Discovery Island Disney World Pictures

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30 of the Most Beautiful Islands in the World

Dig out that bucket list and add these to it!

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We're always daydreaming of our next trip, and looking at these unbelievable island escapes makes us want to pack our bags. Be careful when scrolling through — your out of office may be on by the end.

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Isle of Skye, Scotland

Sky's the limit at the Isle of Skye, a 50-mile island known best for its mountainous terrain and picturesque waterfall lagoons. If you want to stay on land, opt for a medieval castle tour or shop the town of Portree, where you can experience everything from boutiques to booze.

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St. Lucia

This stunning Eastern Caribbean island is actually its own sovereign country. Visit its volcanic beaches, rainforest and waterfalls or dive deep into the world-renowned reef sites. The posh island is also a popular place for tourism, so you will have no trouble finding luxurious resorts here.

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Palawan Island, Philippines

Jet off to this tropical island and you will never want to go home. Its striking turquoise waters, juxtaposed against lush emerald jungles, create a heavenly oasis perfect for a honeymoon or romantic vacation. We recommend packing some hiking shoes and a scuba suit as Palawan Island has some of the rarest wildlife, like purple crabs and Philippine mouse-deer, that you can't miss.

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Santorini, Greece

Picture this: White-washed houses and cobalt blue roofs carved into tropical cliffs with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Doesn't sound too shabby, right? This Greek island is considered one of the most active volcanic sites in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc which explains the bulk of beautiful beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

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Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Dubbed the Jewel of the South Seas, Bora Bora is one of the French Polynesia's most popular destinations, known for their boho-chic floating bungalows. But let us reassure you, these water villas are far from roughing it.

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Lofoten Islands, Norway

Check the majestic Northern Lights of Norway off of your bucket list while traveling to the Lofoten Islands, a group of islands located within the Arctic Circle. Bond with mother nature while fishing, hiking, skiing and more at this geographic marvel destination.

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Capri, Italy

Famed for its rugged landscape and contrasting luxe aesthetic, Capri is an island in Italy's Bay of Naples. In the summertime, you can find this island getaway loaded with luxury cruise liners and yachts. If you're heading there, be sure to check out the Blue Grotto, a dark cove cavern where the sea glows an electric, technicolor aqua.

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Bali,Indonesia

College grads, families, honeymooners, everyone is flocking to Bali lately — and for good reason! Scuba dive with the 500 Bali coral species, explore the floating spring water gardens, or boat to neighboring islands like Nusa Penida — you can't go wrong in this island oasis.

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Easter Island, Chile

If historic, archaeological sites are more your style, look no further than Easter Island, a Chilean island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It's one of the most remote, inhabited islands so if you're looking for some quality alone time, this is your place!

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Prince Edward Island, Canada

Roam this Canadian island's red sandstone cliffs and rocky beaches with lighthouses dotted about the shore. Don't forget to indulge in this getaway's fresh seafood too, like lobster and mussels.

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Kauai, Hawaii

Commonly featured on top travel blogs, Kauai (also known as The Garden Isle) is one of the oldest islands of the Aloha State. Take a hike on the famous Kalalau Trail, a 22-mile trek where the breathtaking views are well worth the sweat.

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Moorea, French Polynesia

I don't think there is a better honeymoon destination than this heart-shaped island! Moorea, known as the little sister of Tahiti, not only has scenically striking terrains, but an underwater oasis to match with 3,000 reefs and a surrounding electric blue lagoon.

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Koh Tao, Thailand

Also known as "Turtle Island," Koh Tao is a small island on the east coast of the Surat Thani coastline that used to be inhabited by turtles (hence the name). This tiny slice of paradise is a huge tourist attraction because of its abundant rainbow-colored reefs and leading dive certification centers.

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St. John

With 60% of its land protected as a Virgin Islands National Park, St. John's luscious mountain foliage and low-key vibe is the quintessential getaway for on-the-go souls looking for a break from civilization. Two towns, Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, bookend the island with the national park weaving through the lush jungle center.

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Maldives

Get ready to fall in love with not one but all 26 lush, natural atolls (islands and isolated reefs) of this South Asian island country. Sunbathe all day outside your elevated water bungalow or dive deep into some of the most renowned diving sites worldwide.

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Fiji

Boasting over 300 islands, there's a good chance you'll go back to this tropical hotspot for a second or third vacation. Check off each island and experience a unique array of characteristics for each destination — ranging from sweeping white sand beaches to lush tropical rainforests with ancient temples.

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The Cook Islands

This hidden gem (or should we say gems, because it's a group of 15 islands) still seems to fly under the radar, so lets keep this one between us! Rarotonga is filled with luxury resorts, a bustling cafe culture and an artisan food scene, making this a modern-day paradise for easy-breezy traveling.

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Hvar, Croatia

This Croatian island retreat is located in the heart of the Adriatic Sea and is well worth the vacation days. Highlights include a hilltop fortress hike, mountain vineyards and plenty of island-hopping tours.

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Faroe Islands, Denmark

Faroe isn't just one island, but 18 volcanic islands that are all part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Typically called one of Europe's best kept secrets, the Faroe Islands offer a quality dose of everything from high-intensity adventure sports to birdwatching and fine dining.

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Grand Cayman

Home of the Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman has some of the ultimate vacation beaches with soft, sun-warmed retreats and crystal clear water that you don't want to miss. Swimming with stingrays is a popular tourist attraction here, but there are many other vacation fantaseas to explore!

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Sicily, Italy

Be prepared to be seduced by Sicily's well-preserved ruins, dynamic terrain, Byzantine mosaics and, of course, remarkable wine. Complement your vino with some of the island's distinguished Italian food flavors and aromas in the heart of its charming, ancient village to get a real taste for the Italian island life.

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Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

Fall into an instant state of euphoria while gazing at Ko Phi Phi's intricate limestone formations that jut out from the aquamarine-colored waters. This tropical paradise in Thailand was actually devastated by a tsunami in 2004, but you know what they say, "The comeback is always stronger than the setback."

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Mykonos, Greece

This dreamy destination spans 85.5 square kilometers — the coasts are embellished with white houses and the town's charming street markets boast a whole lot of nightlife. Comparable to St. Tropez or Ibiza, if you're looking for luxury at its finest and vibrant after-hours, Mykonos is the place for you.

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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Set out on an island-hopping adventure that is not your typical beach bum vacation spot. Explore the islands where Charles Darwin's theory of evolution (and the notorious blue-footed booby!) was born. The 18 main islands were the aftermath of a series of volcanic eruptions and are the home to a handful of endemic species, like 100-year-old tortoises.

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Ischia, Italy

This mountainous, volcanic island is the largest of the Phlegean Islands and is densely populated with about 60,000 residents. The majority of tourists travel here to enjoy the myriad of spa towns that hallmark healing waters and muds.

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Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean East of Spain. The stone-surrounded beaches are truly one-of-a-kind, but the charming Spanish culture (like the Moorish Almudaina Royal Palace) and rolling citrus plantations are what makes this paradise stand out.

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Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Located off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, this collection of continental islands is a popular destination for those looking to dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. The island also features incredible archaeological sites, beach camping, bushwalking and more.

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Seychelles, Africa

Seychelles island, located off the coast of East Africa, scores high in our book given its relatively untouched coral and granite islands that feature bountiful reefs, nature preserves and white sand beaches. Trek through its UNESCO-listed jungles for a walk on the wild side and then reward yourself with some coconut, breadfruit and kordonnyen fish — local favorites to swoon over!

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Turks and Caicos

With 230 miles of pristine white-sand beaches scattered with five-star hotels, Turks and Caicos is arguably one of the best and most convenient island vacations for East Coasters. A year-round destination, you can't go wrong with its sugar-like sand shores and 14-mile barrier reef that is a top tropical attraction.

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St. Barths

Vacation in the lap of luxury while rubbing elbows with both the rich and famous and beach bums. This chic, overseas collectivity of France has an impressive 16 beaches, each with distinct character.

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Discovery Island Disney World Pictures

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/g4661/most-beautiful-islands-world/

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