Beautiful islands can rightly be called a paradise place on earth. They are fabulously beautiful and attract thousands of tourists who want to relax in exotic conditions – to forget about everyday problems, to distract from the hustle and bustle, to get a lot of pleasant impressions.

As a rule, exotic islands are located far from civilization. On their territory there are comfortable beaches with crystal clear waters and coral reefs, where you can relax under the rustle of palm trees and enjoy the warm sea and beautiful sunsets. However, not all islands are the same. There are some that are covered with jungle and mountains. In any case, a vacation in such a place guarantees tourists a good mood and a bright, unforgettable experience.

Island holiday – it is not always a carefree pastime. Many paradisiacal places offer tourists to admire the mountains, volcanoes and other curious natural and historical structures.

Here’s our pick of the 12 most beautiful islands around the world.

12 Tasmania

Opening our rating is the island of Tasmania, located in southeastern Australia.

The area of Tasmania is 68,000 square kilometers, the territory is a separate administrative state of Australia, where 480 thousand people live. Indigenous people are very proud of their homeland, because here you can find a unique natural wealth. They call Tasmania “the island of inspiration.

The main feature of these places is the unique flora and fauna. Almost the entire territory is covered by evergreen forests, untouched by man. Clean air, waterfalls, relict trees, beautiful lakes, majestic mountains – all this awaits tourists in Tasmania. Here you can find rare species of plants, such as black acacia. As well as animals, the most unusual of which is the Tasmanian devil – a small beast of prey.

Travelers in Tasmania always find something to do. Local beaches are great for diving, hiking the trails in the mountains, or visiting world-famous natural attractions: Russell Falls, Bonorong Nature Reserve, Freycinet National Park, rocky Bruny Island, and more.

11 Bali.

The Indonesian island of Bali, located in the chain of Lesser Sunda Islands, between Lombok and Java, is ranked eleventh.

In terms of tourism, Bali is the most popular and developed Indonesian resort. The area attracts travelers with its pristine landscapes, endless beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and ancient temples. However, do not stop just resting on the beaches with white sand and crystal clear water.

Bali – a treasure trove of foreign culture, strange even to the Indonesians themselves. Where the capital of the island – Denpasar acts as a haven of Chinese, European, Javanese and other traditions.

This place is known as the “Island of the Gods” and is famous for the cult of worship of various deities. This is reinforced by the friendliness of the locals and is reflected in the construction of beautiful temples and ancient sanctuaries. Only in Bali you can see the magical mystery of “kechak”, which is an act of communication between ordinary people and the gods.

10 Kauai

The next position is occupied by the island of Kauai, which is the oldest island in Hawaii, USA. It is 6 million years old.

Kauai is often referred to as the “Garden Island,” which is a very accurate description. Almost all of its territory is covered with lush greenery, tropical forests, deep rivers, beautiful waterfalls. Some parts of the island are covered with impenetrable jungle. Therefore, some parts of Kaua’i can only be reached by sea or by air, with views of incredible beauty.

“Garden Island” is a popular destination for travelers because of the beautiful landscapes, laid-back atmosphere and rich cultural traditions inherent in small ancient islands. Kauai is a paradise with delightful scenery. Lush tropical vegetation, white sand beaches, turquoise ocean, ancient rock formations, majestic waterfalls – all this will leave pleasant impressions in the memory of tourists for a long time.

Despite the fact that the infrastructure is not developed here, Kauai is known worldwide. Many popular sci-fi movies were filmed here: King Kong, Jurassic Park and others.

9 Santorini

At number nine is the Greek island of Santorini, located in the south of the Aegean Sea. The island is of volcanic origin, according to ancient legend of the locals, it keeps the secret of Atlantis.

Today Santorini is one of the most promising tourist destinations. The island is incredibly beautiful. A volcanic explosion has created majestic cliffs, on which then were formed two paved cities: Fira and Iaia. They are known for their magical sunsets.

The white, red and black beaches are exceptionally atmospheric and beautiful. Also here are developed attractive sports: wakeboarding, banana boat and water skiing.

The island is an amazing combination of natural beauty and human creations. Bright blue sea, neat white houses, marble streets, picturesque cliffs, fantastic volcanic landscapes – it has everything a traveler can admire. Santorini is a photographer’s paradise and a beautiful corner of the Mediterranean with a lively nightlife.

8 St. Lucia

Eighth is the island of St. Lucia, which belongs to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It was discovered by Columbus on St. Lucia Day (December 13, 1502), hence the name. The island has an area of 616 square kilometers.

Saint Lucia is one of the most picturesque places on the planet, so thousands of tourists come here every year. The island is covered with incredibly lush green vegetation, sandy beaches that stretch for many kilometers.

No wonder travelers consider St. Lucia a paradise on earth. It is the perfect place for a luxury vacation – a luxury resort where you can lose your sense of time while on vacation. The climate on the island is comfortable – the heat is softened by the sea winds. More than 400 kinds of different plants grow here, including exotic orchids and anthuriums, which carpet the valleys, mountain slopes and river beds.

St. Lucia has much to offer not only for wildlife encounters, but also for outdoor activities such as diving. Because of its proximity to volcanoes, some beaches on the island are covered with black sand.

7 Madeira

Seventh position is the island of Madeira, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Portugal. Its area is 740 sq. km.

Madeira – is a paradise with volcanic origin. The climate is mild, it’s mostly determined by the warm currents of the Gulf Stream. In winter the temperature does not drop below +16 ° C, in summer it is mostly warm, dry weather at +22-26 ° C.

Thanks to the magnificent scenery, Madeira is visited every year by thousands of tourists from all over the world. The southern coast, sheltered from the winds, is considered the calmest. On the north coast, travelers are waiting for picturesque landscapes – ridges of rocks, incredible beauty of the bays, forests.

For guests who prefer an active holiday, the island will also find something to do – diving, hiking, gastronomic tours, visits to natural parks, cultural and historical excursions. In Madeira, there are many interesting places: the laurel relic forest, an observation deck at an altitude of 600 m with a glass floor, natural lava pools, garden of Monte, the village of nuns, black beach.

6 Sri Lanka.

The sixth position in the ranking is Sri Lanka, a beautiful island located in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The history of the existence of this amazing place is more than 2000 years. Earlier the territory of 65 thousand square kilometers was called Ceylon, only in 1972, the island in the form of a teardrop was named Sri Lanka.

This island impresses with its landscapes and holds many cultural and historical secrets, which can be touched by any traveler who visits Sri Lanka. You can enjoy untouched nature, rare animal species, cultural heritage, customs and traditions. And also become part of this paradise by visiting the Ravana waterfall, tea plantations, nine-arch bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Royal Botanical Gardens, Dambulla Temple, and much more.

Sri Lanka is an island where pristine nature and modern developed infrastructure come together. Here there is a rich flora and fauna. Just birds alone there are more than 450 species, 24 of which are found only in these parts. The amazing nature is astonishing in its diversity – ferns, palm trees, orchids and other flowers grow at every turn, the beauty of which is impossible to take your eyes away.

5 Mallorca

The Spanish island of Mallorca, which is the largest in the Balearic archipelago, ranks fifth.

Mallorca is considered one of the most beautiful Mediterranean islands. The coast with gorgeous beaches stretches for 550 km. Every year, millions of tourists come here in search of warm sea, white sand and bright sun. Mallorca boasts a mild climate, striking mountain ranges, fertile valleys and lush forests.

Mallorca has such stunning scenery and varied landscapes that it seems as if the island is being sewn from different pieces pieced together from its own natural treasures. The fabulous underwater world attracts fans of diving. In the sea area you can swim among coral reefs, see exotic fish and shipwrecks. In addition, you can go surfing and hang gliding, play golf.

However, and away from the beach resorts there are many interesting things for travelers. For example, the amazing town of Valldemossa and its monastery with the same name, the Dragon Caves, the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range, the Albufera Nature Park, St. Magdalene Chapel, Alaro Castle, Palma Cathedral and much more.

4 Vancouver.

The fourth position is occupied by beautiful Vancouver Island, located off the west coast of Canada, in British Columbia. It is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Georgia.

Vancouver has long been known as a haven for photographers and artists, an area with stunningly beautiful coastlines. The island is 450 km long and 80 km wide. Almost the entire area is covered by mountains and dense forests, which grow majestic firs up to 95 m high. The area attracts nature lovers and lovers of clean air – the forests are ideal for leisurely walks and the rivers are rich in trout.

Vancouver is a paradise with pristine beaches and an emerald Pacific coastline. The island is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, snow-capped mountain tops, clear lakes and rivers, and sparkling bays, all of which are an integral part of the local ecosystem. The travelers are welcomed by picturesque vineyards, farmlands, and flower-filled meadows. Outdoor enthusiasts can go skiing, golfing, surfing, or fishing.

Many natural attractions await tourists on this wonderful island, which guarantee the most unexpected discoveries: Little Qualicum Falls, Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino fishing village, Cape Scott Provincial Park and much more.

3 Ko Lipe.

The third place in the ranking is Ko Lipe, the smallest island of Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea. Its area is only 2 square kilometers.

There are not many attractions on Ko Lipa. The real beauty of the island is in the simplicity. Emerald-colored water, golden sand, cozy beach bungalows – all these make up the main advantages of the paradise corner.

Secluded boomerang-shaped island has four large beaches: Pattaya, Sunset, Karma and Sunrise. All of them have a clean coastline and round the clock availability of activities such as fishing, snorkeling and diving. Excursions to neighboring islands belonging to the Tarutao National Marine Park, where you can admire the natural beauty of uninhabited places, are organized for all comers.

Ko Lipe is so small that you can walk through it in an hour. Because of the lack of infrastructure, this island is ideal for relaxing from the bustle of the city, meditate and admire the sea beauty and coastal views.

2 Boracay

The second place is occupied by a small tropical island of Boracay, located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Its area is 10 square kilometers.

Boracay is justly considered a paradise on Earth, because it is here the world-famous White Beach, which is covered with soft, like flour, the sand. Warm emerald sea, amazing amazing coral reefs, exotic animals and plants, caves of bats, the Dead Forest – all this distinguishes this island from a number of similar places.

Boracay was opened to the public relatively recently. Travelers, it attracts primarily because of its beautiful nature. Here the snow-white sand alternates with crystal clear sea water, in which the palm trees are reflected.

All the secluded corners of the small and safe tropical island can be explored on their own, for example, renting a bike. To see the remote beaches, coves and caves, climb Mount Luho, the highest point of the island, which offers an incredible view of Boracay.

1 Bora Bora.

The most beautiful, according to our editorial, is the island of Bora Bora, located in the South Pacific. It is the second largest in French Polynesia, after Tahiti.

The island is a volcanic crater, in which a lagoon was formed after the eruption, protected from the ocean elements. Because of this structure and the variety of marine life, Bora Bora is an ideal vacation spot.

This tropical paradise is famous for its snow-white beaches, sky-blue sea, luxuriant palm trees, and exotic flora and fauna. Many small islands have bungalows built on stilts right on the water. The island’s beauty is highlighted by the Otemanu, Pahia, and Mataihua mountains. At different times of the day they change their color, contrasting with the surrounding nature.

Bora Bora is an ideal place for recreation. Hundreds of celebrities come here every year. For guests luxury hotels are built 50 meters from the shoreline, equipped with luxury beaches, golf courses and tennis courts. The island has everything to make your vacation unforgettable.

There are many truly beautiful islands on our planet. In our review, we have presented 12 of the most unforgettable. Among them there are popular tourist resorts and sparsely populated corners, lost in different parts of the world. Despite all the differences, the picturesque view of these places will not leave anyone indifferent and once you see all the ethereal beauty of the island, you will want to visit it again.