By Catherine Eade for MailOnline

Published: 02:54 EST, 4 September 2014 | Updated: 10:26 EST, 4 September 2014

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What do you love about travel? Which is your favourite country in the world? And of all the islands in the world, which is the most beautiful?

Some seem like paradise on earth with white sand and shimmering turquoise waters. Some still have vast areas that are practically deserted while others hum with the life of residents and year-round tourists. All are beautiful in their own way.

It's a hard task but the readers of Cond Nast Traveller have managed to pick their favourites and the results show the Balearic Islands have relinquished the top spot to make way forThe Maldives - last year's third placed destination.

This group of around 1,200 small coral islands in the Indian ocean achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1965, and The Maldives has long been seen as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

Remaining steadfastly at number two are the Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea. The ideal climate, safe waters and small distances between ports and coasts have made the Greek islands extremely popular amongst travellers.

Original post:

Conde Nast Traveller reveals the 10 most stunning islands in the world