20 Secret Islands in the World that Evoke Curiosity

(Last Updated On: April 9, 2021)

Unspoiled and remoted, hidden islands are trip bait for anybody with escapist tendencies in one of these secret islands in the world. This article will discuss 20 secret islands in the world you must love.

Protected against crowds and the stress of contemporary life, these retreats will help you develop into one with nature, absorb the native tradition, and dwell in paradise. So go forward and develop into a castaway for a day or two.

20 Secret Islands in the World

Listed here are some secret locations—from the mysterious North Atlantic to the nice and cozy waters of the Indian Ocean—the place you possibly can utterly give up to island time.

1. The Azores, Portugal

Remoted within the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores, a Portuguese island chain unknown to most Individuals, feels distant however is definitely nearer to the U.S. than every other level in Europe, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Every one of the 9 volcanic islands—from major island Sao Miguel to the tiny isle of Corvo (inhabitants: about 400)—exudes a definite character. However, the entire islands are rooted in Outdated World allure and provide loads of methods to expertise native tradition and the outside.

Really feel the spray from the world’s greatest mammals on a whale watch, hike up calderas to pristine crater lakes, or go spelunking although extinct lava tubes.

Simply be sure you make time to savor the native delicacies, which prides itself on wine, artisan-made cheeses, and seafood from the islands’ wealthy ocean waters.

2. Juist, East Frisian Islands, Germany

When serious about islands, Germany not often involves thoughts. Nonetheless, as soon as found, Juist within the North Sea sparks the creativeness, and one of the secret islands in the world.

The slender island is often known as Towerland, or “magic land,” is the longest of the East Frisian Islands at 10.5 miles and is a part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage website.

At solely 2,000 years previous, Juist is younger, geologically talking, and stays largely untouched. It needs to remain that method, too.

The one strategy to get across the car-free island is by horse and carriage or on foot, and Juist is dedicated to turning into carbon impartial by 2030.

It is also a nature lover’s paradise, with protecting sand dunes and salt marshes serving as a refuge for endangered plant species and nesting grounds for birds.

Guests can connect with the environment by strolling on lengthy stretches of sand or enjoyable with the ebb and stream of the tide whereas curled up in coated wicker seashore chairs.

Do not Miss: Thalassotherapy remedies enriched with seaweed and the North Sea water, and gradual walks on tidal mudflats.

Getting There: Simply 4 miles from the mainland, Juist is a 90-minute ferry journey from Germany’s northern coast.

3. The Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Freed from T-shirt outlets and different indicators of mass tourism, the low-key Corn Islands—Massive Corn and Little Corn—simply off Nicaragua’s Miskito Coast as soon as lured pirates and buccaneers to their shores, and one of the secret islands in the world.

In the present day, English is extensively spoken on the islands, which have been one-time British protectorates.

On Massive Corn, fish for snook and tarpon whereas listening to island tales from Captain Eddie Downs (also called “Santa Claus” presumably for his lengthy white beard).

Or, hike up Mt. Nice Tower, the island’s highest level, to seize a 360-degree view. On Little Corn, journey by means of the luxurious rainforest on horseback and pay a go to the quirky Bottle Home, constructed by the mayor with bottles discovered on the island to encourage recycling.

On each of the Corns, thatched-roof bungalows and beachfront huts value a whopping $10 to $15 per evening. The value for a chilly beer? Simply $1.50.

Do not Miss: A 400-year-old Spanish Galleon wreck, and a dive to the Blowing Rock coral formation about 100 toes under the floor.

Getting There: Fly into Managua, Nicaragua, after which hop on regional provider La Costena to Massive Corn Island; from there, you possibly can take the panga (ferry) to Little Corn Island. You may as well go native by way of “rooster bus” and scenic river boat.

4. Lummi Island, Washington

In a distant archipelago within the Pacific Northwest, Lummi Island is dwelling to extra orca whales and harbor seals than folks, and one of the secret islands in the world.

On the isle’s banks, Willows Inn is the place to remain—a cluster of seven intimate suites and eight cottages and, its crown jewel, the James Beard Award-winning restaurant run by chef Blaine Wetzel.

To create the 20-course tasting menu, the cooks flip to the island, foraging for seaweed on the shore, choosing berries off the property’s bushes and fishing the Puget Sound for Dungeness crab and Sockeye salmon (that they then roast within the smokehouse and serve in a scorching cedar field).

5. Koh Rong, Cambodia

Keep in a thatched-roof bungalow and laze away the times on Koh Rong, a part of a string of islands within the Gulf of Thailand, the place ATMs and electrical energy shall be as scarce as your sense of time, and one of the secret islands in the world.

About 15 miles from Sihanoukville, it’s the second-largest island in Cambodia, leaving loads of room for 4 small villages, lengthy stretches of untouched seashore, clear waters ideally suited for diving and snorkeling, and dense inside jungle of virgin forest.

Trek by means of the island on hidden trails or rent a local fishing boat to take you round Koh Rong or to different surrounding islands. {Couples} discover serenity at resorts alongside the seashore, whereas backpackers and divers are likely to cluster close to villages, staying in additional laid-back visitor homes.

Irrespective of the place they keep, guests will get to expertise an island that is still pristine and practically undeveloped—no less than for now.

With a bevy of vacationer infrastructure enhancements on the horizon, Koh Rong is more likely to get seen within the coming years.

Do not Miss: Swimming at evening in bioluminescent waters, with phosphorescent plankton that sparkle and glow when disturbed by motion.

Getting There: Koh Rong is accessible by way of a two-hour ferry journey from Sihanoukville.

6. San Andres, Colombia

Need the old-school Caribbean with out all of the resorts and glamour? Then San Andres could be for you, and one of the secret islands in the world.

A part of an island chain within the Caribbean Sea about 435 miles from the Colombian mainland, San Andres boasts a wealthy native Raizel tradition with English, Dutch, African, and Spanish influences. Locals, particularly within the small village of La Loma, nonetheless converse in Creole and preserve traditions similar to making handicrafts from coconut and totumo wooden.

The favorite island dish? Rondon, a stew made with fish, yucca, plantains, and dumplings (or “domplines”), all simmered in coconut milk.

The outside is the principle draw for vacationers, although. On land, guests can circle the island by scooter, whereas stopping to discover hidden coves or really feel the sway of coconut palms.

San Andres’ seahorse form hints at what lies beneath its waters: a fish-filled coral reef that’s a part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Do not Miss: Johnny Cay, a small islet with a pure aquarium for snorkeling plus a white-sand seashore that pulses to the beat of reggae music.

Getting There: Fly from Bogota or Cartagena (on airways similar to Copa and Avianca) to San Andres’ airport.

7. Holbox Island, Mexico

Off the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, this secluded strand is a three-hour ferry from Cancún’s crowded shores, however, it feels a world away, and one of the secret islands in the world.

The car-free island is all about embracing a low-key, boho-barefoot vibe. For the last word R&R, test into CasaSandra Boutique Resort, which has breezy palapa-roofed casitas with hammocks and a seafood-heavy (learn: numerous ceviche!) Mexican-Caribbean restaurant.

8. Desroches Island, Seychelles

In case your concept of paradise is having an island all to your self then look no additional than Desroches, a 40-minute flight from Mahé, the capital of Seychelles, and one of the secret islands in the world.

The island is distant—there are not any eating places or outlets, and nearly no different human in sight—aside from the only real 5-star resort, in fact.

Bunk down in your personal sprawling villa, which overlooks 9 miles of white-sand seaside and has its personal tropical backyard and plunge pool. Not precisely roughing it, in the event you ask us.

9. Côn So’n, Vietnam

The biggest of a 16-island archipelago, Côn So’n stays tremendous under-the-radar—regardless of being simply an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Right here, it is all concerning the untouched nature (image: craggy granite cliffs, windswept sands, turquoise waters).

And whereas there are no outlets or bars, the luxe Six Senses supplies over-the-top perks to maintain you occupied.

We’re speaking private butlers, a serene spa and even personal guides who provides you with a tour of the island’s hilltop lighthouse and crystal-clear lagoons.

10. Chiloe, Chile

The Chilean archipelago of Chiloe, close to Puerto Montt on the northern fringe of Patagonia, beckons with misty landscapes and historical lore, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Native Chilotes, recognized for his or her hospitality, will stir your creativeness with tales of witches and ghost ships.

The most important island, Isla Grande de Chiloe, is dwelling to seaside villages lined with colorful palafitos, picket homes on stilts, and dozens of shingled church buildings. And though Charles Darwin spent a while right here, many vacationers haven’t.

The nationwide park on the island’s western edge stays untouched, with miles of seashores and temperate rainforest and huge stretches of rolling farmland and forest, all of which make Chiloe a great spot for geotourism and agritourism.

On the water, sail or kayak across the different islands, and spot penguins nesting within the colony that’s dwelling to each Magellanic and Humboldt species, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Do not Miss: Curanto, a standard dish made with seafood, meat, and potatoes which are coated in nalca (Chilean rhubarb) leaves and steamed over sizzling stones underground.

Getting There: Flights to Chiloe on LAN Airways depart from Santiago, with a stopover in Puerto Montt. Ferries from Puerto Montt are additionally obtainable.

11. Lord Howe Island, Australia

With no cell-phone reception and a 15-mile-per-hour velocity restrict (for the few allowed automobiles), Lord Howe Island, off the eastern coast of New South Wales, epitomizes island time in Australia, and one of the secret islands in the world.

It is a quick bike journey throughout this seven-mile-long island, so you will have loads of time for snorkeling at Erscott’s Gap or hand-feeding massive fish at Ned’s Seashore.

The remoted volcanic island is situated on the crossroads of 5 main ocean currents, and as dwelling to the world’s southernmost barrier coral reef, it is a diver’s haven, boasting greater than 90 species of coral and 500 species of tropical fish.

It is also Australia’s prime bird-watching vacation spot, with breeding grounds for colonies of endemic uncommon birds such as the Windfall Petrel and the flightless Lord Howe Island Woodhen.

As a result of its near-virgin forest and biodiversity that rivals the Galapagos, Lord Howe is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage website, and 75 p.c of the island is preserved.

Do not Miss: Mountain climbing treks on Mt. Gower, Lord Howe’s highest peak at practically 2,900 toes, the place you possibly can spot uncommon wildlife and catch views of the whole island.

Getting There: Regional airline QantasLink flies from Sydney or Brisbane to Lord Howe in slightly below two hours

12. Summer Isles, Scotland

A restaurant. A put up workplace. And a handful of comfortable vacation cottages. What extra do you want if you really wish to get away?

Within the Summer Isles, a little-known archipelago of largely abandoned islands within the Scottish Highlands, crowds and fashionable life is out and rugged coastlines and pristine seashores are in, and one of the secret islands in the world.

The biggest and solely inhabited isle, Tanera Mor, presents the one little bit of civilization whereas nonetheless feeling distant.

The isle does not have roads and it might probably accommodate greater than 35 individuals, however, what it does have are a whole bunch of acres of bogs and peat-covered slopes, ample wildlife, and loads of inspiration for aspiring artists and writers.

If a brief keep is not sufficient, contemplate the function of the island keeper. Rumor has it that Tanera Mor is up on the market.

Do not Miss: Wilderness Scotland’s tenting and guided sea-kayak excursions; on the latter, you will circumnavigate Tanera Mor, then paddle north to Eilean Flada Mor, recognizing dolphins and passing a seal colony alongside the way in which.

Getting There: From Inverness—which is related to the remainder of the U.Ok. by rail, bus, and air—drive or bus by means of the scenic Highlands to Achiltibuie or Ullapool, then choose up a ship to Tanera Mor.

13. Isle au Haut, Maine

“You can‘t get there from right here” is a standard phrase in Maine. And for hidden locales like Isle au Haut that wish to stay secret, that is a superb factor, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Positioned 17 miles off Maine’s rocky coast, the Penobscot Bay retreat is a quiet place to land, a spot the place greater than half of the island (about 2,700 acres) is protected as a part of Acadia Nationwide Park. James Kaiser, writer of Acadia:

The Full Information, says, “Because of its distant location, Isle au Haut is the right place to soak within the gradual tempo of Maine island life.

Even in July and August, when a lot of the coast is teeming with vacationers, Isle au Haut feels delightfully untouched.”

The small variety of guests (solely about 7,000 yearly) can camp in a single day at Duck Harbor or come only for the day to take a scenic lighthouse cruise across the bay, lobster with native lobstermen, sea kayak, and stroll on among the 18 miles of climbing trails.

Do not Miss: A keep at The Keeper’s Home Inn, a working lighthouse listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

Getting There: Isle au Haut is accessible by way of a dependable mail boat that provides day by day service year-round from the mainland city of Stonington.

14. Ibo Island, Mozambique

Arab buying and selling posts. Portuguese fortifications, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Pirates and prisoners. Intrigued but? Ibo Island in northern Mozambique might have a storied previous, however, it’s nonetheless largely undiscovered by a lot of the fashionable world.

A part of the Quirimbas Archipelago within the Indian Ocean, the island shifted from Arab to Portuguese rule till Mozambique gained independence in 1975.

Arab influences are nonetheless evident in dhows (handmade picket sailboats) now used for island-hopping and in silver filigree jewelry crafted by generations of expert artists.

In relation to meals, Portuguese tradition shines; highlights embrace paozinho (a sort of roll), cassava-leaf pesto, and dishes spiced with piri-piri pepper sauce. There was little or no island growth because the Portuguese ended their 500-year stint.

Now, the principle vacationer attracts and facilities for the native financial system are the unspoiled reefs and mangrove lagoons stuffed with the likes of crimson snapper, barracuda, and different tropical fish.

A part of Quirimbas Nationwide Park, these coastal areas stay protected by means of conservation efforts.

Do not Miss: A keep at Ibo Island Lodge, an opulent retreat set in three restored colonial mansions.

Getting There: Fly from African cities together with Johannesburg to Pemba Airport, the place you will clear Mozambican customs, then take a brief hop to Ibo’s airstrip.

15. Montserrat, Caribbean Islands

Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for each its lush tropical forests and its ties to Eire, Montserrat is likely one of the smallest islands within the Caribbean, and one of the secret islands in the world.

On arrival, you’ll obtain a shamrock-shaped passport stamp, and also you’ll discover that the nation’s flag and nationwide costume are the identical inexperienced, orange, and white as Eire.

Montserrat measures about 10 miles lengthy and seven miles extensive, and is dwelling to about 5,000 inhabitants.

Montserrat’s inhabitants and tourism trade were severely impacted by a serious eruption of the beforehand dormant Soufriere Hills volcano in 1995, which displaced many residents and decimated components of the island. Now, the energetic volcano attracts in vacationers seeking to safely see a volcano from afar.

16. Skopelos, Greece

Santorini. Mykonos. Crete. Greece is dwelling to 227 inhabited islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas, but these three steal the highlight each time, and one of the secret islands in the world.

However Skopelos, simply an hour ferry trip from Skiathos, is an equally stunning and fewer crowded various with an unspoiled shoreline, charming blue-roofed tavernas, and Byzantine-era monasteries.

Lease a non-public villa with terraces overlooking the cerulean Aegean at Adrina Resort & Spa (belief us, you’ll by no means need to go away).

The terracotta-tiled buildings in Skopelos City home romantic backyard eating places like Perivoli and Anatolia, the place locals come to take heed to reside rebetika music.

On the northwest tip of the island, the quaint village of Glossa affords the most effective water vistas, particularly at Agnanti, whose cliffside deck is the right spot for Greek classics like kleftiko (leg of lamb) and stifado (beef stew).

17. Scrub Island, BVI

Do not let the title idiot you—this small inlet close to Tortola is as lush and dreamy as islands get. Till a couple of years in the past, it was uninhabited and comparatively undiscovered, and one of the secret islands in the world.

However that each one modified when Scrub Island Resort, an Autograph Assortment opened its doorways.

That includes three personal seashores, a dive store, a marina, and an award-winning spa, the property has all the trimmings of a quintessential tropical escape.

Bliss out with the island rock therapeutic massage in an open-air pavilion overlooking the Caribbean.

18. Culebra, Puerto Rico

For those who’re trying to keep away from a long-haul flight to your subsequent unique island escape, Culebra is the ticket, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Whereas its sister, Vieques, grabs all the eye, we love Culebra for its laid-back ethos, 10 untouched seashores, lush wildlife preserves, and the tiny central city of Dewey.

The canary-yellow cottages at Membership Seabourne are our crash pad of alternative. From there, you’ll be able to hit the crescent-shaped shore of Playa Flamenco to snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish, earlier than lunch at one of many beachfront shacks that serve standout

Puerto Rican avenue meals like pinches, hen kebabs and alcapurrias (fried plantain full of crab or beef).

Or attempt Zaco’s Tacos, which dishes up imply pork stomach, seared tuna and carne asada tacos alongside hibiscus margaritas.

19. Jicaro Island, Nicaragua

If there has been a spot to unplug, unwind and get off the grid solely, it’d be Jicaro—a tiny isle in the course of Lake Nicaragua, 10 minutes outdoors Grenada, and one of the secret islands in the world.

There’s not a single TV set on the complete island and also you’d be hard-pressed to discover a WiFi sign, however, there are greater than sufficient points of interest to maintain you busy.

Paddle out to the encompassing freshwater lake to identify howler monkeys, lake turtles and lots of space’s 87 fowl species (don’t neglect your binoculars!).

Or, for an extra adrenaline-filled tour, zip line by the jungle cover at 100 ft above the forest flooring.

If you’re prepared for a break, retreat to Jicaro Island Ecolodge, which has sustainability excursions, lakeside yoga courses, and an uber-organic restaurant with elements sourced from its personal backyard.

20. Desert Islands, UAE

For vacationers, craving one thing totally different for his or her subsequent island escape, contemplate the Desert Islands within the UAE, and one of the secret islands in the world.

Set 150 miles east of Abu Dhabi, these Arabian Gulf islands can simply compete with these of Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.

Make the Anantara on Sir Bani Yas your basecamp, with its 64 Arabian-chic rooms, and discover the wadis (dry river beds) and mangroves surrounding the grounds.

You’ll shortly discover the world is filled with surprises, from the colorful reef the place you’ll be able to snorkel to the resident flamingos (which may be seen on a sport drive by a close-by wildlife park).

Simply make sure that to not go to in the summertime, when temps usually hit a sweltering 130 levels.

Other Recommended Reading

About Me

Dashy