With the end of the year comes an important question: Where should I travel next year?
Every November, I participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which is not only a great place for networking but also a perfect opportunity to discover new and exciting destinations and find inspiration for your 2023 holidays.Β
After visiting WTM, here is my list of the top 12 islands to visit in 2023, one per each month of the new year. Because it’s never too early to start planning your big trip for the following year!
Make sure to check out my flight hacks to score the best deals on ticket prices!Β
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Skopelos, Greece
For travelers looking to mix adventure and unparalleled natural beauty, Skopelos is a perfect choice.
With mountainsides covered in lush vegetation that slope down to pebbly beaches and clear waters, Skopelos is an untouched gem in the Aegean Sea. With a reputation for being the greenest island in all of Greece, itβs fair to say that this small islandβs natural color palette is very harmonious.
Despite its tiny size, Skopelos has a wide variety ofΒ beaches. Here, find olive trees, plum orchards, and clusters of pine trees on the water’s edge. Discover unusual rock formations along the coast too, along with sandy white bays, caves, and coves.
At the crux of the island lies Skopelos Town or the Chora, a melange of stone-paved twisting streets linked by creeping vines, bougainvillea-overflowed courtyards, tumbling rows of artisanal pottery shops, endless harbor views, and a 13th-century Venetian castle standing at the very top as the townβs surveyor.
Some locations might look familiar, especially if you’re Mamma Mia! The Movie fan. However, whether you’ve seen the movie or not, the moment you step foot on Skopelos, you’ll realize that this island has thrived in a remarkable way.
Although quite popular, Skopelos continues to be a serene haven in the Northern Sporades island chain, and it still retains the feel of being undiscovered despite its rise to fame in Hollywood.
You’ll quickly realize that there are plenty of things to do on Skopelos as you explore the island, from hiking and biking to swimming and snorkeling.
You can start by sampling local delicacies like skopelitiki tiropita (cheese pie) and the islandβs famous olive oil. Movie fanatics can join a Mamma Mia tour around the island, outdoor enthusiasts can hike through pine-forested mountains, and obviously, beach hopping is a no-brainer.
You’ll undoubtedly find a plethora of things to do and see in Skopelos, whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway, taking the family on vacation, or if you’re traveling solo.
Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife is a part of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is the largest and most populated in the Canary Islands, with almost one million permanent residents and five million tourists visiting yearly.Β
In Tenerife, you will find dramatic natural landscapes with volcanoes to hike, azure waters to surf, and vibrant seaside towns teeming with charming cafes from which you can work remotely.Β
Ever since my firstΒ five days in Tenerife, this volcanic island has had a hold on me, and below are a few of the many reasons why I recommend Tenerife as a top destination to visit in 2023.
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The Spanish island is an undisputed destination inΒ EuropeΒ for some of the best hiking trails. As the largest of the Canary Islands, the sheer amount ofΒ hikes in TenerifeΒ will leave you spoilt for choice! More than 1,000 kilometers of trails fleck the bustling island β easily surpassing its sisterΒ Fuerteventura.Β
Another prize of the islandβs varied landscape is the natural pools in Tenerife.Β
Carved out of an already-dramatic coastline are these natural alcoves where the sea seeps in, forming pools and swimming spots known as βcharcosβ in Spanish. These pools combine the best of all worlds: unspoiled nature, seclusion, and crystalline water, making them a real treat for those seeking a different kind of dip.Β
As a beach alternative, the natural pools in Tenerife are the perfect addition to a Tenerife itinerary and an idyllic option for a wild yet serene swim.
Tenerife is also among the top destinations in Europe to witness whales and dolphins in the wild and to catch a wave!
Japan
After two long years, Japan has finally reopened to tourists! Japan has it all: sacred temples, mysterious mountains, sushi, manga, elevated street fashion, and people – lots of people everywhere!
I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries, but so far, Japan is the most surprising and unique one of them all. Also known as the ‘Land of the Rising sun’, Japan is a country that blends two worlds in a curious amalgam where the future meets tradition. I genuinely believe that everyone should visit Japan at least once in their life.
Sakura is by far the best time to visit Japan. Sakura is not just cherry blossoms on the trees – it is a special time of the year when Japan turns pink, and life here even tastes like cherries! You can enjoy hanami (cherry blossom picnics) in most of the parks or participate in sakura festivals. For the best locations, check out my sakura guide.
While I covered most of the bizarre and unforgettable experiences I had on my first trip to Japan, I also want to inspire you to experience traditional Japan. And what better way to do so than by soaking in a warm onsen (a typical Japanese spa) with a view of Mount Fuji? I booked a stay at Yamadaya ryokan and its private onsen left me speechless!
Check the availability at Yamadaya ryokan!
Sardinia, Italy
Summer in the Mediterranean is always idyllic. And summer on an island in the Mediterranean is even better! Except that Sardinia feels more like a Caribbean island than the Mediterranean.
With its talcum powder white sand beaches, clear-as-glass sea, and rocky shores, Sardinia seems otherwordly. La Maddalena national park, an untouched archipelago of 7 bigger and 55 smaller islands marooned off the cyan-colored coast of Sardinia, is the crown jewel of the island’s incomparable landscape.
I strongly recommend visiting the La Maddalena archipelago on a boat trip. In this way, you have a front-row seat to relish the pure nature and serenity of this UNESCO-acclaimed site.
Click here to book a cruise around La Maddalena’s exotic-like islands!
But you donβt have to go to La Maddalena to find fine beaches and iridescent seas. Hugging Sardinia’s northern coast, Spiaggia di Porto Faro offers everything you could ever want: limpid waters lapping a golden stretch of soft sand, and a seascape with a white-washed lighthouse that will take your breath away.
Here, picture balmy evenings and sipping a deep red wine on the balcony of a colorful beachfront house – what I call true Sardinian luxury!
Procida, ItalyΒ
On Italy’s southeast coast, Procida is the smallest inhabited island in the Gulf of Naples. Three islandsβCapri, Ischia, and Procidaβmake up the Bay.
Despite being one of the most stunning islands in the Gulf of Naples, Procida receives the least amount of tourism. Even the busiest parts of Procida have a relaxed, local vibe, in contrast to Capri and some of Ischia. Needless to say, you won’t find the tour groups from Capri or the Amalfi Coast here.
Make sure you visit Marina di Corricella even if your Procida itinerary is a shorter one. The view is reason enough to visit Procida!
From the road leading up to the castle, Marina di Corricella can be seen across a sparkling bay, with fishing boats drifting in the harbor, fishermen’s houses from the 17th century, and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Incoronata in pastel-lemon colors.
Need a place to stay in Procida, check out Gioia 13 Residence!
Iceland
To put it plainly: Iceland is breathtakingly beautiful. Also known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland owns such a name due to the abundance of glaciers and volcanoes. The island was formed millions of years ago, and the landscapes have been shaped by these two natural forces.
Active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, thermal springs, black sand beaches and spectacular lava fields, waterfalls, and sculptural mountains are all gems of the typical Icelandic landscape.Β
One of the reasons Iceland’s landscape is so raw and beautiful is that it has been relatively untouched by human intervention. Iceland is a young country in the midst of its own formation, geologically speaking.
The highlands especially are an underpopulated plateau, and studies show that glaciers cover 11% of the country, making them one of Iceland’s main attractions. Iceland also has Europe’s biggest glacier, VatnajΓΆkull, which is three times the size of Luxembourg and accounts for approximately 8% of Iceland’s total landmass!
Many of Iceland’s natural wonders are easy to reach while remaining largely unspoiled by humans. One of my favorite experiences to have in Iceland was going inside a dormant volcano and seeing how it looks from the inside!
Click here to book a guided hiking day trip to Thrihnukagigur Volcano!
Bali, Indonesia
Traveling to Bali is an endless adventureβfrom yoga to surfing, temple visits, and rice paddiesβthere is something for everyone!
Bali conjures images of an infinite blue ocean, gorgeous sunsets on the beach, layer upon layer of aesthetically arranged rice terraces, rainforest waterfall climbs, and magical shrines; the incredible thing is that you get all of this and more on the ‘Island of Gods’!
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Tourism has had a great impact on some areas of Bali, with Instagram-worthy cafΓ©s, trendy bars, and vegan eateries overflowing the streets of Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. Many pockets of this island, however, remain relatively secluded and retain their unique Balinese splendor.
In addition to rich cultural landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and natural wonders, Bali is a small island full of surprises and unique adventures that could fill your bucket list in express time.
Bali might mean so many different things to many people: it can be a honeymoon destination, a place to pamper yourself, a surf camp location, or a digital nomad paradise.
Everybody will find a little something to do when in Bali. The key is to go to a region that can offer you the most of what you want to do.
For example, if you imagine yourself doing yoga overlooking the rice fields, be sure to head to Ubud or Canggu. If you end up in Kuta, you might be slightly disappointed. The same goes for if you want to dance the night away – Nusa Dua is the place to be.
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If Bali is on your travel list for 2023, then you should read my guide on the best places to visit in Bali!
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one island that should sit at the top of your 2023 list. This nation has been through a lot: pandemic, economic crisis, and issues with supplies that have severely impacted the main economic force of the island; tourism.
I was incredibly lucky to spend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka in February 2020, just before the start of the pandemic, and I canβt recommend this island enough!Β
Sri Lanka is a combination of sandy beaches, thrilling waves, foggy mountains, majestic wildlife, delightful tea, and warm smiles. With so many sights and scenes crammed into such a small island, you could be surfing in the morning and appreciating the lush green mountains by dusk.
Therefore, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of holiday experiences, from sun-soaked beach vacations to wildlife-watching safaris and adrenaline-pumping adventure sports.
Sri Lanka’s kindness and hospitality are world-famous, and so is its hot food, like the wholesome kottu roti (shredded roti flatbread mixed with vegetables, meat, and eggs), exotic fruits, and a variety of sweets, including the spiced steamed pudding of watalappan, found nowhere else in the world.
Maldives
The Maldives, the archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 atolls, is a treasure trove for unspoiled beaches.Β While it’s easy to imagine palm-clad islets floating in a dreamy lagoon, imagine this setup with luxury beachfront and overwater properties where life is best enjoyed at the next level.Β
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There is no better place to be a beach bum and an admirer of nature than the Maldives. The destination seduces with a distinctive island personality: postcard-perfect blue waters kissing powdery white shores set against the fieriest sunsets.Β
Renowned for some of the best beaches in the world, it’s difficult not to fall in love with them. That alone is a compelling reason for any traveler to visit this incomparable archipelago.
Book a stay at Soneva Jani for a luxurious Maldives getaway!
Personally, I find that another great reason to visit Maldives is for its diving.
I am an avid diver, and the Maldives fall high as one of the most beautiful locations in the world for diving. During my diving trip, I saw a host of marine life: from whale sharks and reef sharks to octopuses, manta rays, and pods of playful dolphins!
If you’re a beginner scuba diver or keen to give it a shot, check out my beginnerβs guide to first time scuba diving!
The Seychelles
The Seychelles is a tropical paradise awaiting discovery.
Since Seychelles’ 115 granite and coral islands are scattered across a secluded corner of the Indian Ocean, they have served as havens for some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna. So rare that the VallΓ©e de Mai, which grows the legendary coco-de-mer, was formerly believed to be the biblical Garden of Eden’s original location!
The islands are commonly associated with exquisite natural beauty, wonderful harmony, and a near-perfect climate with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius, earning the archipelago the nickname: “land of perpetual summer.”Β
You don’t have to spend hours on the beach if that’s not your thing. The Seychelles brims with activities for both the adventurous and the laid-back. It is, indeed, the ideal location for doing everything or doing nothing at all!
If you enjoy diving, sailing, or fishing, there are opportunities aplenty. Hikers, too, will find both challenging and casual, well-marked trails leading through lush greenery and along granitic coastlines.
To fill those long, sunny days, there’s everything from island-hopping excursions to ecotourism projects. And if you want to recharge your batteries, there’s no better place than a luxury spa at a high-end, beachfront resort!
Barbados
Barbados is the quintessential Caribbean island home to swathes of fine beaches washed by turquoise waters. But this island is more than meets the eye. A lively nightlife, hearty comfort food, and a surprising shopping scene await beyond the laid-back lifestyle.
Barbados may be best known for its idyllic beaches, but I bet you didn’t know it’s also known as the Caribbean culinary capital.
Barbados’ national dish is cou cou, made of cornmeal and fresh okra served with flying fish in aΒ heartwarming ragu. It is definitely on my list of dishes to try in 2023!
Mallorca, Spain
If you followed my 2022 adventures, you would know that I spent a good part of the year in Mallorca, Spain.
I always enjoyed the Balearic Islands but never had any specific preferences. I found Menorca as beautiful as Ibiza or Mallorca. So, while I believe you should visit all the Balearic islands, I would start with Mallorca.
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The island is usually associated with resort areas and a vivid club scene. However, if you invest the time to venture outside of the main tourist zones, Mallorca offers so much more.
There’s no shortage of beautiful spots to include in your Mallorca trip, from seaside mountain ranges and spectacular cliffs to charming towns and beaches with crystal water!
The island’s extraordinary beaches and coves surrounded by azure waters are one of the main reasons to visit.
There are secluded beaches where you can indulge in the calmness of the sea, as well as more buzzing beaches (especially during the high season) with a good vibe. Coves such as Cala Formentor, Cala DeiΓ , and Cala Varques are great examples of places where you can find peace.
Mallorca is also known for its diverse landscapes and coastlines accented by dramatic cliffs.
During your trip to the island, a must-see is the limestone mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sculpting the northwestern part of the island.
And don’t miss out on Valldemossa, Deia, and Soller, which can be reached via a vintage wooden train!
The island’s caves, such as the Cova del Drach, are undoubtedly one of its most popular attractions.
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Mallorca is also a good urban destination. Palma de Mallorca has a cosmopolitan city vibe, culture, gastronomy, sport, and leisure activities.
Furthermore, if you stay in the city, you can easily visit the island’s major attractions since they’re all within an hour’s drive, making getting around very easy.
I hope you find this 12 Top Islands To Visit in 2023 list useful in deciding which places to visit throughout your 2023 holiday.
Have you visited any of these places before? Is there something else you would like to see on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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