5 of the Most Exotic Islands in the World!

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: October 5, 2023
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Want to plan a trip to a beautiful beach this summer? Need a little relaxation time next to open waters and coral reefs? Lucky enough, the world is filled with many exotic islands that simply don’t get the attention they deserve! From the Caribbean to French Polynesia, and South Australia to East Africa, the world’s most visited islands have nothing on these ethereal beauties! In fact, these five exotic islands listed below may inspire your next vacation destination. Let’s explore!

5. Kangaroo Island- South Australia

Most Exotic Islands - Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is on the southern end of Australia.

©kwest/Shutterstock.com

Located just nine miles from the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island has a lot more to offer than just its name. When it comes to the wildlife on the island, there are many more species to spot than just Kangaroo. In this Australian paradise, there is an abundance of koalas, seals, wallabies, and you guessed it, kangaroos! The Kangaroo Island kangaroo is a sub-species of the western grey kangaroo. These kangaroos are native to the island.

Kangaroo Island Kangaroos

Kangaroo Island kangaroos are a subspecies of the western grey kangaroo.

©Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock.com

Apart from the animals, there are also stunning views of the Great Australian Bight and many different caves and rock formations to explore. If you get thirsty or need a little break, Kangaroo Island also has top-notch vineyards, as it’s well known for its wine industry. Don’t have the money to tour this beauty right now? Kangaroo Island also offers virtual tours! There, you can see all the wildlife, tourist attractions, and hotels, all from the comfort of your own home. Sounds pretty convenient.

4. Gozo- the Mediterranean Sea, South of Sicily

Gozo island - Malta

Gozo Island dates all the way back to 5000 B.C.!

©Dragan Adoroarte/Shutterstock.com

Apart from the Republic of Malta, Gozo is almost as big as Malta Island itself. A little over a hundred miles from the Southern Sicilian border, this Mediterranean wonder has lots to offer! Gozo offers historical sites, gorgeous hiking trails, snorkeling, and temples that are older than the Pyramids in Egypt.

This Island is equally rich in history as it is in beauty. Dating all the way back to 5000 B.C, Gozo has been inhabited and colonized by Sicilians, Romans, Arabians, French, and even the Phoenicians. When the Republic of Malta finally claimed this beauty, it became the second largest in the seven Maltese islands.

Blue Hole - Gozo Island

The famous “Blue hole” off Gozo Island is incredibly beautiful.

©View Apart/Shutterstock.com

This place is the ultimate destination for both culture and beauty, not to mention its interesting attractions. It offers “the Blue hole,” a 15-meter-deep lake nestled right in the middle of the ocean! When it comes to experiencing an exotic island, Gozo seems like a memorable place to be!

3. Island of Taha’a- French Polynesia

Most Exotic Islands - Taha’a Island

Taha’a is known for its Polynesian vanilla production and beautiful beaches.

©Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock.com

Taha’a is a French territory best known for its large and unique production of Polynesian vanilla. Expect to taste it in many of the dishes there because its local plantations easily produce over 80% of vanilla in French Polynesia. Apart from its cuisine and local spice, this island is also incredibly quiet and peaceful. Its easy-going lifestyle is perfect for anyone to destress!

Most Exotic Islands - Taha’a Island Hut

Taha’a has exotic accommodations such as rooms that sit over top the water!

©aitahiti/Shutterstock.com

From beautiful waters and endless beaches to calming lagoons and days filled with aromatic breezes, Taha’a seems like the definition of paradise. Not to mention, Taha’a also offers incredibly low prices at their resorts and Airbnb’s. However, if you’re looking to splurge and have the ultimate exotic island experience, Le Taha’a resort offers a view of Taha’a island on one side, and a view of Bora Bora on the other!

2. La Digue- Seychelles, East Africa

Grand Anse beach at La Digue island

La Digue Island has 18 amazing beaches, with Anse Source d’Argent being one of its top beaches.

©Igor Tichonow/Shutterstock.com

Any island in Seychelles is beautiful, that’s why they call it an island nation. La Digue, however, is arguably one of the most beautiful islands that it has to offer. Especially because it has one of the world’s most renowned beaches, Anse Severe, known for its incredible sunset view. And that’s not the only beach this beauty has to offer. La Digue has 18 beaches.

Most Exotic Islands - La Digue

A view of Grand Anse Beach in the south of La Diegue.

©T. Schneider/Shutterstock.com

One of its top beaches, Anse Source d’Argent, offers several calm, shallow water beaches for both relaxation and fun for the kids! Another one of its beaches, Anse Reunion, has water that is so clear, you can spot underwater aquatic life just by swimming by! This island has beauty defined within its views.

1. Ambergris Caye- Belize

Most Exotic Islands - Ambergris Caye in Belize

The Belize Barrier Reef runs along the entire Belize Coastline.

©Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com

With its stunning Caribbean beaches, endless water sports, and the Belize Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye in San Pedro, Belize is the most exotic island to visit! When you’re not in a town experiencing the restaurants and shops, you can puddle or air jump to the water and experience one of the best snorkeling or diving experiences that the world has to offer.

Most Exotic Islands - Reef in Belize

Ambergris Caye has some of the best snorkeling in the world.

©Ventu Photo/Shutterstock.com

The Belize Barrier Reef, which runs along the entirety of the Belize coastline, is both large and filled with several beautiful ecosystems. It is filled with manatees, and sea turtles, and has 65 species of coral! The island also offers a marine reserve, several local art galleries, golf cart rentals to tour the island, and more. Ambergris Caye is not just Belize’s largest island, it’s also one of the most beautiful, exotic, and memorable islands in the entire Caribbean!

In Conclusion

Although it might be hard to choose between all these amazing islands, it’s not hard to see why they are on this list. All of these exotic and mesmerizing islands would make amazing destinations for relaxing, de-stressing, letting loose, or learning about coastal history.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © aitahiti/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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