From the Maldives to Madeira: top island getaways
Dreaming of turquoise seas, beautiful beaches and a change of scenery? From tropical hideaways in the Indian Ocean to volcanic landscapes in the Atlantic and sun-drenched Mediterranean shores, an island getaway is the perfect opportunity to leave everyday life behind.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a fun-filled family holiday or an adventure surrounded by nature, we’ve selected some of our favourite island getaways for Muslim travellers. Discover Muslim-majority islands where halal food and prayer facilities are part of everyday life, alongside other destinations where a little planning makes it easy to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.
From once-in-a-lifetime tropical escapes to easily accessible regional getaways, there are options for different budgets and holiday styles.
Island getaways at a glance
Maldives • Zanzibar • Mauritius • Sri Lanka • Langkawi • Bali & Lombok • Phuket • Greek Islands • Canary Islands • Sicily • Croatian Islands • Madeira & the Azores
Maldives – for the ultimate tropical escape
Few destinations capture the idea of an island paradise quite like the Maldives. Think powder-soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and tiny tropical islands surrounded by colourful coral reefs.
This Muslim-majority island nation is particularly popular with couples and honeymooners, but there are also plenty of family-friendly resorts offering kids’ clubs, water sports and activities. Use Halalbooking’s unique filters to find resorts offering halal food, alcohol-free rooms and villas with fully-secluded private pools or private sunbathing areas.
Whether you choose an overwater villa or a beach retreat, the Maldives is hard to beat for a truly memorable island escape.
Good to know: Most international visitors arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé, with onward transfers to island resorts by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight, so remember to factor transfer times and costs into your booking.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, during the drier season when you can expect plenty of sunshine and calmer seas.
Find out more in our dedicated article: The Maldives – a tropical escape in the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar – for beaches, culture and Islamic heritage
Off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar combines idyllic tropical beaches with centuries of history and a rich Islamic culture.
Relax beneath swaying palms on white-sand beaches, discover the winding lanes of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, browse colourful markets or learn about the spices that have shaped the island’s history. With a predominantly Muslim population, mosques and halal food are easy to find.
Zanzibar is a great choice if you want more than a resort holiday, combining the beauty of the Indian Ocean with fascinating Swahili culture and heritage.
Good to know: Most visitors fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, near Zanzibar City; taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the easiest way to reach the main beach areas. Check current entry requirements before travelling, including Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance requirements.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October, with January and February also offering warm, sunny weather for a tropical escape.
Discover more in our dedicated article : Zanzibar - a window into Africa's rich heritage.
Mauritius – for families, beaches and nature
Beautiful beaches are only the beginning in Mauritius. This diverse Indian Ocean island is home to lush forests, waterfalls, dramatic mountains and colourful towns, making it ideal for travellers who want to combine relaxation with discovering the island.
Spend the morning beside the sea, visit botanical gardens and bustling markets, hike through spectacular scenery or take to the water for snorkelling and other activities. Mauritius is also home to a well-established Muslim community, with mosques and halal food available across the island.
With a wide choice of beachfront resorts and plenty to entertain all ages, Mauritius is particularly well suited to family island holidays.
Good to know: Hiring a car can be a convenient way to explore beyond your resort, and remember that driving is on the left.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mauritius is generally from May to October, when the weather is cooler, drier and ideal for exploring as well as relaxing on the beach.
Find out more in our dedicated article: Mauritius - the sparkling jewel in the Indian Ocean .
Sri Lanka – for beaches, wildlife and adventure
For an island holiday packed with variety, Sri Lanka is difficult to beat. Golden beaches line its coast, while the interior reveals tea-covered hills, ancient cities, national parks and spectacular wildlife.
Combine relaxing days by the Indian Ocean with a train journey through the highlands, visit historic sites or head out on safari in search of elephants and other wildlife. Sri Lanka’s sizeable Muslim community also means that mosques and halal food are readily available in many parts of the country.
It’s an excellent choice for travellers who want their island getaway to include plenty of culture, nature and adventure.
Good to know: Allow plenty of time for travelling around Sri Lanka, as journeys can take longer than distances suggest; trains, private drivers and organised transfers are popular ways to explore the island.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where you’re heading: choose December to April for the south and west coasts, and May to September for the east coast.
Discover more in our dedicated Sri Lanka article: Sri Lanka - ancient heritage and tropical serenity.
Langkawi – for a relaxed Muslim-friendly escape
Part of Muslim-majority Malaysia, Langkawi combines tropical beaches with rainforest-covered mountains and an easy-going island atmosphere.
Take the cable car high above the rainforest, cross the spectacular Langkawi Sky Bridge, discover waterfalls and mangroves or simply spend your days relaxing beside the Andaman Sea.
Halal food is widely available and mosques are easy to find, making Langkawi a particularly straightforward choice for Muslim families and couples looking for a tropical holiday.
Good to know: Langkawi is easy to explore by rental car or taxi, and domestic flights connect the island with major Malaysian cities including Kuala Lumpur.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Langkawi is from November to April, when the island typically enjoys its driest and sunniest weather.
Find more Malaysian holiday inspiration in our dedicated article: Malaysia - a tropical paradise of cultural discovery.
Bali and Lombok – two sides of Indonesia
Neighbouring Bali and Lombok offer two very different ways to experience island life in Indonesia.
Bali is renowned for its lush rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, beautiful private villas and wellness retreats. Head inland for waterfalls and the cultural attractions of Ubud, or stay on the coast for beaches, surfing and spectacular sunsets. Although Bali itself is predominantly Hindu, halal food is widely available in many popular tourist areas.
Across the Lombok Strait, Muslim-majority Lombok offers a quieter alternative, with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, mountain scenery and a strong local Islamic culture. It’s an excellent choice for travellers looking for a more relaxed Indonesian island experience where halal food and mosques are part of everyday life.
Good to know: Bali and Lombok have their own airports and are also connected by fast boats and ferries, making it possible to combine both islands in one trip.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bali and Lombok is from April to October, during the dry season when sunny days are ideal for beaches, sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Explore our dedicated articles: Bali - the most evocative island of the Indonesian archipelago and Explore the magnificent island of Lombok in Indonesia.
Phuket – for beaches, activities and halal food
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket combines beautiful beaches, tropical scenery and a huge choice of things to see and do. Relax on the sand, explore the island’s viewpoints and lively towns, or take a boat trip to discover the spectacular islands and limestone landscapes of the Andaman Sea.
Phuket is also home to a sizeable Muslim community, and mosques and halal food can be found in many parts of the island. With accommodation ranging from affordable hotels to luxurious resorts and private pool villas, it’s a versatile choice for couples and families alike.
Good to know: Phuket has its own international airport, while taxis, private transfers and rental cars make it easy to explore beyond your resort. Boat excursions to nearby islands are widely available from Phuket.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Phuket is generally from November to April, when the weather is drier and sunnier and sea conditions are particularly suitable for beach days and boat trips.
Discover more about Thailand in our dedicated article: Thailand - land of smiles.
Greek Islands – for a classic Mediterranean escape
From whitewashed villages and turquoise coves to ancient ruins and lively harbour towns, the Greek Islands offer almost endless possibilities for a Mediterranean holiday. Each island has its own character. Discover dramatic landscapes and historic towns, spend lazy days beside the Aegean or Ionian Sea, or plan an island-hopping adventure to experience several destinations in one trip.
Muslim-friendly facilities vary from island to island, so some planning is advisable. Islands with a strong Ottoman legacy, including Rhodes, are particularly interesting for Muslim travellers keen to explore the region’s Islamic heritage.
Good to know: Ferry connections make island-hopping easy, particularly within the same island group, but schedules vary by season, so plan connections in advance.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Greek Islands is from May to October, with May, June, September and early October particularly appealing for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Discover some of our favourite Greek islands in our dedicated article: Greece’s glittering gems.
Canary Islands – for year-round sunshine
Off the coast of North Africa, the Canary Islands combine year-round sunshine with volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches and plenty of choice for an active or relaxing holiday.
Each island has its own character. Tenerife combines lively resorts with the dramatic landscapes of Mount Teide, while Gran Canaria offers everything from sandy beaches and dunes to mountain villages. Head to Lanzarote for striking volcanic scenery or Fuerteventura for long stretches of golden sand and excellent water sports.
The islands are home to established Muslim communities, with mosques and halal restaurants available, particularly in the larger resorts and towns. Their wide choice of accommodation and good flight connections also make the Canaries an appealing option for Muslim travellers looking for an island escape within easy reach of many European cities.
Good to know: The main islands have their own airports, while regular ferries and inter-island flights make it possible to combine more than one Canary Island in the same holiday.
Best time to visit: The Canary Islands are a year-round destination, with mild winters and warm summers. October to April is particularly appealing for travellers looking for winter sunshine, while the summer months are ideal for a classic beach holiday.
Sicily – for Mediterranean beauty and Islamic heritage
Italy’s largest island combines beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes and historic cities with a fascinating and often overlooked Islamic heritage.
Explore Palermo’s Arab-Norman treasures, discover the island’s enduring connections with North Africa in Mazara del Vallo, or head to the coast for the turquoise waters of San Vito Lo Capo and Cefalù. Sicily’s multicultural history can also be tasted in its cuisine, particularly in the western part of the island.
For Muslim travellers, Sicily offers the chance to combine a classic Mediterranean holiday with the discovery of a lesser-known chapter of Islamic history.
Good to know: Sicily’s main airports are Palermo in the west and Catania in the east; hiring a car gives you the greatest flexibility, especially if you want to explore beaches, smaller towns and rural areas.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sicily is from May to June or September to October, when warm weather is ideal for combining beaches with sightseeing.
Find out more in our dedicated article about Sicily’s Islamic heritage: Sicily: Mediterranean beauty and Islamic heritage.
Croatian Islands – for an Adriatic island-hopping adventure
With a spectacular coastline and a seemingly endless scattering of islands, Croatia is made for exploring by sea.
Discover secluded coves, clear Adriatic waters, picturesque harbour towns and islands ranging from lively holiday destinations to peaceful nature escapes. Hvar, Brač and Korčula are among the best known, but many smaller islands are also waiting to be discovered.
Muslim-friendly facilities are more limited on the islands themselves, so it is worth planning halal meals and prayer arrangements in advance. For travellers who love island-hopping, beautiful coastlines and historic towns, however, Croatia has plenty to offer.
Good to know: Ferries and catamarans connect the mainland with many Croatian islands, but routes and frequencies vary by season, so check schedules before planning an island-hopping itinerary.
Best time to visit: The best time to explore the Croatian Islands is from May to September, with June and September offering warm weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Read our dedicated article about Croatia’s remarkable island archipelago: Croatia: The 1,000-island archipelago.
Madeira and the Azores – for nature and Atlantic adventure
Not every island getaway needs to revolve around lying on a sandy beach. Portugal’s Madeira and the Azores offer a completely different island experience, with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush vegetation and spectacular Atlantic scenery.
In Madeira, hike along scenic levadas, discover natural swimming pools and explore colourful Funchal.
Further out in the Atlantic, the Azores are renowned for crater lakes, volcanic landscapes, hot springs and whale watching.
These Portuguese islands are particularly appealing to travellers looking for an active holiday surrounded by nature, and their location makes them an attractive alternative to a long-haul tropical escape for many European travellers.
Good to know: The Azores comprise nine islands, so inter-island flights and ferries need to be factored into your itinerary if you plan to visit more than one. Madeira and neighbouring Porto Santo can also be combined in one trip.
Best time to visit: For Madeira, April to October is particularly appealing for outdoor activities, while the best time to visit the Azores is generally from June to September, when the weather is warmer and more settled.
Discover dedicated article: Madeira and the Azores: discover Portugal differently!
Which island getaway is right for you?
Choosing the perfect island depends on the kind of holiday you have in mind. For tropical luxury and privacy, look to the Maldives, while Langkawi or Lombok offer an easy-going island experience in a Muslim-majority setting. For beautiful beaches, plenty of activities and easy access to halal food, Phuket is another great choice.
Choose Sri Lanka for wildlife, culture and adventure, Zanzibar for a tropical escape steeped in Islamic and Swahili heritage, or Mauritius for a family-friendly combination of beaches and nature. Bali is ideal for private villas, wellness and spectacular tropical scenery.
For a European island escape, the Greek and Croatian islands are perfect for Mediterranean beaches and island-hopping, while Sicily combines seaside relaxation with fascinating Islamic heritage. Choose the Canary Islands for year-round sunshine and a classic beach holiday, or Madeira and the Azores for dramatic landscapes, hiking and outdoor adventures.
Find your perfect island getaway
With Halalbooking, it’s easy to find an island stay that matches your needs. Use our unique halal filters to search for halal food and alcohol-free options, women-only beaches, pools and spas, modest-swimwear-friendly facilities and villas with fully secluded private pools.
Travelling as a family? Our automatic multi-room options and precise total family pricing make it easier to find the right accommodation for everyone. You can also read verified reviews from halal-conscious travellers to help you choose your perfect island stay with confidence.
