Many of us dream of escaping the UK and enjoying a sun-drenched beach holiday every now and then, and during the winter months, this idea is even more alluring!
If you’re thinking about booking a holiday – or even just dreaming about it – there’s never been a better time to plan an island escape. But with so many beautiful locations and travel deals to choose from, how do you plan your perfect trip?
To help you out, we’ve picked 10 beautiful islands that all offer something different – from exotic archipelagos on the other side of the world to balmy islands that are closer to home…
1. The Seychelles
In an article about beautiful, paradise-like islands, the Seychelles will almost always make an appearance.
This archipelago of 115 islands is so idyllic that when you look around for the first time, you might think you’re in a dream: think snow-white powdery beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, gently swaying palm trees, and lush green hills blanketed by tropical rainforest.
Aside from their spectacular natural beauty, part of the appeal of the Seychelles is their isolation. Located 900 miles off the coast of East Africa, their closest neighbour, Madagascar, is still 500 miles away. So, if you’re looking for a sense of seclusion and to feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of normal life, you’ll find that here. No wonder it’s such a popular honeymoon destination!
But the Seychelles has more to offer than beaches. While you can easily spend weeks here swimming and sunbathing, the islands are just as enchanting away from the coast.
On Mahé, the biggest island, you can climb soaring peaks, explore wild rainforests, and soak up the local culture, which is an intriguing blend of African, French, and British.
2. The Azores
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise that’s a little closer to home (only a five-hour flight from the UK), you might want to think about the Azores.
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese archipelago remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, with many of us not knowing where it is on a map – it is, in fact, almost 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal.
While the Azores are blessed with beautiful beaches, this archipelago likely isn’t the place to visit if you’re just looking for a lazy beach break. The islands are actually the exposed tips of huge underwater mountains. And their position – lying where the European, American, and African tectonic plates meet – means the landscape is truly mesmerising and offers more adventures than you could dream of.
Imagine bubbling mud pots, mystical caverns, ancient forests, deep blue crater lakes, and looming volcanoes, and you’ll get a sense of what the Azores are like. Known as a beacon of sustainability, you can go whale and dolphin watching; dive with sharks; swim through shipwrecks; hike coastal paths; go canyoning, mountain biking, and paragliding; and watch the sunset over Mount Pico.
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3. Koh Samui
Thailand isn’t short of beautiful islands. But if you had to pick just one, many would agree that Koh Samui probably comes out on top.
Located off the east coast of the Malay Peninsula in southern Thailand, Koh Samui is your archetypal tropical paradise – with pristine lagoon beaches, dense green jungles, thundering waterfalls, and rolling emerald hills.
If you’re looking to enjoy some pampering during your holiday – whether it’s visiting a luxury spa or prioritising health and wellness – you’re in the right place, as Koh Samui is known for having some of the best spas in the world. From yoga classes and cleaning fasts to various treatments and massages, Koh Samui is a blessing for your mind, body, and spirit, as well as your senses.
When you’re not relaxing in a spa or kicking back on a beach, there’s plenty to do – especially if you’re a foodie. The dining options here are exceptional – from wooden shacks where you can tuck into authentic Thai curries to romantic, beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood. And afterwards, why not enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the ocean?
4. Zanzibar
The East African country of Tanzania is an idyllic destination in its own right, but part of what attracts tourists is its spectacular Zanzibar Archipelago.
Despite the bleached white sand beaches, which rank among the best in the world, there’s a sense of timelessness here. And the African, Indian, Arabic, and Persian influences throughout history only serve to make this place more unique.
But it’s impossible to play down the beauty of these beaches. Clear, turquoise waters lap powdery, white sand; coconut palms are silhouetted against pastel-hued skies; and shoals of fish, dolphins, and whales swim in the ocean. Each beach has its own character, whether it’s laidback Matemwe or energetic Paje (which is popular with kitesurfers), and the diving here is also exceptional.
If you’re looking for culture and history, there’s plenty of this here too. In the island’s capital, Zanzibar Town, you’ll find the historic Stone Town. Here, you can lose yourself in a labyrinth of spice-scented alleys, learn about the island’s dark slaving history in museums, wander through the lively beachfront Forodhani Gardens, and people-watch over a cup of rich Arabic coffee.
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5. Sardinia
If Zanzibar is a stretch for you – whether in time or money – you’ll be glad to know that you can find paradise less than three-hours away.
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, halfway between Italy and Tunisia, Sardinia is like nowhere else in the world. To quote D.H. Lawrence, “Sardinia is different…lost between Europe and Africa, and belonging to nowhere.”
While this mesmerising island is undeniably Italian, it also possesses its own unique identity, thanks in part to its turbulent history, which is woven through with Greek, Roman, Arab, and Catalonian influences. You can delve into Sardinia’s past by visiting Phoenician and Roman cities, sacred wells, Bronze Age settlements, and the myriad of mystifying round stone towers across the island.
But the beaches are what really set Sardinia apart from the rest of Europe. They look straight out of the Caribbean, with blindingly white sand and warm sapphire waters.
Beneath the waves, there are Roman ruins, shipwrecks, and underwater caves to explore and, inland, you’ll find quiet oak forests, rocky canyons, and remote mountain villages. And that’s without mentioning the unique cuisine – think fresh lobster, spit-roasted meats, and cheesy pasta!
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6. St. Lucia
For jaw-dropping beauty, truly idyllic beaches, and a treasure trove of cultural riches, you might want to think about heading to St. Lucia.
While the Caribbean certainly isn’t short of island paradises, St. Lucia is definitely a top contender for the most spectacular – as well as the most diverse. While you can indulge in a luxurious beach break here, there’s also a wild side to this lovely island.
Aside from boasting the azure waters, sandy coves, and lush rainforests you’d expect to find in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is also home to the absurdly photogenic Piton Mountains (two jungle-swathed volcanoes that dominate the skyline).
When you’re not kicking back on the beach, you can trek up these jagged mountains, zip-line over dense jungles, and swim beneath thundering waterfalls. Or, for those who’d like to take it a little easier, the horseshoe-shaped Rodney Bay on the north of the island is packed with slick resorts, seafront bars, and fancy restaurants.
The colourful colonial-era town of Soufrière in the south is a good base for those looking for a bit of culture. Not only is it home to gorgeous old plantations and secluded beaches, but it gives you easy access to St. Lucia’s unique landscape.
7. Cyprus
If you enjoy history and culture just as much as you enjoy sun-soaked beaches, Cyprus might be the perfect island paradise for you.
Located between Africa, Asia, and Europe, this island is steeped in history, myth, and legend. While it’s mostly associated with the Greeks, Cyprus has been strongly influenced by the Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans too, and echoes of its past are all around.
You can explore ancient Neolithic dwellings, Phoenician tombs, Roman mosaics, Byzantine churches, and ruins of once-mighty empires. The countryside is spectacular and varied and the pine-clad Troodos Mountains offer unrivalled views, UNESCO heritage sites, and fabulous hiking trails. While there are many lively cities to explore, it’s the rural villages that have the most character.
If you’re into watersports, you’ll have plenty of options, and can do just about anything here. And then there’s the food, which is a tantalising mix of Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine – from creamy hummus to fried feta cheese!
But, Cyprus’ most famous feature is its coastline, and whether you favour long stretches of sand lined with bars, or hidden, tranquil coves, you’re sure to find the perfect beach for you.
8. Mauritius
Along with the Seychelles, Mauritius is arguably one of the most iconic island paradises – and it’s not difficult to see why…
Known for its immaculate white beaches and warm, cobalt blue waters, Mark Twain famously wrote that “Mauritius was made first and then heaven…copied after Mauritius”. While it’s no exaggeration to say Mauritius looks like your typical tropical paradise, it has more to offer than meets the eye.
Beyond the beaches, you’ll find wilderness, adventure, and fascinating wildlife. The rugged mountains and unspoilt forests are home to some of the rarest animals in the world, from flying foxes to rare pink pigeons.
The waters here also teem with life; dolphins, moray eels, and countless schools of tropical fish roam the opal seas. Ringed by one of the world’s largest unbroken barrier reefs, diving here is unmissable.
Yet, there’s plenty of culture here too, and the island is an intriguing mix of Creole and European influence. The years Mauritius spent under French rule mean that it’s home to grand châteaus and colonial plantation houses, and its fusion cuisine is absolutely delicious (best sampled in Grand Baie, the culinary capital!).
From botanical gardens to forested mountains, there are also gorgeous walking trails in Mauritius – suitable for all abilities.
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9. Cape Verde
Located 300 miles west of Senegal, deep in the North Atlantic, Cape Verde offers holidaymakers a beach break with a difference.
This archipelago of 10 volcanic islands is a unique blend of cultures, and its position between Portugal, Brazil, and West Africa means you can immerse yourself in some of the best aspects of these three distinct yet captivating societies.
Which island you base yourself on will depend on the type of holiday you’d like. The cultural capital of the island Mindelo, located on São Vicente, is packed with lively bars that pump out Brazilian samba-style beats.
The islands of Sal and Maio will be ideal if you’re planning on spending most of your time on the beach, as these offer gorgeous stretches of white sand and sapphire seas.
For hikers, the rocky peaks and lush valleys of Santo Antão offer some of Cape Verde’s best walking trails, although the dazzling volcanic landscapes of Fogo and Brava are also mesmerising, particularly if you prefer being somewhere quieter.
Ultimately, whichever island you plan to visit, you’re guaranteed sweeping beaches, warm hospitality, and an immersive culture that moves to its own beat.
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10. Indonesia
If you thought it tricky to pick a single island to visit in Cape Verde, trying to choose from over 18,000 will seem like a truly impossible task.
But, if you’re looking for an island paradise, Indonesia offers it in spades, and its diversity means there truly is an ideal island for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a jungle adventure, beachside bliss, or a foodie experience, you’ll find it here.
Bali is the most popular island to visit, and though you can find plenty of fancy bars, upmarket restaurants, and luxury spas here, you’ll also find fabulous food, a kaleidoscope of cultures, and a sense of spirituality that’s famous around the world.
Neighbouring Lombok offers visitors a rawer experience, and waterfalls, volcanoes, surfing, and snorkelling are the main attractions.
If you’re an animal lover, you might be torn between visiting Borneo, where you can experience the thrill of seeing orangutans swing from the trees, or Komodo, where you can marvel at the legendary lizards. There’s also the untamed wilderness of Sumatra, where volcanoes abound, or the endless white beaches of Sulawesi.
Indonesia offers a slice of paradise for everyone. It’s just worth doing your research first to help you choose the best island for you.
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Final thoughts…
From island paradises that offer you plenty of adventure and culture, to tropical escapes where you won’t want to move from the beach, there are many spectacular islands around the world – and these are just 10 of the best!
Perhaps you’re looking for a far-flung adventure and are tempted by the distant islands of the Seychelles, Mauritius, or Indonesia. Or maybe you’re hoping to find an island Eden that’s a bit closer to our own shores, like Sardina, Malta, or Cyprus. Either way, we hope this article has inspired you…or, at least, encouraged you to dream!
For more travel inspiration, why not read our articles; 14 spectacular countries to add to your travel wish list and 9 of the best beach destinations for a winter escape?
Looking to book your next getaway?
Have you visited any of these islands? Or do you have your own suggestions for the most beautiful islands in the world? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.