Condé Nast TravelerJul 14, 2026
The Best Islands to Visit for Turquoise Coves, Cliffside Villages, and World-Class Snorkeling
Welcome to paradise.
20 things in this story
- KissamosNeighborhoodConsider staying here for laidback Cretan lifestyle.
- Balos LagoonSightTake a ferry to wade in its shallow waters.
- FalassarnaSightKnown for its pink-flecked sands.
- Elsewhere
- Tella TheraHotelCrete, GreeceFor a homey, hillside suite.
- Minos Beach Art HotelHotelCrete, GreeceFor an artsy bungalow off the beaten path.
- Kapsaliana VillageHotelCrete, GreeceFor an inland stay.
- Cabot TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaAn 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
- Cape Breton Highlands National ParkPlaceCape Breton, CanadaA third of the world-famous Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, renowned for stunning ocean…
- Skyline TrailTrailCape Breton, CanadaFour-mile trail ending with cliffside views.
- Cabot Cape BretonParkCape Breton, CanadaFor golfing with ocean views.
- Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a breezy eco-lodge.
- Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by HiltonHotelGalápagos Islands, EcuadorFor a tucked-away jungle retreat.
- Sea Pines Nature PreservePlaceHilton Head Island, United States600-acre preserve with wetland boardwalks.
- Pinckney Island National Wildlife RefugePlaceHilton Head Island, United StatesFor biking and bird-watching.
- Coligny Beach ParkParkHilton Head Island, United StatesBustling beach park on the island's coastline.
- Alder Lane BeachTrailHilton Head Island, United StatesQuieter beach, ideal for lounging.
- The Inn & Club at Harbour TownHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a country club classic with golfing.
- Disney's Hilton Head Island ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor an amusement park without the crowds.
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront ResortHotelHilton Head Island, United StatesFor a sweeping beachside resort.
- IsabelaPlaceGalápagos Islands, Ecuador