Travel + Leisure magazine recently came up with this list of the 10 best islands in the world.
-
- 10. Malta. This stunning island in the Mediterranean has become a favourite port of call for ships. It’s surrounded by crystal-clear waters and its cobbled streets are steeped in history.
-
- 9. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia. Off the Queensland coast, you’ll find such beauties as Heart Reef, Great Keppel Island, Lizard Island, Hamilton Island and Hayman Island.
-
- 8. Kauai, Hawaii. Hawaii’s ‘island of discovery’ is often referred to as the Garden Isle – an accurate description considering it’s draped in emerald valleys, tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls.
-
- 7. Maui, Hawaii. Voted ‘best island’ by Conde Nast Traveler readers for 19 years, Maui is a popular destination for honeymooners, thanks to its shimmering beaches filled with spectacular sealife.
-
- 6. Moorea, French Polynesia. Just northwest of Tahiti, Moorea features eight voluminous mountain peaks rising from its translucent lagoon.
-
- 5. Santorini, Greece. One of the most recognisable landscapes rests in the middle of the Aegean Sea.
-
- 4. Tasmania, Australia. Tasmania, an isolated island of Australia’s south coast, may have been left off movie posters, biscuits and even Olympic uniforms, but there was no way Travel + Leisure magazine was forgetting about her!
-
- 3. Maldives. This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean comprises 26 coral atolls. Its sands are white and the sun is out year-round.
-
- 2. Bali. This Indonesian island is known for forested volcanic mountains, rice paddies and yoga retreats.
-
- 1. Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, came in at number one! It has the perfect mix of unique wildlife and beautiful beaches.
