Holidaymakers have voted on the best islands in the world, from tropical islands in the Caribbean to sun-soaked spots in the Mediterranean. Topping the list was one stunning island located in the central Aegean Sea, known for its postcard-perfect blue and white villages and golden beaches.
Readers of Travel + Leisure voted for the Greek island of Paros as the best island in the world. The publication noted that last year, this island came in at number 24, but this year, it has been bumped to the top of the list. The island is full of traditional villages with the picture-perfect blue and white houses that are iconic of this region of the world.
And in the high summer season Paros’ villages centres can become rather lively.
Paros is also noted for its stunning beaches, with golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful landscapes. The most popular of these is Kolymbithres Beach, while other options include Molos Beach, Golden Beach, and Monastiri Beach.
Taking to Tripadvisor, one visitor to Kolymbithres wrote: “Breath-taking views, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters make this beach an absolute gem. Whether you’re lounging under the sun or taking a refreshing dip in the sea, every moment here feels like paradise. A perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
While a visitor to Monastiri, penned: “What an amazing place. The location is idyllic with wonderful scenery, clear blue waters and a fantastic beach club. The sun beds are so comfortable and each section has dedicated waiter service.”
Either before or after enjoying some relaxation on the beaches, head to the Panagia Ekatondapiliani, a Byzantine-era church considered to be the ‘jewel of Paros.’
And if the church isn’t enough for any history buffs, then there are plenty of the archaeological sites to visit, including an archaic temple of Athena, believed to date back to 525 BC, and a sanctuary of Asclepius dating to the 4th century.
Historically, this island was known for its fine white marble, something that has become a staple of the Greek islands.
Alongside these, visitors to the island should not miss the ruins of the 13th-century Venetian Castle, located in the village of Naousa.
On Travel + Leisure’s list, Paros was closely followed by the Filipino island of Palawan, and ever-popular Bali came in third. While no British islands appeared on the list, there are plenty of European destinations that make the top 25.
The 25 best islands in the world
- Paros, Greece
- Palawan, Philippines
- Bali, Indonesia
- Ischia, Italy
- Fiji Islands
- The Maldives
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
- Madeira, Portugal
- Mallorca, Spain
- Crete, Greece
- Phuket, Thailand
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Anguilla
- Milos, Greece
- Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
- Azores, Portugal
- Dominica
- Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- Maui, USA
- Sardinia, Italy
- Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
- St Lucia
- Island of Hawaii, USA