Will leave an impression for a lifetime: 10 most beautiful islands in the world

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, observe wildlife, explore the magnificent natural landscapes, or simply relax on the beach, the best vacation destination is the islands. Each island is unique, with its own inimitable charm and beauty.

Experts have selected the 10 best options to go on a trip and discover the most magical corners of the planet. They have a special atmosphere that will give an unforgettable experience.

Macquarie Island, Australia

One of the most remote islands on Earth, Macquarie is located about halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica. Its main attractions are colonies of one hundred thousand seals, and four million penguins, including about 850 thousand pairs of royalty (who raise their young only here and on the neighboring Bishops and Clerks Islands). The fact that these huge colonies have survived is a miracle. Hunting seals and penguins have historically posed a great threat to the populations. After the discovery of the then uninhabited Macquarie in the early 19th century, the wildlife was almost wiped out.

Haida Gwaii, Canada

Centuries-old totem poles reach for the sky at the edge of a misty rainforest, while the crash of waves echoes through the treetops. About 80 kilometers off the coast of British Columbia, the Haida Gwaii Islands showcase a world ruled by nature. Sudden thunderstorms and icy winds do not frighten tourists who want to watch black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The cultural treasures of Haida Gwaii are also inspiring. The Haida people have been living on their ancestral land for over 10,000 years, and there are historic villages and ancient archaeological sites.

Ile de Ré, France

Ile de Ré is a charming island located off the west coast of France. It enchants with its sandy beaches, picturesque towns, fresh seafood, and unique atmosphere. The island can be reached by car or bus from mainland France. There are also regular flights from La Rochelle and La Rochelle-Ile.

Channel Islands, USA

The Channel Islands National Park, called the Galapagos Islands of North America, is home to an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals, including about 150 species that are found nowhere else on Earth. Volcanic activity has shaped the mountainous archipelago that lies off the coast of Southern California. Although there are traces of human presence on the island, including Chumash communities that have lived on the island for over 13,000 years, today these uninhabited islands offer a great opportunity to reconnect with the original wilderness.

Jeju-do, South Korea

Jeju-do Island is a real pearl of South Korea. Mount Hallasan is the highest point in the country and an extinct volcano. You can climb the mountain on foot or by cable car. The top offers a panoramic view of the island. At lower altitudes, Jeju-do has a humid subtropical climate, which has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island rose from the ashes after the Black Summer wildfires of 2019-2020, when almost half of the territory burned. It is the third largest island in Australia, located 112 km south of Adelaide. It is famous for its unspoiled nature, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery. Most of the island is protected as a national park. Here you can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and just relaxing in nature.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is one of the largest islands in the Inner Hebrides, located in the west of Scotland. It is known for its incredible landscapes, rich history, and mystical atmosphere. Skye is home to fairy-tale castles, colorful fishing villages, museums, galleries, and craft shops in the island's lively towns. However, bring a raincoat: the name Skye comes from the Old Norse word sky-a, which means "island of clouds". The weather here is unpredictable.

Chiloé Island, Chile

This island off the coast of Patagonia attracts foreigners with its rainforests, historic churches, and clean beaches. However, if you ask a Chilean why they came here, they are likely to wax poetic about the culture, dialect, and aesthetics that distinguish the island from the mainland after centuries of historical isolation. The wooden houses on stilts in Chiloé's capital, Castro, are as colorful as the characters in local mythology.

Vis, Croatia

Cut off from the rest of the world from the 1950s to 1989, this former Yugoslav military base is a delight for travelers seeking tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty. Some of Vis's most beautiful natural spots are somewhat spoiled by bunkers, weapons chests, and submarine pens left behind by the Yugoslav National Army when it packed up camp and left the island in 1992. Remnants of Greek and British naval cemeteries, Roman baths, and an English fortress are other witnesses to the interesting history of this mysterious island.

Cape Verde

Rising out of the Atlantic Ocean 500 km west of Senegal, this magnificent chain of islands offers a charming mix of mountains, beaches, and laid-back seaside villages. The rocky peaks of Santo Antão hide green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, ideal for hiking. The cultural capital of Mindelo, teeming with bars and music clubs, is located on the island of São Vicente. On Sal and Mayo, wavy windy dunes merge with the ocean on pristine white sand beaches.

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