10 Islands of the world: when to go and where to stay

Some islands are made for beaches, others for volcanoes and hot springs. We picked ten that are worth seeing at least once. Atolls, coral lagoons, sheer cliffs, and old port towns: each has its own character and season.

The Maldives alone welcomed 2.25 million tourists in 2025 (Ministry of Tourism data, source). Prices and entry rules change every year, so we checked fees, ferry schedules, and trail bookings against official websites. You won't show up at a closed park or miss the right pier.

Below you'll find when to go and where to stay on each of the ten islands.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Our picks: comparing 10 islands

💡 In short:

• The list breaks down into beach atolls, volcanic islands, and port cities with history.
• Entry to the Galapagos is paid, and the Kalalau Trail requires a reservation: check the rules before you fly.
• Flights and hotels are cheaper outside July, August, and the New Year weeks.
• Fees and entry rules: 09/2026, verified on the official Galapagos National Park website.

1. Saint Barthélemy (France)

© Originally uploaded at en.wikipedia by en:User:Evaneggers as en:Image:Stb.jpg · CC BY-SAPhoto: Originally uploaded at en.wikipedia by en:User:Evaneggers as en:Image:Stb.jpg, CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), Wikimedia Commons

Officially the island is called Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy, but the whole world calls it St. Barts. Turquoise water, slow sunsets, and white yachts in the harbor. The capital, Gustavia, is named after King Gustav III of Sweden: the island was a Swedish colony, and the old fort on the hill is a reminder of that. It's hard to tear yourself away from the restaurants and boutiques downtown. The island is small, so people rent a car for a day to cover all the coves. Every New Year, St. Barts turns into a stage for expensive parties.

2. Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

© The TerraMar Project · CC BYPhoto: The TerraMar Project, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

A ring-shaped lagoon and an extinct volcano at its center make Bora Bora the most recognizable island in French Polynesia. Divers consider it one of the best spots in the Pacific. If you don't dive, drive the ring road around the island and head up to the lookout points near the volcano. Digital nomads choose the island too. Accommodation here is expensive, so compare options in advance: see Bora Bora hotels on Trip.com.

3. Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

A volcanic archipelago on the equator where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution. Endemic species are everywhere here: giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants. Entry to the national park is paid: as of August 2024, it's about $200 for adults (as of 09/2026, official park website). On top of that, there's a migration card fee when you fly in. Small planes and boats run between the islands, so it's worth planning your route in advance.

• The catch: beyond the entry fee, you also have to pay for the migration card and inter-island flights.

4. Maldives

© Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SAPhoto: Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The archipelago in the Indian Ocean is called the world capital of honeymoons. Besides turquoise lagoons and golden beaches, there are local islands here. They have fish markets and mosques, and life moves at a different pace. Resort islands operate on a "one island, one hotel" system. Beaches are divided into "bikini" and local ones, so check the rules on each specific island. Overwater villas get booked months before the season, so it's worth checking Maldives hotel prices on Trip.com in advance.

5. Zanzibar (Tanzania)

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The birthplace of Freddie Mercury and one of the best diving destinations in the Indian Ocean. The historic Stone Town quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The price-to-quality ratio here is no worse than on other popular islands. Tides dramatically change the shoreline, so choose morning or evening for swimming. Beaches in the north and east differ in waves and water entry. It's better to book hotels in advance: see hotels in Zanzibar.

6. Kauai (Hawaii)

© dronepicr · CC BYPhoto: dronepicr, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The oldest and greenest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Kauai is called the Garden Isle for its dense forests, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. The Kalalau Trail runs along the Na Pali coast. Entry to Hāʻena State Park and the first section of the trail requires advance reservation (as of 09/2026, DLNR Hawaii), and overnight stays further along require a separate permit. Most of the coast is accessible only on foot or from the water. Plan your visit in advance: Kauai hotel prices.

7. Palawan (Philippines)

© Philippine Fly Boy · CC BYPhoto: Philippine Fly Boy, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Palawan is often called the most impressive island in the Philippines. Biodiversity has become its calling card: tropical forests, mangroves, and limestone lagoons. Divers come for the reefs, and everyone else for the Puerto Princesa underground river. The north of the island is taken up by El Nido, an area of islets and lagoons reached by boat. Boat tours depart from coastal towns and run all day. Palawan hotel prices will help you plan your budget.

8. Ischia (Italy)

© Sailko · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sailko, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

A volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, where people go for thermal springs. The hot water feeds spa parks and thermal beaches, so Ischia is chosen for wellness. Old architecture, vineyards, and viewpoints round out the treatment. You can get there by ferry from Naples or Pozzuoli: services run from morning to evening. The springs are scattered along different shores, so bring transport. Pick a window seat, the approach to the island is already part of the trip.

9. Aruba (Netherlands)

© Misty Johnson · CC BYPhoto: Misty Johnson, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Aruba lies off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island is known for its white beaches, carnival, and dry climate. Arikok National Park covers about 34 km² in the northeast of the island (as of 09/2026, Aruba Conservation Foundation). Inside the park there are caves with rock paintings, dunes, and a natural sea pool. Beaches on the west coast are calm, on the east coast windy. For the park, renting a car is more convenient. Aruba hotel prices are worth comparing before the trip.

10. Hvar (Croatia)

© Carsten Steger · CC BY-SAPhoto: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Croatia has many islands, but Hvar remains the most popular. Lavender fields, a Venetian square, and a fort above the town attract tourists from all over the world. Ferries run from Split to Stari Grad, and a catamaran gets you to the town of Hvar faster. The Stari Grad Plain is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half a day is enough for the old town, leave the rest of the time for the beaches. It is easy to get here from Split for a day: check out hotels on Hvar.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit these islands?

The season depends on the hemisphere and the monsoons. In the Maldives and Zanzibar, the dry season falls during the European winter, while on Kauai it rains year-round. For the Galapagos Islands, the warm season from December to May is more comfortable. Check the forecast and local holidays before buying tickets so you don't hit peak prices.

Do I need a visa to travel to these islands?

The rules depend on your citizenship and destination. For many islands on the list, no visa is required for a short stay or it is issued on arrival, but your passport must be valid for several more months. Check the requirements on the country's embassy website before buying tickets and booking hotels.

How much does a trip to the islands on the list cost?

Costs vary widely. The Galapagos Islands are expensive because of the park entrance fee and flights, while Zanzibar and Palawan can be done on a smaller budget. The Maldives is more expensive on resort islands and cheaper on local islands. Calculate flights, accommodation, and entrance fees separately.

Where is the best diving on this list?

For the best diving, head to Bora Bora, Zanzibar, or Palawan. In the Galapagos Islands you can dive alongside marine iguanas and sharks, but tours are more expensive. Palawan's lagoons are good for beginners, while experienced divers will find Zanzibar's strong currents more interesting.

Which island should I choose for a first trip?

If you're traveling for the first time, start with Hvar or the Maldives: they're easier to reach and the infrastructure is straightforward. For nature, choose Kauai or Palawan; for wellness, Ischia. Consider the flight: Hvar and Ischia are the closest from Europe, while the Galapagos and Bora Bora take longer to reach.

In short: what to book

If you want beaches and overwater villas, go with the Maldives. For diving, Bora Bora and Zanzibar are good options. If you want volcanoes and thermal springs, choose Kauai or Ischia. For a short vacation from Europe, Hvar and Ischia are convenient.

Hotels on these islands get booked up early, so compare options at the start of your planning. Flights are also cheaper to buy well in advance.

See hotels in the Maldives and find tickets on Kiwi.com.