Top 50 Best Islands

I have been to over 400 islands. Here are my top 50, ranked by how much I like them, with a few words about what each island is known for:

1. South Georgia Island, Subantarctica
Glaciers, penguins, soaring peaks, brutal weather, untouched polar wilderness.

2. South Island, New Zealand
Alpine mountains, fjords, lakes, adventure sports, cinematic landscapes.

3. Suðuroy, Faroe Islands
Dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, remote villages, misty Nordic scenery.

4. Greenland
Immense ice sheets, fjords, Inuit culture, Arctic silence.

5. Easter Island
Mysterious moai statues, volcanic terrain, deep Polynesian heritage.

6. The Maldives (ranked as a group. I have been to over 60 of their islands.) 
Low-lying atolls, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, serene luxury.

7. La Digue, Seychelles
Iconic granite boulders, slow pace, bicycles, pristine beaches.

8. Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Glaciers, polar bears, tundra, midnight sun, extreme Arctic isolation.

9. Frégate, Seychelles
Exclusive island retreat, conservation success, rare birds, luxury seclusion.

10. Socotra
Surreal landscapes, dragon blood trees, extraordinary endemic biodiversity.

11. Praslin, Seychelles
Ancient palm forests, soft beaches, coco de mer palms.

12. North Island, New Zealand
Volcanoes, geothermal parks, Maori culture, rolling green landscapes.

13. Mahé, Seychelles
Granite mountains, bustling markets, creole culture, diverse beaches.

14. Streymoy, Faroe Islands
Capital city, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, dramatic Atlantic weather.

15. Bali
Hindu temples, rice terraces, surf beaches, vibrant arts scene.

16. Ireland
Lush countryside, ancient ruins, lively pubs, rugged coastline.

17. Lofoten (ranked as a group) 
Sharp peaks, fishing villages, northern lights, Arctic seas.

18. Rodrigues
Quiet island life, coral reefs, Creole culture, unspoiled nature.

19. North Island, Seychelles
Remote coral island, seabirds, conservation focus, minimal human presence.

20. Iceland
Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal energy, stark natural beauty.

21. Mauritius
Volcanic origins, coral reefs, multicultural heritage, stunning beaches, lush interiors.

22. Principe
Rainforests, volcanic peaks, low tourism, tranquil African island.

23. Réunion
Dramatic cirques, active volcano, hiking trails, French influence.

24. Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Shallow lagoon, coral islets, tranquil waters, postcard worthy.

25. Fernando de Noronha
Protected marine life, clear waters, dramatic cliffs, limited access.

26. Efate, Vanuatu
Melanesian culture, lagoons, waterfalls, friendly villages.

27. Corsica
Mountainous terrain, rugged coasts, unique culture, Mediterranean beauty.

28. Bird Island, Seychelles
Seabird colonies, conservation success, simple eco-lodging.

29. Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Remote atolls, coconut palms, lagoons, Australian territory.

30. Saint Barthélemy
Upscale Caribbean island, chic beaches, French sophistication.

31. Bermuda
Pink sand beaches, British heritage, Atlantic isolation.

32. Saaremaa, Estonia
Quiet forests, windmills, medieval heritage, Baltic calm.

33. Madeira
Steep hills, lush vegetation, levada walks, Atlantic vistas.

34. Langkawi
Mangroves, beaches, cable car views, relaxed Malaysian island.

35. Dominica
Rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic springs, nature-focused Caribbean island.

36. Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea plantations, wildlife, varied tropical landscapes.

37. Santorini
Whitewashed villages, caldera views, sunsets, volcanic cliffs.

38. Zanzibar
Swahili culture, spice farms, historic Stone Town, beaches.

39. Tasmania
Wild coastlines, temperate rainforests, wildlife, rugged beauty.

40. East Falkland, Falkland Islands
Windswept plains, wildlife, remote settlements, stark scenery.

41. Saba
Steep volcanic slopes, diving sites, tiny Caribbean island.

42. Galapagos Islands (ranked as a group)
Unique wildlife, evolutionary significance, protected ecosystems.

43. Sardinia
Turquoise waters, ancient nuraghe ruins, Mediterranean culture.

44. Isle of Skye
Jagged mountains, fairy pools, moody Scottish landscapes.

45. O‘ahu, Hawaii
Surf culture, volcanic ridges, urban energy, historic sites.

46. São Miguel, Azores
Crater lakes, hot springs, green pastures, Atlantic isolation.

47. Anguilla
Low-key luxury, powdery beaches, calm Caribbean waters.

48. Gotland
Medieval town of Visby, limestone coast, Baltic Sea tranquility.

49. Koh Kood, Thailand
Quiet beaches, jungles, waterfalls, laid-back atmosphere.

50. Chichi-jima, Ogasawara
Remote Pacific island, WWII history, clear waters.