These Are The World’s Best Islands 2020

Jul 20, 2020

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented due to COVID-19. The results, therefore, reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come—whenever they may be.

TOP 25 ISLANDS TO VISIT

1. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan last snagged world’s No. 1 island in 2017, and its return to the top of the heap this year certainly is timely as we are all daydreaming about greener, farther-flung destinations. The limestone karsts of El Nido are this Philippine isle’s most iconic landmarks, but there’s plenty to discover up and down the coastline, whether you’re snorkeling the abundant reefs, diving shipwrecks, swimming with sea turtles, or cruising the underwater river. Birdwatchers note: there are more than a dozen endemic species and, since Palawan sits in the middle of the East-Asian Australasian Flyway, 170 migratory ones to be spotted.

Score: 94.83

In addition to its incredible tropical scenery, this archipelago between the South China and Sulu seas captivates with affordable resorts, leisurely snorkeling and plentiful birdlife—including the endangered peacock-pheasant.

2. Páros, Greece

Score: 90.55

3. Mílos, Greece

Score: 90.33

4. Sri Lanka

Score: 90

See:

• Ahangama, a Surf Town in Southern Sri Lanka, Is Giving Us Major Bali Vibes
• The Tropical Spirit of Southern Sri Lanka

5. Koh Lanta, Thailand

Score: 89.41

See:

• The Eastern Side of Koh Lanta Is the Perfect Quiet Island Getaway

6. Mauritius

Score: 89.07

7. Anguilla

Score: 89.01

8. Langkawi, Malaysia

Score: 88.76

See:

• These Five-Star Kids’ Activities in Langkawi’s UNESCO Wilderness Are Next-Level
• The Andaman Hotel Is Helping Save Langkawi’s Sea Cucumber Population

9. Sicily, Italy

Score: 88.62

10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Score: 88.44

11. Azores, Portugal

Score: 88.42

12. Maui, Hawaii

Score: 88.38

* On the list for the past 10 years

13. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

Score: 88.35

14. Boracay, Philippines

Score: 88.22

See:

• Return to Paradise: Boracay’s Green Comeback

15. Crete, Greece

Score: 88.22

16. Cook Islands

Score: 88.15

17. Bali, Indonesia

Score: 88.14

* On the list for the past 10 years

See:

• Nusa Lembongan Is a Haven for Surfers and Divers
• Canggu Is the Bali of Your Dreams

18. Moorea, French Polynesia

Score: 88.05

19. Tasmania, Australia

Score: 87.89

20. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

Score: 87.82

See:

• Drone Footage Captures More Than 64000 Turtles Near the Great Barrier Reef
• This Inspirational Underwater Tour Explores the Indigenous Ties to the Great Barrier Reef

21. Ischia, Italy

Score: 87.76

22. Mallorca, Spain

Score: 87.58

23. Koh Samui, Thailand

Score: 87.56

See:

• A T+L Guide to Koh Samui’s Growing Fleet of Beach Clubs
• The Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay on Samui

24. Kauai, Hawaii

Score: 87.50

25. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

Score: 87.27