Discover the 10 best islands to visit in 2025! From Maldives luxury to Bali’s culture and Santorini’s sunsets. Complete guide to tropical destinations, diving spots, budgets, and insider tips for your perfect island vacation.
Introduction: The Siren Call of Best Island Life
There’s something primal about islands. Maybe it’s the way ocean boundaries create their own reality, separated from the mainland’s chaos. Maybe it’s how time slows when your horizon is all blue. Or maybe it’s the simple truth that humans have always dreamed of paradise, and islands with their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in warm breezes represent that dream made geography.
In 2025, the world’s best islands offer more than just postcard views. They promise transformation. The Maldives lets you sleep over the ocean while whale sharks glide beneath. Santorini stages sunsets so beautiful they feel personally orchestrated. Bali teaches you that spirituality and surfing can coexist. Palawan hides lagoons so secret they seem forgotten by time itself.
These aren’t just vacation destinations they’re experiences that reset your soul. Places where adventure and relaxation aren’t opposites but dance partners. Where you can snorkel with manta rays at sunrise and get a massage on the beach by sunset. Where cultures evolved in isolation, creating traditions and cuisines found nowhere else on Earth.
This guide to the 10 best islands to visit in 2025 goes beyond the typical “top islands” list. We’re diving deep (sometimes literally) into what makes each destination special, how to experience them authentically, what they’ll cost realistically, and how to choose which paradise matches your brand of dreaming.
Ready to trade your everyday reality for island time? Let’s explore where 2025 should take you.
1. Maldives: Where Luxury Floats Above Underwater Wonders
1,200 Islands of Impossible Beauty
The Maldives doesn’t just set the standard for tropical luxury — it exists in its own category entirely. Picture this: You wake in a villa suspended over crystal-clear water. Below your glass floor panel, tropical fish navigate coral gardens. You step from your bedroom directly into the Indian Ocean. Later, you’ll snorkel with manta rays, dine on a sandbank alone in the middle of the ocean, and watch bioluminescent plankton turn the water into liquid starlight.
This isn’t fantasy this is Tuesday in the Maldives.
Why the Maldives Tops Every Best Islands 2025 List:
The Maldives has perfected the island vacation. 1,200 coral islands scattered across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean create a destination where “remote luxury” reaches its zenith. Many resorts occupy entire private islands you literally have an island to yourself (shared only with other resort guests and impeccable staff).
But beyond the obvious Instagram-worthy villas, the Maldives offers something increasingly rare: the feeling that you’ve escaped not just your daily life, but civilization itself. No crowds. No traffic. No stress. Just ocean, sky, and the gentle rhythm of island life.
Underwater Adventures: The Other Maldives
The Maldives isn’t just beautiful above water some argue the real magic happens below:
Diving and Snorkeling: The Maldives ranks among the world’s premier dive destinations. The warm Indian Ocean (27-30°C year-round) hosts incredible marine biodiversity. Every resort provides house reef snorkeling step from your villa into water teeming with tropical fish, reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Swimming with Whale Sharks: These gentle giants (the world’s largest fish) appear predictably around South Ari Atoll year-round, but especially May-December. Snorkeling alongside a 10-meter whale shark creates memories that last lifetimes. Tours run from many resorts and local islands.
Manta Ray Encounters: Several atolls feature cleaning stations where manta rays (wingspan up to 7 meters) come for fish to eat parasites from their skin. Watching these graceful creatures glide through water feels like witnessing ballet performed by giants. Hanifaru Bay (May-November) hosts the world’s largest known manta aggregation.
Diving with Sharks: Nurse sharks, reef sharks, hammerheads, and occasionally tiger sharks cruise Maldivian waters. Most are harmless to humans. Night dives reveal a completely different underwater world — octopus hunt, moray eels emerge, and bioluminescence creates underwater stars.
Unique Maldives Experiences:
Private Sandbank Dining: Resorts arrange meals on tiny sandbanks accessible only by boat. You, champagne, fresh seafood, and an entire sandbank with 360-degree ocean views. Romance level: maximum.
Underwater Restaurants: Several resorts (Ithaa at Conrad, 5.8 at Hurawalhi, Subsix at Niyama) feature restaurants partially or fully submerged, allowing you to dine while fish swim past. It’s surreal, romantic, and expensive — but unforgettable.
Sunset Dolphin Cruises: Dolphins appear so frequently that spotting them is almost guaranteed. Traditional dhoni boats cruise at sunset, often encountering playful pods. Some dolphins surf boat wakes, seemingly as excited to see you as you are to see them.
Island Hopping: While many visitors never leave their resort island, exploring local islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Gulhi) provides cultural context and significantly cheaper experiences. Guest houses on local islands cost $50-100/night versus $500-2,000+ for resort islands.
Planning Your Maldives Paradise:
Choosing the Right Atoll:
- Male Atolls: Closest to airport, many resort options, less expensive transfers
- Ari Atoll: Whale shark encounters, excellent diving
- Baa Atoll: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, manta rays, Hanifaru Bay
- Addu Atoll: Furthest south, different ecosystem, WWII history
Resort vs. Local Island:
Resort Islands:
- Pros: All-inclusive luxury, privacy, world-class service, exclusive experiences
- Cons: Extremely expensive ($500-3,000+/night), isolated from local culture
Local Islands:
- Pros: Affordable ($50-150/night), cultural immersion, real Maldivian life
- Cons: Alcohol prohibited (Muslim nation), more conservative dress codes, fewer luxury amenities
Many visitors combine both: A few nights on a resort island for luxury, then transfer to a local island for budget-friendlier diving and cultural experiences.
Best Time to Visit:
- November-April: Dry season, calm seas, best diving visibility, peak prices
- May-October: Wet season, lower prices (30-50% discounts), whale sharks abundant, occasional rain (but islands remain beautiful)
Budget Reality Check:
Resort Island:
- Accommodation: $500-3,000+/night
- Meals: Often all-inclusive, or $100-200/day additional
- Transfers: $200-500 (speedboat) or $300-800 (seaplane)
- Activities: $100-300 per excursion
- Total: $2,000-5,000+ per person for 4-5 nights
Local Island:
- Accommodation: $50-150/night (guesthouses)
- Meals: $30-50/day
- Transfers: $30-50 (public ferry) or $100-200 (speedboat)
- Activities: $50-150 per excursion
- Total: $600-1,200 per person for 4-5 nights
Essential Maldives Tips:
- Book well ahead for resort islands (6+ months for peak season)
- Seaplane transfers offer stunning aerial views (worth the premium)
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen damages coral)
- Underwater camera or GoPro essential
- Tipping expected at resorts (include in budget)
- Alcohol only available on resort islands (local islands prohibit it)
- Respect Muslim culture on local islands (modest dress, no PDA)
2. Santorini, Greece: Where Sunsets Become Religion
Volcanic Drama Meets Aegean Beauty
Santorini isn’t just an island — it’s a geological event frozen in time. The crescent-shaped caldera resulted from one of history’s largest volcanic eruptions (around 1600 BCE), which literally blew apart the island and possibly inspired Atlantis legends. Today, that violent past creates serene beauty: cliff-top villages with white buildings and blue domes, black and red volcanic beaches, and sunsets so spectacular they attract crowds who literally applaud when the sun disappears.
Why Santorini Defines Romantic Island Getaways:
Santorini exists in the collective imagination as the romantic Greek island. Honeymooners fill hotels. Proposals happen at sunset viewpoints. Wedding photographers use the caldera as backdrop for destination ceremonies. The combination of dramatic scenery, excellent wine, sophisticated dining, and that ineffable Greek island magic creates an atmosphere where romance feels not just possible but inevitable.
Exploring Santorini’s Villages:
Oia: The postcard village. White buildings cascade down the cliff face. Blue-domed churches dot the skyline. Narrow streets wind between boutique hotels, art galleries, and jewelry shops. The famous Oia sunset attracts hundreds nightly — arrive 45-60 minutes early for prime viewing spots near the castle ruins. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s worth it.
Fira: Santorini’s capital offers caldera views with more affordability than Oia. The Archaeological Museum, cable car to the old port, and central location make Fira a practical base. Nightlife here exceeds Oia’s quiet sophistication — cocktail bars and clubs keep things lively until dawn.
Imerovigli: Nicknamed “balcony to the Aegean,” Imerovigli perches at the caldera’s highest point. Fewer tourists, equally stunning views, and the hike to Skaros Rock (an ancient fortress promontory) provides both exercise and photography opportunities.
Pyrgos: The island’s highest village offers 360-degree views and authentic Greek atmosphere. The Venetian castle, narrow lanes, and excellent tavernas make this a favorite among travelers seeking to escape Oia’s crowds.
Akrotiri: The ancient Minoan city preserved by volcanic ash (like Pompeii) reveals sophisticated Bronze Age civilization. The archaeological site is fascinating, and nearby Red Beach offers dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Santorini’s Unique Beaches:
Don’t expect typical white sand — Santorini’s volcanic origins created beaches in colors you didn’t know existed:
Red Beach (Kokkini Paralia): Iron-rich volcanic cliffs create dramatic red-black contrast with the deep blue Aegean. The beach itself is rocky (water shoes recommended), but the scenery is unmatched. Arrive early — it gets crowded and parking is limited.
Perissa and Perivolos: Black sand beaches on the island’s eastern side offer organized beach clubs, water sports, and tavernas. The volcanic sand gets very hot — bring sandals. Beach clubs provide loungers, umbrellas, and all-day service.
White Beach: Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, this small white cliff beach rewards adventurers with relative solitude and striking scenery.
Vlychada: A hidden gem with dramatic white cliffs carved by wind and waves into alien formations. Far fewer tourists, making it perfect for peaceful beach days.
Adventures Beyond the Views:
Wine Tasting: Santorini’s volcanic soil and unique climate produce distinctive wines. Assyrtiko grape thrives here, creating crisp white wines with mineral notes. Visit Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, or Estate Argyros for tastings with caldera views. Many offer sunset sessions combining wine and that famous Santorini light show.
Catamaran Cruises: Half-day or full-day sails circle the caldera, stopping at volcanic hot springs (swim in warm sulfuric water), beaches, and prime snorkeling spots. Sunset cruises include dinner and often include the best sunset views possible — from the water looking back at the illuminated cliff villages.
Hiking Fira to Oia: The 10-kilometer trail along the caldera rim connects Santorini’s main villages. The 3-4 hour hike passes through Firostefani and Imerovigli, offering constantly changing views. Start early to avoid midday heat, or time it to finish in Oia for sunset.
Volcanic Islands Tour: Boats visit Nea Kameni (the active volcano in the caldera) for short hikes to the crater rim, then Palea Kameni for hot spring swimming. It’s touristy but geologically fascinating — you’re walking on an active volcano that last erupted in 1950.
Planning Your Santorini Escape:
Best Time to Visit:
- April-May: Perfect weather, spring flowers, fewer crowds, lower prices
- June-September: Peak season, guaranteed sunshine, highest prices, crowded
- October: Excellent weather, thinning crowds, still warm water
- November-March: Off-season, many hotels/restaurants closed, but peaceful and affordable
Getting Around:
- Rent ATVs/Scooters: Most popular option, provides freedom, fun (wear helmets!)
- Rent Cars: Better for families or those uncomfortable on scooters
- Buses: Reliable, cheap, connect main villages, but limited schedules
- Taxis: Expensive, hard to find during peak times
- Walk: Fira-Oia trail, village exploration
Where to Stay:
- Oia: Maximum romance, maximum price ($200-1,000+/night)
- Imerovigli: Caldera views, quieter, slightly cheaper
- Fira: Central, lively, more affordable ($100-300/night)
- Perissa/Kamari: Beach access, budget-friendly ($60-150/night)
Budget Breakdown:
- Accommodation: $100-500/night depending on views and village
- Meals: $40-80/day per person (gyros to fine dining)
- Activities: $50-100 (wine tours, catamaran cruise)
- Transport: $25-40/day (ATV/car rental)
- Total: $200-400/day per person
Essential Santorini Tips:
- Book accommodation 6+ months ahead for summer
- Sunset viewpoints get very crowded (arrive early or skip for sunrise instead)
- Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones and stairs everywhere)
- Try local specialties: fava (split pea puree), tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), fresh seafood
- Respect photo etiquette at private hotels (those blue domes aren’t public property)
- Visit churches respectfully (modest clothing, no photos during services)
- Stay for multiple sunsets (each one is different)
3. Bali, Indonesia: Island of Gods, Surfers, and Seekers
Where Spirituality Meets Adventure
Bali defies simple categorization. It’s a surf paradise where world-class breaks attract riders globally. It’s a spiritual center where ancient Hindu temples host daily ceremonies. It’s a wellness destination where yoga retreats and healing practices thrive. It’s a cultural treasure where traditional dance, art, and craft remain vital. And somehow, it all exists on one relatively small island that continues to enchant despite decades of tourism.
Why Bali Remains One of the Best Islands 2025:
Bali succeeds because it offers everything. Budget backpackers surf Canggu and sleep in hostels. Luxury seekers book private villas with infinity pools. Digital nomads code from Ubud cafés. Families explore rice terraces and monkey forests. Honeymooners photograph sunrise at temples. Everyone finds their Bali, and somehow the island accommodates all without losing its soul.
Bali’s Diverse Regions:
Ubud: Cultural Heart
Ubud sits inland surrounded by rice terraces, river valleys, and monkey forests. This is Bali’s artistic and spiritual center.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Iconic terraced rice paddies create layers of green geometric beauty. Visit early morning for fewer crowds and softer light. Many terraces now charge entrance fees and offer Instagram-friendly swings (tourist trap, but admittedly fun).
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Over 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys inhabit this forest temple complex. They’re habituated to humans but remain wild — secure belongings (they steal glasses, phones, anything loose). Respect and distance are essential.
Ubud Palace and Markets: The royal palace hosts traditional dance performances nightly. The adjacent art market sells handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected — start at 40-50% of asking price.
Yoga and Wellness: Ubud pioneered Bali’s wellness tourism. The Yoga Barn offers classes, workshops, and a café. Countless healing centers provide everything from sound baths to chakra alignment. Skeptics often become believers after a few Ubud days.
Canggu: Surf and Digital Nomad Hub
Once a sleepy surf village, Canggu now buzzes with international creatives, surfers, and perpetual travelers.
Surf Breaks: Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, and Old Man’s provide waves for various skill levels. Surf schools proliferate — lessons cost $30-50 and include equipment. Respect surf etiquette and local surfers.
Café Culture: Canggu’s café scene rivals major cities. Crate Café, Milk & Madu, and dozens more serve excellent coffee, açaí bowls, and avocado toast while digital nomads tap keyboards.
Nightlife: Beach clubs like The Lawn and La Brisa host sunset sessions with DJs, cocktails, and ocean views. More relaxed than Seminyak but still lively.
Seminyak and Canggu: Beach Clubs and Luxury
Bali’s most developed area offers upscale shopping, fine dining, and sophisticated beach clubs.
Beach Clubs: Potato Head, Finn’s Beach Club, and Ku De Ta define Bali’s glitzy side. Day beds, infinity pools, DJs, and prices that remind you you’re not in budget Bali anymore.
Dining: Seminyak concentrates Bali’s best restaurants. Sarong, Métis, and Merah Putih serve innovative cuisine blending Indonesian ingredients with international techniques.
Uluwatu: Temples and World-Class Surf
Bali’s southern peninsula offers dramatic cliff-top temples and legendary surf breaks.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu): Perched on 70-meter cliffs above the Indian Ocean, this 11th-century sea temple hosts Kecak fire dance performances at sunset. The combination of ancient temple, sunset, traditional dance, and cliff-edge location creates one of Bali’s most memorable experiences. Watch your belongings — the monkey guards here are professional thieves.
Surf Breaks: Uluwatu’s reef break challenges experienced surfers with powerful waves and sharp coral. Padang Padang (made famous in Eat Pray Love), Bingin, and Impossible complete the area’s surf prestige.
North Bali: Waterfalls and Quiet Escapes
Most tourists skip northern Bali, making it perfect for those seeking authentic experiences.
Sekumpul Waterfall: Bali’s most impressive waterfall requires a 45-minute trek through rice paddies, bamboo forests, and river crossings. The 80-meter cascade into a natural pool rewards your effort magnificently.
Munduk: Mountain village in the highlands offering cool climate, coffee plantations, and multiple waterfalls. Stay in homestays for genuine Balinese hospitality.
Lovina: Black sand beaches and calm waters make Lovina family-friendly. Sunrise dolphin watching tours ($10-15) depart early, often spotting pods of spinner dolphins.
Spiritual and Cultural Experiences:
Temple Etiquette: Bali has thousands of temples. Respect requires:
- Sarongs and sashes (often provided at entrance)
- Covered shoulders
- No entry during menstruation (signs posted)
- Respectful behavior (temples are active worship sites)
Key Temples:
- Tanah Lot: Sea temple on rock formation, iconic sunset shots
- Besakih: “Mother Temple,” Bali’s largest and holiest
- Tirta Empul: Holy spring water temple with purification pools
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek:
This active volcano (1,717m) trek starts at 3-4 AM for summit sunrise. The 2-hour hike challenges moderately, rewarding with views across Bali, breakfast cooked in volcanic steam vents, and sunrise that painters couldn’t capture. Guides are required (regulations and safety). Tours cost $30-50 including transport, guide, breakfast, and hot spring stop afterward.
Planning Your Bali Adventure:
How Long to Stay: Minimum 7-10 days allows sampling different regions. Two weeks enables deeper exploration and relaxation. Many digital nomads stay months.
Best Time to Visit:
- April-October: Dry season, best weather, peak tourism
- November-March: Wet season, afternoon rains common, fewer tourists, everything greener
- Avoid: December-January (peak crowds, highest prices)
Getting Around:
- Scooter Rental: Most popular ($5-7/day), provides freedom, traffic can be intense
- Private Driver: $40-60/day, no stress, local knowledge
- Grab/Gojek: Ride-hailing apps, cheap, convenient
- Tourist Shuttles: Connect main areas, affordable
Budget Breakdown:
- Accommodation: $15-40 (budget), $50-150 (mid-range), $200+ (luxury)
- Meals: $10-20/day (local food), $30-50 (mix), $60+ (restaurants/cafés)
- Activities: $20-60 per activity
- Transport: $5-15/day (scooter), $40-60 (driver)
- Total: $50-100/day (budget), $150-250 (mid-range), $300+ (luxury)
Essential Bali Tips:
- Bargain at markets (not restaurants/established shops)
- Dress modestly visiting temples and rural areas
- Drink bottled water only
- Respect offerings (small palm leaf baskets on ground — don’t step on them)
- Learn basic Indonesian phrases (appreciated and useful)
- Avoid drugs (Indonesia has extremely harsh penalties)
- Get proper travel insurance (scooter accidents common)
- Be patient with “Bali time” (things rarely happen exactly on schedule)
4. Maui, Hawaii: Valley Isle of Aloha and Adventure
Where Volcanic Majesty Meets Pacific Beauty
Maui delivers the Hawaii experience in concentrated form. This second-largest Hawaiian island combines dramatic landscapes (dormant volcano, lush rainforests, waterfalls, beaches), excellent infrastructure, and authentic Hawaiian culture without overwhelming Waikiki crowds. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls on the Road to Hana, watching sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā, or snorkeling with sea turtles, Maui proves why Hawaii remains America’s paradise.
Why Maui Tops Hawaiian Island Rankings:
Maui balances accessibility with adventure. Families find easy beaches and gentle snorkeling. Adventurers discover challenging hikes and world-class diving. Luxury seekers book five-star resorts. Budget travelers camp and cook. The island accommodates all while maintaining that ineffable aloha spirit that makes Hawaii special.
Must-Do Maui Experiences:
Road to Hana: The Journey is Everything
The Road to Hana isn’t about reaching Hana town (though it’s charming) — it’s about the 64-mile winding journey through tropical paradise. 620 curves and 59 bridges connect Kahului to Hana, passing waterfalls, bamboo forests, black sand beaches, and ocean vistas that make you pull over every few minutes.
Key Stops:
- Twin Falls: Early stop, good for swimming, gets crowded
- Wai’anapanapa State Park: Black sand beach, lava tubes, blowholes (reserve ahead — new permit system)
- Pools of ‘Ohe’o (Seven Sacred Pools): Series of pools and waterfalls, part of Haleakalā National Park
- Hana Town: Small town, good lunch stop, relax before return drive
Road to Hana Tips:
- Start early (6-7 AM) to beat crowds
- Fill gas tank before leaving (no stations on the route)
- Pack snacks and water
- Allow 3-4 hours minimum each direction
- Consider staying overnight in Hana (makes the experience relaxed)
- Download offline maps (cell service spotty)
- Don’t reverse — continue to Haleakalā National Park and return via Kula (check road conditions)
Haleakalā National Park: House of the Sun
The dormant Haleakalā volcano reaches 10,023 feet elevation. The summit offers otherworldly landscapes, stunning sunrises, and — if you’re brave — downhill cycling adventures.
Sunrise at the Summit: Watching dawn break above the clouds ranks among Earth’s most spectacular natural shows. The sky transitions through impossible colors while the volcanic crater emerges from darkness. Reservations required ($1 per car, book 60 days ahead — they sell out). Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise. Temperature drops to 30-40°F — bring layers and blankets.
Hiking: Multiple trails explore the crater. The Sliding Sands Trail descends into the crater through landscapes resembling Mars. The Halemau’u Trail offers different perspectives. Both can be strenuous — altitude affects everyone differently.
Snorkeling and Marine Life:
Molokini Crater: This partially-submerged volcanic crater creates a crescent-shaped snorkeling paradise. Crystal-clear water, abundant fish, and occasional dolphins make this Maui’s premier snorkel destination. Half-day boat tours ($100-150) include snorkeling, breakfast/lunch, and often a second location.
Turtle Town (Maluaka Beach): Green sea turtles (honu) feed in shallow waters here. Respectful distance (10 feet) required — touching is illegal and harmful. Early morning offers best turtle sightings and fewer crowds.
Honolua Bay: North shore location with excellent snorkeling and surfing. Summer offers calm snorkeling conditions; winter brings massive surf.
Whale Watching (December-April):
Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. Lahaina and Ma’alaea serve as main departure ports for whale watching tours. However, shore-based viewing is possible and free — the Pa’u Beach scenic lookout often provides whale sightings. Peak season is February-March.
Beaches for Every Mood:
Ka’anapali Beach: Three miles of golden sand, resort amenities, snorkeling at Black Rock, cliff diving shows at sunset.
Wailea Beach: South Maui luxury resort area, excellent swimming and snorkeling, gentle waves.
Big Beach (Makena): Massive undeveloped beach, powerful shore break, beautiful but respect the ocean (injuries common).
Honolua Bay: North shore, summer snorkeling paradise, winter surf breaks.
Baldwin Beach Park: Local favorite, less touristy, good for bodyboarding.
Planning Your Maui Vacation:
Best Time to Visit:
- April-May, Sept-Nov: Shoulder seasons, good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices
- December-March: Whale season, peak tourism, occasional rain
- June-August: Summer vacation crowds, hot, no whales
- Winter (Nov-March): North shore surf season, Road to Hana can be rainy
Getting Around: Rental car essential for exploring Maui. Public transportation minimal. Book car rental well ahead — Maui often faces rental shortages.
Where to Stay:
- West Maui (Lahaina/Ka’anapali): Beaches, resorts, restaurants, sunsets
- South Maui (Wailea/Kihei): Upscale resorts, excellent weather, snorkeling
- Upcountry (Kula/Makawao): Cool climate, rural charm, close to Haleakalā
- Paia/Haiku: North shore, surfer vibe, close to Road to Hana
- Hana: Remote, peaceful, allows relaxed Road to Hana experience
Budget Breakdown:
- Accommodation: $150-300 (budget/mid-range), $400-800+ (resorts)
- Car Rental: $50-100/day
- Meals: $60-100/day per person
- Activities: $50-150 per activity (snorkel tours, luaus)
- Total: $300-500/day per person
Essential Maui Tips:
- Reserve Haleakalā sunrise and Wai’anapanapa State Park ahead
- Respect Hawaiian culture and sacred sites
- Never turn your back on the ocean (sneaker waves are dangerous)
- Reef-safe sunscreen only (protecting Hawaii’s coral)
- Learn basic Hawaiian phrases (“aloha,” “mahalo,” “pau hana”)
- Pack layers — temperatures vary dramatically by elevation.
- Support local businesses.
- Leave places better than you found them (Hawaiian value of malama)
5. Seychelles: Granite Boulders and Pristine Paradise
115 Islands of Undiscovered Africa
Seychelles remains Africa’s best-kept secret — an archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, 1,500 km east of Kenya. Unlike the Maldives’ flat coral atolls, Seychelles features dramatic granite boulders, lush jungle-covered mountains, and beaches so pristine they appear Photoshopped. Limited development (only a few islands are inhabited) preserves ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
Why Seychelles Deserves Best Islands 2025 Recognition:
Seychelles offers luxury without the Maldives’ price tag, beaches without Caribbean crowds, and ecosystems with unique endemic species. The combination of African, French, Indian, and Chinese influences creates a distinct Creole culture. And crucially, Seychelles remains relatively undiscovered — you’ll share beaches with more sea turtles than humans.
The Main Islands:
Mahé: Largest island, international airport, capital Victoria, and 65 beaches. The mountainous interior reaches 905 meters at Morne Seychellois, covered in jungle accessible via hiking trails. Beau Vallon Beach provides the main tourist center. The island combines infrastructure with nature — you can lunch in Victoria (world’s smallest capital) and hike pristine rainforest the same afternoon.
Praslin: Second-largest island, home to Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage palm forest containing the legendary coco de mer the world’s largest seed, suggestively shaped and once thought to grow underwater. Anse Lazio beach ranks globally among the most beautiful: granite boulders frame powder-white sand meeting impossibly clear turquoise water.
La Digue: Time moves slowly here no cars (bicycles and ox carts rule), stunning beaches, and the famous Anse Source d’Argent possibly the most photographed beach on Earth. Massive granite boulders sculpted by millennia of erosion create natural sculptures. The beach appears in countless commercials, calendars, and screensavers.
Beaches That Redefine Paradise:
Anse Lazio (Praslin): Consistently ranks in “world’s best beaches” lists. The approach through granite formations, the gradient of blues in the water, and the curve of palm-fringed sand create perfection. Arrive early (before 10 AM) for fewer crowds. Good snorkeling at both ends.
Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue): The iconic beach requires passing through L’Union Estate (entrance fee). The shallow, calm water makes it family-friendly. The granite boulders create countless photography angles. High tide offers better swimming; low tide reveals tidal pools.
Anse Georgette (Praslin): Accessible through Constance Lémuria Resort (permission required) or by boat. The effort rewards with an often-empty beach of stunning beauty. The hike crosses the golf course — book ahead or arrange boat access.Anse Intendance (Mahé): Wild, powerful, and dramatic. This south coast beach features strong currents (swimming dangerous except during calm periods) but offers solitude and raw beauty. Perfect for contemplative beach walks.
- Planning a trip on a budget? Read our Best Budget Travel Destinations for 2025 next.