The Best Islands in the World in 2025: Year-End Wrap-Up
As 2025 comes to a close, one theme in global travel stood out: we collectively leaned back into island escapes. This year-end look at the best islands in the world in 2025 highlights the destinations that offered something deeper than postcard beaches — places where culture, nature, and atmosphere shaped journeys that felt both grounding and transportive.
From the volcanic silhouettes of the Mediterranean to the turquoise rings of the South Pacific, travelers gravitated toward islands that balanced beauty with character. Our recap of the best islands in the world in 2025 brings together the places that defined wanderlust this year — destinations that stayed top-of-mind long after the trip ended.
#10 – Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
Opening the list at #10, the Galápagos Islands offer one of the most otherworldly island experiences on Earth. With volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and wildlife found nowhere else, the archipelago continues to attract travelers seeking nature at its purest and most unfiltered.
Why did the Galápagos Islands earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
The Galápagos earned their place for their ongoing commitment to preservation, tightly managed tourism, and the rare chance for visitors to observe wildlife in a habitat largely unchanged for centuries. In 2025, sustainable travel momentum and stronger conservation programming kept the islands top of mind for travelers seeking meaningful, nature-led experiences.
Best For
Eco-minded travelers, photographers, adventure seekers, and anyone drawn to wildlife encounters and stark volcanic beauty.
Fun Fact
Many Galápagos animals — including blue-footed boobies and sea lions — show little fear of humans, offering incredibly close, respectful encounters thanks to centuries of isolation.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Visitor access in the Galápagos is carefully regulated, so travelers should expect guided experiences and designated routes. This protects the wildlife and ensures that the islands remain as untouched as possible — an important mindset to carry during your visit. |
#9 – St. Barts (Caribbean)
At #9, St. Barts delivers its signature blend of French-Caribbean elegance, white-sand beaches, and a refined yet easygoing island rhythm. With boutique hotels, turquoise coves, and world-class dining packed into just 10 square miles, it remained one of the most desirable small islands for travelers seeking polished coastal living in 2025.
Why did St. Barts earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
St. Barts made the list for its consistently high guest satisfaction, strong luxury infrastructure, and the way it balances exclusivity with natural beauty. In 2025, the island’s continued investment in hospitality, along with its pristine beaches and unmistakable charm, kept it one of the Caribbean’s gold-standard destinations.
Best For
Luxury travelers, couples, boutique hotel lovers, yachting enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an upscale island that still feels relaxed.
Fun Fact
St. Barts has more than a dozen beaches, and nearly all of them are public — even the ones fronting multi-million-dollar villas.
| Editor’s Note |
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| St. Barts is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Many beaches don’t have built-in facilities, so renting a car and beach-hopping is part of the experience — and often the most rewarding way to explore the island. |
#8 – Madeira (Portugal)
Taking the #8 spot, Madeira combines dramatic volcanic cliffs, terraced vineyards, lush levadas, and Atlantic views that feel endless. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” it offers a rare balance between adventure, nature, and European comfort — making it a rising favorite for travelers in 2025.
Why did Madeira earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Madeira earned its place thanks to its strong 2025 travel momentum, improved flight access, and continuous acclaim for hiking, scenery, and year-round mild weather. Its blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and approachable luxury made it one of Europe’s most talked-about island destinations this year.
Best For
Hikers, nature lovers, couples, and travelers who want landscapes as captivating as the coastline itself.
Fun Fact
Madeira’s levadas — the island’s historic irrigation channels — stretch over 1,300 miles and double as scenic hiking routes.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Weather can shift quickly, especially in the mountains, so packing layers is essential. If you plan on hiking levada trails, start early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. |
#7 – Seychelles (Indian Ocean)
Landing at #7, Seychelles offers a blend of granite boulders, powder-sand beaches, and one of the clearest marine environments on the planet. Spread across 115 islands, this Indian Ocean archipelago remains a dream destination for travelers seeking idyllic scenery and a slow, tropical pace.
Why did Seychelles earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Seychelles earned its recognition for its pristine beaches, protected marine parks, and strong emphasis on conservation. In 2025, continued sustainability initiatives and a rise in eco-luxury travel kept the islands at the forefront of global wanderlust.
Best For
Honeymooners, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, beach lovers, and travelers seeking remote island tranquility.
Fun Fact
The famous Anse Source d’Argent beach on La Digue is one of the most photographed beaches in the world thanks to its iconic granite rock formations.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Island-hopping is part of the Seychelles experience. Plan your itinerary carefully — ferries and small-plane transfers are reliable but limited, so booking connections ahead of time is essential. |
#6 – Maui (Hawaii, USA)
At #6, Maui delivers a blend of volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, rich Hawaiian culture, and some of the most diverse outdoor experiences in the Pacific. From the Road to Hana’s lush coastline to the sunrise views atop Haleakalā, the island remained a top choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and soulful adventure in 2025.
Why did Maui earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Maui earned its place for its balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural grounding, and strong visitor infrastructure. In 2025, the island continued to attract travelers seeking meaningful, nature-connected journeys while supporting responsible tourism and local recovery initiatives.
Best For
Families, couples, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and travelers who want beaches, culture, and natural diversity all in one destination.
Fun Fact
Haleakalā’s summit is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise — so popular that reservations are required.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Driving the Road to Hana is a highlight, but plan for an entire day and pack essentials. Cell service is limited, and stops are best enjoyed unrushed and respectfully, especially in local communities. |
#5 – Santorini (Greece)
Sliding into the #5 spot, Santorini remains one of the world’s most recognizable islands — famed for its whitewashed cliffside villages, volcanic caldera views, and sunsets that feel almost theatrical. Despite its popularity, the island continues to draw travelers seeking beauty, romance, and Greek island charm.
Why did Santorini earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Santorini earned its place for its enduring global appeal, strong hospitality scene, and ongoing efforts to manage tourism sustainably. In 2025, travelers continued to choose Santorini for its dramatic landscapes, boutique stays, and rich culinary traditions rooted in volcanic soil.
Best For
Honeymooners, couples, photographers, food lovers, and travelers who want iconic views and intimate villages.
Fun Fact
Santorini’s famous black-sand and red-sand beaches come from ancient volcanic activity, giving the island its uniquely colorful coastline.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Crowds peak during sunset hours in Oia. For a quieter experience, explore the caldera trail between Fira and Oia in the morning — the views are just as spectacular with far fewer people. |
#4 – Sicily (Italy)
Arriving at #4, Sicily blends Mediterranean landscapes with ancient history, volcanic terrain, and a food culture that stands among the world’s best. From the black sands near Etna to the turquoise coves of the south, the island offers an expansive, deeply textured experience that goes far beyond the beach.
Why did Sicily earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Sicily earned its place thanks to its cultural depth, diverse coastlines, and strong international interest throughout 2025. Travelers were drawn to its mix of historic sites, small seaside towns, exceptional cuisine, and natural wonders — from volcanic craters to protected marine areas.
Best For
History lovers, food travelers, families, culture seekers, and those who want Mediterranean beauty with added depth.
Fun Fact
Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano — and its lava-rich soil is responsible for some of Italy’s most distinctive wines.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Sicily is large and best explored slowly. Renting a car is the easiest way to move between towns, but plan routes carefully — driving times can be longer than expected due to winding roads. |
#3 – Maldives (Indian Ocean)
Taking the #3 spot, the Maldives is the quintessential picture of overwater luxury and turquoise-atoll beauty. With its ring-shaped islands, shallow lagoons, and some of the clearest waters on the planet, it remained one of the most aspirational destinations for travelers seeking pure island escapism in 2025.
Why did the Maldives earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
The Maldives earned its top-three placement for its unparalleled marine environments, high-end hospitality, and strong sustainability momentum. In 2025, travelers continued to choose the atolls for their privacy, exceptional snorkeling and diving, and world-class resort experiences.
Best For
Honeymooners, luxury travelers, underwater enthusiasts, and anyone dreaming of idyllic lagoons and private-island calm.
Fun Fact
The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Because islands are spread across many atolls, transfers can take time — especially seaplanes. Factor arrival and departure logistics into your itinerary to avoid rushed connections. |
#2 – Palawan (Philippines)
Claiming the #2 spot, Palawan is often described as the Philippines’ last frontier — a tapestry of towering limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and island-hopping routes that feel straight out of a dream. With world-famous destinations like El Nido, Coron, and the UNESCO-protected Puerto Princesa Underground River, it continued to captivate travelers in 2025.
Why did Palawan earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Palawan earned its high placement for its extraordinary natural formations, thriving marine biodiversity, and widespread global recognition throughout 2025. Its mix of untouched coves, dramatic karst cliffs, and improving travel infrastructure made it one of the year’s most sought-after island destinations.
Best For
Adventure travelers, beach lovers, divers, photographers, and anyone craving cinematic island scenery.
Fun Fact
Coron is home to some of the world’s best WWII shipwreck dives — many still intact and accessible to certified divers.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Inter-island travel within Palawan can take time due to boat routes and weather patterns. Plan extra buffer days if you’re moving between El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa. |
#1 – Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Standing at #1, Bora Bora remains the world’s most iconic island getaway — a place where volcanic peaks rise above a glowing turquoise lagoon and white-sand motus form a perfect ring of serenity. Its overwater bungalows, coral gardens, and unmistakable South Pacific beauty made it the defining dream destination for 2025.
Why did Bora Bora earn a spot on the Best Islands in the World in 2025 list?
Bora Bora earned the top position for its unmatched lagoon setting, consistently high traveler satisfaction, and enduring cultural and aspirational appeal. In 2025, demand remained strong thanks to its pristine waters, signature overwater accommodations, and the timeless romance associated with the island.
Best For
Honeymooners, luxury travelers, lagoon swimmers, couples, and anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime tropical escape.
Fun Fact
Bora Bora’s lagoon is fed by ancient volcanic activity — the reason its water displays a spectrum of blues rarely seen elsewhere in the world.
| Editor’s Note |
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| Many of Bora Bora’s best experiences happen on or in the lagoon. Consider planning activities around tide and daylight cycles to maximize visibility and get the most from the island’s extraordinary water clarity. |
Final Thoughts
As 2025 winds down, one thing remains clear: the world’s most remarkable islands continue to be shaped not only by beauty, but by character, culture, and how meaningfully travelers engage with them. This year’s standouts — from volcanic Mediterranean giants to remote Pacific atolls and biodiverse equatorial archipelagos — reveal just how diverse the idea of “paradise” can be.
Across continents and climates, these islands earned their places by offering depth beyond the shoreline: conservation leadership, culinary heritage, immersive landscapes, and communities that welcome travelers with intention. Whether you’re drawn to hiking along cliffside trails, swimming in impossibly clear lagoons, or exploring ancient towns carved into stone, each destination on this list represented a distinct, world-defining experience in 2025.
These ten islands didn’t just rise to the top — they helped set the tone for how travelers explored, connected, and sought meaningful escapes this year.
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