I’m a beach lover. The sun and I get along quite well, and there’s nothing I’d rather do than live on a tropical island. One of the main purposes of my travels is to avoid winter. I’ve been to islands all over the world, though there are still some paradises this nomad has yet to see. But I’ve accumulated many favorites along the way. These are the ten top islands and beaches in the world where people can sit back, relax, enjoy the sun, and wonder if they really should board that flight home.
The Seychelles
Located off the east coast of Africa, these islands are pure paradise. If anywhere in the world would get me to give it all up and live in a beach hut, the Seychelles would be it. Perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from, and all the seclusion you want. The Seychelles are my dream and should be yours too. This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. Sadly, these islands are pretty expensive, but I guess there is a price to pay for paradise. The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September, when it rains less.
For more information, check this page on Seychelles Tourism for more to see and do.
The Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian ocean, this chain of 1,000 islands (200 are inhabited, and only 5 have any substantial population) is just a series of coral atolls that are barely above sea level. During the 2004 Tsunami, many of these islands were completely washed away. The government has built flood barriers to help lessen the impact of any future tsunamis. These little coral islands are surrounded by excellent diving and snorkeling, white sand beaches, and filled with friendly locals. Private resorts litter the islands, and a vacation here is also very pricey. Luckily, Bangkok Airways offers cheap flights to and from Thailand. The best time to go to the Maldives is during November to May, when the weather is cool and dry. June through October sees wetter and hotter weather due to the monsoon season.
For more information, check the link above for more to see and do.
Ko Lipe
Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorites. Here on Ko Lipe, the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood, as the island’s water is teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic, and most places turn off the electricity around midnight. Close to this island is a little island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a few reef sharks. Bathtub warm water and fine sand beaches kept me here for over three weeks. It will do the same for you. Visit during in November or March for the best weather and the fewest people. May through October sees a harsh monsoon season that shuts the island down. (There is actually a last boat!!). The best way to get there is by boat from Pak Bara.
For more information, check this page on Ko Lipe Travel for more to see and do.
Bali
This tourist mecca is voted one of the best islands in the world year after year. There’s enough room on Bali for everyone, the surfing is great, the food amazing, it’s dirt cheap, the parties are great, the locals some of the friendliest in the world, there’s a volcano to climb, and there are temples to see. Clearly, Bali has it all. Bombings in 2004 and 2005 hurt tourism on the island, but the government increased security and there have been few problems since. For those looking for a move active tropical vacation, Bali is the place to go. The weather remains pretty constant all year round, though April to October sees slightly drier weather.
For more information, check this page on Bali for more to see and do.
Fiji
Though this country has some 322 islands, less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens in the western islands, but no matter where you go this is heaven, anytime the name Fiji is heard, visions of beaches and tropical ocean dance in people’s head. There’s good reason for that- because this place is one of the best places to go in the world, and with so many islands, you’re bound to find one you like. It’s a popular destination with young people and honeymooners, with something for anyone. Most young people head to the Yasawa Island group. The temperature remains mostly constant through the year with cyclones occurring between November and January.
For more information, check this page on Fiji Tourism for more to see and do.
Tahiti
You know those pictures you always see of tropical bungalows in the water? That’s Tahiti. The name has long been synonymous with tropical paradise. One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti offers pure paradise and a lot of romance. Here you can relax in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right into the water from your bungalow. The island is expensive and caters to a more affluent tourist crowd. The weather is tropical all year round and very humid though May to October sees cooler temperatures.
For more information, check this page on Tahiti for more to see and do.
Big Island Hawaii
Hawaii’s biggest island has everything you could ever want to do and more. But what separates it from the other islands is Volcano National Park. Explore volcanoes, climb through old lava tubes, and watch as new lava oozes into the ocean. Then there are all the waterfalls on the island, too. Big Island has it all. I mean it’s Hawaii- how could you go wrong!? The wet season is from October to March, though the weather is cooler. However, despite being located near each other, weather conditions on each islands can vary greatly so you never know what to expect!
For more information, check this page on Hawaii for more to see and do.
The Cook Islands
Another south pacific island group (see a pattern here?), the Cook Islands are pretty far off the map. OK, not too far, but they are considerably less visited than some of its neighbors. These tiny islands are named after James Cook, the intrepid man who discovered them. With few amenities, this is the best place to find your inner cast away and escape modern life. The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area with temperatures hot and humid all year round.
For more information, check this page on the Cook Islands for more to see and do.
Curacao
Located in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch owned island is perfect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style, but the surrounding areas are all tropical. Hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island, but what it lacks in privacy, it makes up for in romance and fun. The weather is pretty stable here year round. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. Don’t worry about hurricanes- it’s below the hurricane belt!
For more information, check this page on Curacao Tourism for more to see and do.
Perhentian Islands
Located on the eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentians are two islands. Both are stunningly covered with a lot of palm trees, wide beaches, and crystal blue water. There’s not much to do here, and visitors typically lay on the beach all day, resting from the night’s drinking before. It’s the perfect place to put up a hammock. A strong monsoon season limits when to go to between March and October. During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand where the weather is nicer.
For more information, check this page on the Perhentian Islands for more to see and do.
Just great!
Thanks for posting this on a Monday morning!
All of these look like great places to visit. I’d like to go. Now.
Matt-
Definitely add Vieques, Puerto Rico to your list! I’ll explain why in a future post.
this looks fab! oh man, my upcoming trip to Phuket doesn’t look that great anymore.
Wow. Where do you find all these beautiful pictures?
Gorgeous pics. And if you do ever want to come here, let me know. I’m sure I can manage to find ways of making it cheaper than the usual high prices.
And if I find Jim Morrison, we can always blackmail him by threatening to divulge his whereabouts. I don’t mind sharing the cash
@erica: Some of these are mine, some from flicker.
@Julie: tell me now!
I’m a mountain lover, but these pictures took my breath away! Fabulous!!
Great stuff. I wish I liked beaches more. I’m more of a jungle guy.
OK – I need to add more places to my wishlist now!
Roatan, Honduras is the best beach i’ve been to so far!
It’s always amazes me that we (americans) forget how amazing, and, most importantly, ACCESSIBLE, Hawaii is! No currency exchange, and Americans gain a few hours when they arrive. Perfect short (or long) trip destination!
No currency exchange, but so expensive you may as well be trading your $$$ for €€€ Ha Ha!!
Beaches have always fascinated me..Im not a swimmer but I can lose myself looking at the waves ..Been to Bali but not to the others
sad to know that the seychelles is a pricey destination.
I too love the beach. I am definitely going to refer to this list when it is time for my fiance and I to plan our honeymoon.
Awesome pictures, Matt. Been to a few of those myself. Absolutely loved Koh Lipe, but nothing I’ve seen tops the Bandas in Indo. So far anyways…
@quickroute: I’ve never been but I have heard it is nice.
@wanderus: I second that!
@Boris: Where is Bandas?
No one mentioned the Greek Isles… Many many islands to choose from and all are just as tropical as the next!… and i might say they are for the most part very remote…Take Ios closer to the Turkey coast line then Greece or Italy. Some of these islands are a straight 9 hour boat ride south of Greece and with not airports, its very nice.
i wish u could drop by the philippines so you can check out some of our wonderful islands too…. among your top 10 i will definitely visit the maldives,seychelles,ko lipe and tahiti.
Wow, this is amazing.
I definitely need some summer!!!
I have another great tip for you:
**Fernando de Noronha, North-East of Brazil.
(try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_de_Noronha)
How many have you been to, Matt? I can’t believe I can only claim to have visited just one of these ten paradises (the Perhentians – and yes, it is the perfect place to put up a hammock! They also do great Mars bar shakes on the beach).
Still, I’m off to Boracay in August – which looks to be a contender for a follow up post of Another Top Ten Best Tropical Islands…
At last! People are recognizing the beauty and uniqueness of this island. Lived there for over 20 years…even my blog is about it!
I’m pushing for Tahiti!!!
Julie – ABSOLUTELY!
PS: Culebra, another of the Spanish Virgin Islands, is perfect too.
It’s so hard to rate tropical islands. After doing research for our beaches of the world series(http://www.travellious.com/taxonomy/term/130), I couldn’t pick my favorite. Most places have good food near the beach, at street vendors and the like, so I’d probably pick based on food instead of beauty.
Nice to see the Pacific getting the attention it deserves! Non of this Caribbean-centrism I see so often.
Not that there’s anything wrong with the Caribbean; just that accessibility doesn’t score many points in my book.
@craig: accessibility is relative. to us north americans, fiji is far!
True to your words that these pics are of paradise on earth.
If you are looking for good hotels on this spots: Pleas have a look !!
Here are the best Islands of the world …
best beaches of mauritius. look here …
wao whats nice picture.i like theese picture and if possible i would like to visit that place
wow i just got back from the caribbean and one of these islands will definetly be my next vacation!
!! i love to scuba dive and these are like the best places to go! i love these pics 2. !!
I love tropical islands!!! check out my blog for another artical on another island!!!
Maldives…awesome!!!wish can reach there once..
Matt, in a past post you responded to Boris asking him where the Bandas are. Just thought I’d give you an update if you haven’t already found them…they are a very well kept secret and hard to get to but the truth is, if it were any more convenient to reach the islands, they would be overrun with tourists.
They are located north of Australia and east of Bali and offer stunning tropical scenery, a remarkable history, friendly villages, and some of the globe’s most pristine, biologically diverse coral reefs. The only way to reach them is to island-hop the Indonesian archipelago by small planes, ferry services, or eco-friendly cruises for serious divers but it is more than worth the trouble.
Happy travels!
Those islands all look fantastic. I can’t believe I haven’t been to any of them! I’ll have to add Ko Lipe to my list for planning my next trip to Thailand…if only for a few days. I think I may go stir crazy from all that peace and quiet.
The best beaches you find on Seychelles
I saw Fiji and loved it! And I already knew I wanted to see the Cook Islands and Tahiti, but these pictures just wanna make me leave with the next plane
Thanks for sharing Matt! BTW, amazing photos!!!
Great list of the best beaches in the world!
Maldives is a favorite destination of scuba divers because of the great dive sites it houses.
Hm, all those islands/places look so nice… Does anyone know which of them is most appropriate for honeymoons? I’m thinking about Maldives …
Thanks for so detailed info in the post.
They are all good! The Maldives is especially good (pricey too!)
only problem now is how to make up my mind of which one to choose
dear people
my Name is Julie. for those of view who have never visited tahiti you are seriously missing out. its beautiful and wild and the people are so nice and the weather is great. we got to eat a giant freshly caught tuna and had a big cook out wih tahitian dancers who tell a story about their islands and history. if your looking for paradise tahiti is it do not forget the passports though. you go out and watch the golden sun dance on the water as you watch it set for the night as it gently washes away the stress of busy cities that we live in. i can’t wait to go back what an adventure yahoo!
dear matt,
your expriance and information are wonderful.I hate winter too . this is dream for me to live in a tropical island for ever and some times Ithink about it for hours.good for you to be there most of the time.
I live in Iran ! have you ever been in Iran? Have you ever visited Kish island in persian golf (one of the largest coral reef area in the world and amazing marine life)????
I would like to know your idea.
What about the Canary Islands (Spain)?
wow,,,,i certainly expected to see boracay on the list. it is magnificent !
Your picture of Tahiti is actually Bora Bora.
I’m more interested in a list of the best values, aka cheapest paradises.
This is so cool! I cant wait to go to Honolulu Hawii this summer, now! Thanks!
(JK)
whoo hoo – I have 7 of your top 10 — with Maldives being high on my list for the future!
Another one to consider adding is Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. Incredible – about 25km of beach with hardly a soul on it! Shame it rained most of the time I was there ….but it is really incredible. Here is the link to my experience and a few of my photos –
http://www.tpiworldwide.com/carlhenderson/livingadream-journal/Ouvea-New-Caledonia-The-Loyalty-Islands-25-Kms-of-Deserted-Beach-New-Caledonia.html
ohhhhhhhhhh!great!are these real?those are my dream place to live.tahiti is wonderful.