorea is a much better pick than Bora Bora. It’s nickname is Boring Boring for a reason. And BB is way too over-developed. Moorea is beautiful, with a mystic quality that’s hard to explain. And it’s not overwhelmed with overwater bungalows like Bora Bora.
I’ve been to French Polynesian 3 times and after one visit to BB, have no plans to return, but would gladly go back to any of the other gorgeous islands and atolls.
I would probably strike all the Hawaiian islands off the list, and replace them with various Caribbean islands (e.g., Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, etc.).