17 Cool Islands Around The World To Visit This Summer

Have you ever dreamt of getting away from it all and escaping to an island somewhere? Maybe you’re looking for a place to party with your friends or maybe something closer to a less crowded, postcard-like paradise. A survey of several sources helped determine a list of 17 excellent islands to visit this summer and here they are:

South Island New Zealand

If you get burnt out on summer, head to South Island where June to August is midwinter. While everyone else is sweating, you can go snowboarding, skiing, spelunking, explore the two lakeside towns, meet humpbacks off the coast of Kaikoura or chill out in one of the thermal springs at Lake Tekapo.

Crete Greece

Crete, the largest Greek island is unique. Multiple cultures have blended together there over the years. Explore the streets and take a daylong hike through one of the most dramatic canyons in Europe, the Samaría Gorge. If you’re looking for rocky Greek hills that fall off into beautiful crystalline waters then hit famous Balos Beach.

Raiatea French Polynesia

Raiatea, “faraway heaven”, features swaying palms, verdant peaks, and brilliant blue water. Take a boat ride to one of the lagoon’s motus (deserted tufts of sand and palm trees) and kick back or visit the archaeological site at Taputapuatea, go on a shipwreck-dive, hike to the waterfalls, or climb emerald Mount Tapioi.

Grenada The Caribbean

Avoid the cruise ship ports. See Grenada. Enjoy the silky-sand beaches, hike through the jungle and dance to calypso bands after downing enough $2.00 beers ordered barefoot at a sand-floored bar. Visit the outdoor marketplace near Grand Anse Beach. Sample the one-pot stew made from okra, fish, dumplings, callaloo, cabbage, and breadfruit.

Isla Mujeres Mexico

Take a ferry ride from Cancun to this sliver of comparative peacefulness. The northern tip features white sand beaches, turquoise surf, and beach bars. Go exploring via moped, bicycle, or footpath. Rise early to see the sunrise on the southern end. Visit colonial Valladolid, and dine on fresh shrimp at La Justicia de Don Pino.

Bluff Island, Hong Kong China




Take a boat from Sai Kung Pier to remote Sha Tong Hau Shan or Bluff Island. Enjoy the powder-white beaches, and trees covered with red pineapples. Explore Sha Tong Hau Cave. It’s one of the largest sea caves in the eastern waters. Swim, kayak, or go scuba-diving in the South China Sea.

Bohol Philippines

This is the home of the famous Chocolate Hills. It’s 30 square miles of camel hump hills that turn chocolate brown in the sun. You can also take in the famous Hinagdanan Cave, a popular underground swimming hole. Enjoy world-class scuba diving too during the sun-drenched months of May through July.

Madeira Portugal




It might be lush and rocky but it’s also an extreme-sports capital. Try a local fave–downhill mountain biking. You can rent everything you need. If that’s not your thing go whale-watching, scuba diving, stroll across the glass-bottomed skywalk or enjoy having a local push you around on a wicker sled set on skis.

Naoshima Japan

This tiny island is a rural location that’s now a popular place to experience art. See outdoor sculptures such as one of Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow pumpkins. Visit the Chichu Art Museum and the Art House Project and you can stay at The Benesse House which is part hotel and part museum.

Vancouver Island Canada

Ride the ferry from Vancouver to Maryland-sized Vancouver Island. See the seals in the harbor, and Washington State’s Olympic Mountains rising in the distance. Head north for the secluded Comox beaches, to hunt for mushrooms, or to hike the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet. Drive to Tofino for the best surfing in Canada.

Lanzarote, the Canary Islands Spain

This island highlights the work of artist Cesar Manrique. Stroll about the striking red-and-black ash of the moonscape. Take in the pop art and new sculpture that blends into the landscape. Explore Jameos del Agua, –the Fraggle Rock-esque cave system with cool lighting and a restaurant to boot.

Lord Howe Island Australia

Located 500 miles off the coast, this 6.2-mile island hosts a myriad of both plants and animals–several thought to be extinct–on Mount Gower. Relax on the low-key beaches or snorkel around pristine coral Visit Ball’s Pyramid, largest freestanding sea stack in the world and see the sea arch too.

The Islands of the Uros, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia/Peru

Situated on the border between Bolivia and Peru, this lake with the snicker-inducing name is part of a 60-island archipelago. It was thought by the Incas to be the center of the universe. The locals make everything out of totora reeds: the boats, the furniture, and the huts.

Isle of Skye Scotland

The pastel-colored cottages of the main town Portree connect the island to the rest of Scotland via a bridge. Explore Glen Sligachan. Drop by Seumas’ country pub which offers 400 Scottish malts. Hike the 79-mile Skye Trail or look for the various sea creatures that live in the water below the cliffs.

Borneo Malaysia

Shared by three countries, Malaysia’s portion consists of Sabah and Sarawak. Start with Lambir Hills National Park and hike to the top of Bukit Lambir. Visit the Gunung Mulu National Park. Explore the Mulu Caves. See the world’s largest underground cave–The Sarawak Chamber. See crocodiles, elephants, and proboscis monkeys as you cruise the Kinabatangan River.

Vis Croatia

Ensconced only 20 miles off the mainland, this is one of Europe’s best islands despite remaining unspoiled. Its seaside downtown is over 2,400 years old. Along with the beautiful beaches the interior picturesque and replete with ancient olive groves, taverns, and vineyards that produce some of the best white wine varietals in the land.

Iceland

Iceland gets midnight sun from May to August. During summer solstice you might experience an entire 24 hours of sunlight. You can party at the Secret Solstice music festival and see pink and gold washes across Martian landscapes. Cruise Ring Road, see the Látrabjarg cliff walk, and chill in a natural, sulfur-laden pool.