Soft, sandy shores, palm leaves swaying in the wind, crystal waters and a cocktail in hand. There’s not much to complain about being island-bound, is there?
Okay, while not all islands fit that description (news flash: some are cold!), these isolated bits of land feel like a true escape from reality. Each of the planet’s many islands has its own appeal and history – so which is the one for you?
Travel booking site Expedia has looked into its own travel data, alongside stuff like accessibility, inclusivity, weather, safety, accommodation rates, traveller reviews and more to compile its first-ever Expedia Island Hot List, a glorious list of sea-surrounded havens that accommodate any kind of visitor.
So, where do they recommend? On the list for adventurous types is the Dominican Republic, the second-largest island in the Caribbean. The DR is packed with adrenaline-boosting activities like ziplining, canyoning, horseback riding and buggying through the wild. We’d recommend a hike through the forest to the 27 Charcos of Damajagua, a series of 27 waterfalls that you can jump and slide off of.
For the complete opposite kind of vibe, Bali tops the list as the best island for relaxation. Think eco-friendly beach clubs with seaside lounges, neighbourhoods surrounded by rich rice fields, elevated coffee shops (literally, Akasa Coffee is a hill) with picture-perfect mountain views, yoga and wellness retreats and sea-bound temples. Take relaxation to the max by booking a Balinese massage. Then, take massages to the max by booking at Senses Spa in Jimbaran for a rub down right by the ocean, with the waves as your soundtrack.
Recommended: The best Greek islands to visit in 2025
As for nightlife, hop over to Páros in Greece, crowned this year’s world’s best island by Travel + Leisure. You’ll find a coastline of bars in the island’s main town, Parikia, as well as dozens of scenic restaurants, clubs and cocktail bars in the town of Naoussa. Cocktail bar i tria sits in the heart of Naoussa with colourful, fine-lined artwork on the walls, tasty nibbles and boozy cocktails. When pre-gaming is over, head to Linardo, with its pink front door and matching blossom tree.
These are the best islands in the world to visit in 2025, according to Expedia
- Aruba (Best for Year-Round Sunshine)
- Bali, Indonesia (Best for Relaxation)
- Dominican Republic (Best for Adventure)
- Fiji (Best for Community)
- Jamaica (Best for Culture)
- Koh Samui, Thailand (Best for Affordable Luxury)
- Maldives (Best for Romance)
- Oahu, Hawaii (Best for Surfing)
- Paros, Greece (Best for Nightlife)
- Sardinia, Italy (Best for Food Lovers)
Did you see these European islands that have avoided overtourism?
Plus: The Italian island named the world’s most colourful destination.
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