The Maldives is made up over 1000 isles and atolls - Getty

Islands are universally loved. The world island alone is steeped in romanticism, conjuring up images of swaying palms, sugary white beaches and turquoise lagoons on isolated idylls, where the pace of life slows down and worries slip away.

Little wonder they’re top of the wish list for holidaymakers keen to play castaway in paradise. Travel booking site Expedia recently revealed that global interest in island getaways is up 30 per cent year-on-year, with Portuguese island Madeira experiencing the biggest surge of interest.

So what makes for an ideal island escape? For discerning travellers it would be easy to access, rich in culture, with a great climate and attractions for all, from beach lovers to adrenaline junkies.

Here we reveal our pick of 25 of the planet’s most idyllic holiday isles, and how they rate for the perfect break.

Methodology

The top 25 were chosen by our expert because all offer exceptional experiences alongside the chance to relax on a beautiful beach. Each island has been rated in five categories that are essential to an island holiday – beaches, activities, culture, scenery and luxury – before being awarded a final, total score. Read the full ratings below.

They might not be the most remote or untouched places in the world, but whether it’s a remarkable community spirit, unforgettable sightseeing or amazing animal encounters, holidays on these islands are elevated to a whole new level thanks to their unique charms.

St Mary’s is the largest island of the Isles of Scilly - E+

It’s easy to forget Britain is ringed by incredible islands, including the beautiful Isles of Scilly, 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall. Thanks to a unique microclimate, they’re graced with white sand beaches (scoring it high marks), fields of flowers (most notably fragrant narcissi) and palm trees. Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited isles, lies at the outer edge of the archipelago. Spend days shell-seeking on the windswept beaches, kayaking around coves and feasting on fresh crab sandwiches at the Fraggle Rock Bar.

Hell Bay Hotel (01720 422947) has double rooms from £205pn, B&B. Fly from Land’s End Airport to St Mary’s Airport with Isles of Scilly Travel) from £273 return.

Hvar has fairy-tale architecture and cobblestoned streets - Shutterstock

The natural beauty of Croatia’s islands is widely known, but Hvar is the original hot spot. Old Town on the western tip attracts a jet-set crowd thanks to upmarket hotels, bars and restaurants and exceptional sightseeing. Beyond the cobblestone alleyways, Venetian architecture and yacht-filled harbour, you’ll find vineyards and lavender fields in the island’s interior, quaint cafés in pretty towns like Vrboska and Jelsa and sun-soaked rocky beaches backed by fragrant pine trees.

Maslina Resort (00385 0 21888700) on Hvar has double rooms from £435pn, B&B. Fly from London Gatwick to Split with easyJet from £68 return. Split to Hvar ferry £22.

Madeira has a diverse landscape and a tropical vibe - iStockphoto

Jutting out of the north Atlantic, hundreds of miles off the coast of Portugal (it’s closer to Casablanca than Lisbon), Madeira’s a small yet unexpectedly diverse island. Verdant banana plantations and exotic flowers give it a distinctly tropical vibe, while the mountains are criss-crossed with levada trails popular with hikers and bikers. Along the coast, tourists plunge into the Atlantic off pebbly coves and lounge around the pools of the glamourous spa resorts in capital Funchal, where wining and dining spans from Michelin-starred to fruit stalls in the buzzy market.

Reid’s Palace (00351 291 717171) has double rooms from £523pn, B&B. Fly from London Stansted to Madeira with Ryanair from £75 return.

A bridge links Île de Ré with the French mainland - alamy

A 3km bridge links the historic port city of La Rochelle on France’s Atlantic coast to Île de Ré, a petite island far from the tourist crowds of St Tropez. Best explored by bike, you can play games on the breezy beaches and relax in the golden dunes, cycle through salt flats, explore charming villages, feast on Michelin-star meals like langoustines in cognac, shuck fresh oysters and shop in the chic boutiques of Saint Martin de Ré.

La Baronnie Hotel & Spa (00335 460 92129) has double rooms from £151pn, B&B. Fly from London Gatwick to La Rochelle with easyJet from £73 return.

Formentera’s beaches are among the best in the region - getty

Ibiza’s chilled neighbour manages to remain delightfully untouched by the intense hedonism of its Balearic big sister, yet is less than a 30-minute ferry ride away. With Caribbean standard beaches (think white sand, aquamarine sea – scoring it a high rating), rustic beach bars and low-rise white-washed hotels, where you’re more likely to be doing sunrise yoga than late-night partying, Formentera’s barefoot bohemian vibe ensures a relaxing holiday.

Gecko Beach Club (0034 971 328024) has double rooms from £285pn, B&B. Fly from London Gatwick to Ibiza with easyJet from £57 return. Ferry from Ibiza to Formentera, £23.

Though a part of Tanzania, Zanzibar’s a holiday destination in its own right - Moment RF

Cast off the east coast of Africa, it’s easy to assume Zanzibar’s made up of little more than spots of white sand amid azure sea. As alluring as that is, main island Unguja has much more to offer in Stone Town, a Unesco site. A fascinating melting pot of centuries-old Arabian, European, African and Indian influences, soak up the history as you wander through a maze of alleyways past faded palaces, mansions, forts and sombre former slave market. Often booked for a post-safari stopover, Zanzibar’s a holiday destination in its own right.

Iceland’s short flight time from Britain make it an attractive option - getty

It might appear a bit of a curveball in a list of paradise islands, however, Iceland is experiencing a surge in popularity. Long hours of daylight, warm but not scorching temperatures, short flight time and an otherworldly volcanic landscape have serious holiday appeal. Add in unusual activities, from whale watching to bathing in the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, plus the chance to spot the Northern Lights (March and September are the best months), and a genuinely cool capital city in Reykjavik, and its place is more than justified.

Best Served Scandinavia (020 81253190) offers a five-day holiday at Ion Adventure Hotel and Hotel Borg in Reykjavik from £1,470pp, including return flights from London.

See pink flamingos wading in lakes across Sardinia - getty

Sardinia is part of the Blue Zone, a handful of regions where inhabitants live longer than average. It’s not only the blissfully warm climate and fertile soil producing award-winning wines, but also the pink flamingos wading in lakes, fresh Mediterranean food and one of Europe’s best beaches – the dazzling Monte Cogoni – lapped by turquoise sea that will make you want to live a little longer too.

Capo d’Orso (0039 0789 790307) has double rooms from £376pn, B&B. Fly from London Gatwick to Cagliari with British Airways from £75 return.

Lamai Beach in Koh Samui is both beautiful and laid-back - Alamy

It’s all about the hotels, spas and sunsets on Thailand’s most luxurious island. Sure, there’s a party side, but venture to the quieter north east coast and you’ll uncover a serene world of private coves, world-class restaurants and unrestricted views of the Andaman Sea from shimmering infinity pools and outdoor massage beds. Hit HBO show The White Lotus 3 was filmed at Four Seasons Koh Samui, which sent visitor numbers soaring, but it still feels surprisingly unexplored thanks to jungle-covered hillsides and strips of sand only accessible by boat.

The Mezzatorre hotel is one of Ischia’s most stylish destinations - Mezzatorre Hotel

The largest island in the Bay of Naples remains below the holiday radar compared to its glitzy neighbour Capri, yet it’s equally as enchanting. Clifftop botanical gardens, sandy beaches, hot springs and lively harbour towns are dotted along its coastline, while in the centre of the island Mount Epomeo brushes the clouds and boosts the scenery score to five. Hikers tackle its walking trails, which wind past caves and through shady pine forests.

Mezzatore Hotel & Thermal Spa (0039 0789 790307) has double rooms from £429pn, B&B. Fly from London Stansted to Naples with Jet2 from £179 return.

Views from Heaval, the highest summit on the Isle of Barra - Alamy

Scattered off Scotland’s west coast, these wild isles draw tourists from around the world keen to soak up the epic landscapes and heritage. Those wishing to explore on foot can navigate part of the 200-mile Herbridean Way, which covers 10 islands and helps push up the score count for beaches, activities, culture and scenery: think neolithic sites, moorlands dressed with wild flowers, rugged hills, beaches kissed by crystal clear water and the occasional whisky distillery. Best experienced in summer, when the days are long and wildlife prolific, from orcas to otters.

Isle of Barra Beach Hotel (01871 810383) on Barra has double rooms from £185pn, B&B. Fly from Glasgow to Barra with Loganair) from £171 return.

Port De Soller’s famous trams shuttle visitors along the seafront - Shutterstock

Granted, there are parts of Mallorca that are more Love Island than lovely island, however for those in the know, this characterful Balearic isle is a picture-perfect balance of lush mountains with blue-on-blue sea and sky. Away from the tourist hordes lie discreet five-star hotels with views of the Mediterranean and the Sierra de Tramontana mountains, peaceful valleys full of orange-laden citrus trees, ancient olive groves and pretty towns like Sóller, with its boutiques and picturesque plaza. You can even find deserted coves if you’re prepared to reach them by foot or yacht.

Epic Vancouver Island is best explored on a road trip - alamy

North America’s largest west coast island is a haven for outdoor experiences. An average day might involve surfing or whale-watching, hiking through ancient rainforest and wine-tasting in the vineyards of Cowichan Valley. Wildlife is off-the-scale, with regular sightings of bears, bald eagles and sea lions in the Pacific Rim National Reserve Park. Best explored on a road trip, it takes around six hours to drive tip-to-tip from the capital Victoria in the south to Cape Scott in the north.

Galapagos sea lions can often be seen sleeping on the beaches or swimming close to shore - Markus Gebauer Photography

Perhaps the ultimate bucket list destination, these volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador are best explored by boat, particularly one equipped with snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards for easy access to uninhabited islands. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin for up close wildlife encounters with endemic species like marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies, see giant tortoises roam on Santa Cruz, scuba dive with hammerhead sharks at Kicker Rock and witness the Mars-like red craters of Bartolome.

The west coast of Mauritius is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities - Digital Vision

Glamorous Mauritius is blessed with beautiful beaches, high-end hotels (hence the top score for luxury), golf courses on private islands and world-class spas. Bound by a glittering coastline and protected by a virtually unbroken coral reef, it’s well-known as a watersports Mecca, including kite-surfing at Le Morne. Yet away from the glitz, there’s another side to Mauritius, one where nature-lovers can immerse themselves in the majestic Black River Gorges National Park, watch giant tortoises roam in La Vanilla Nature Park and explore the botanical gardens in cosmopolitan capital Port-Louis.

The private island resorts of the Maldives offer a wealth of unique aqua-based activities - getty

The Indian Ocean archipelago of 1000-plus isles and atolls might be a number one spot for honeymooners, but it’s a great destination for families too. The private island resorts ringed by perfect sand (if I could give these beaches six out of five I would) are reassuringly safe and offer a wealth of unique aqua-based activities, from dining in underwater restaurants to sleeping in an overwater bungalow, enjoying massages overlooking the ocean and world-class snorkelling and diving, with the chance to spot manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.

Naousa, an idyllic fishing village on Paros - iStockphoto

The island of Mykonos is a magnet for international holidaymakers, but Paros, 45 minutes away by ferry, has long been a getaway for Greeks. And why wouldn’t they want to keep the sandy beaches, kissed by sparkling blue sea and scenic whitewashed villages with neighbourhood tavernas, to themselves? Not that its only appeal is rustic charm – luxury boutique hotels and chic cocktails bars in hip Naoussa mean there’s plenty of opportunity to glam up.

Cove Paros (0030 228 4028576) has double rooms from £316pn, B&B. Fly from London Gatwick to Athens with Wizz Air from £63 return. Ferry from £36.

Black sand beaches near Hana in Maui - E+

Of all the Hawaiian islands, it’s Maui that captures the heart. A road trip along the magical Hana Highway, carved through its eastern side, is considered one of the most spectacular driving routes in the world (hence, top marks for scenery): 64 miles of jungle, cliff edge turns, plunging waterfalls, bamboo forests, lava tube caves and roadside juice stalls peddling fresh coconuts. Crescent-shaped Hamoa Beach’s silky gold sand, curling waves and shady trees are the blissful reward at the route’s end.

Colourful capital St George’s adds a pinch of Metropolitan buzz to Grenada - getty

Grenada, affectionately known as the Spice Island, has so much natural beauty (scoring it top marks for beaches and scenery) it just had to make our top 25.

Anyone who’s seen the pure-white sand of two-mile Grand Anse Beach knows it’s the one to beat in the region, while the Grand Etang National Park, spread across the island’s mountainous centre, is a wonderland of waterfalls, tropical wildlife and awe-inspiring viewpoints. Colourful capital St George adds a pinch of Metropolitan buzz, while the underwater sculpture park at Molinere Bay is a world-first.

The Tiu Kelep waterfall is a highlight of northern Lombok - Moment RF

Beyond the crowds on neighbouring Bali, laid back Lombok’s the perfect compromise. A place to disconnect and unwind, yet still have access to unbelievably fine cuisine (think grilled lobster served on the beach beneath the stars), five-star accommodation and watersports galore. Not forgetting hikes to the summit of volcanic Mount Rinjani, with the chance to soak in hot springs along the way. It’s Indonesia’s best-kept secret.

Kenwood Travel (0203 773 4262) offers seven nights at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok from £1,631pp, B&B, including return flights and sea transfers from Bali.

St Lucia benefits from a wealth of fresh ingredients

Many Caribbean islands could be on the world’s best list, however St Lucia’s lush landscape, unique hotels and soft golden beaches are hard to beat. There are plenty of thrills along with the chills, including zip-lines through humid rainforest, dormant volcanoes, thermal springs and the famous UNESCO-listed Piton peaks – it takes around three hours to hike to the top of Petit Piton. Throw in chocolate tasting (St Lucia’s one of the world’s top cacao producers) and you’ve got a blueprint for paradise.

Kuoni (0800 0868320) offers seven nights at Cap Maison from £,2617pp, including half board and return British Airways flights from London Gatwick.

Jamaica is a destination packed with unique, traditional culture - Alison Wright

Jamaica doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but for me it’s front and centre of all the Caribbean islands. Travellers put off by lively Montego Bay need only look to the more secluded south coast for stretches of untouched sand or the soaring Blue Mountains for isolation. Those who want a side of culture are in the right place – from dancing to reggae beats with a rum in hand at sunset to rafting down the Rio Grande and staying in a family-run boutique hotel, Jamaica’s a vibe.

Mo’orea is a scenic South Pacific island in French Polynesia - iStockphoto

It’s a long way to travel, but the Tiffany-blue lagoons, sugary beaches and green peaks of Moorea in French Polynesia’s Society Island chain (which also includes Tahiti and honeymoon favourite Bora Bora) are well worth the journey, and deserving of the high score.

Life revolves around the ocean here, think overwater villas, dining tables placed at the edge of the sea and snorkelling above multi-coloured fish. Yet inland, in the mysterious Opunoho Valley, there’s a jungle world of ancient temple ruins, high above the bay where Captain James Cook first anchored in the 18th century.

Galle Fort Lighthouse in Sri Lanka - iStockphoto

The teardrop-shaped island off the southern tip of India has something to tempt every type of traveller thanks to an astonishingly varied landscape, enviably rich culture and endless activities (making it hard to beat in so many categories). Beach lovers flock to the golden sands, culture vultures enjoy exploring laidback towns such as historic Galle and visiting Unesco-listed sites like Sigiriya at the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Wildlife enthusiasts can go on safari to catch a glimpse of elusive leopard and herds of elephant in lush national parks.

Nearly 50 per cent of the Seychelles’ total land mass is protected by nature reserves - getty

Whether you’re walking barefoot on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches (Beau-Vallon on main island Mahé looks like a fictional fantasy), gazing at the majestic granite rock formations on La Digue or exploring Praslin’s Unesco Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, where the rare coco de mer nut grows, a holiday here is nothing short of extraordinary. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Seychelles scores top marks in so many categories. With nearly 50 per cent of the 115 islands’ land mass protected by nature reserves, and an abundance of marine protected areas, it’s a must-visit for the eco-minded.

Verdict

It’s perhaps inevitable that so many Indian Ocean and Caribbean islands are near the top of our table. With their abundance of incredible beaches, luxurious accommodation and spectacular scenery, so many of these blissful escapes are what we imagine when we close our eyes and think of paradise.

However, wildcards such as Iceland and Vancouver Island score well for their rugged beauty and adventurous activities, Scotland’s Hebridean islands are unbeatable for culture and scenery, while the idyllic stretches of sand on the Isles of Scilly, Paros and Formentera are five-out-of-five.

Near or far, all 25 islands in this list offer the opportunity to switch off and escape, which is more enticing than ever in a tumultuous world.

About our expert

During her 20-year travel writing career, Amanda Statham has visited more than 70 countries and many of her most memorable experiences have taken place on islands, including diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos, hiking levada trails in Madeira, learning to surf in Hawaii and strolling on white sand beaches in the Seychelles.

She’s now the travel editor of Women’s Health magazine and a honeymoon expert, and as a dedicated islophile, believes the unique experiences, natural beauty and chance to connect with community offered by islands make them a dream holiday choice.

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