This Country Was Just Named No. 1 for Island Hopping for Its Affordable Travel, 6,000 Islands, and Pristine Waters

If staying put just isn’t your travel style, then island hopping is for you. And one country came out on top as the best spot in the world for bouncing from beach to beach.

With more than 6,000 different inhabited islands to explore, Indonesia was ranked the world’s best island-hopping destination, according to a study from tour company Island Hopping that was shared with Travel + Leisure. The Southeast Asian country boasted some of the cheapest ferry fares (with an average price of just $9.90) as well as access to inexpensive meals (the average price for two was $16.38). Indonesia also has a lot for travelers to do with more than 45,000 different attractions and tours on offer.

And travelers are taking notice: in 2024, the country attracted 13.9 million visitors, according to the study.

“Island-hopping offers travelers a unique way to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation, exploring multiple destinations in a single trip,” a spokesperson for the tour company said in a statement shared with T+L. “With diverse climates, landscapes, and experiences, it’s one of the most immersive ways to discover new places while enjoying flexibility, affordability, and unforgettable memories.”

Beyond Indonesia, the Philippines came in second on the list. While the country features just 2,000 inhabited islands, the beachy paradise had fewer visitors (just 5.44 million in 2024). It was also an inexpensive destination with the average cost of ferries coming in at just $14.20 and the average price of a meal for two costing just $21.60.

That was followed by Thailand, T+L’s Destination of the Year for 2025. The country may have the most expensive ferries in the study ($45), but was also home to a high number of attractions and tours (more than 33,000), making it a desired location for travelers.

China and South Korea rounded out the top five.

Croatiawhich came in at No. 6 overall on the list, was the top island hopping country in Europe. Its 48 breathtaking islands boast incredible history, pristine water, and even underwater wineries. It also won’t break the bank to get around since the average price of a ferry was just $14, but travelers should budget for dinner since the average cost of a meal for two was one of the highest on the list at $64.04.

Famed for la dolce vita, Italy has amazing and underrated islands to explore. However, the country, which came in ninth on the list overall, was the most expensive destination to eat: a meal for two will set you back an average of $74.03.