The 10 best islands in the world

The Galapagos Islands are the best in the world, according to Travel and Leisure readers. Photo / Thinkstock

Fresh air, stunning landscapes, quirky fauna and good food make Tasmania a treasure, and the world's fourth best island, a leading global travel publication says.

The readers of US-based Travel and Leisure magazine and website named the southern state the number one island in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in its latest annual survey.

Readers praised Tasmania's "nearly hallucinatory" landscapes. Photo / Thinkstock

"Readers raved about this Australian state, calling it a little known treasure that's unmatched by any other island destination," it said.

The state's "nearly hallucinatory" landscapes got a mention, along with the "hyena-like" Tasmanian Devil, combining to see the Apple Isle rank ahead of contenders including the Greek island of Santorini and Hawaii's Maui.

Readers ranked islands on five criteria: natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness and value.

The Great Barrier Reef islands came in ninth.

World's best islands

1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

2. Bali, Indonesia

3. Maldives

4. Tasmania, Australia

5. Santorini, Greece

6. Moorea, French Polynesia

7. Maui, Hawaii

8. Kauai, Hawaii

9. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

10. Malta

Join the conversation on the Herald Life Facebook page

- AAP