Top islands to visit in 2025

Whether you’re dreaming of diving into turquoise waters or want to soak in the sun with a cocktail in hand, escaping to an island is a holiday that’s hard to beat.

But with hundreds of thousands of archipelagos around the globe, how do you decide which makes for the perfect getaway?

We reveal the top island destinations of the year and explore what sets them apart from the rest.

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Top islands to visit in 2025

Travel group Expedia released its Island Hot List 2025, featuring ten of the most popular islands around the world. It is based on data and insights from holidaymakers, calculated based on affordability, connectivity and tourist appeal.

We reveal the islands below.

1. Aruba

Best for: Year-round sunshine

A tiny island located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, Aruba’s consistent sunshine, sweeps of white sand, and cactus-studded landscapes make it an ideal retreat for any holidaymaker. After an exhilarating afternoon packed with watersports, head to the beach bars to try out the famous Aruba Ariba cocktail, a twist on the Caribbean rum punch. Explore ancient rock formations, try out snorkelling at the historical Antilla shipwreck, or how about enjoying a floating massage in the serene waters? If you fancy some arts and culture, why not visit San Nicolas, a town decorated with more than 40 street art murals?

2. Bali

Best for: A relaxing retreat

Of the more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Bali is arguably the most recognisable and visited by tourists around the world. The island is now evolving into a haven for sustainable travellers, who are opting for yoga and pilates sessions, or taking part in fire blessing ceremonies and attending silver making workshops in Ubud. If you’re a thrill seeker, why not hike a volcano before sunrise, or swim with dolphins in Lovina? There’s something for everyone.

MoneyWeek visits: Umana Bali is a warm welcome to the island of the gods. The resort is unlike any other, offering wonderful food and a vibrant culture, says MoneyWeek’s Chris Carter.

3. Dominican Republic

Best for: Adventure

This tropical haven has been enticing holidaymakers seeking beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and golf courses overlooking the bright blue sea. It has definitely worked; the Dominican Republic is the most popular destination in the Caribbean. Whether you go canyoning in Jarabacoa, whale watching in Samana Bay, kitesurfing in Cabarete, or hiking on the Pico Duarte, the island will keep you occupied.

MoneyWeek visits: Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic offers everything from relaxing by the pool to a world-class golf course, and has drawn the attention of A-listers like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.

4. Fiji

Best for: Community

This country in the South Pacific is known for its private island retreats and community-driven tourism, whether it’s cooking kokoda (a type of fish ceviche) with locals or touring traditional Fijian houses in remote villages. Fiji boasts more than 300 islands where you can go snorkelling to see tiger sharks and coral reefs, cruise around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, or go whitewater rafting in the highlands.

5. Jamaica

Best for: Culture

No trip to Jamaica is complete without immersing yourself in its music scene – visit Trench Town, the home of reggae and Bob Marley. You can also hike the Blue Mountains through lush rainforests and coffee plantations, and enjoy bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River. If you’re slightly more adventurous, you can even try bobsledding at Mystic Mountain. There’s no shortage of culinary experiences either – try out the Jamaican jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and aged Jamaican rums.

6. Koh Samui

Best for: Affordable luxury

Koh Samui in Thailand is a wellness sanctuary with many luxury hotels that offer rejuvenating experiences for holidaymakers. You can watch the sun rise on the beach, before touring the various Buddhist temples on the island – try not to miss the Laughing Buddha statue at Wat Plai Laem – as well as visiting the remote Ang Thong National Marine Park.

7. Maldives

Best for: Romance

If you’re craving a secluded escape, the Maldives is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this paradise is renowned for its overwater villas, where you can enjoy ocean views all day long from your private deck. For an even more intimate experience, head to Angsana Ihuru, one of the tiniest islands in the Maldives, perfect for candlelit dinners on the beach and romantic sunset cruises. Visitors could even swim alongside manta rays, witness the ‘Sea of Stars’ where water sparkles due to bioluminescent phytoplankton, or indulge in fine dining at underwater restaurants surrounded by coral reefs.

MoneyWeek visits: You will leave the luxury resort of Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, says Kalpana Fitzpatrick.

8. Oahu, Hawaii

Best for: Surfing

Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and is home to the majority of the country’s diverse population. From laidback surf towns to hidden lava tubes, you can find a plethora of things to do in Oahu – like zipping through red dirt hills on electric ATVs. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss Pearl Harbor and the Corsair plane wreck site to get a deeper insight into World War II. You can also visit the Bishop Museum to learn more about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

9. Paros, Greece

Best for: Nightlife

Paros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It has attracted attention due to the many celebrities who visit – from Tom Hanks to Roger Federer and Ryan Gosling. You can indulge in seaside dining and cocktail bars, explore traditional hilltop villages with Cycladic architecture, go waterskiing or sail to hidden coves in Antiparos.

MoneyWeek visits: Andronis Minois on Paros is a luxury boutique hotel boasting stunning ocean views.

10. Sardinia, Italy

Best for: Food

This island in the Mediterranean Sea is a feast for the senses, where the secret to longevity might just be a second helping of culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) and a glass of Cannonau wine. It continues to attract visitors for its Blue Zone status, where people live much longer than average. You can also visit former mining villages turned into open-air museums and coastal resort towns, prehistoric Nuragic ruins, and take a stroll on the pink beach of Budelli.