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.
Photo by Christina Candel.
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
Photo by Nemanja .O. / Unsplash.
Score: 90.33
4. Sri Lanka
Image by Roman Bader / Pixabay.
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
Courtesy of Pimalai Resort & Spa.
Score: 89.41
See:
6. Mauritius
Photo by Xavier Coiffic / Unsplash.
Score: 89.07
7. Anguilla
Photo by Ramon Kagie / Unsplash.
Score: 89.01
8. Langkawi, Malaysia
Courtesy of Four Seasons Langkawi.
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
Photo by Jacek Dylag / Unsplash.
Score: 88.62
10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Photo by Alan Alquist / Unsplash.
Score: 88.44
11. Azores, Portugal
Photo by Martin Munk / Unsplash.
Score: 88.42
12. Maui, Hawaii
Photo by Luca Bravo / Unsplash.
Score: 88.38
* On the list for the past 10 years
13. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Photo by Daria Andraczko / Unsplash.
Score: 88.35
14. Boracay, Philippines
Photo by Francisco Guerrero.
Score: 88.22
See:
15. Crete, Greece
Photo by Marina T / Unsplash.
Score: 88.22
16. Cook Islands
Photo by Bill Fairs / Unsplash.
Score: 88.15
17. Bali, Indonesia
Photo by Sébastien Vantroyen / Unsplash.
Score: 88.14
* On the list for the past 10 years
See:
18. Moorea, French Polynesia
Photo by Michelle Maria / Pixabay.
Score: 88.05
19. Tasmania, Australia
Photo by David Clode / Unsplash.
Score: 87.89
20. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
Photo by alicia3690 from Pixabay.
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
Photo by Hotel Internazionale Ischia / Flickr.
Score: 87.76
22. Mallorca, Spain
Photo by Stephan Kunze / Unsplash.
Score: 87.58
23. Koh Samui, Thailand
Score: 87.56
See:
24. Kauai, Hawaii
Photo by Kathryn Loydall / Pixabay.
Score: 87.50
25. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
Photo by Thomas Stadler / Unsplash.
Score: 87.27
