Sri Lanka has officially been crowned the Most Beautiful Island in the World by global travel platform Big 7 Travel, placing first in its “50 Best Islands in the World” list for 2025. This recognition comes shortly after another prestigious accolade—EnjoyTravel, via News First, named Sri Lanka the Best Island in the World in its own global ranking.
What Earned Sri Lanka the No. 1 Spot
- Big 7 Travel highlighted Sri Lanka’s “rich blend of cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and pristine beaches”, noting its temples, tea slopes, wildlife, and coastline as standout features.
- EnjoyTravel emphasized the island’s affordability, year-round access, and irresistible variety—from golden shores to misty highlands—calling Sri Lanka “the finest island of its size in all the world”.
Top 10 Islands in the 2025 Big 7 Travel list:
- Sri Lanka
- Mo’orea (French Polynesia)
- Socotra (Yemen)
- Madeira
- Galápagos (Ecuador)
- Great Exuma (Bahamas)
- Seychelles
- Achill Island (Ireland)
- Koh Lipe (Thailand)
- Milos (Greece)
Why the Awards Matter
These recognitions arrive at a pivotal time for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which has been growing steadily. The country recorded over $1.5 billion in tourism revenue in the first half of 2024 alone, with a 62% rise in international visitor arrivals.
This renewed global attention shines a light on Sri Lanka’s true potential—a destination that offers a complete travel experience: ancient culture, natural beauty, adventure, and hospitality.
What Makes Sri Lanka So Special
- Cultural & Heritage Sites: From the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s history is on full display.
- Scenic Train Journeys: The train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, winding through tea plantations, cloud forests, and rolling hills.
- Wildlife & Nature: With national parks like Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya, and the Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka is home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and hundreds of endemic species.
- Pristine Beaches: Sri Lanka’s 1,600 km of coastline is dotted with golden beaches, surf towns, coral reefs, and quiet coves—from Mirissa and Arugam Bay to Trincomalee and Tangalle.
- Adventure & Wellness: Hiking trails, kitesurfing spots, ayurvedic retreats, and eco-resorts are gaining popularity, especially among young and sustainability-minded travelers.
Tourism on the Rise
Sri Lanka’s inclusion at the top of multiple global travel lists signals strong confidence in its tourism comeback. The government and private sector continue to invest in infrastructure, digital marketing, and eco-friendly initiatives to ensure sustainable tourism growth.
More travelers around the world are now looking to Sri Lanka not just as a beautiful island, but as an immersive experience of culture, nature, and unforgettable moments.
