10 Paradise Islands To See In Your Lifetime

posted in: Destinations | posted by: Dave Emery on April 20, 2008 | 39 Comments

A holiday on a remote island might be the single relaxing experience and the perfect getaway. The white smooth sand and the blue waters go great with a hammock and a refreshing cocktail. Even if you’re trying to find your the destination for your next holiday or just want to relax thinking of sunny beaches, here are 10 perfect islands you have surely dreamt about.

1. Caprera Island, Sardinia, Italy
Caprera is a small island off the coast of Sardinia, Italy, best known for its serene beaches but also being the place to which Giuseppe Garibaldi retired. The name is most likely given because of the wild goats inhabiting the island (Capra = Italian for goats). Even though it has only 6 square miles, the island has been declared a natural reserve, being the home of the royal seagull, the cormorant and the peregrine falcon. Apart from being an attractive destination for natural lovers, it also has a sailing center, the only places to stay in being couzy bungalows.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is the name given to an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Aegean sea. The amazing sunsets, fantastic beaches but also the active volcano are just a few of the attractions for this destination. The islands are what remained from the volcanic explosion that split one single island into several, smaller ones. This even is said to be the inspiration for the myth of Atlantis. Be that as it may, the small islands has a wide variety of attractions, including Akrotiri, the 3,500 year old Minoan town preserved in volcanic ash.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

3. Cocoa Island, Maldives
The fascinating and romantic island located in the South Male Atoll in the Maldive Islands takes pride in the white, powdery sands and the turquoise water that make it a top travel destination. The Robinson Crusoe style Island has some fascinating small huts, with deluxe furnishing and private sun decks. For total relaxation, visitors get the chance to enjoy a hydro-therapy pools, spas, massages and various treatments to pamper yourself.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

4. Cousine Island, Seychelles
Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares, close to the Praslin Island in Seychelles. In 1968, the island was purchased by Birdlife International to save the remaining warblers, thus becoming the the world’s first internationally owned-reserve. There is a large population of endemic land birds, giant tortoises, the island being a breeding ground for sea birds.The island attracts 10,000 visitors annually, being open only during weekdays (no overnigh accommodation available). The impressive number of species and habitats set in a exotic landscape make the destination a unique travel experience especially for nature lovers.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

5. Capri, Italy
Known in Greek mythology for being the isle of the sirens, the Capri island is known since the days of the Roman Republic. There are several art festivals from April to September that appeals to tourists: you can see anything from painting, sculptures to plays and traditional dances being performed. one of the most appealing attractions is the Blue Grotto, a cave at the water’s edge, opening to the sea that Romans used as a bath. One of the most sought after sights is the colorful sunrise, that’s certainly worth waking up for.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

6. Kauai, Hawaii
One of the oldest of Hawaii’s islands, Kauai is referred to as the Garden Island, due to its lugh vegetation made out of tropical plants. Erosion lead to exciting landscapes such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Formed around 6 million years ago, Kauai is more laidback and less populated than the other Hawaiian islands. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including golf, horseback riding and various water sports. Be sure to take plenty of time to explore the multitude of landscapes and attractions.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

7. South Beach, Miami, Florida
Probably one of the best known beaches on the list, South Beach is a vibrant place that never sleeps. Hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants and hotels attract both American and international tourists every summer. One of the busiest times of the year especially for the Pearl and Nikki Beach night spots is Spring Break, when students come to relax and party. South Beach can satisfy a variety of culinary preferences, with numerous restaurants. The city is also home to various cultural events, art exhitibitions and conventions that you might enjoy while visiting.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

8. Ihuru Island, Maldives
Set in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Maldives,the Ihuru is the stylish paradise ideal for total relaxation. White beaches, a shallow lagooon and shady palm trees make the Ihuru Island the lost paradise waiting to be rediscovered. The reef are perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving and but also surface water sports. Ihuru is one of the most environmentally conscious islands, using biodegradable materials, solar heating or environmental friendly methods for reactivating corals.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora island is possibly the single most famous island in all the world. The volcanic island has a stunning lagoon with abundant underwater life waiting to be explored. A multitude of outdoor activies are available for tourists: underwater safari, water sports, jeep tours, horseback riding or kiteboarding. Convince yourself why Bora Bora one of the world’s most beautiful places!

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

10. The Similan Islands, Thailand
Located in Southern Thailand, the Similan Islands is a national park convering 140 square kilometers, encompassing 9 islands. One of the most attractive sights is the enormous variety of fish and corals, easily spotted due to the transparent waters. Apart from that, the island has everything needed to be considered an exotic paradise.

photo credits: 1, 2, 3

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39 Responses to “10 Paradise Islands To See In Your Lifetime”

Cool Pictures says on April 20th, 2008 at 7:03 pm:

awesome, polynesia has to be really amazing
Jake says on April 20th, 2008 at 7:16 pm:

South Beach FL? You have to be kidding.
Donny says on April 20th, 2008 at 8:13 pm:

last time i checked, Miami wasn’t an island.
Raj says on April 20th, 2008 at 8:56 pm:

nice list, I’d definitely give them all a try if I had the money
maldivian says on April 21st, 2008 at 1:35 am:

The photos for Cocoa Island (Maldives) and Cousine Island (Sychelles) need to be swapped around.

Nothing beats the Maldives though!
Grant says on April 21st, 2008 at 3:12 am:

@Donny

Miami isn’t…South Beach is.
mike says on April 21st, 2008 at 3:49 am:

Donny, if you had a map you would see that South Beach is.
Oak McIlwain says on April 21st, 2008 at 4:19 am:

Lol. Miami. Gold.
Martin says on April 21st, 2008 at 6:21 am:

Uhm… ok, see it’s like this. Miami and everything around it sucks. Really. To include South Beach (which indeed IS technically an island just as Manhattan is an island) on your list just throws this whole list into doubt. I used to live near there and it is a sweaty, steamy nasty, urban hell hole that you could not pay me to live near again.

Want to get robbed? Miami. Want to be surrounded by the most urban, crowded, packed and filthy (diapers, cigarette butts, bottles, cans, etc.) beaches around? Miami. Want to get cut off in traffic, honked at, flipped off, screamed at or threatened while driving to the beach? Miami. Want to be obstinately ignored, unless you speak some Spanish, by hotel staff/wait staff/service staff? Miami.
Suffian says on April 21st, 2008 at 7:22 am:

Bora Bora! Looks like a place you could be content to just spend days at the beach just staring at the sea.
Andrej says on April 21st, 2008 at 7:44 am:

Obviously you haven’t been to Croatia
Witze says on April 21st, 2008 at 10:52 am:

a dream!
Lucio says on April 21st, 2008 at 11:26 am:

Even though all of these are really marvellous palces, you’ve missed many many others!!!
alain says on April 21st, 2008 at 11:32 am:

I recomend Hvar island in Coatia
alain says on April 21st, 2008 at 11:32 am:

Sorry, Croatia
Good says on April 21st, 2008 at 12:14 pm:

What about Chumbé, la Digue and la Réunion?
BeyondRandom says on April 21st, 2008 at 12:43 pm:

Thanks, now my girls gonna wanna go on vacationi!! lol
Jim Lee says on April 21st, 2008 at 2:09 pm:

I’ve been to Kauai and South Beach so only 8 more to go.

Kauai is truly a tropical paradise. Be sure and visit Hanalei Bay and Bubba’s Hamburgers.
horoscope web says on April 21st, 2008 at 7:48 pm:

My best on this lists will be Santorini?
Silvestra says on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 am:

South Beach is really bed choice here! Forget Galapagos?? Or just come to Croatia to see and explore more than 1000 islands and clifs! something you cannot imagine… )
Silvestra says on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 am:

South Beach is really bad choice here! Forget Galapagos?? Or just come to Croatia to see and explore more than 1000 islands and clifs! something you cannot imagine… ) with green-blue sea…
Carioca says on April 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 am:

Where is Fernando de Noronha, Brazil?
Craig says on April 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 pm:

Where did all the Pacific islands go? Fiji? Samoa? Easter Island? Anyone?
Victoria says on April 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 am:

I am surprised that no island from the Philippines is mentioned. To begin with Palawan is amazing.
Karan says on April 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm:

What about Mauritius? Rodrigues? Reunion?
World Traveler says on April 23rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm:

Santorini is absolutely gorgeous. Black beaches, unmatched sunsets, a volcano. The food is fantastic.

I was there for 10 days and didn’t have a chance to enjoy it all.

Nothing tops sitting on your balcony at night and having a cloud move all around you as it makes its way up and over the mountain.

If you have a chance, its worth it.
Alberto says on April 28th, 2008 at 1:15 pm:

the largest picture in “5. Capri, Italy” section actually depicts the peninsula of Sorrento as seen by Sorrento city and not Capri Island
day says on May 11th, 2008 at 4:00 am:

Nice islands but those are just the famous ones. You’ve missed the private resort island of Amanpulo in Palawan, Philippines and Boracay.
Jack says on June 16th, 2008 at 12:35 am:

i want to be in Maldives…
Jofrijon says on June 17th, 2008 at 10:18 pm:

Definitely The Best Beach Ever Similan Island, Thailand
I have been there and it totally look the same as the pictures.
Most amazing crystal water…
Yutthaphoom K says on June 20th, 2008 at 6:39 pm:

yeah Similan is beautiful but I think I still prefer Phi Phi island and South Beach Florida…I don’t think so
Isaac says on June 26th, 2008 at 7:50 pm:

FERNANDO DE NORONHA in BRAZIL is much better than a lot of these islands!!!!
Hotel Guide says on September 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 am:

wowww.. definitely great guide… 10x for articles…
Hotel Discount Expert says on November 24th, 2008 at 4:34 pm:

i think if i have to choose one, i will go for Santorini in Greece.
Fantasizer says on January 8th, 2009 at 11:07 pm:

Wow. Those pictures are truly remarkable. If only I had the money to travel to Bora Bora!
mimi says on April 20th, 2009 at 4:21 pm:

culebra island off of puerto rico is really nice….
Japanese Words says on May 7th, 2009 at 3:23 am:

Absolutely amazing. The color contrast of white and blue is incredible. Miyakojima in Japan also looks like this.
ShutUpAndDive says on May 13th, 2009 at 12:13 pm:

AMAZING SIMILANS…
A must…

BORA BORA a dream… to come true.