Top 10 Most Beautiful Islands in the World, Perfect for Summer Retreat

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Summer is a great time to step away from your daily routine and go somewhere new. For many people, an island is the perfect setting for that kind of break, with open skies, clean air, and water all around. It is no surprise that the most beautiful islands in the world are among the most visited places on earth, drawing travelers year after year who want to experience what makes each one so special.

If you are thinking about where to go this summer, you are in the right place. Here, we have selected some of the most beautiful islands in the world that are worth adding to your bucket list.

Located in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is one of the most well-known island destinations in the world, and it is easy to see why. The island sits inside a calm lagoon with water in deep shades of blue and green. If you enjoy being in the water, you can go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs just below the surface. For a more relaxed stay, you can book one of the famous overwater bungalows and wake up with the lagoon right beneath your feet.

Sitting off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is one of the most unique islands on the planet. Unlike most other destinations, it is home to animals and plants that you simply cannot find anywhere else, such as lemurs and colorful chameleons. If you love being outdoors, you can explore national parks like Ranomafana and Isalo, where the landscapes shift from dense rainforests to open, rocky canyons. For anyone who finds nature more interesting than a beach chair, this is the island to put on your list.

Known as the "Garden Isle," Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands and one of the most naturally striking. One of the most popular places to see here is the Na Pali Coast, a stretch of dramatic green cliffs that rise straight out of the ocean. You can see it by taking a boat ride along the shore, going on a helicopter tour, or hiking the Kalalau Trail if you are up for a challenge. If you prefer something quieter, Hanalei Bay is a great spot to sit back and take in the surroundings at your own pace.

Sitting in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a good destination if you are looking for scenery that feels far removed from a typical summer holiday. The landscape here is made up of tall sea cliffs, wide green hills, and small villages with colorful rooftops that stand out against the grey sky. One of the most photographed spots on the islands is Sørvágsvatn, a lake that appears to float above the ocean due to an optical illusion. If you enjoy hiking and open landscapes, you will find plenty of trails that lead to impressive viewpoints across the islands.

Made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a destination that is hard to overlook. The beaches here are known for their clear water, white sand, and large granite boulders that give the coastline a distinctive look. If you are interested in nature, you can head to Praslin Island to visit the Vallée de Mai, a nature reserve where the rare coco de mer palm grows. For something even more off the beaten path, Aldabra is one of the largest coral atolls in the world and a great place to see giant tortoises moving freely in their natural habitat.

Often recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in Asia, Palawan is a strong choice for a summer trip. One of the most remarkable things you can do here is take a boat ride through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that winds through a dramatic underground cave system. If you want to spend more time by the water, El Nido and Coron are two areas worth exploring, with hidden lagoons, clear water, and coral reefs that are well suited for snorkeling and diving.

Located off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar is an island with a strong sense of history and culture. A good place to start your trip is Stone Town, the old part of the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk through narrow streets lined with historic buildings and stop at local markets along the way. After exploring the town, you can head to the eastern coast, where beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa offer calm, clear water that is comfortable for swimming throughout the day.

Though it is one of the smaller islands on this list, Boracay has built a strong reputation as a beach destination in Southeast Asia. White Beach, the main beach on the island, is a long stretch of fine white sand where the water stays calm and shallow, making it easy to enjoy even if you are not a strong swimmer. If you prefer something more active, you can try windsurfing or kiteboarding, particularly during the season when the winds pick up. Once the sun goes down, the beach area comes alive with restaurants and small bars where you can end the day with a good meal and a view of the sunset.

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau is widely regarded as one of the best diving destinations in the world. The waters here are exceptionally clear, and beneath the surface you can find sharks, manta rays, and a wide range of coral species. If diving is not for you, Jellyfish Lake is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can swim alongside millions of golden jellyfish that are completely harmless to humans. You can also spend time exploring the Rock Islands, a collection of small, forested islets that are ideal for kayaking and taking in the natural scenery from the water.

Sitting in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Mauritius is an island with a lot to offer beyond its well-known beaches. The coastline has many different spots to choose from, whether you want a calm lagoon for a quiet swim or a more open stretch of water better suited for surfing. If you enjoy being inland, the Black River Gorges National Park is a great place to go for a hike through the forest and spot local wildlife along the way. One of the more unusual sights on the island is the underwater waterfall illusion near the southern coast, where sand and silt create the appearance of a waterfall flowing into the ocean floor.