Best Beaches

50 Incredible Island Escapes (PHOTOS)

Weary of the cold? Whether you prefer a remote tropical destination or a quick trip to escape the deep freeze, islands provide a perfect getaway for both relaxation and adventure. The islands included in this list offer sun-kissed, sandy beaches and sparkling, turquoise waters but they also offer an abundance of other natural attractions.

The archipelago of Madeira in Portugal for example, boasts stunning rock formations, natural swimming pools and picturesque cliffs, plus 99 miles of coastline. But while the island is considered a postcard-perfect paradise, it has also received its share of severe weather. In 2010, heavy rainfall inundated parts of the island and caused destructive floods in river valleys on the south coast of the island. At least 32 people were killed in the floods and mudslides, according to BBC News. Authorities and locals ensured that Madeira's tourism infrastructure returned back to normal, and the island was named "Europe's Best Island" by the World Travel Awards in 2013 and 2014.

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Tourism is also recovering in the Philippine island of Palawan, which was affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, one of the strongest storms ever recorded. Consistently listed in practically every "world's best islands" lists, Palawan has "unspoiled beauty, abundant wildlife, and seascapes" which Travel and Leisure readers deemed second to none last year. The island is also home to Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river, and some of the most important forests in Asia.

View the slideshow above for more spectacular islands and vacation inspiration. And tell us: which islands are in your bucket list?

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