The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, off the coast of Pernambuco state, was elected by the specialized American magazine “Condé Nast Traveler” as the best island in Central and South America in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which has elected the best in tourism and hospitality for 35 years.
The result is obtained from a selection by the publication editors worldwide, based on questionnaires and opinions from readers and interviewees on five continents. For the public and the jury of experts of Traveler, Noronha is the island that offers the best travel experience in the region.
Entered in the final list of the selection – which includes 30 islands, islets, and global archipelagos – were the top five not only from Latin America but also from North America; Africa and the Indian Ocean; Asia; as well as the portion from Australia and the South Pacific. The Europe category had ten representatives, while the Caribbean had 20.
To reflect the weight of each continent in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2022, Ours brings the winners of the categories that were represented only by their top 5, plus the first and second place of the European top 10, plus the three Caribbean podium places. Meet, therefore, the top ten islands for travelers around the planet:
MALDIVES – BEST OF AFRICA AND INDIAN OCEAN
With 26 atolls and more than a thousand islands, the Indian Ocean archipelago has become one of the world’s hottest paradisiacal destinations in recent years, thanks to its luxurious villas, floating bungalows, and breathtaking scenery for divers.
In other words, the perfect combination of structure and natural beauty, according to Traveler.
According to the publication’s readers, the jury recommends the Soneva Fushi Resort, number one in the Indian Ocean, which has 59 of these villas, some with private pools and butler service.
BORACAY, PHILIPPINES – BEST OF ASIA
At just over 10 square kilometers, this small island has suffered from tourist overcrowding in recent years and closed in 2018 to allow it to recover environmentally.
Back on the international scene, it offers translucent waters, fine sands, and “a magical sunset,” according to Readers’ Choice.
The jury recommends stopping by its east coast to take advantage of the ideal winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
FIJI – BEST OF AUSTRALIA AND SOUTH PACIFIC
The archipelago of more than 300 islands has been called a “true tropical paradise of perfect beaches” thanks to the region’s colorful corals, other natural beauties, and excellent resort service.
The topography draws as much attention as the coastline due to its volcanic formation that has allowed for rugged mountains covered in greenery as on Waya Island.
The jury recommends trying the local rum, a tradition in Fiji, through the guided tours of the Rum Co. distillery.
FERNANDO DE NORONHA – BEST OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
For Condé Nast Traveler, the strength of Noronha is to take the tourist away from the crowds on Brazilian beaches like those in Rio and São Paulo.
A World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO, the Pernambuco archipelago is “a collection of the greatest hits of Mother Nature,” according to the publication, for allowing diving in clean waters, trails to admire exotic flora and fauna, and sunrise over the ocean.
The jury recommends booking your stay in advance, as there is a government-imposed limit on the number of visitors to the islands.
You can receive an entry permit and pay the TPA (Environmental Preservation Tax) on the Noronha website.
ISLA HOLBOX, MEXICO – BEST OF NORTH AMERICA
Holbox is quiet and mixes the atmosphere of a country town in its center with a clear and stunningly beautiful coastline and environmental reserves.
The jury recommends visiting the Mexican restaurant Rosa, which serves shrimp in coconut and octopus with black beans. For mezcal cocktails and live music, go to Viva Zapata Grill.
IBIZA, SPAIN – BEST OF EUROPE
Known for being a party town, Ibiza was chosen for its quieter side.
Not that it is not recommended to spend the night in one of its nightclubs, but the charm of the Old Town – a portion protected by Unesco – won the Readers’ Choice award.
The good restaurants on its sidewalk, the interesting people who frequent it, and its high-standard hotels also stood out.
The jury recommends trying the seafood and grilled fish with shrimp at Es Torrent restaurant and other traditional Mediterranean dishes at La Paloma.
CRETE, GREECE – HONORABLE MENTION: 2ND PLACE IN EUROPE
Crete is the largest island in Greece and has been considered the most authentic, with its distinctive culture, cuisine, landscape, history, and mythology.
That’s why, from the beaches, it won over travelers to places like the Minoan Palace in Knossos.
The jury recommends passing by Balos beach, one of Crete’s most photographed spots, but not via the uneven road or up to three-hour trails, but by the ferries that leave from the port of Kissamos.
ST. BARTS – BEST OF THE CARIBBEAN
Luxury French territory in the Caribbean, St. Barts, has as much natural beauty as five-inclusive hotels, according to the award, which indicated that the best way to explore the island is to take a walk around the capital, Gustavia.
It has a collection of old red-roofed buildings perched on volcanic rocks that have breathtaking views and access to great local restaurants.
The jury recommends looking for companies like WIMCO Villas, which rent huge villas with more privacy and the same comfort as hotels in the area.
ANGUILLA – HONORABLE MENTION: 2ND PLACE IN THE CARIBBEAN
Blending Caribbean charm with pristine beaches and high-end resorts is the recipe for success for Anguilla, off the coast of Puerto Rico.
The island was considered more accessible to tourists precisely because it has less visitor “traffic”.
The jury recommends spending at least one day at Shoal Bay, considered one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the Caribbean.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – HONORABLE MENTION: 3RD PLACE IN THE CARIBBEAN
The Turks and Caicos Islands are fast becoming another destination for the rich and famous, especially for their privacy, which is why they are not yet suffering from tourist overcrowding.
Spas on private islands and empty and crystalline beaches are some of the attractions of much of its coastline, especially on the island of Providenciales, where the beautiful Grace Bay is located.
The jury recommends Coral Gardens, a popular diving spot. Also, go to the Smith Barrier Reef at Turtle Cove to see turtles, rays, and barracudas up close.
With information from UOL