From a stunning island that evolved from conflict to one with a secret beach, these are the
ten most beautiful islands in the world!
10.
Seychelles
Also known as the Republic of Seychelles, this stunning island country is located in
the Indian Ocean about nine hundred thirty-two miles east of the East African mainland.
It is made up of over one hundred fifty-five islands, and its capital is Victoria.
The Seychelles were void of mankind for the majority of recorded history, and many scholars
believe that Austronesian sailors, as well as Arab and Maldivian traders, were the first
people to visit the islands.
Europeans visited the area for the first time in 1503, according to records written by Thome
Lopes, a Portuguese Admiral who was aboard the fleet of Vasco da Gama.
In 1756, Captain Nicholas Morphey laid a Stone of Possession on the island of Mahe, and they
were named after Jean Moreau de Sechelles, the Minister of Finance for Louis XV.
Eventually, the British took over the island nation, and it became an official crown colony
in 1903.
In 1976, Seychelles gained independence in the Commonwealth of Nations as a republic.
Nowadays, the beauty of the island country draws numerous tourists every year.
Forty-two percent of the territory is dedicated to the conservation of Seychelles’ many
creatures.
There are seventy-five endemic species of plants, and animals like the freshwater crab,
Seychelles giant tortoise, and various seabirds.
9.
Fiji
This island nation is in the South Pacific, about one thousand three hundred miles northeast
of New Zealand.
Like many other countries, Fiji went through many changes and hardships to become what
it is today.
It was originally inhabited by descendants of a chief who arrived in the area on a canoe.
It wasn’t until the late 1700s that Europeans made their way to Fiji, and traditional Fijian
culture was suppressed so Britain could gain control.
After enduring fights against the spread of Christianity, a rush of Australian and United
States settlers in the mid-1800s, more conflict, blackbirding, and even more conflict, Fiji
finally gained independence from Britain in 1970.
Only ten percent of the country’s seventy-five thousand square mile territory is land.
There are several famous tourist destinations in Fiji, including Denarau Island, the Coral
Coast, and Nadi.
Although Fiji is usually referenced regarding its climate and beauty, athletics are also
very popular there, especially Rugby Sevens, its national sport.
8.
Capri
This grand island is in the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Gulf of Naples in Italy’s Campania
region.
The name is thought to come from the Ancient Greek word for “wild boar,” kapros.
The origin of the name “Capri” isn’t certain, but the discovery of wild boar fossils
lead people to believe that “kapros” is likely.
Capri has been inhabited since ancient times, all the way back to at least the Neolithic
and Bronze Age.
Augustus cultivated the island and constructed temples, gardens, aqueducts, and villas.
Tiberius, Augustus’ successor, also expanded Capri.
After various pirate ravages and changes in rule from 800 to the mid-1500s, Napoleon occupied
Capri in 1806.
France lost the island a year later and reconquered it a year after that.
In 1815, the House of Bourbon in Naples took control of Capri again.
During the nineteenth century, Ignazio Cerio, a natural scientist, took note of the flora
and fauna that thrived in Capri, and his son continued his work.
During this time, Capri was a popular resort destination for celebrities, artists, and
writers.
It was also somewhat of a safe haven for lesbian and gay individuals and allowed them to live
freely and openly.
Capri remains a popular tourist destination today for both foreigners and Italians.
7.
Bali
This Indonesian island is to the east of Java and the west of Lombok.
It has been inhabited since about 2000 BCE after people moved there from Southeast Asia
and Oceania.
Culture in Bali stems from Hindu, Chinese, and Indian.
In addition to its long history, Bali is also incredibly beautiful.
The island is about ninety-five miles wide and seventy miles long.
Several mountains on Bali are over six thousand six hundred feet high, and there are active
volcanoes as well, like Mount Batur.
Due to the volcanic activity, the land is extremely fertile, with heavy rainfall supporting
agriculture even further.
Bali is surrounded by coral reefs, making the underwater area just as beautiful as the
island itself.
It also exhibits white sand beaches in the southern area and black sand beaches to the
north.
Some exciting things that residents do in Bali is participate in festivals.
The cremation ceremony, or Ngaben, is performed for a deceased person and is a Hindu ritual.
During the event, an intricate tower or statue is built, the departed is placed on the structure,
and they’re burned together.
This is supposed to release the person’s soul so it can enter the elevated realm and
wait for rebirth.
6.
Palawan
This is the most sizable island within the Palawan province in the Philippines, and it
is the nation’s fifth largest.
A large portion of the island is considered under-developed by some people but is categorized
as traditional.
Some people think that this is a bad thing, but if you take one look at Palawan’s awe-inspiring
natural beauty, then you’ll change your mind in a hurry.
Despite its lack of advanced cities and towns, there is a ton of outdoor activities that
keep all tourists occupied.
There are several waterfalls to visit on the island, including the Papawyan Falls, Bigaho
Falls, and Estrella Falls.
Plus, the gorgeous white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxing with an ice cold beer
or rum punch.
Nacpan Beach is a popular destination, and Hidden Beach is the ideal getaway, surrounded
by dramatic cliffs and green vegetation.
5.
St. Lucia
Another amazing island is Saint Lucia, located in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea.
It is an island country that was once named Iyonola by the native inhabitants, Amerindians.
It was called Hewanorra as well, by the Caribs who lived there.
The first Europeans that settled there were the French, and they signed a 1660 treaty
with the Caribs.
England gained power over the island from 1663 to 1667, and they battled with France
fourteen times, during which Saint Lucia’s rule was changed several times.
Britain officially took control in 1814.
Due to its numerous changes in power, St. Lucia is often referred to as “Helen of
the West Indies,” referencing Helen of Troy.
Around 1958, the island became part of the West Indies Federation, and in 1967, it was
declared one of the West Indies Associated States with its own government.
In addition to Saint Lucia’s diverse history, it has a wide variety of geographical characteristics,
which set it apart from other Caribbean islands.
It is volcanic and mountainous, and its highest point is Mount Gimie, which rises to three
thousand one hundred twenty feet above sea level.
The Pitons volcanic plugs are Saint Lucia’s most prominent landmark.
This island nation is a popular tourist destination, offering amazing resorts and beaches for people
to enjoy.
A renowned Jazz Festival is hosted in Saint Lucia every year as well, drawing musicians
and people from all over the world.
4.
Maldives
If you’re into tropical climates, beautiful beaches, and diverse underwater life, then
chances are that you’ve heard of the Maldives.
Officially called the Republic of the Maldives, this island country is located in South Asia
in the Arabian Sea.
It’s about six hundred twenty miles off the coast of the Asian continent and is made
up of twenty-six atolls.
Not much is known about the first settlers in these islands because they didn’t leave
behind archaeological artifacts since their buildings were most likely made of palm fronds
and wood.
But, there is plenty of historical evidence from the Buddhist and Islamic periods from
around the third century BC up until 1932, when the Islamic dynasties came to an end.
Politics in the Maldives were influenced in the 1950s when the British military was present,
and sultanate rule was restored in 1954.
The monarchy ended in 1968 after a vote decided the Maldives should become a republic.
These coral islands are spread over about thirty-five thousand miles.
There is a wide range of marine life surrounding them, including one thousand one hundred fish
species, five types of sea turtles, and twenty-one kinds of whales and dolphins.
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and various
other activities.
3.
Marietas
The Marieta Islands are only a few miles off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico.
They’re uninhabited but are a frequent tourist destination.
The islands were formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.
Since nobody lives there, the Marietas served as a military testing site, and many explosions
took place there, which resulted in unusual rock and cave formations.
When Jacques Cousteau objected to these tests, people jumped on board, and they were ultimately
declared a national park in the 1960s.
Hunting and fishing are prohibited on the islands.
About forty-four different wildlife and plant species call the Marieta Islands home, and
numerous kinds of seabirds use them as breeding and feeding grounds.
But don’t fret!
Even though invasive human activity is illegal, many tours are available to view the natural
wonders these islands have to offer.
One of the most stunning places is Hidden Beach, aka Love Beach, which accommodates
nearly one hundred twenty tourists per day.
This surreal gem is in a crater and is only accessible during low tide.
2.
Bora Bora
This group of islands is part of the French Polynesian Society Islands in the Pacific
Ocean.
Bora Bora is one of the most sought-after travel destinations because of its striking
beauty.
Its main island is surrounded by a barrier reef and a lagoon, making the surrounding
area a gorgeous turquoise color.
During ancient times, the islands were referred to by the Tahitian phrase meaning “created
by the gods.”
When Jacob Roggeveen, a Dutch explorer, arrived here, he and his crew referred to it as “Bora
Bora,” one of the Tahitian pronunciations.
Although it operated as a military base during World War II, Bora Bora is driven by tourism
today.
Some of the most popular places to stay in the islands are the bungalows that rest on
stilts over the water.
Fun activities in Bora Bora include scuba diving, snorkeling, and visiting attractions,
like cannons from WWII.
Several species of sharks and rays live around the islands, and many kinds of snails live
in the forests on Mount Otemanu.
1.
Santorini
Santorini earns the number one spot on our “most beautiful islands” list because
of its dramatic and breathtaking scenery combined with beautiful architecture.
Also known as Thira, this island is in the Aegean Sea about one hundred twenty miles
off the southeastern coast of Greece.
Chances are that you’ve seen Santorini as a standard desktop wallpaper or on the cover
of a travel magazine because it is so alluring.
The bright orange, blue, and white buildings and stone walkways are enough to draw any
traveler in, but if that’s not enough, then the crystal blue water and sheer cliffs will
do the trick.
Plus, Santorini offers quality produce due to its volcanic soil and climate.
They’re known for their cherry tomatoes, white eggplants, cucumber, and capers.
There’s also a significant wine industry on the island, which is small but thriving.
Which of these beautiful islands is on your bucket list?
Let us know in the comment section below!