There are an estimated 11,000 inhabited islands dotting the world’s oceans, lakes, and seas—starting from Scandinavia’s rugged glacier-carved archipelagos to the luxurious volcanic chains of Hawaii and the western Pacific.
For vacationers, the easiest islands to go to are idyllic enclaves the place time slows and worries disappear, all stressors deserted on the mainland. With various surroundings spanning temperate beaches, tucked-away turquoise coves, lush rainforests, and scenic mountaintops, there’s an island for each sort of traveler, each month of the 12 months.
Below, we have curated the most effective islands to go to in accordance to Condé Nast Traveler readers, who vote for their favorite destinations, hotels, cruises, and more throughout our annual Readers’ Choice Awards (keep tuned, the 2026 outcomes might be revealed in October). Whether you need to sunbathe, snorkel, whale watch, or hike, these 11 islands promise nothing lower than paradise.
Crete, Greece
With stretches of olive groves and rolling countryside overlooking the huge Aegean Sea, there is no questioning why Crete was voted the most effective island in Europe by our readers. To expertise Cretan lifestyle at its most laidback, think about staying in Kissamos on Chania’s northwest coast, the place you may free dive off the shore, traverse coastal walkways, and pattern the well-known Med diet by the use of mezedes and contemporary seafood. Take a ferry to Balos Lagoon and wade in its shallow waters, or discover Falassarna’s pink-flecked sands. Though most flights to Greece’s largest isle join in Athens, vacationers can also choose for a seasonal summer time ferry from Santorini or year-round ferry from Piraeus.
Where to keep in Crete:
