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THE ISLAND is a natural tourist attraction that never loses interest. The reason is, the island offers various attractions, ranging from stretches of sandy beaches, lush mangrove forests, to a diversity of underwater biota.
US News Travel compiled a list of the 25 best islands in the world which will be attractive destinations for holidays in 2024. These islands offer natural beauty and ease of access, providing a memorable experience.
The ranking is based on 50% of the scores from travelers and the remaining 50% of the scores are calculated from the editor’s assessment. Editors assign scores to each category consisting of scenery, culture, people, food, nightlife, accessibility, adventure, romance and family amenities.
List of the Best Islands in the World 2024
The following is a list of the best islands in the world in 2024 according to US News Travel which can be a reference for holidays:
1. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is known as the most popular honeymoon destination for newly married couples. Apart from being a hiding place for couples whose love is passionate, Santorini offers educational tours of wine making and historical spots, namely the remains of Thira and Ancient Akrotiri.
2. Mauritius
Mauritius is an island country in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. Mauritius features several natural spots that can be explored, such as waterfalls, mountains and other geological wonders. Not only that, the island, which can be reached after a 24-hour journey from the United States (US), also has sega music which is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage.
3. Capri, Italy
Thanks to its resorts and shops, Capri has become a destination for wealthy tourists who want to explore the small island. The blue waters and rocky landscape of this Italian island can be reached by boat. Capri offers unrivaled views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples.
4. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday Islands consist of 74 beautiful islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Whitsunday, which is close to the Great Barrier Reef, offers underwater beauty, so it is very suitable for lovers of marine tourism, especially snorkeling and diving.
5. Sardinia, Italy
As a base for cruise ships from the Mediterranean region, Sardinia has become an international attraction due to its subtropical climate. The island, which is part of Italy, has 12 miles of fine sand and shallow turquoise waters, precisely on the Costa Smeralda.
6. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is located 32 miles off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Apart from offering its marine beauty, Batu City in Zanzibar also displays a blend of African, Indian, Arab and European cultures which is recognized by UNESCO.
7. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti could be the right choice for tourists who want to sip a cocktail while enjoying the sunset view. Tahiti has several tourist attractions, including the white sands of Plage de Toaroto and the Faarumai waterfall.
8. Cyprus
Cyprus is ranked as one of the best islands in the world in 2024. With its white sandy beaches, unspoiled trails and historic ancient ruins, Cyprus always attracts many foreign tourists.
9. Madagascar
Madagascar is home to more than 100 species of lemurs, along with several species of birds, frogs, chameleons and rare plants making it a place of high biodiversity. The island, which is almost the size of Texas, USA, is off the east coast of Africa.
10. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
After being discovered by Charles Darwin almost 200 years ago, the Galapagos Islands have never lost their magic. Countless birds, iguanas, turtles and sea lions roaming around add to the exoticism of the Galapagos.
11. Fiji
The Fiji Islands offer several islands with fantastic beauty, one of which is the Mamanuca Islands with pristine beaches. Not only its panorama, Fiji is also popular among tourists because its people are known to be warm and have several unique cultures, such as the fire walking ceremony.
12. Palawan, Philippines
In Palawan, visitors can swim in Lake Kayangan, explore the lagoon of Bacuit Bay in El Nido, and ride a kayak through the caves of Puerto Princesa’s underground river. November to May is the best time to visit, especially for those who are targeting underwater tourism.
13. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Relaxing on Matira Beach, taking a boat ride across the blue waters, and driving a tour through dense forests could be an agenda that can be realized when visiting Bora-Bora in 2024. However, visitors must prepare excess funds because Bora-Bora is said to be one of the tourist attractions expensive.
14. Azores, Portugal
Made up of 9 islands in the Atlantic, the Azores have become increasingly well known to many people in recent years and can be accessed via direct flights from New York City. This place, which is claimed to be paradise in Portugal, provides an unforgettable hiking and whale watching experience.
15. Bermuda
Bermuda is a British territory covering 21 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean. In Bermuda, visitors can find hidden coves, pink sand beaches like Red Beach in NTT, and the colonial architecture of Saint George.
16. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the best islands in the world which can be a recommendation for a holiday in 2024. Not only the beauty of the sea, Bali has long been known for its ancient holy sites, such as Uluwatu Temple and Tirta Empul.
17. Bahamas
The Bahamas with its Harbor Island offers the charm of fine sand and tropical sunshine. Apart from that, the Bahamas is also known as home to the third largest coral reef in the world.
18. Mallorca, Spain
Famous for its resorts and stretches of white sand, Mallorca is the most popular summer holiday destination for Europeans. There are around 300 beaches in Mallorca that can be explored.
19. Hawaii, United States
A walk in Akaka Falls State Park will take visitors through exotic Hawaiian vegetation. Apart from that, Hawaii is also home to a multitude of other geological beauties, such as Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Punalu’u forest sand beaches, and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
20. Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos in the North Atlantic Ocean is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world. This paradise for divers has several spots that would be a shame to miss, such as Bight Reef with hundreds of colorful coral fish and Smith’s Reef with stingrays and turtles.
21. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a tropical island in the Eastern Caribbean. The island, which is called one of the geological wonders, offers the attraction of Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths with its diversity of flora and fauna.
22. South Island, New Zealand
South Island in New Zealand could be one of the right islands to visit for tourists who don’t just want to enjoy the beauty of the sea. On the South Island, visitors can find lakes, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and dense forests.
23. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is located on the Andaman Sea, Thailand, offering the charm of rainforests and towns full of Buddhist temples. To enjoy the best sea views in Phuket, tourists can choose Promthep Cape.
24. Corfu, Greece
Corfu can be an alternative to traveling in Greece for visitors on a limited budget. Even so, its natural and cultural beauty is enough to make tourists reluctant to leave, such as the beaches of Agios Gordios and Paleokastritsa and the Paleokastritsa Monastery from the 13th century.
25. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is one of the best islands in the world in 2024. This oldest and most rugged island in Hawaii is very suitable for lovers of adrenaline tourism, for example climbing the peaks and canyons of Waimea Canyon. [sources/photo special]
