If you saw her on a postcard, she is on that list. Beaches, bays, rocks and blowholes. Caves, coves, cliffs and culture. Ruins, reefs, rainforests and rum. Whatever your version of paradise, these 15 islands around the world offer an attraction for the eyes. Prepare to be blown away by the most beautiful islands in the world.
Who was not fascinated by the images of Capri's electric blue cave? This sparkling marine grotto impresses even seasoned globetrotters - and this is just the beginning of the wonders of the island. Ash white limestone cliffs, hidden beach pieces, an imposing natural arch: it is not surprising that Capri has been a tourism hub since the ancient times of Rome. Tip: Climb to the ruins of Emperor Tiberius' villa Jovis, around 27 AD. BC, for a breathtaking view.
The delicate coral reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet. It is home to more than 1,600 species of fish, as well as whales, rays, octopuses, dolphins and more. The 74 Whitsunday Islands are nestled in the heart of this world wonder, with the exception of four of them, which are protected national parks. Relax in luxury at an upscale resort like Hamilton Island and book a seaplane or helicopter flight to see sites like Heart Reef and the silica peat sands of Hill Inlet in Whitehaven Beach.
What's more amazing in Bali - dazzling beaches like Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay? The rice terraces of Ubud, the sacred forest and the ancient monuments? Or the island's 10,000 complex temples, including Pura Empul (the one you're bathing in) and the Uluwatu Sea Temple? Discover all the above and decide for yourself. Land of the Gods also has a beauty beyond the skin, thanks to its warm people and its ubiquitous and inclusive spirituality.
A spectacular limestone peak in the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island (Koh Tapu - Nail Island in Thai) takes its name from its appearance in two films from 007: The Man with Golden Cannon (1974) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Tours depart from the famous seaside resorts of Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi aboard photogenic boats. During the visit, explore secret lagoons, steep caves and a floating village.
The splendor of Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Island, extends from its vermilion Waimea Canyon, which dives to 3,600 feet, to its rugged cliffs of Napali, which extends over 4,000 feet. Often dotted with sleepy monk seals, Poipu Beach on Kauai Island is on Dr. Beach's list of the best beaches in America. Rivers, rainforests and waterfalls fill the interior; do not miss a photo opportunity of Wailua Falls, featured in the opening credits of Fantasy Island, aired from 1977 to 1984.
All shades of blue imaginable manifest themselves in the lagoon of Bora Bora, ie the jewel of the South Seas. Coral motus rings like a sand belt on the main island, and below the surface dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and multicolored fish gather. The mossy green volcanic summit of Mount Otemanu, where God descended on the island under a rainbow, according to local traditions, presides over everything. Dancers with timeless grass skirts and exotic overwater bungalows complete the sublime scene.
The imposing rocks of the Seychelles are a pillar of desktop computers, but they are more than aesthetic: they also fascinate geologists, who have described Seychelles as the only medium-altitude islands made of granite. Other superlatives: The archipelago is the oldest on the planet and its air is the purest. Naturally, celebrities flock here; if you want to spend a holiday at British royalty, stay on the North Island, where Prince William and Kate Middleton spent their 2011 honeymoon.
Perhaps the location of the beautiful island of Atlantis, Santorini is full of screensavers and wall calendars. The red, black and white sandy beaches line its caldera lake - one of the largest in the world - while emblematic whitewashed buildings rise along the hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Photo opportunities abound, from centuries-old windmills to ancient ruins, blue-domed churches and colorful fishing boats. Stay in a cave boutique hotel for a complete experience.
Nicknamed "The Helena of the West" (an allusion to the beauty of Helen of Troy), Saint Lucia is struck by its characteristic feature: the twin Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to 500-meter heights, voluptuous volcanic spiers complete the island's other attractions, including the lush jungle, sparkling silver sand beaches, the sugar plantation ruins and a mineral-rich natural mud bath. . Jade Mountain, the most famous seaside resort on the island, is a true architectural gem.
Fiji, a splendor without a future, is the dream of a filmmaker. Spy his chain of islands Mamanuca in Cast Away and Survivor; ogle his Yasawa archipelago in the 1980 version of Blue Lagoon. A dizzying array of natural beauties - from mountains to mangroves, rivers and reefs - stretches across the 333 islands of Fiji and the impressive wildlife (whales, sea turtles, dolphins, parrots) is the cherry on the cake. For landscapes combining luxury and exclusivity, book a villa in one of the many seaside resorts of Fiji.
The island of Hawaii (ie the Big Island) includes 10 of the 14 climatic zones of the world - the only place on the planet that has so many condensed sites in a small area. Lush tropical terrain dominates the green, wet and windy side of the island (see Akaka Falls and Waianuenue / Rainbow Falls), while a more arid beauty is visible at Hapuna Beach Park. You can even get into an icy climate at the mystical summit of the Mauna Kea volcano, as well as Lake Waiau, one of the highest lakes in the United States.
With the largest number of seaside resorts in the world (more than 75), the Maldives know that its best asset is the abundant and clear water of the Indian Ocean. When you do not snorkel or watch the rich marine life through the windows of your waterfront villa, continue to enjoy the underwater show while dining at the 5.8 Undersea restaurant, or even making yourself pamper yourself in the submerged spa of Huvafen Fushi.
Palawan is not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (wearing your diving gear) and Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park (guided canoe tour) . Striking limestone formations, such as Ugong Rock and Karst Mountain Elephant Cave, emerge from the rice paddies of the interior. You can even find overwater bungalows on remote islands with the kind permission of El Nido Resorts.
With a history dating back to the Stone Age, Hvar is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Thirteenth-century city walls surround the town of Hvar, with its red-tiled roofs, and the ancient stone ruins of the Stari Grad Plain became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. A getaway inside reveals rugged mountains, lush vineyards and scented lavender fields. Embark on a boat trip on the Adriatic for snorkelling, swimming in sea caves and strolling along secret beaches and seaside hamlets.
Capri, Italy
Who was not fascinated by the images of Capri's electric blue cave? This sparkling marine grotto impresses even seasoned globetrotters - and this is just the beginning of the wonders of the island. Ash white limestone cliffs, hidden beach pieces, an imposing natural arch: it is not surprising that Capri has been a tourism hub since the ancient times of Rome. Tip: Climb to the ruins of Emperor Tiberius' villa Jovis, around 27 AD. BC, for a breathtaking view.
Whitsundays, Australia
The delicate coral reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet. It is home to more than 1,600 species of fish, as well as whales, rays, octopuses, dolphins and more. The 74 Whitsunday Islands are nestled in the heart of this world wonder, with the exception of four of them, which are protected national parks. Relax in luxury at an upscale resort like Hamilton Island and book a seaplane or helicopter flight to see sites like Heart Reef and the silica peat sands of Hill Inlet in Whitehaven Beach.
Bali, Indonesia
What's more amazing in Bali - dazzling beaches like Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay? The rice terraces of Ubud, the sacred forest and the ancient monuments? Or the island's 10,000 complex temples, including Pura Empul (the one you're bathing in) and the Uluwatu Sea Temple? Discover all the above and decide for yourself. Land of the Gods also has a beauty beyond the skin, thanks to its warm people and its ubiquitous and inclusive spirituality.
James Bond Island, South Thailand
A spectacular limestone peak in the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island (Koh Tapu - Nail Island in Thai) takes its name from its appearance in two films from 007: The Man with Golden Cannon (1974) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Tours depart from the famous seaside resorts of Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi aboard photogenic boats. During the visit, explore secret lagoons, steep caves and a floating village.
Kauai, Hawaii
The splendor of Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Island, extends from its vermilion Waimea Canyon, which dives to 3,600 feet, to its rugged cliffs of Napali, which extends over 4,000 feet. Often dotted with sleepy monk seals, Poipu Beach on Kauai Island is on Dr. Beach's list of the best beaches in America. Rivers, rainforests and waterfalls fill the interior; do not miss a photo opportunity of Wailua Falls, featured in the opening credits of Fantasy Island, aired from 1977 to 1984.
Bora Bora, the islands of Tahiti
All shades of blue imaginable manifest themselves in the lagoon of Bora Bora, ie the jewel of the South Seas. Coral motus rings like a sand belt on the main island, and below the surface dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and multicolored fish gather. The mossy green volcanic summit of Mount Otemanu, where God descended on the island under a rainbow, according to local traditions, presides over everything. Dancers with timeless grass skirts and exotic overwater bungalows complete the sublime scene.
Seychelles
The imposing rocks of the Seychelles are a pillar of desktop computers, but they are more than aesthetic: they also fascinate geologists, who have described Seychelles as the only medium-altitude islands made of granite. Other superlatives: The archipelago is the oldest on the planet and its air is the purest. Naturally, celebrities flock here; if you want to spend a holiday at British royalty, stay on the North Island, where Prince William and Kate Middleton spent their 2011 honeymoon.
Santorini, Greece
Perhaps the location of the beautiful island of Atlantis, Santorini is full of screensavers and wall calendars. The red, black and white sandy beaches line its caldera lake - one of the largest in the world - while emblematic whitewashed buildings rise along the hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Photo opportunities abound, from centuries-old windmills to ancient ruins, blue-domed churches and colorful fishing boats. Stay in a cave boutique hotel for a complete experience.
Saint Lucia, Caribbean
Nicknamed "The Helena of the West" (an allusion to the beauty of Helen of Troy), Saint Lucia is struck by its characteristic feature: the twin Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to 500-meter heights, voluptuous volcanic spiers complete the island's other attractions, including the lush jungle, sparkling silver sand beaches, the sugar plantation ruins and a mineral-rich natural mud bath. . Jade Mountain, the most famous seaside resort on the island, is a true architectural gem.
Fiji
Fiji, a splendor without a future, is the dream of a filmmaker. Spy his chain of islands Mamanuca in Cast Away and Survivor; ogle his Yasawa archipelago in the 1980 version of Blue Lagoon. A dizzying array of natural beauties - from mountains to mangroves, rivers and reefs - stretches across the 333 islands of Fiji and the impressive wildlife (whales, sea turtles, dolphins, parrots) is the cherry on the cake. For landscapes combining luxury and exclusivity, book a villa in one of the many seaside resorts of Fiji.
Big Island, Hawaii
The island of Hawaii (ie the Big Island) includes 10 of the 14 climatic zones of the world - the only place on the planet that has so many condensed sites in a small area. Lush tropical terrain dominates the green, wet and windy side of the island (see Akaka Falls and Waianuenue / Rainbow Falls), while a more arid beauty is visible at Hapuna Beach Park. You can even get into an icy climate at the mystical summit of the Mauna Kea volcano, as well as Lake Waiau, one of the highest lakes in the United States.
Maldives
With the largest number of seaside resorts in the world (more than 75), the Maldives know that its best asset is the abundant and clear water of the Indian Ocean. When you do not snorkel or watch the rich marine life through the windows of your waterfront villa, continue to enjoy the underwater show while dining at the 5.8 Undersea restaurant, or even making yourself pamper yourself in the submerged spa of Huvafen Fushi.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (wearing your diving gear) and Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park (guided canoe tour) . Striking limestone formations, such as Ugong Rock and Karst Mountain Elephant Cave, emerge from the rice paddies of the interior. You can even find overwater bungalows on remote islands with the kind permission of El Nido Resorts.
Hvar, Croatia
With a history dating back to the Stone Age, Hvar is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Thirteenth-century city walls surround the town of Hvar, with its red-tiled roofs, and the ancient stone ruins of the Stari Grad Plain became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. A getaway inside reveals rugged mountains, lush vineyards and scented lavender fields. Embark on a boat trip on the Adriatic for snorkelling, swimming in sea caves and strolling along secret beaches and seaside hamlets.
Most Beautiful Islands in the World: