Maldives loses its title as the world's best island destination

Maldives, which topped the list last year, was pushed to the sixth position this year, according to the survey which rated the islands based on natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness and value.

Páros rose from No. 24 last year to take the top spot for 2025.

Readers praised the island for its delicious food, picture-perfect blue-and-white villages.

Páros is home to many world-class resorts, including Parīlio, Cosme, and Summer Senses

There are "surprises around every corner," one reader wrote of this sunny island in the Cyclades.

These are the world’s 10 best islands right now:

1. Páros, Greece

2. Palawan, Philippines

3. Bali, Indonesia

4. Ischia, Italy

5. Fiji

6. Maldives

7. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

8. Hvar & the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

9. Madeira, Portugal

10. Mallorca, Spain