The Best Islands for Beaches: 2019 Readers' Choice Awards

Located just off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Holbox has long been known to Mexican travelers as the ultimate in relaxed getaways. Now the secret is getting out even more. While not far from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Holbox is a world unto itself, without the flashy nightlife and overdevelopment of its counterparts; only about 2,000 full-time residents call its brightly painted houses home. Low-key beaches with shallow sandbars are within reach—they're ideal for families or those more into sunbathing than surfing or sailing.

It’s easy to get lost in Bermuda. Bad joke aside, it really is easy to see how one can forget the passage of time on this fish-hook-shaped swath of land in the Atlantic. With miles of famous pink-sand beaches, the British territory is a beachgoer’s dream. Spend your days splashing in West Whale Bay on the South Shore, where you can spot breaching humpback whales, or lounging in Warwick Parish, the longest stretch of sand on the island, where a nearby coral island entices divers below. If you’re willing to explore, you can find off-the-beaten-path gems, like dramatic rock formations, coastal grasses, and hidden coves. Check out the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute—it may have a lead or two for you.

Comprising more than 60 islands, the British Virgin Islands has no shortage of coastline to explore. Unlike some stuffier Caribbean destinations, the BVIs still have an unfussy charm about them, perfect for those looking for a luxe yet casual getaway. Reef-lined shores prevent yachts from impugning on the natural bounty in many locations, a plus for divers and snorkelers. (Don’t miss the many underwater grottoes and caves while you’re under the waves). Back on land, you can stumble into rum bars and snack shacks galore, while retreating to island-chic bungalows or luxury resorts to rest your head.

Let’s not bury the lede: Corsica is stunning. With shimmering waters, historic towns, and hills of Mediterranean greenery, this French island requires no Instagram filter to capture its beauty. For a quiet day along the coast, head north to Plage de Saleccia, a secluded stretch of white sandy beaches. While there, charter a boat and seek refuge out on the open water. Relatively undeveloped areas like Lotu Beach also remain calm during the busy season.

As far as island culture goes, Maui inspires adoration from visitors and locals alike. A land of rainbows, beachside luaus, and surfing, this Hawaiian island tops many a traveler’s bucket list. Traveling with kids? Sign them up for surf lessons while you lounge on the world-famous sands of Makena Beach State Park or Honolua Bay. Chat with locals, and they may point you to any number of luaus, authentic or otherwise, that’ll inspire the aloha spirit.

Few destinations evoke “barefoot luxury” quite so winsomely as the Maldives. A collection of atolls in the Indian Ocean, the island nation is consistently recognized as one of the best beach vacations in the world. With sand as fine as sugar, the beaches here shift with the tides, while reefs create natural wonders worth exploring when you’re not lazing about. Dotting the islands are luxury hotels with sensational accommodations, from underwater villas to bungalows suspended over the waters. They cater to everyone from moon-eyed newlyweds to families on holiday.

Though St. Barts was ravaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, tourism efforts have brought it back from the brink. It’s as perfect (and tony) as ever. The extra travel time it takes to get there—you have to hop a charter flight from Puerto Rico or St. Maarten—rewards you with pristine beaches, bustling harbor life, and endless views of the horizon. All the beaches are publicly accessible, including Lorient, a favorite for surfers, and the reef-protected Grand Cul-de-Sac, with shallow waters perfect for swimming.

Warm waters, inspiring sunsets, and fascinating history all contribute to Zanzibar island’s draw. While the western edge has cultural sites in historic Stone Town (like ancient Arabian fortresses), the eastern side attracts travelers with its coral sand beaches surrounded by protective barrier reefs. Dine on fresh seafood for dinner, then dance to music-fueled late-night beach parties. When it’s all over, be sure to wake for the sunrise over the horizon. It’s second to none.

The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands—and the hardest to get to, as there is no airport on the island—St. John makes up for its size with its seclusion and natural beauty. U.S. tourists don’t need a passport to travel here. Powdery white-sand beaches like Maho Bay Beach and Trunk Beach abut shallow waters with healthy, thriving reefs, while two-thirds of the island is covered in lush protected forests, for those wanting a break from fun in the sun.

Home to some of the best beaches in the West Indies, the islands of Turks and Caicos are a tranquil escape from the familiar. Grace Bay Beach is probably the most well-known stretch of sand, with 12 miles of bone-white beach luring sun worshippers in droves. Reef-protected shores are common throughout the islands, a siren song for snorkelers looking to get up close with the ocean’s bounty. Providenciales (known locally as Provo) is the most inhabited island and the most developed for tourism, with a number of hotels and resorts. It’s the perfect gateway for exploring the secluded shores of the surrounding islands.

Located 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, Anguilla is relatively accessible to North American travelers looking to escape more touristed spots. A barely touched paradise à la Cast Away, Anguilla has 33 islands with tricked-out resorts, beautiful beaches, and countless water activities—for a price. You get what you pay for though, and in this case, it’s envy-inducing postcard perfection: Swaying palms, pristine water, open-air beach bars, and as many tropical drinks as you can handle.

Located off the northeast coast of Queensland in Australia, the 74 islands of the Whitsundays have some of the country’s best beaches. Located within arms' reach of the Great Barrier Reef, the islands and the nearby mainland city of Bowen act as jumping off points for avid sailers, divers, and beach bums. Whitehaven Beach is an untouched stretch with soft silica sands and dazzling waters, a favorite for day trippers. Another destination is Airlie Beach, a seaside town that serves as hotel hub and a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as outlying islands like Daydream and Hayman.

With 15 islands scattered across a vast stretch of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands aren’t exactly the easiest to get to, but that’s part of the draw. Rarotonga, the largest island of the group, has a rugged mountain interior, but the lagoon beaches are the real reason to visit. They feel almost primordially chill—the uninterrupted skyline, expanse of turquoise water, and gnarled palms all contribute to a peaceful sense of isolation. Plus, there's a (blissfully) limited number of resorts and hotels on the island.

Hilton Head is consistently regarded as having some of the country’s best beaches, for good reason. The 12 miles of public sands can be hard to access by car—parking can be a hassle—which means managed numbers of visitors. The Atlantic waters here run warm in summer, and the waves don't get too rough, so you're talking hours of swimming and beach-napping all day long. Spots like Coligny Beach tend to attract crowds, but if you trek a bit frther out, you can find quieter spots just minutes away.

Some 1,000 miles off Tanzania’s coast, this 115-island republic has long been famous for its jewel-studded necklace of an island chain. Long before Instagram captured the sunny exploits of beach-loving influencers, this nation hosted many a dreamy honeymoon and envy-inducing diving trip. It’s hard to deny the beauty of nearly every beach you stumble upon, and the waters are teeming with tropical wildlife. Anse Source D’Argent is probably the most well-known beach, while lush Anse Intendance is famous for its resorts and surf-ready waters.

Like its cousin island, Boracay, Palawan draws hordes of travelers looking for a relatively inexpensive escape to island bliss. From provincial capital Puerto Princesa, head to the well-trafficked El Nido area, which has large rock formations jutting out of impossibly blue waters. Hire a local boat or tour operator to take you to snorkeling spots like the German, Exotic, and Paradise Islands, before capping your visit on out-of-the-way beachheads.

If you fashion yourself a golfer, get thee to Kiawah Island. The private Kiawah Island Golf Resort dominates the area with its five championship courses and many pools, restaurants, and ample beach access. Along the shore are windswept sand dunes, wavy beach grass mirroring the tides, and minimal crowds. The public Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a family-friendly area with lifeguards, picnic areas, and other amenities for a relaxing day at the beach.

Bali may be the current “it girl” of tropical paradises for backpackers, but Boracay in the Philippines gives it a run for its money. Packing a dozen talcum-soft beaches in a four-mile area, this remote destination is a favorite for kite- and wind-surfers, as well as backpackers and budget-conscious students. If there’s one place to go before overdevelopment takes over, this is it. Even as resorts begin to pop up, government officials and tourism leaders have taken proactive steps to regulate overtourism to protect the local environment and educate visitors on traveling respectably and sustainably.

Located just 16 miles off mainland Puerto Rico, Culebra feels as if it's a world away. With no hotels, fast-food chains, or traffic, this sleepy Caribbean island is best known for its slow pace. Here, solace seekers relax on powder-soft beaches, surrounded by nothing by sky and sea. If lounging all day doesn’t sound like your thing, head to Flamenco—one of the most popular beaches—to check out the coral reef, which comes right up to the shore. Or visit the Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve, a robust and healthy marine area teeming with wildlife.

Located in the Aegean Sea, the Sporades island group consists of 24 Greek islands covered in olive, fig, and almond trees; miles of beaches; and unspoiled views around every corner. One of the most popular destinations, Skiathos, has more than 60 hotels despite its relatively small size. Whether you’re into raucous beach days or lounging in solitude, a sandy escape is never out of reach. While on the island, check out Koukounariés Beach, known for its pine forest that goes right to the water’s edge, or Krassa Bay, which attracts young partygoers seeking water sports and all-night ragers in the nearby bars and clubs.