Islands have always had a special attraction for me. I frequently travel to them, write about them, and even call one home. With hundreds of thousands of islands scattered across our planet, choosing favorites is far from easy. Still, the following destinations stand out among the islands I have discovered during my travels.

7. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia offers an extraordinary combination of scenery, history, and culture. Dramatic rocky cliffs fall toward brilliant turquoise bays, while centuries of history remain visible throughout the island. Its distinctive culinary traditions are another highlight, with local dishes and flavors that are difficult to find anywhere else in Italy.

No matter how much time you spend here on your first visit, you will probably feel that it was not enough. Before leaving, you may already be thinking about when you can return.

Sardinia’s character has been influenced by many civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Spaniards. Their presence has left behind a fascinating cultural legacy, giving different towns and regions their own individual personalities.

Sardinia is an island where beautiful landscapes and a deep historical heritage come together, making it a destination that rewards repeated visits.

6. Isabela, Galapagos, Ecuador

Picking a single island in the Galapagos is almost impossible, but Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, is particularly impressive. It captures the untamed and extraordinary character that makes the Galapagos so special.

Isabela offers an exceptionally unusual wildlife experience. It is the only location in the world where it is possible to encounter marine iguanas, penguins, and sea lions together while diving.

Because the island and its surrounding environment have benefited from long-term protection, many of the animals show little fear of humans. Their natural curiosity and confidence make close encounters particularly memorable.

Isabela remains one of the most pristine and surreal destinations I have experienced, with landscapes and wildlife that can seem almost disconnected from the modern world.

5. Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands were a wonderful surprise. Their rugged scenery and remarkably untouched character immediately captivated me. Human development has had relatively little impact on large portions of the islands, allowing nature to remain the dominant presence.

Along the cliffs, puffins, gannets, and fulmars gather in large numbers. Waterfalls cascade directly into the ocean, while green mountains continually change in appearance as strong Atlantic winds move across the landscape.

The ideal period to visit is generally between May and October, when the days are exceptionally long and daylight can continue well beyond midnight.

A good pair of hiking boots is essential for exploring the islands. For a deeper cultural experience, consider arranging a heimablidni, a traditional home-cooked meal hosted by a local resident. It provides an authentic opportunity to learn about Faroese hospitality, traditions, and sustainable everyday life.

4. North and South Islands, New Zealand

I could never settle on only one of New Zealand’s two main islands because the entire country is filled with spectacular scenery.

The North Island is known for its remarkable geothermal areas, underground caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms, and the rich traditions and heritage of the Māori people.

The South Island offers an entirely different landscape, with enormous mountain ranges, glaciers, dramatic valleys, and some of the world’s finest hiking routes.

The natural scenery is complemented by excellent local food and drink, including fresh salmon, quality lamb, and New Zealand wine.

One of the things I appreciate most about hiking in New Zealand is the sense of solitude. On many trails, you may encounter only a few other hikers, something that is becoming increasingly unusual as popular destinations around the world grow more crowded.

New Zealand left me with a strong desire to return and continue exploring its landscapes.

3. South Georgia

South Georgia is among the most remote and untamed places on Earth. Other than a small number of seasonal scientific researchers, there is virtually no permanent human population. Wildlife dominates the island.

The island supports the largest colony of king penguins on the planet, along with enormous populations of chinstrap, macaroni, and gentoo penguins. Elephant seals, fur seals, and albatrosses are also present in extraordinary numbers.

South Georgia is not only remarkable for its wildlife but also for its history. The island is closely connected with the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, who arrived here after his crew endured an extraordinary survival journey across the Weddell Sea near Antarctica.

Walking onto South Georgia can feel like entering a vast wildlife film. The scale and concentration of animals are so impressive that you might almost expect to hear David Attenborough narrating the scene.

2. Aldabra, Seychelles

Aldabra is so remote and well preserved that only a small group of researchers lives there throughout the year. The island is one of the rare places on Earth where enormous numbers of giant tortoises can move freely through their natural habitat.

The land is also home to remarkable coconut crabs, which can be seen moving across the forest floor, while the surrounding lagoon supports an extraordinarily rich underwater ecosystem that has experienced very little human disturbance.

Long stretches of brilliant white sand extend into shallow turquoise waters, creating an almost endless horizon of blue and white.

Like South Georgia, Aldabra has virtually no permanent human population apart from a few researchers associated with the Seychelles Island Foundation, an organization established to protect the island’s environment.

The combination of giant tortoises, colorful coconut crabs, abundant marine life, and untouched beaches makes Aldabra feel almost unreal. It is one of those rare places where nature appears to exist almost entirely on its own terms.

If a true paradise exists somewhere on Earth, Aldabra would certainly be a strong candidate.

1. Ikaria, Greece

Ikaria takes its name from Icarus, the legendary figure who flew too close to the sun. The island itself has a similarly dramatic personality: rugged, mysterious, independent, and exceptionally beautiful.

My first trip to Ikaria was connected with studying Greek at the island’s cultural center. I enjoyed the experience so much that I returned many times afterward, gradually discovering more of the island’s varied landscapes and communities.

Ikaria offers spectacular mountain trails, natural thermal springs, secluded sandy beaches, and traditional villages where life often seems to move at a slower rhythm.

The island is also known for its excellent local produce. Honey, wine, and olive oil are among its most celebrated products, adding another dimension to the travel experience.

Although Ikaria covers only about 99 square miles, or approximately 255 square kilometers, its relatively small size does not make it feel limited. Every visit seems to reveal another trail, village, beach, or landscape waiting to be explored.

Its combination of rugged scenery, traditional culture, local food, and independent spirit is what makes Ikaria my favorite island among these remarkable destinations.