Top Island Destinations To Visit This Summer

With summer approaching, it’s natural to dream about being stranded on a beautiful island paradise. Then, see yourself relaxing under palm trees, swinging in a hammock with the ocean staring at you. Quite magical, right?

With a vast expanse of white beaches, magnificent marine life, and a laid-back culture, an island vacation during summer is worth it. These island getaways provide a wide range of thrilling activities and adventures. In fact, there’s something for everyone, from pristine beaches to breathtaking settings, spectacular attractions to sea explorations, and incredible wildlife activities.

Thus, whether you’re looking for top island destinations to visit this summer—a tropical break for your family, a hidden escape to relax and unwind, or even a romantic getaway to celebrate love with your partner, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of our top island destinations that are probably right for your taste, budget, and even style this summer.

Santorini

Who doesn’t want to visit Santorini? The sheer cliffs that face the blue sea will take your breath away. When you visit Santorini, you will have the sensation of being on an island formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.

The iconic Cycladic dwellings’ snow-drift peering down brazenly at the settlements of Oia and Fira from a height says it all. The sound of people applauding as the sun sets is something you should experience too.

During summer, Santorini is transformed into a luxury destination and still offers you relative seclusion if you want to be left alone. However, the tropical island is home to a taste of luxury at its wide range of resorts and hotels, overlooking the popular caldera with the most beautiful views from their balconies.

The island also features a wide range of things to do and see. Fira, the island’s capital, is one of the best places to visit. You can explore its scenic narrow alleys, and discover the Cycladic town with its postcard scenery. If you’re interested in history or want to learn more about Santorini, go to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, which houses remnants unearthed in Akrotiri, as well as the archaeological museum, which houses remain from all around Santorini, including Akrotiri vases.

Perissa, Perivolos, and Agios Georgios are the most well-known beaches in Santorini if you want to take a dip. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a Catamaran cruise. Enjoy swimming in the crystal blue waters of Red Beach and White Beach while exploring all of the island’s main attractions. You can also enjoy delectable Santorini cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views of the caldera cliffs and volcanic islands.

Mallorca

The Mediterranean Mallorca is filled with remote mountains, sandy beaches, soulful hilly places, and azure views. It has numerous places for you to enjoy your summer holiday. You’ll be utterly enthralled by this gorgeous island, from hiking through the picturesque countryside to swimming in secluded beach coves and viewing historic manor houses.

Whether you wish to visit the Serra de Tramuntana or Miró, the experience will never disappoint you. The island’s tempting resorts, Mediterranean nouveau cuisine, wines, and warmth readily seduce visitors.

Another popular place to visit is Santa Catalina, a Palma neighbourhood. While the area is most famous for its massive indoor market, Mercat de Santa Catalina, Palma’s oldest food market, is where the fisherman used to live. You’ll enjoy strolling around the charming neighbourhoods, and its mediaeval streets while soaking up the atmosphere.

Take a trip to Deia, a popular mountain village, and stop by Cala Deia, a small cove beach just outside the village. In this secluded pebble cove, you can go swimming in the crystal blue water and then eat delicious seafood at a little coastal restaurant in the area.

With a wide range of things to do and places to explore, Mallorca has so much to offer everyone.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a beautiful Greek island that attracts celebrities and the wealthy. It is known for its parties and leisure activities. It combines hedonism and conservationism, allowing holidaymakers to choose a balance of both. The island caters to all types of visitors, but money moves here.

So, if you’re spoiling yourself this summer, get prepared to explore Mykonos. The island is wild and still tamed. There is no dull moment from the moment you step into the island and when you want to leave.

On Mykonos Island, there’s something for everyone, and you can easily avoid the throng and parties if you want to.  Its beautiful coastline is ideal for sipping wine while watching the sunset.

Food tours are one of the best things to do in Mykonos, so don’t miss out on the delicious Greek cuisine here. Kopanisti, a wonderfully refreshing spicy cheese spread, Ksinotiti, the island’s renowned sour cheese, and Louza, sliced thinly spicy pork, are just a few of the island’s must-try foods.

The beaches on Mykonos Island are stunning, no wonder they are one of the island’s biggest draws. Paraga Beach, with its beautiful waters, smooth sand, and beachside bars, is maybe the most beautiful.

During summer, Mykonos island features a wide range of entertainment activities, thus, you will have a lot to keep you occupied. However, if you prefer a quiet holiday, there are lots of places to enjoy seclusion and relaxation.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the few places on the planet that conjures up pictures of white powdered beaches, turquoise oceans, and palm trees.

The island is a beautiful setting for sheer relaxation, located just off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It also has a number of unique cultural and adventure things to do, and places to visit in case you become bored.

Stone Town, the historic capital, has a blend of Europe, Indian, African, and Arabic influences. You can start your tour in this Old Town, featuring narrow alleys, bustling local markets, stunning architecture, and intriguing museums. Many reminders of Zanzibar’s historical role in the slave trade, which was prohibited in these areas by the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1873, can also be found here.

If you want to experience a beach vacation, you can visit the north of the island and check out the Kendwa and Nungwi beaches. You can also indulge in a wide range of water activities. Enjoy a dhow safari, or go snorkelling in the Mnemba Atoll, which features crystal clear waters.

The gigantic turtles on Prison Island, Zanzibar’s numerous fantastic seafood restaurants, and the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party are some other must-do activities.

There’s something for everyone on this island, including a wide choice of local tours, water activities, and much more, whether you’re travelling alone, with family, or with friends.

Mauritius

Do you wish to visit an island destination where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Imagine unwinding in a luxury resort with a view of sapphire water. If you visit Mauritius, you will not be able to waste such imagination.

The island is surrounded by the world’s third-largest coral reef and boasts a breathtaking natural beauty capable of seducing even the most discerning visitor. It has become a popular spot for mountain and forest exploration, snorkelling, swimming, diving, and sunbathing. Apart from the aquatic activities, you will be pampered with delectable cuisine, tasty cocktails and drinks.

The island features natural splendour and is brimming with reasons for tourists to visit during summer. From beautiful beaches to vibrant culture, lush tropical forests, emerald waterways with stunning lagoons, plenty of national reserves and mouth-watering traditional food, Mauritius has it all.

Many of Mauritius’ islands, including Île du Ronde,  Ile aux Aigrettes,  Ile de deux Cocos, Ilot Gabriel, Ile d’Ambre, Île Bénitiers, Ile aux Cerfs, Coin de Mire, and Flat island, are accessible by ferry or catamaran. You can take a trip to the white beach coves, go golfing, indulge in sunbathing and snorkelling and enjoy stunning waterfall vistas.

When you visit Mauritius, there are never dull times. Finally, the island is safe and accommodating to families.

Maldives

The Maldives is one of the few top island destinations in the world that can provide you with an immaculate experience, whether you’re looking for romance, relaxation, water activities, or complete leisure.

The Maldives archipelago is noted for having the lowest elevation in the world. The island has become a haven for snorkelers, surfers, and divers.

Due to its 26 natural atolls covered with coral reefs and enchanting waters, it’s a paradise for water sports aficionados, most especially snorkellers, surfers and divers. It features abundant marine life and breathtaking underwater scenery. In fact, the Fish Head, the Wreck of the Maldives Victory, the Fish Head and the Banana Reef are the most popular underwater spots to explore.

It is the capital city, Mahe is also home to numerous mosques, bazaars, and cultural attractions, so don’t forget to explore it to the fullest.

Lamu Island

Whether you want to spend hours at ancient Swahili settlements or walk the fragrant labyrinth streets, Lamu Island has got you covered. No visit to Kenya is complete without visiting this traditional Swahili island.

It’s also one of the top island destinations with fascinating cultural attractions and a laid-back vibe with a deep history reaching back to the beginning of time. Its amazing cultural legacy matches its beautiful surroundings.

Lamu is an island with something for everyone, so whether you’re a culture buff, an avid adventurer, or a water sports enthusiast, you’ll be rewarded with authentic, unique experiences here. You can sample fusion cuisine at Shela Village, wake up to yoga meditation, or explore the narrow alleys of Lamu Town.

Don’t miss a sunset dhow trip down the shore, cutting across the crystal clear ocean. It is unquestionably the ideal way to end your day.

Seychelles

The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 granite and coral islands strewn across the Indian Ocean’s pristine waters. Praslin, La Digue, and Mahe are the principal islands. They boast magnificent tropical beaches, excellent coral reefs, pleasant weather, and fascinating wildlife.

Although beach life appears to be the most popular pastime on Seychelles’ magnificent islands, you can also indulge in other activities. This includes golfing, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, island-hopping, and other nature tours.

The largest island of the Seychelles, Mahe, is filled with beaches, restaurants, and grand resorts if you want to stay closer to technology. If not, you can take a boat trip to the home of the world’s largest tortoises, Aldabra Atoll. Another beautiful place to visit is the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin, where you can see the unique Coco de Mer palms.

Cape Verde Islands

The Cape Verde Islands are made up of ten islands with stunning landscapes and a variety of tourist attractions. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean which is part of the Macaronesia islands, off the west coast of Africa. Despite its distant location, the islands have a peaceful and stable government.

It gives visitors a taste of Portuguese culture, making it a diverse summer destination. Cape Verde is ideal for those who wish to explore the gorgeous islands, indulge in luxurious pampering, and sneak around with their lovers.

The island welcomes guests with white powdery sands, incredibly clear waters kissing your feet, stunning natural scenery, and a variety of amazing activities. It’s definitely one of the top island destinations for your summer holiday.

During the summer, each of these beautiful island getaways has more to offer. While some of them are the tourist’s dream, others are more tranquil and less expensive. As a result, you have the option of selecting an island based on your budget and desired experience.