From tropical luxury to frosty serenity, there’s an island to suit every traveler’s taste.
Prefer something closer to home?
Here, soaring granite cliffs border deserted beaches and crystal-blue water imagine a tropical Amalfi Coast without the crowds.
Andrea Fazzari
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Searching for the Bali of, say, 1970?
Hop the ferry to Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on Lombok.
In the middle of aUNESCO-designated vineyardis thePocinhoBay, where six chic basalt bungalows take in views of the Atlantic.
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For dinner, head toAncoradouroto sample regional specialties such as polvo guisado (stewed octopus).
Rent a mountain bike fromSandhamnsguidernaand pedal through the forest to Trouville, Sandon’s best stretch of sand.
Spacious hillside villas, sea kayaking, and island-hopping day trips.
Courtesy of Pocinhobay
Hike to the top of the island for an unforgettable sunrise.
Nearly every room at the seasonalAdrina Resort & Spaand its sister propertyAdrina Beach Hotellook out onto the turquoise Aegean.
Swing by Iceland’s oldest (and smallest) library, built in 1864.
Courtesy of Sands Hotell
Check in to the upscaleHotel Ta' Cenc & Spaoverlooking the sea from the island’s highest point.
Bring home handblown objets d’art fromGozo Glass.
Ocean breezes and down-home cooking take center stage at Anju Coco,a roadside seafood shack and breakfast spot.
Courtesy of Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
The mellow atmosphere and 28-page menu require at least one return visit.
For freshly caught seafood, don’t miss the down-to-earthLe Marlin Bleu.
Spend your days hiking through dense kauri woods or exploring jagged inlets.
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Then refuel over locally caught seafood atCurrach Irish Pub.
Take a scenic stroll to soak in theKaitoke Hot Springs.
Sleep over the sea atMabul Water Bungalows, which offers dive packages and has an on-site spa.
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For local souvenirs, head to Tawau village’s Sunday market in nearby Sabah.
Jicaro Island, Nicaragua
You may experience cognitive dissonance upon arriving atJicaro IslandinNicaragua.
Spend an afternoon hiking around the cloud forest on the upper slopes of the nearby volcano, Mombacho.
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You might just zipline down.
The aura of adventure still endures (there’s even a rumor of buried treasure).
The best place to stay is perhaps in one of the 15 rooms at theCrusoe Island Lodge.
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The hotel will organize scuba dives, on which you might see a centuries-old shipwreck.
For an extra fee, you’re free to add meals to your stay.
Historically, this immersive hotel has served locally caught seafood and homegrown vegetables.
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La Maddalena, Sardinia
Think you might’t find Caribbean-blue waters in the middle of Europe?
The sea-facing terrace atHotel Excelsioris a perfect perch for watching the ferries ply the teal waters.
There, you’re able to tour the Compendio Garibaldino, where the 19th-century politico Giuseppe Garibaldi lived.
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The original,Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, includes 64 chic rooms and an opulent spa.
The trio is behindFogo Island Arts, a series of four artists' studios.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Michael Oppenheimer’sWindy Hill Artsculpture park.
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Cheesemakers, vintners, and an eclectic group of artists and craftspeople live here year-round.
Snag a table on the dock facing Townsend Gut.
This is classic Maine at its best.
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Plan a picnic on Southport Beach, overlooking Hendricks Head lighthouse.
Stay at the tropical-chicHotel San Pedro de Majaguaon Isla Grande.
Filicudi, Sicily
Filicudi (along with farther-flung Alicudi) is the least-developed outpost in Sicily’sAeolian Islandchain.
David Nicolas
Its sheer remoteness and spectacular volcanic landscape have enticed in-the-know Italians for ages.
Beaches like Ida no Hama are startlingly pretty, with shimmering clear shallows and lush vegetation all around.
Beyond the village, miles of pure coastal wilderness await.
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Sand paths wind past grassy salt marshes, wispy evergreen shrubs, and sky-blue inlets.
Natural dunes sling low over wide-open, empty, and amazingly pristine beaches.
On a clear evening, you’re in for the starriest night of your life.
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Scoop up locally made pottery in the town of Rabil.
Courtesy of Inis Meain Restaurant & Suites
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Courtesy of Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Courtesy of Foley’s Place
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Courtesy of Foxglove Farm
Courtesy of Ocean Gate Resort
Ben Bowes
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