To have wanderlust is natural; the world has so much to offer that it’s difficult not to want to explore it all with the time we have on this planet, and just as difficult to narrow down our travel bucket list given the constraints on our time and budget that prevent us from visiting everywhere. So I’ll make it a little easier for you with a list of ten islands to visit before you die.
There are 195 countries on earth, all of which are worth traveling to, and in a previous article we listed the top 10 places to visit before you die. But while crossing a nation can take up an extended amount of time which most of us don’t have, this list will focus on the small, yet outstanding islands that are so unique you simply must visit them once in your lifetime.
From Europe, to Asia, to South America, each continent has its very own island gems, accessible only by crossing a waterfront. Some hold incredibly beautiful geographic landscapes, while others stand out for their rich history and culture. But rest assured all of the islands on this list are definitely worth your while. So get that suitcase ready, grab your passport and empty your bank account, because you won’t want to miss out on any part of the ten islands to visit before you die.
10. Sardinia
Located west-ward off the coast of Italy, Sardinia is the second largest island in the Meditarranean Sea, with an area of 9,197 square miles. It houses several cities, such as Olbia, Sassari and Cagliari, but its most interesting spots are located along the coastline. The Emerald Coast and Maddalena Archipelago offer breath-taking sites, and the entire island is a dream come true for culinary experts. Also make sure to explore the land roads which harbor beautiful antique castles.
There’s one for your island bucket list. Keep reading to discover the other nine islands to visit before you die.
9. Kauai
As part of Hawaii’s mountainous landscapes, Kauai offers incomparable tropical beauty, with its highest peak reaching an altitude of 5,148 feet. With its origins dating back six million years, Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii and its fourth largest. A true paradise for nature lovers, this piece of land is nicknamed “Garden Isle”, due to its large variety of plants.
8. Santorini
This 35.12 square mile territory is famous for its picturesque villages, constructed in white and pastel tones on top of the volcanic landscape. Located in the southern Aegean Sea approximately 120 miles off the coast of Greece, this island is the result of a volcanic explosion. Therefore, geologists will likely obsess over the dark volcanic rocks, which make up Santorini’s terrain.
7. Chiloé
It’s common for island culture to slightly differ from the traditions of the mainland, but Chiloé is a whole other story. The lush, green archipelago that lies off the western coast of Chile has kept itself isolated from the national culture long enough to maintain its very own identity. Here, mythological stories of ghost-ships, gnomes and witches mark the popular beliefs, making it the perfect getaway for writers and fable-lovers alike. Also, the architecture has remained unscarred by the modern world, so be ready for a visual treat. Oh, and one more thing…the island coast harbors dolphins, penguins and blue whales!
6. Bali
As one of 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is known as one of the most spiritual places on earth. Nicknamed “Island of the Gods”, it is the only place that harbors a 93% majority of Hindus; likely the reason for its central role in the best-selling novel Eat, Pray, Love. With Hindu temples scattered all over the island, this is definitely one of the most note-worthy places to visit before you die, if not to increase your spirituality, then to scuba-dive, surf, or trek through the jungle.
5. Bora Bora
Start saving those dollars for this one, because Bora Bora is certainly no budget vacation place. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world, this island’s most famous image is likely that of overwater bungalows, located alongside the beach. As part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, this clear-watered location harbors an extinct volcano and a permanent population of 8,880. Without a doubt, the perfect honeymoon location.
4. Easter Island
This island’s mystical and iconic stone monoliths should be enough to capture any traveler attention. But apart from the 887 moai (stone statues), the 60-square-mile land, located 2,200 miles west of Chile in the South Pacific Ocean, also offers incredible landscapes. From the collapsed volcano Rano Raraku, to the miniscule town of Vai Moana, you can walk the island for days on end and marvel at its mysteries in peace as the population barely reaches 5,800.
3. Palm Island
The first and only man-built island on earth, this spot is nothing short of an architectural wonder. Located in Dubai, Palm Island is one of the most sought-after attractions for high-end tourists. Constructed in the shape of a palm tree, the completely flat landscape holds some of the most luxurious homes, hotels and resorts in the world.
2. Falkland Islands
Possibly the most controversial island in history, this archipelago of 4,700 square miles can be found 300 miles off Argentina’s Patagonian coast. While certainly not a beach vacation spot, due to its subarctic oceanic climate, this island’s peculiar history and rich wildlife – be sure to go penguin watching- make it a must-see place before you die.
1. Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin was one of the first to bring this 17,375 square mile archipelago to our attention in 1835 through his exploration of its vast territory. Today, it’s still considered one of the most incredible places on earth to live an adventure and spot some of the world’s most unique animal species. Located 600 miles of the Ecuadorian coast, Galapagos offers a spectacular array of landscapes – coral reefs, lagoons, rock coasts, white sand beaches – and activities revolving around its wildlife. A real treat for your senses.
