There are so many beautiful islands worldwide. Some are more well-known than others. We’ve rounded up a list of the best island holiday destinations; from the French Polynesia to the gorgeous Caribbean. These are the places you’ll want to consider when planning your next tropical holiday. Each has its own unique drawcard and no matter where you put your feet in the sand – we hope it’s an unforgettable experience!
Most people have already dreamed of a sunny island holiday in the Maldives, Mauritius, Zanzibar or Seychelles. And while these always make it to the list of best island holidays, let’s take a look at some of the newcomers to the list in 2024.
Small, but memorable – Lanai, Hawaii
At the heart of Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island, Lanai, lies a city that has only three paved roads and no traffic lights. But don’t let the size fool you – Lanai City is bustling! Previously home to pineapple plantations, this quant island offers an ultra-luxurious relaxation mixed with rugged adventure.
Main attractions:
- Horse riding
- Island tours
- Snorkeling in the protected marine reserve of Hulopoe Bay
- ‘Garden of the Gods’
Just a 30-minute flight from Honolulu or a 45-minute ferry from Maui, you could easily hop around the larger island of Hawaii.
Pretty as a picture – Vancouver Island, Canada
Ask people what they know about Vancouver Island, and they’ll probably tell you about the charming city of Victoria. Whilst this small city with its famous flower gardens is one of the more popular attractions, there’s a lot more to the 300-mile-long Vancouver Island. Another charming town that you might not have heard of is Tofino. This small town is about halfway up the island on the far west coast. It’s a great destination for travellers looking for adventure, good food and lodging.
Main attractions:
- Gray and humpback whale watching in Tofino
- Orca whale watching in Victoria
- Black bear watching in Tofino and
- Brown and grizzly bear watching from the Campbell River area on the Northeast part of the island.
Fly from Seattle or Vancouver or take a ferry from Vancouver or Port Angeles in Washington to visit the town of Tofino.
One of the most beautiful places in the world – Dominica
Making top travelling lists in 2023, the breathtaking island of Dominica has so much to offer. Nicknamed the ‘Nature Isle’ of the Caribbean, Dominica offers adventure seekers a variety of hiking trails and striking views.
CNN travel included Dominica in their roundup of ‘the best of the best’ and describes its Champagne Reef as “a true paradise with explosions of colourful plants and fish.”
Also Read: Dominica one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Main attractions:
- Hiking trails from beginner to expert
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
- Visit the Champagne Reef
Travellers will be happy to know that you can fly to Dominica directly from Miami and it is also easily accessible from other Caribbean islands.
Still a hidden gem – Tikehau, French Polynesia
There’s a reason you haven’t heard of Tikehau – travellers are keeping this island all to themselves! If you want to be close to nature, then this remote island offers just that. Think crystal clear waters with undisturbed beaches. Enjoy coral reefs and fish from an overwater bungalow or watch the sun set from the beautiful pink sand beach. Sounds like a dream!
Main attractions:
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Swim amongst sharks
- Kayaking
It’s a bit of a trip to this little piece of heaven which may even require an overnight stay. From the US you’ll fly to Tahiti and then fly from there to Tikehau. A short boat ride and you’ll finally reach your destination. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
See the sights – Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the third largest island in Spain and is having a fantastic run of tourism at the moment! You can drive around the island in a matter of hours, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. There are so many reasons to visit this vibrant island and for travellers who enjoy nature paired with culture and history, it’s a treat!
Main attractions:
- Sight-seeing in the city
- Visit the Serra de Tramuntana region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with memorable Majorcan villages
- Sailing
- Painting on the coast
- Wine tasting
This popular island is easily accessible from Madrid, Barcelona and other European cities.
Lush mountains and luxury – Saint Lucia
Located in the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia offers visitors relaxation and buckets of adventure. Twin volcanic peaks – The Pitons – tower 700 meters (about twice the height of the Empire State Building) over the surrounding landscape and provide a majestically backdrop to the lush and beautiful scenery found on the island.
Main attractions:
- Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
- Windsurfing or waterskiing at Reduit Beach
- Snorkeling at Anse Chastanet
- Volcano at Sulphur Springs
- Hike up Gros Piton
- Boating to Marigot Bay
Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF) is located on the southern end of the island and serves primarily international flights.
Culture club with a view – St Kitts and Nevis
Home to cloud-shrouded mountains and pristine beaches, the beautiful twin-island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis lies in the Caribbean Sea. This bubbling Caribbean hub has a lot to offer visitors in terms of vibrant restaurants, cultural richness and beautiful blue beaches.
Main attractions:
- Explore the jungle
- Charter a sailboat
- Take a historical tour of the Island by taxi
Also Read: St Kitts and Nevis one of the safest islands in the Caribbean!
Fly to either St Kitts or Nevis and enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer!
