Who doesn’t dream of island life? Whether it’s reclining by a pool with a coconut in hand, getting lost in a book to the rhythm of gentle waves, or heading inland for a dose of raw adventure, the world’s oceans are scattered with irresistible island escapes.
But if, like me, you’re an island enthusiast with itchy feet, sunbathing alone won’t cut it for long. And I’m certainly not talking about hotel-bar entertainment. For me, the real magic lies in watching vast penguin colonies, trekking around steaming volcanoes, or immersing myself in the culture of remote communities. These are the kinds of island experiences I crave—far removed from the slow, languid pace of a stereotypical luxury beach break.
Of course, destinations like the Maldives, Bali, Bora Bora, and Tahiti are undeniably beautiful. But I’ve deliberately left them out. Instead, my selection of the world’s best islands focuses on places that offer something remarkable beyond their beaches—destinations that surprised me, challenged me, and stayed with me long after the sand was shaken from my shoes.
# TaiwanTaiwan effortlessly ticks every box. Slender yet dramatic, the island is threaded with more than 260 peaks soaring above 3,000 metres, blanketed in lush subtropical greenery, tea plantations, and seasonal cherry blossoms. It balances modernity and tradition with ease: futuristic Taipei feels worlds apart from the historic temples of Tainan, yet high-speed rail connects the two in under 95 minutes.
Its coastlines are just as diverse. The east is rugged and volcanic, battered by surf; the south boasts calm, golden beaches; and the cooler northern shores sit tantalisingly close to soothing hot springs. And that’s before even considering Taiwan’s outlying islands.
Taiwan exceeded all my expectations, instantly earning a place among my top islands worldwide. My favourite discovery? It’s the only country you can virtually circumnavigate by train. From coastal railways to the historic Pingxi mountain line, once used to access Japanese-era mines, and the wooden carriages climbing into the misty Alishan Forest—fully reopened in 2025 after a 15-year hiatus—every moment of my rail journey felt unforgettable. For a compact adventure packed with East Asia’s highlights—temple stays, cherry blossom sightings, lantern festivals (3–13 March 2026), and legendary night-market street food—Taiwan is unbeatable.
# The Falkland IslandsPerched at the edge of South America, with Antarctica lurking beyond the horizon, the Falkland Islands are home to around half a million breeding pairs of penguins. Five different species inhabit this stark yet breathtaking archipelago, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.
But the Falklands are far more than a penguin postcard. In landscapes so remote that sheep may be your only companions for hours, you’ll find profound solitude without the need for an expedition ship. While the islands are often associated with a bleak wartime past, a closer look reveals extraordinary colour: dazzling white beaches meet every imaginable shade of blue, while albatrosses, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales demand attention alongside the penguins.
Stay in a rustic cabin on Saunders Island amid thriving colonies, witness the fluffy chaos of penguin chicks at Volunteer Point, or kayak past seals and shipwrecks, and it quickly becomes clear—the Falklands are anything but monochrome.
# MadagascarFew places on Earth can rival Madagascar’s biodiversity. Isolated off Africa’s southeastern coast, the island’s long, independent evolution has produced an astonishing array of flora and fauna. Lemurs, flamboyant chameleons, and towering baobab trees may steal the spotlight, but they’re only part of the picture. An estimated 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic, found nowhere else on the planet.
Last year, I attended a talk by Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Guidebooks, who first visited Madagascar in 1976 and has since returned nearly 30 times. Her tales of raw, untouched wilderness and early adventures in this little-visited land were deeply inspiring. While times have changed—Emirates now operates six weekly flights as of 2025—Madagascar remains rich in off-the-beaten-path experiences.
At the same time, the island caters to comfort seekers too. Ultra-luxurious, eco-conscious retreats like Miavana offer world-class scuba diving, sustainable design, and intimate lemur encounters, proving that adventure and indulgence can coexist on the world’s fourth-largest island.
# Sado Island, JapanSado Island couldn’t feel further removed from Tokyo if it tried. Skyscrapers and relentless pace give way to quiet traditions, forested interiors, and a rugged coastline shaped by time. After the Shinkansen to Niigata and a hydrofoil crossing, slowing down feels unavoidable.
Once a powerhouse of gold mining—responsible for a significant share of Japan’s historical wealth—Sado slipped into obscurity when its mines closed, preserving it as a living time capsule. The mines remain, though today they’re populated by eerily lifelike mechanical workers rather than miners.
Above ground, the sense of suspended time continues. Abandoned school desks fill museums, weather-beaten temples are slowly reclaimed by nature, and ancient lava formations punctuate the coast—best admired from a traditional round tub boat. In Shukunegi Village, 200-year-old wooden houses and warm, elderly locals preserve the island’s soul. Meanwhile, tradition finds new life at the Taiko Centre, where centuries-old drumming echoes powerfully. Joining a drumming class and breaking the island’s silence was unforgettable.
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in July 2024, Sado may not remain a secret for long—but for now, it remains one of Asia’s most evocative island escapes.
# Sicily, ItalySicily is a crossroads of civilisation. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, and countless others have left their mark, creating a layered tapestry of history, architecture, and cuisine. It’s an open-air museum shaped by centuries of conquest and creativity.
In Syracuse, Roman and Greek amphitheatres stand side by side. Villa Romana del Casale boasts what UNESCO calls the finest Roman mosaics still in situ, while the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento transports visitors back six centuries before Christ.
Then there are the island’s two defining cities. Palermo, the bold and chaotic capital, seduces with its energy, flavours, and frenetic markets like Ballarò, where arancini and pani câ meusa fuel long, lively nights. Catania, by contrast, feels more restrained—until Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, roars dramatically behind its Baroque streets. Sicily doesn’t just charm you; it pulls you into a passionate affair, best survived with your heart racing rather than your head lost.
# Dominica, CaribbeanIf your idea of the Caribbean revolves solely around luxury resorts and rum-soaked beach days, Dominica may surprise you. Known as the “Nature Island,” it’s a place where adventure takes centre stage—think canyoning through lush gorges, multi-day hikes in bird-filled rainforests, and kayaking along black-sand beaches.
While a runway extension in 2024 has opened direct flights from the US, and the world’s longest cable car is set to launch in December 2025, Dominica still feels refreshingly untouched. High-end eco-lodges began appearing in 2025, but most stays remain low-key, drawing travellers who value nature over excess.
From jungle waterfalls and misty mountain lakes to cultural encounters in the Kalinago Territory, Dominica rewards those who explore deeply. Add resident sperm whales, endemic birds, and rum-fuelled riverside bush bars, and it’s easy to feel like a modern-day castaway. Fittingly, Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here—on one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling islands to visit.