Just the word ‘island’ is dreamy, conjuring images of clear water, palm trees, soft breezes and even softer sands. In many cases the reality is equal to the dream. In some, it even surpasses it. There are volcanic islands with black beaches, lesser-known Caribbean gems with pink sand and storybook animals, and landmasses dedicated to wildlife, where humans rarely tread. From islets scattered just off the coast to far-flung gems in remote locations around the globe, these are some of the world’s most beautiful small islands.