Results Are In! TripAdvisor's Top Islands in the World Are...

Greg Keraghosian
·Associate Travel Editor
Updated
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Providenciales is an unspoiled tourist favorite. (Photo: TripAdvisor)

With all the astounding, no-filter-needed, gorgeous islands in the world, being named the world’s favorite is no easy task. But today, Providenciales can boast that it’s the island of the people.

The Caribbean getaway in Turks and Caicos got the top spot in TripAdvisor’s just-released Travelers’ Choice awards for islands in 2015. The reviews site based its rankings on the quality and quantity of user reviews for islands’ hotels, restaurants, and attractions over a 12-month span.

The runner-up among world islands was the top-ranked U.S. island: Maui. Hawaii, swept the top three in the U.S., with No. 2 going to the Big Island and No. 3 going to Kauai.

Related: Favorite Destinations in the World and U.S. on TripAdvisor

Providenciales, with its seemingly glowing turquoise-blue waters, jumped up from the No. 2 spot in last year’s awards. It boasts a total package: spectacular scenery, world-class diving and snorkeling, easy access from an airport, friendly locals, a relaxed vibe, and a resort scene that’s modern without being overcrowded. Grace Bay is the most popular base for visitors.

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The top-ranked islands in the U.S.: Maui. (Photo: TripAdvisor)

And you know a destination caters to its tourists when it changes its time zone to add an hour of daylight, as Turks and Caicos did this year.

Maui rose from unranked among the world’s islands last year to No. 2. It’s rightfully famous for its varied natural wonders, including Haleakala National Park. And surviving the Road to Hana is considered a rite of passage for many.

Here’s the rest of the world’s top 10, with each of their top attractions on TripAdvisor:

3. Roatan, Honduras: Little French Key, Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum

4. Santorini, Greece: Sunsets in Oia, Perissa Beach

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Santorini (Photo: TripAdvisor)

5. Ko Tao, Thailand: Sai Nuan Beach, Ao Tanot

6. Madeira, Portugal: Pico do Arieiro, Monte Palace Tropical Garden

7. Bali, Indonesia: Ubud, Mayong Village Tracking Experience

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8. Mauritius, Africa: Port Louis, Curious Corner of Chamarel

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Mount Otemanu, Matira Beach

10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Baia do Sancho, Atalaia Beach

Related: These are the Best Beaches in the World According to TripAdvisor

Here’s the rest of the top 10-ranked U.S. islands, after Maui:

2. Big Island, Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Summit

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Big Island (Photo: TripAdvisor)

3. Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Kalalau Trail

4. Key West, Florida: Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Dry Tortugas National Park

5. Hilton Head, South Carolina: Hilton Head Island Bike Trails, Coligny Beach

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Hilton Head (Photo: TripAdvisor)

6. Marco Island, Florida: South Marco Beach, Mackle Park

7. Key Largo, Florida: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Benwood wreck

8. Chincoteague Island, Virginia: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Museum of Chincoteague

9. San Juan Island, Washington: Lime Kiln Point State Park,  Zip San Juan

10: Mackinac Island, Michigan: Mackinac Island State Park, Fort Mackinac

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