The 15 most romantic islands in the world

Looking for a romantic trip idea or the perfect island vacation? This list is not in order of preference, but obviously includes all our favorites, all the romantic, dreamy and lovely islands from all over the world that we love. So let’s review the 15 most romantic islands in the world – according to Besides the Obvious! 😉

1. Ilha Grande, Brazil

We have spent 2 days on Ilha Grande in 2019. Since then we would like to go back. If you are looking for scenic beauty, unspoilt tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation, and rugged landscape, this is your place. Not to mention the fact that the motorised vehicles are forbidden and the island is only accesabbile by local ferry boats.

Read our full Ilha Grande review here!

2. La Graciosa, Spain

La Graciosa only in the year of 2018 became officially the eighth Canary Island. Before then, the island had the status of an islet, administratively dependent on the island of Lanzarote. La Graciosa has no single paved road. You can walk surrounded by authentic nature in its purest form and explore its spectacular and super romantic beaches by bike.

Read our full La Graciosa review here!

3. Boa Vista, Cabo Verde

We have been so lucky to visit many beautiful beaches in our lives, but Santa Mónica on Boa Vista is still one of the very best for us. This beach is so long, with crystal clear turquise water, and so empty that you can hardly find anyone else, it’s just so perfect. The best way to explore the island is via quad, that also gives additional fun and adrenalin to your trip, while exploring the authentic tiny villages and observe how the locals enjoy their everyday lives. Indeed priceless!

Read our full Boa Vista review here!

4. São Miguel, Portugal

Nature at its best, this is how we could briefly summarize our experience on São Miguel island in Açores. The island is indeed tiny, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and influenced by ocean currents and winds, thanks to that the rainy days are more likely than the warm and sunny days. But we were still totally amazed how rich this place is from nature point of view and how many romantic activites you can find while exploring the island.

Read our full Sao Miguel review here!

5. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza, the club paradise, the island of freedom, the land of never ending after-parties, insane beach parties, unforgettable sunsets, all the beautiful bays, the top DJs from all over the world, Cafe Del Mar, Pacha, Amnesia… peace, love, freedom, music, happiness, hedonism & carpe diem. But of course, Ibiza has another face, a less-known face that you can fully enjoy out of season. When the tourists are away, when the famous clubs are closed, when suddenly the speed limits and radar controls are not needed, when the beaches are not for parties, but for romantic walks, when besides the locals just a few weekenders are around, when Ibiza is just one of the Balearic Islands.

Read our full Ibiza review here!

6. Santiago, Cabo Verde

Santiago is the biggest island of Cabo Verde, with the capital Praia, the old capital and UNESCO world heritage Cidade Velha, in addition to lovely beach of Tarrafal on the north. We have visited this island in 2019 and fell in love with it. The architecture all over the island draws attention, with its low buildings in the Portuguese colonial style.

Read our full Santiago review here!

7. Bozcaada, Turkey

Bozcaada is a small island in the north Aegean, in Çanakkale province. The third biggest island in Turkey, it is situated close to the entrance of the Dardanelles. The island is only 6 km away from the mainland and main transportation is provided by ferry. The ancient name of Bozcaada is Tenedos and from very old times preserves its way of life and economy out of viticulture and fishing, since it’s a privileged land for both activities. Nowadays the tourism has grown in importance because the island is beautiful. Just imagine a Turkish Aegean Island with mosque in the middle of the white houses, near the port and the beach, where you can taste first class fresh fish and especial wine in cute streets covered from the always-blowing wind.

8. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia, the island that strikes its visitors with natural contrasts, the lights and colors of a region that boasts old traditions and a wild and pure nature. Sardinia is well-known for crystal clear turquoise sea and exquisite beaches. Food and wine is also super important here, and worth to mention that the island is a designated ‘Blue Zone’, a region where the people live longer and spend healthier lives than anywhere else on the planet.

9. Island of Gorée, Senegal

The island of Gorée lies off the coast of Senegal. You can get there by ferry from Dakar. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Nowadays is possible to visit one of the trade houses converted into a slavery museum. Besides its historical importance, the island is an authentic place to enjoy the relaxed local lifestyle, taste local specialities and enjoy the sunsets having a drink in front of the Ocean.

Read our full article about Island of Gorée here!

10. Isla del Sol, Bolivia

Isla del Sol is a Bolivian island in the southern part of Lake Titicaca. Exactly is an island in a lake, which makes it very especial. It has almost untouched its identity and its culture. Even though is easy reachable by boat you will find very few tourist around since there no many accommodation options to stay. The facilities on the island are very basic but when the sunset comes, you will have the feeling of being in a different world just for you. The locals will be taking care about their animals, washing clothes and fishing or folding their nets careless about your presence. Make sure you can buy some food and wine in the small local stores and just get ready to enjoy a perfect lonely evening.

11. Fuerteventura, Spain

Fuerteventura has everything for a super romantic vacation. There are amazing beaches, a singular natural environment, vivid towns like Corralejo or Morro Jable, calmer spots like Ajuy or El Cotillo, but certainly you can choose based on your mood and won’t be mistaken. Not to mention the yummy traditional Canary kitchen, the extraordinary ocean views all around, and the pleasing climate all year long.

Read our full Fuerteventura review here!

12. Korcula, Croatia

The sixth-largest island in Croatia, Korcula is 38 km long and rather narrow, between 7 and 8 km wide on average. This island is known for its dense forest and the ancient Greeks called the island Black Korcula (Kerkyra melaina) for this reason. The main resorts are Korcula Town that people call “Little Dubrovnik” because of its medieval squares, churches, palaces, and houses), Vela Luka, and Lumbarda. Even though Korcula is one of Croatia’s most treasured islands, still not quite as popular as some of its slightly more northern counterparts. This may be because the island is a little further away to get to and some of the most convenient ferry services to the island only run in summer. Regardless of all these details, definitely worth the visit!

13. Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Lembongan is paradise for alternative couples. It’s located only 20km distance from Bali and very easy accessible from there by ferry. Actually is how we imagine Bali was 50 years ago when there were already tourist but not that crazy crowd of nowadays. Lembongan is nice, calm and beautiful. It has all the services that you will need such comfortable cheap accommodations, plenty of restaurants to taste good local food and spectacular beaches. Don’t expect being alone though. Moreover, from there you could jump to Nusa Ceningan, connected with Lembogan by a bridge, or to Nusa Penida by boat.

14. Lanzarote, Spain

If you are looking for rare landscape, completely different from the usual, Lanzarote is your place. It is so picteresque and interesting with the spectacular black volcanic land, short and almost identical white houses in every village, and of course the variety of palm trees and cactus all around. The combination of these colors – black, white & green – provides such a pleasing scenography, that it didn’t take too long anyone to fall in love with Lanzarote.

Read our full Lanzarote review here!

15. Corsica, France

Corsica is a super popular destination among tourists, it’s not hard to understand why. It is best known for its warm climate, amazing mountain peaks, and stunning coastlines. Besides being a dream for every beach lover, Corsica has a rich history with centuries of traditions, with ancient buildings on every corner, cobblestoned streets, and a living art and music scene.

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