Eleven Islands Worth the Journey: Where Turquoise Waters Meet Cliffside Villages

There are approximately 11,000 inhabited islands scattered across the world's oceans, lakes, and seas. For travelers seeking concrete alternatives to mainland routines, a narrower list emerges: islands where geography—turquoise coves, protected reefs, coastal cliffs—combines with infrastructure to make arrival and stay feasible.

Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards identify standout destinations based on reader voting. Several islands appear consistently across multiple categories, suggesting genuine appeal rather than marketing momentum.

Crete, Greece

Crete, Greece's largest island, was voted best island in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The island balances olive groves and rolling countryside with direct access to the Aegean Sea. Kissamos, on Chania's northwest coast, offers free diving off the shore and coastal walking paths. Balos Lagoon provides shallow wading, while Falassarna features pink-flecked sand. Most flights connect through Athens; year-round ferry service operates from Piraeus.

Cape Breton, Canada

Located at the northeastern tip of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton won the readers' vote for best Canadian island. The Cabot Trail—a 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park—delivers consistent coastal scenery and hiking options, including the Skyline Trail's four-mile span ending at cliffside views. Peak fall foliage occurs in October; whale-watching season begins in summer. Access requires flying into Sydney (via Toronto or Halifax) or driving the Trans-Canada Highway 104.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos, voted best island in Central and South America, consists of 13 major islands located 600 miles off Ecuador's coast. The archipelago earned UNESCO World Heritage status and keeps 97% of its land protected as a national park. The combination of conservation policy and biodiversity supports eco-tourism offerings: scuba diving with giant tortoises, snorkeling with sea lions, and wildlife observation of penguins, iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Wet season runs December through May; dry, bird-rich conditions dominate June through November. Boat-based eco-cruises, such as those operated by Lindblad and andBeyond, offer structured multi-island experiences. Single-island options require flights to Quito or Guayaquil, followed by ferry service to Santa Cruz or Isabela.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island holds the top U.S. island ranking among Condé Nast Traveler readers, despite its reputation centering on golf. The 600-acre Sea Pines Nature Preserve offers wetland boardwalks and trails. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge supports bird-watching for egrets and herons. The island's 12-mile coastline includes Coligny Beach Park (busier) and Alder Lane Beach (quieter). Water temperatures reach 80 degrees from late May through October.

Bermuda

CNT readers voted Bermuda the best island in the Caribbean and Atlantic region. The North Atlantic island sits roughly 90 minutes by flight from New York. Its reputation rests on limestone caves, pink-sand beaches (notably Horseshoe Bay), and reef-and-wreck diving sites. March through April offers whale-watching; May 24 through Labor Day provides optimal swimming conditions. The local food scene features wahoo ceviche and fish chowders.

Fiji

Fiji, comprising over 300 islands in the South Pacific, ranks as the top island destination for readers voting in the Australia and South Pacific category. The main island, Viti Levu, hosts Nadi International Airport with direct flights from Dallas and Los Angeles. Secondary island groups serve different purposes: the Mamanuca Islands attract surfers; the 20-island Yasawa group offers hillside walks; Malolo delivers resort accommodations and golden sand. The cyclone season (October through April) makes May through September the preferred travel window. Direct Fiji Airways service from North American hubs simplifies logistics compared to earlier travel patterns requiring multiple connections.