La Isla Bonita by Madonna

Album: True Blue (1986)

Charted: 1 4

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

"La Isla Bonita" means "The Beautiful Island" in Spanish. In the song, Madonna sings about the beautiful island of San Pedro, where she longs to be.

San Pedro is not a real island. In a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna said, "I don't know where that came from. I don't know where San Pedro is. At that point, I wasn't a person who went on holidays to beautiful islands. I may have been on the way to the studio and seen an exit ramp for San Pedro."

It's not the only hit song named after a made-up place: "China Grove" and "Kokomo" are others.
This song provided yet another look and sound for Madonna, as it has a Latin theme. In an interview with the New York Times, she called the song, "A tribute to the beauty and mystery of Latin American people."
The song was written by producer Patrick Leonard and guitarist Bruce Gaitsch. Leonard offered it to Michael Jackson, but Jackson claimed he didn't like the title and turned down the song. Leonard then offered it to Madonna, who rewrote some of the lyrics in her style. Leonard worked with Madonna on many of her other hits including: "Live To Tell," "Who's That Girl," "The Look Of Love," "Like A Prayer," "Cherish," "Oh, Father," "Frozen" and "Nothing Really Matters."

Leonard produced the song with Madonna, played keyboards on the track and did the drum programing. Bruce Gaitsch played the guitars, both Spanish and acoustic.
Madonna was a hit-making machine when "La Isla Bonita" was released on her third album, True Blue, in 1986. The album was the follow-up to her culture-shifting Like A Virgin, which was issued in 1984 and was cranking out singles into 1985.

The first two singles from True Blue were the ballad "Live To Tell" and the somewhat controversial "Papa Don't Preach," where Madonna plays the part of a young woman pressured to get an abortion. Both songs were #1 hits in the summer of 1986. The next single was the title track, followed by another #1 hit, "Open Your Heart," which hit the top spot in February 1987. "La Isla Bonita" was the fifth and final single from the album, peaking at #4 in May 1987.

In the '80s, Madonna didn't let up, keeping a fresh supply of music coming with lots of different looks and styles. She was also an actress, and in the summer of 1987 starred in the film Who's That Girl. She also sang the title song, another #1 hit. Like "La Isla Bonita," that one includes some Spanish. In the chorus, Madonna sings the title in Spanish: "Quien es esta nina?"
In the music video, Madonna plays dual roles as a devout Catholic woman and a vibrant flamenco dancer who really loves candles. The action takes place not on a tropical island but in Los Angeles. Madonna had a very busy schedule that made it hard to shoot at exotic locales.

The video was directed by Mary Lambert, who also helmed Madonna's "Borderline" and "Like A Prayer" videos.
"La Isla Bonita" is Madonna's most-memed song, showing up in scads of TikTok videos, often to create a carefree island vibe. Thanks to all those memes, the song found a huge audience with Gen Z that made it one of her most heavily streamed songs even though it was far from her biggest hit.
On April 21, 2025, the "La Isla Bonita" video crossed a billion views on YouTube, almost doubling the 531 million for her next closest video, "Hung Up."

If you asked fans who grew up with Madonna which of her videos would be the first to cross the billion mark, classics like "Material Girl," "Vogue" or "Ray Of Light" would come to mind, as would controversial clips like "Like A Prayer" and "Justify My Love,"
but "La Isla Bonita" has tremendous multigenerational global appeal that pushed the counter.

Comments: 41

George Pope from Vancouver, CanadaOne of my favourite Madonna songs -- a lovely melody, carrying well with the lyrical words. . . Sure makes me wish I was on this lovely Caribbean island, on the beach, just chillin' with the radio playing. . .
Michael Angelo Selvatico from MassachusettsBeautiful song and great Spanish guitar. Though Madonna is not as much known for her guitar like singing and dancing.there is only three or four cords in the A minor
Great earworm
Sarah from UsaI heard this song on the radio last week and I love it! It reminds me of Antonio Banderas for some reason. also helps me fall asleep but i really dont know why
NunyaThis song is about LATINOS from latin america, not spaniards. People in the comment section need to stop confusing the two.
Ilcaccilo from PortugalStingray Music is right, the lyrics are plain ridiculous, it's a song that mixes "Spanish Lullabies" that are from Spain in Europe, with "Tropical Breezes" that are from the tropics far from Europe, and then although all the lyrics are spanish oriented, even has words in spanish they went on to mix this mess with Samba that is Brazilian where people speak Portuguese and have no connection whatsoever to Spanish culture or vibe. It's just a huge mess thrown together that ignorant people in the US and UK, the same people that don't even know where Spain or Brazil is on a map, wouldn't care and actually maybe even defend that people in Spain celebrate with Samba. Ignorant lyrics for ignorant people
Marilyn Lugay from Oranjestad, ArubaFact: the real San Pedro has never stood up to claim it.
Marilyn Lugay from Oranjestad, ArubaStingray Music ... bla bla bla:: Dont insult the song because you know nothing. The only reason Madonna sings about a Spanish boy and talks about Samba is because first of all only the boy is quite "Spanish". Two: Madonna only sang the word Samba because internationally It would be understood as Carnival music.
Thank You. Stingray (Etc.):: in the end Madonna sent a message to "the girl" "El dijo que te ama" which means: "He said that he loves you"
Stingray Music Sucks Xm Rules from UsaMusically no issues to complain about. Lyrically this song is a mess. First a reference to Samba which is Brazilian not Spanish. I know it's a tribute to Latin people or whatever, but mixing Spanish and Brazilian musical references is jarring. Also, "when it's time for siesta", which is a nap when sun is hottest, "you can watch them go by"? Them? Who? People? Why would a guitar "lullaby" sting your eyes? Then the part, "he called to me te dijo te amo" is redundant, literally meaning he called to me he loved you. The songwriters should have had a real Latino proof the lyrics first back in 1986!
Adrian from Johor Bahru, MalaysiaWhen the song was first released, I thought it was sung by Gloria Estefan.
Tephany from Sanpedro , BelizeI am from Belize and there is indeed a island Sanpedro. I live there and its the heart and soul of tourism in Belize and it very beautiful n fill with the friendliest Belizean people.
Swastik from Dharan, NepalNice song with best symphony and good vidio
Ivy from San Pedro, Belize[...i love this song because i live in an island named san pedro and it has alot in common with the lyrics and it is located on belize, i grew up here and for me it's paradise walking on the white sand and ridding in golf carts etc...
Keith from London, United KingdomMarilyn, why do you not think the song was co-written by Patrick Leonard. He's told you so? Because if not then you have no leg to stand on. Heard of defamation? Libel anyone? "True Blue" was the first of her albums that Madonna released any songs co-written with Patrick Leonard not the "last" as you seem to think. So it's quite possible that he wrote the song either as intended for Michael Jackson or later he thought it would be suitable for him. Whether Michael Jackson turned down the song or Madonna came across it and added her touch and requested to record it doesn't matter - Madonna did record it. And as for your interpretation of the lyrics ... pfft. The "girl" can quite easily be Madonna - don't know if you've actually read much literature or listened to much music but it's quite common to describe oneself in the third person. It varies the perspective and adds dimension. As for San Pedro and La Isla Bonita being real places, what does it matter? As people have already stated, they can have literal translations: la isla bonita could be ANY island. And San Pedro could have been picked out of the ether simply because it fitted. And why should Madonna comment on the song? She doesn't have to explain herself, actions, art, music ... to anyone - if she does then that's an added gift.
Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnMadonna performs this song in many of her concerts, it's quite beautiful.
Logan from San Pedro, BelizeAmbergris Caye used to be a peninsula until the Maya Indians dug a channel out about 1000 years ago. It is indeed an island as it is surronded completely by water. Madonna visited sometime around 1982. San Pedo is the town on the island. The people there have eyes like the desert, like my wife Rhiannon. It is still very quiet, but has built up considerably since Madonna's visit. We do drive golf carts as it is a very small place and the golf carts work. It is actually a nice touch. Look it up and you will see.
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherIronic though....So many [more intelligent?] hahaha not an argue, people are way more "Ahead": than the majority or better said flat out IGONRANT people. Thank you, one from Amsterdam, Netherlands. YES, we are Dutch. Strongly tied with the USA. If I could be Even Clearer [hhhhhhhh] Madonna "never really commented on This Song. She "CALLED" it: A tribute to the "latin" community. Now, voor wat mij betreft denken of vinden sommige LAtijnse : read "Spanish" islands/latin [community] people dat het idee, SORRY, forgive me. Now I'm speaking dutch. That is just the thing with Aruba, we speak at least four languages. Now what was my point again??? Nee hoor,..dan zou ik het maar op m'n Space gaan bekijken...
AS In : Stupid people, go to www.myspace.com/marilyn_lugay...well you Might discover a thing or two there, if you had wished. It would've been great if someone Else felt the need to lay down a comment here. If it makes sense, ok. If it makes no freaking sense, well...its up to you. Not only me,...obviously. More like Me and MADONNA have been sick of the conveniently or better said ignorantly placed comments. Now if you'll excuse me,.. I'm cheking out for today.
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherDaniel,.: I agree, almost totally. But that is just how this world is; al about competition, who is the best; and now it seems, more "holy" or better put: Closer to God/heaven.
A funny fact is that the island in reference isn't even quit close to a "Latin" island; yet it is of course much more strongly dedicated to the "Latin" as in Caribbean/Spanish/Portuguese/Brazillian...anyway.So true. I've been to Puerto Rico: two times. I know,...the video 'seems' much like this country. Yet, what many people dont know [i guess much more than this]...is that the island in reference as in the "boy"/culture/community sense is STRONGLY a reference to The Dominican Republic. Yet also Portuguese...a mix. I guess the song must be much more about one island. Let me say this FLAT OUT. The island is [obviously] ARUBA. If that is yet not clear i wouldn't know what is. I could refer to all the clues, "San Pedro"= Saint of Justice. The Confessions Tour video to not say straight out shows images of "this island" /another great "evidence" are the fire works at the end...Well you could have asked ME why. HAha, really, I guess the song must have been about a concrete:[read, LIVING Boy and GIRL. And this is the point where I become CYNICAL. Forgive me, I am an American. Maybe that fact might make some things clear...Enough WITH THIS. what about Ray of light or frozen? EVER HEARD THE SONG "MER GIRL" Excuse my "sympathy".
Daniel from Rio De Janeiro, BrazilC'mon.
Obviously THERE IS a real "San Pedro"
and Obviously², the song IS NOT about that island!
Since it's a latin-themed song about an island, Patrick Leonard just picked a nice name in Spanish (even more accurate choice of picking a name with Catholic reference, a direct link to Latin America's catholic heritage and tradition.

It's about PRETTY MUCH ANY Caribbean/Latin Am. island, not just the particular one in Belize! If you'd ask me, I think he had more Puerto Rico in mind than Belize, he just didn't want to make it that obvious.
Justin from Kissimmee, Flim purto rican and i feel the song reprsents puerto rico now thats just me and in the video there dancing salsa and that im sure is not common in san pedro and in fact i have been to other site wich claim the dancer were infact puerto rican now if you narrow it down there only a couple of islands that are know for the origins of salsa one major is cuba and puerto rico but its a shame that my latin community cant just accept it as its a song to all latin islands. were the same were all hispanic and if you feel the song is for your island i think thats awesome . just lets embrace it as a tribute to the latin communty and stop arguing with or latin brothers and sister over specifics
Mary from Belize City, United StatesSan Pedro is an island! I'm from Belize, I've been there many times. We have over two hundred islands. If it streches out from a mainland, which mainland? It's not connected to anything else.
Roberto from Amsterdam, NetherlandsTake a peek at www.islabonita.com
San Pedro is situated in San Andres y Sauces.

Frankly, San Pedro island is nice, but not really special, San Miguel de la Palma(as it is officially called), certainly is.
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherHereby I would like to make clear that the opening sentence of my first comment was much more geared towards making a point OTHER than some kind of negative convincing on Mr. Patrick Leonard (whom I don't even personally know..) or his role in this song or any of all the other songs...I believe for him what I mostly have is respect [and intrigue]. This is neither a reaction to anyone in particular and/or anyone who would've felt the need to twist the sound of my first statement but to clarify... as there seems to be so much yet in need of clarification My argue is neither whether there really exists such geographic location that would've conveniently/commercially gotten the name of "San Pedro"...?(I don't know) Or is it pure coincidence. I just thought it was the right time to wake some people up. 'Help Madonna' with the message she's been going DECADES proclaiming. I am not even going to comment though on "Ray of Light" and "Frozen". Let alone "Like a Prayer".
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., Other*between those brackets I wrote "I'm going to tell you a secret"...I don't know why it didn't appear...anyway
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., Other"La Isla Bonita"...might leave some people wondering about the meaning/importance of the island or the girl. Well, it was certainly not the last time Madonna sang about "the girl". See "Ray of Light", "Frozen", "Live to Tell", "Lucky Star" for example...and, has anyone seen <>? I say it will all come down to that. And watch the Confessions tour, especially "Live to Tell" and "Future Lovers"...,
Mer.
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherDriving golf carts on sandy streets?? In what time are these people living..?Hahaha Mosquitos? Damn I can't stand those. But I guess for some paradise is hard to find...
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherMadonna has never really commented on this song...Ghee, I wonder why.
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherAs if I felt I would have to persist, "Liquid Len" (and countless others): I have never been to any UFO island, could clearly figure out the power of Madonna having grown up in the 90's and new millenium (and not the 80's) just by reading the illusion she created for the "poor place" (actually, I have been to Belize, but hell no "San Pedro".)
Maybe the video of La Isla Bonita, Confessions Tour might offer some insightful details about the Beautiful Island...
Dave from Cardiff, WalesLiquid Len - "Standard 80s Caribbean flavoured pop"? What do you mean by that? I don't remember many other Carribean-inspired pop songs of that era!
Rhiannon from Seminole, FlLa isla Bonita is obviously about a beautiful island and it is about ambergrise caye which is located in belize. Sanpedro is not a "peninsula", it is an Island off the cost of Belize and it DOES exist. This is where "temptation island" was filmed too. I know all this Because i was raised in sanepdro for 13 years. So for all of you who said it doesnt exist, get your geography straight!!!!
Guy from Woodinville, WaI have actually been to La Isla Bonita! It is indeed Ambergris Caye, off Belize. People do drive the sandy streets in golf carts. (Ours broke down and we had to take refuge from the mosquito hordes at a nearby resort.) I definitely believe that this lovely island, with its white sand beaches and azure waters, inspired the lyrics of the song.
Vickie from Sydney, AustraliaI believe "La Isla Bonita" meant "The Pretty Island". Same meaning though.
Liquid Len from Ottawa, CanadaNot a bad song overall, nothing special either. Standard 80s Caribbean flavoured pop. Marilyn, if you're very insulted because you don't want to believe the song was written by the people it's credited to, I can offer you sympathy but not much else.
Marilyn from Oranjestad, Aruba., OtherI really do not believe that this song would originally be written by Patrick Leonard; who has worked with Madonna for ages. And that he would want to sell out this song to Michael Jackson....or was La Isla Bonita then the last song of which Madonna collaborated with Patrick Leonard??
La isla Bonita is Spanish for: The beautiful island. That is the true translation American people. It is true: unlike the fanfare I now find out about, San Pedro means Saint Peter (the saint of justice) and is much rather a symbollic reference to the island. Madonna sings about the girl (again): "Last night I dreamed of San Pedro. Just like I'd never gone, I knew the song... young girl with eyes like the desert..."
She humbally expresses her love for an island she had never been to: "Just like I'd never gone, I knew the song." It is truly insulting when certain ignorant people offer their marvelously foolish explanations,....truly.

Marilyn Lugay, 21, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean.
James from Gatineau, CanadaLa Isla Bonita is the pet name for "San Pedro" also known as Ambergris Caye located in Belize, Central America. It's is not in fact an island, but a peninsula that stretches out far from the main land.
Yes it exists, a friend of mine vacationed there 2 years ago.
To give you an idea, people drive in golf carts on sand streets. San Pedro has a small population and it's main industry is tourism in terms of fishing and scubadiving. As proof look up Ambergris Caye in Google and you will find it does in fact exist.

As to Madonna's purpose in describing why she longs to be there, I think it's clear. She had a wonderful experience there.
Dave from Cardiff, WalesRap diva Deetah sampled this on her 1999 hit "El Paradiso Rico"
Dave from Cardiff, WalesBeautiful song this one, one of the few Madonna songs I like. So joyous and uplifting, so summery, and yet so poignant and pensive at the same time... The line in the bridge of the song that goes "Where a girl loves a boy and a boy, a boy loves a girl" - could that line have perhaps been a tongue-in-cheek remark summing her dissatisfaction with her two high-profile but ill-fated celebrity romances up to that point?
Sharifa from Toronto, OhAfter just having returned from San Pedro- I gotta tell you it is in fact a real place- and just as beautiful as she describes! And yes "beautiful island" is the translation, not good island :)
Donna from Rutherford, NjLast night I dreamed of some bagels....yes I thought the line in the song was this........
Curtis from Cornwall On Hudson , Ny"San Pedro is not a real island." Don't tell the people of Belize this! They believe that their island of San Pedro (off the coast of Belize City) exists!!!! ...they even offer ferry rides out there. I never saw it, so I'm on the fence about the matter...kinda like UFOs...
Ekristheh from Halath, United StatesIt's "beautiful little island".
Sunset from London, United StatesActually LA ISLA BONITA, means BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. It has nothing to do with GOOD ISLAND.
Talita, Lima, Peru

see more comments

More Songfacts:

All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

"All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey was the first ringtone certified Gold.

Body and SoulLibby Holman

When Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse's version of "Body and Soul" made the Hot 100 in 2011, Bennett became, at age 85, the oldest living artist to make that chart.

Rhythm NationJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" was inspired by the tribes that came together at New York dance clubs.

Blank SpaceTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift became the first woman in the history of the Hot 100 to succeed herself at #1 when "Blank Space" dethroned her previous single, "Shake It Off," from the top spot in 2014.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper came up with the title "Time After Time" when she saw it in TV Guide magazine. It's the name of a 1979 movie about a man who invents a time machine.

Save MeAimee Mann

Aimee Mann's "Save Me" was inspired by her relationship with the actor Dave Foley, who had gone through a divorce and was an emotional train wreck.