What is the best island in the world?
The best island in the world should give you a playground of aesthetic vibes, drenched in warm sun rays, white sands under your toes, and clear blue waters to top it off. This paradise on earth is an ultimate go-to destination when it comes to getaways, whether it's with your loved ones or families and friends.
Good news for us, the Travel & Leisure list of the world's best islands 2021 is out! This list concludes with 25 islands in the world that feature all the paradise elements we mentioned above. Even better, some of these islands are closer to home!
If a beach holiday is something you are always dreaming of, it's time to add some (or all) of these islands to your tropical destinations wishlist!
The best island in the world
The number one island destination chosen by the audience is none other than Milos in Greece. This Cycladic island is the home to dozens of beautiful beaches made of shells, stones, or sands, make it varies in colors. Visitors will be spoiled by countless choices of taverns and accommodations by the water. The beauty of the Greek islands is proven with the vote for Folegandros Islands at second place.
If you opt for a unique and secluded destination that is closer to home, the list's fifth position the Andaman Islands in India shall be your perfect choice. Located off the shore of Myanmar, there lays this beautiful archipelago. Most of the islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that belong to the Union Territory of India, while some other parts belong to Yangon, Myanmar's capital.
The Andaman Islands offer you a cultural insight like no other. The islands are the home of a group of indigenous people of Andamanese. Some of the islands were even banned from outside visitors to protect the indigenous people such as the Sentinelese who are generally hostile to visitors and have had very little contact with outsiders.
If you are planning a vacation to Koh Samui or Bali, you are making the right decision. These islands are also on the list with Koh Samui on the 7th while Bali follows on the 8th.
As part of Thailand’s ‘Samui Plus’ programme, Koh Samui reopens to vaccinated travellers without quarantine requirements from 15 July 2021. When planning a beach getaway in Koh Samui, you can stay in SHA Plus-certified hotels and resorts. It guarantees that the accommodation adheres to public health measures and more than 70% of their staff have been vaccinated. To inspire your next holiday, here are some beautiful SHA Plus-certified resorts in Koh Samui and Phuket to stay at!
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Bali is primping itself to welcome international travelers, especially from Singapore. Find more details regarding Bali's reopening on this page.
More inspiration to come when you see the full list of the best islands in the world below!
- Milos, Greece
- Folegandros, Greece
- St. Vincent & The Grenadines
- Madeira, Portugal
- Andaman Islands, India
- Sicily, Italy
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Bali, Indonesia
- Hawaii Island
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Maui, Hawaii
- Santorini, Greece
- Maldives
- Hvar & The Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
- Sardinia, Italy
- Harbour Islands, Bahamas
- Aruba
- Palawan, Philippines
- St. Lucia
- Mallorca, Spain
- Anguilla
- Eleuthera, Bahamas
- Seychelles
- Sri Lanka
Find more inspiration for your post-pandemic vacay on these articles below: