As a girl with wanderlust coursing through her veins and a rather sizeable vitamin D deficiency; the subject of scenic, serene and oh-so sunny islands is always going to pique my interest. So when the lovely lot over at Travel + Leisure recently revealed their list of the world’s best islands; you can bet your bottom dollar that I was wading through that list like the Mediterranean Sea faster than you can say ‘Skyscanner’.
The catalogue of outrageously gorgeous islands comes as part of Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards. Each and every year the leading travel publication dishes out some shiny accolades across a series of categories. One of which is, of course, islands.
Each island was rated based on criteria including natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants, friendliness, and value for money. Travel + Leisure’s trusted readers were asked to put their two cents in on the matter, giving each island a rating based on each factor. And the results were based on an average of the responses given.
The best island in the world (according to Travel + Leisure)
The islands that instantly sprung to my mind were the likes of Bali, Bora Bora, and Barbados. But it turns out that if it’s the very best island in the world you’re looking for; Greece really is the word. And more specifically, the breathtakingly beautiful island of Paros. Topping the charts with a rather impressive score of 96.50, Paros was praised for its delicious food, excellent shopping, and picture-perfect villages that – quite literally – look like they’ve jumped off the front of a postcard.
Part of the historic island group of the Cyclades, and surrounded by the sparkling Aegean sea; Paros nabbed the top spot, managing to rise all the way from its number 24 position on the list last year. It offers the a truly quintessential Greek Island experience and the perfect spot to live out your Mamma Mia fantasies (if you know, you know).
Getting to Paros from London
There are currently no airlines offering direct flights between London and Paros. But, fear not, folks – you can still reach the gasp-inducingly gorgeous island fairly easily. Londoners can hop on a flight from London to Athens, and then take a quick onward flight to Paros from there. Prices vary depending on what time of year you wish to travel there, but a rummage through Skyscanner should source you some pretty affordable flights. If you were to travel there in September or October, for example, you could snap yourself up a flight for around £120.
You can peruse Travel + Leisure’s full list of World’s Best Awards here.