10 Most Beautiful Islands to Visit This Summer (with Map & Photos)

Top 10 Summer Island Picks

I’ve handpicked these 10 stunning islands for your summer getaway based on my travels: Santorini, Bora Bora, Maldives, Seychelles, Hawaii’s Maui, Fiji, Amalfi Coast’s Capri, Phuket, Bali, and Zanzibar.

Each offers unique beaches, activities, and vibes with current prices from Agoda, Booking.com, and more. Jump directly to details: Santorini | Bora Bora | Maldives | Seychelles | Maui | Fiji | Capri | Phuket | Bali | Zanzibar.

Key Takeaways for Your Summer Island Trip

• Book 4-6 months ahead for peak summer savings of up to 30% on Expedia and Hotels.com.
• Focus on shoulder months (May-June, Sept) for fewer crowds and better deals.
• Prioritize islands with direct flights; the average round trip from major hubs costs $800-1500.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen; 70% of coral reefs face bleaching risks per recent UNESCO reports.

1. Santorini, Greece: Iconic White Cliffs and Sunset Magic

I’ve chased sunsets from Oia’s blue-domed churches more times than I can count, and Santorini never disappoints.

This Cycladic gem boasts dramatic caldera views, black sand beaches, and ancient ruins that make it my top summer pick for romance and adventure. Summer highs hit 30°C (86°F), perfect for cliffside hikes and winery tours.

What sets Santorini apart? Its volcanic soil produces Assyrtiko wines unlike anywhere else; I once spent an afternoon at Santo Wines (open daily 10AM-10PM, tastings €25/person), sipping vintages with Aegean panoramas. Beaches like Red Beach offer rugged beauty, but swim early to beat crowds.

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Overwater Bungalows and Turquoise Lagoons

Landing on Bora Bora’s airstrip, that first glimpse of Mount Otemanu piercing turquoise waters hooked me instantly. This is luxury redefined: overwater villas, shark-feeding dives, and Polynesian culture.

I paddled outrigger canoes at dawn, spotting rays in waters clearer than my wildest dreams.

Diving here reveals manta rays up close; local operator Bora Bora Tours (daily 8AM-5PM, dives $150) boasts 4.9/5 TripAdvisor stars. Hike to WWII cannons for history with views. User review: “Best vacation ever,” says Sarah K. on TripAdvisor.

3. Maldives: Private Atolls and Underwater Worlds

Nothing compares to waking up over the Indian Ocean in the Maldives. I spent a week at a private resort atoll, dining on fresh lobster while nurse sharks patrolled the house reef. With 1,190 islands, it’s the ultimate escape; 80% remain uninhabited per Maldives Tourism stats.

Key activity: Night dives revealing bioluminescent plankton. Resorts like Anantara (open 24/7, villas $600+) offer seaplane transfers. “Paradise found,” raves Mike T. on TripAdvisor (4.9/5).

4. Seychelles: Pristine Beaches and Giant Tortoises

Seychelles stole my heart with Anse Lazio’s powdery sands and Aldabra’s endemic species. I trekked Vallee de Mai, home to Coco de Mer palms, feeling like an explorer. This archipelago sees just 400,000 visitors yearly, keeping it wild.

Hike to Anse Major for snorkeling spots teeming with fish. Stay at Four Seasons (villas $900, 4.8/5). Local tip from my guide: Visit during a full moon for turtle hatchings.

5. Maui, Hawaii: Road to Hana and Lava Tubes

Driving Maui’s Road to Hana, with 600 bends and 59 bridges, tested my nerves but rewarded me with epic waterfalls. I snorkeled with humpbacks (summer sightings are rare but thrilling). Haleakalā sunrise hikes are bucket-list; book permits early.

Local fave: Mama’s Fish House (phone: +1-808-579-8488, dinner $100+, 4.7/5). “Life-changing,” per TripAdvisor UGC.

6. Fiji: 300+ Islands of Warm Hospitality

Fijians welcomed me with kava ceremonies and yaqona toasts. The Yasawa chain’s beaches rival any; I kayaked to hidden coves. 333 islands mean endless exploration.

Dive Beqa Lagoon’s shark wall. Resorts like Liku Liku ($700/night, adults-only, 4.9/5).

7. Capri, Italy: Glamorous Grottos and Cliff Villas

Capri’s Blue Grotto rowboat ride, lit by sunlight refraction, mesmerized me. Hike to Villa Jovis for Roman emperor views. Jet-set vibe with luxury yachts.

Stay at Quisisana (€500/night, 4.6/5). Boat tours are €25 via GetYourGuide.

8. Phuket, Thailand: Vibrant Beaches and Night Markets

Phuket’s Patong buzz contrasts Big Buddha serenity. I island-hopped Phi Phi, swimming emerald lagoons. Budget-friendly luxury.

Night markets like Banzaan (5PM-midnight, stalls with $5 meals). Hotels are $100/night on Agoda (4.5/5 average).

9. Bali, Indonesia: Temples, Surf, and Rice Terraces

Ubud’s monkey forest and Tegallalang terraces grounded me spiritually. Surf Uluwatu waves, then do yoga at sunrise. Cultural depth is endless.

Stay atFour Seasons Sayan ($400, 4.8/5). Cooking classes are $60.

10. Zanzibar, Tanzania: Spice Tours and Stone Town

Zanzibar’s Stone Town alleys buzz with Swahili history; I toured spice plantations, learning clove secrets. Nungwi beaches glow white at dusk.

Zuri Zanzibar ($300/night, 4.7/5). Dive Mnemba Atoll for $120.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Island Getaways