These are top 10 island destinations to explore in 2015.
Before making a final decision for your summer vacation, you may want to consider TripAdvisor’s latest “best of” list. The list is created after assessing millions of reviews and opinions from passionate globetrotters around the world. Taking into account the ratings for hotels, accomodation, restaurants and attractions of more than 100 islands worldwide, we have a winner.
“Our well-traveled community has uncovered the best islands around the world for that perfect island escape, whether you want to lie on the beach or seek adventure,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.
According to its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, these are top 10 island destinations for 2015.
1. Providenciales, Turks And Caicos
No. 1 Readers’ Choice best island is Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. Also known as Provos, this place is one of the best diving destinations on the planet. It is famous for its gorgeous white-sand beaches with clear blue waters. The island has miles of coral reefs that you can explore. It is truly “Heaven on Earth.”
2. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii. Known as the “Valley Isle”, the island has incredible landscape diversity. Having more than 80 beaches, it is a popular spot for snorkelers and sun-seekers.
3. Roatan, Honduras
No. 3 among top 10 island destinations is Roatan. It is located 35 miles off the coast of Honduras and is the largest of Bay Islands. Roatan is ringed by the second largest coral reef in the world, making it perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
4. Santorini, Greece
The island has a long history of volcanic activity. It is actually the remaing half of the exploded volcano Thera, some 3,500 years ago. Geologists believe it was the most powerful volcanic explosion ever witnessed. Today, Santorini is home to beautiful beaches and spectacular sunsets.
5. Koh Tao, Thailand
Being the least developed and, therefore, less expensive than the rest of the Ko islands, Koh Tao is very popular among the younger generations. It is home to hawksbill and green turtles and is also a popular diving spot.
6. Madeira, Portugal
The island is part of a volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic. Beautiful 100-mile coastline and the spectacular views make Madeira a haven of natural beauty.
7. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is among the most popular destinations in Indonesia. It is a part of the most diverese marine reef system in the world, called the Coral Triangle. Snorkeling and surfing are just some of the things you can do in this amazing island.
8. Mauritius
This gorgeous island is located 1,200 miles off the coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. Today, it is one of the top luxury tourist destinations. Mauritius is also home to rare and indigenous flora and fauna.
9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is truly a paradise. Though it dropped from No. 3 to No. 9, it is still a popular travel spot. The island is wedged between a barrier reef and a lagoon, which makes it ideal for diving. It is best known for its aqua-centric luxury resorts.
10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the number of visitors per day is limited to 460 and there is a small environmental tax to pay. This amazing archipelago consists of 21 islets, of which only the biggest one is populated. It is the perfect place for divers and snorkelers, place where you can see many sea turtles and dolphins. Pristine beaches and breathtaking beauty has made the archipelago one of the top honeymoon destinations.