15 Curiosity-Inspiring Secret Islands
Unspoiled and secluded, hidden islands are trip bait for anybody with escapist inclinations who wants to get away from it all on one of the world’s secret islands. This post will highlight 20 undiscovered islands throughout the globe that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
These retreats, which are shielded from the throngs of people and the stresses of modern life, will assist you in being one with nature, absorbing indigenous culture, and living in paradise. So go ahead and transform yourself into a castaway for a day or two.
15 Undiscovered Islands Around the World
Here are several hidden gems, ranging from the secretive North Atlantic to the warm and inviting seas of the Indian Ocean, where you may completely surrender to the rhythms of island life.
1. The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago
A Portuguese island chain located in the North Atlantic Ocean that is unknown to the majority of people, the Azores is a remote location that seems far away but is really closer to the United States than any other point in Europe, making it one of the world’s most hidden islands.
All nine volcanic islands—from the big island of Sao Miguel to the small isle of Corvo (population: 400)—have a distinct personality that distinguishes them from one another. The whole archipelago, on the other hand, is steeped in Old World enchantment and offers a plethora of opportunities to experience local customs and the outdoors.
Exploring extinct lava tubes or hiking up calderas to see pristine crater lakes are just a few of the things you may do on a whale-watching excursion.
Simply ensure that you set aside time to sample the local delights, which include wine, artisanal cheeses, and seafood sourced from the islands’ abundant ocean waters.
The East Frisian Islands, Germany, are number two on the list.
When it comes to islands, Germany isn’t usually the first country that comes to mind. However, once discovered, Juist in the North Sea serves as a source of inspiration and is considered to be one of the world’s most mysterious islands.
As the longest of the East Frisian Islands at 10.5 miles, Towerland is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is included in the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also known as Towerland, or “wonder land.”
Juist is geologically younger than the rest of the world, having been around for just 2,000 years. He has also remained relatively unchanged. It must continue to be used in this manner.
One of the few ways to travel about the car-free island is by horse and carriage or on foot, and Juist is committed to become carbon neutral by the year 2030.
A naturalist’s dream, with protected sand dunes and salt marshes that serve as a haven for endangered plant species and bird nesting sites.
Guests may interact with the nature by walking along long expanses of beach or by taking pleasure in the ebb and flow of the tide while curled up in covered wicker seaside chairs, among other activities.
Avoid missing out on thalassotherapy treatments that are enriched with seaweed and North Sea water, as well as gentle walks on tidal mudflats!
How to Get There: Juist is just 4 miles from the German mainland and can be reached by boat in 90 minutes from the country’s northern shore.
Nicaragua’s Corn Islands are number three on the list.
The low-key Corn Islands—Massive Corn and Little Corn—off the coast of Nicaragua’s Miskito Coast, away from T-shirt shops and other signs of mass tourism, were once a haven for pirates and buccaneers and are now considered one of the world’s most hidden islands.
At now, English is widely spoken in the islands, which were formerly British protectorates, and is widely understood.
On the island of Massive Corn, you may go fishing for snook and tarpon while listening to Captain Eddie Downs (also known as “Santa Claus” because of his long white beard) tell you about the island.
Alternatively, climb to the top of Mt. Nice Tower, the highest point on the island, for a panoramic view of the whole island. On Little Corn, take a horseback ride through the lush jungle and pay a visit to the unique Bottle Home, which was built by the island’s mayor out of bottles he found while recycling on the island.
Every night on each of the Corn Islands, thatched-roof bungalows and seaside cottages are worth between $10 and $15 per person. What is the monetary worth of a cold beer? It’s only $1.50.
Must-see dives include the Spanish Galleon wreck, which dates back 400 years, and the Blowing Rock coral formation, which is around 100 feet below the surface of the water.
Getting There: Fly into Managua, Nicaragua, and then take a local bus (La Costena) to Massive Corn Island, from whence you may take a panga (ferry) to Little Corn Island. Once you get on Little Corn Island, you will need to return to Managua. Traveling via “rooster bus” and picturesque river boat is an excellent way to see the sights.
4. Lummi Island State Park in Washington
Lummi Island, located in a remote archipelago in the Pacific Northwest, is home to more orca whales and harbor seals than people, and it is considered one of the world’s most secretive places to visit.
Willows Inn, located on the island’s banks, is the place to stay—a cluster of seven tiny rooms and eight cottages, as well as the James Beard Award-winning restaurant led by chef Blaine Wetzel, which is the crown gem of the property.
The chefs go to the island to construct the 20-course tasting meal, foraging for seaweed on the coast, picking berries from 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 National Park in Cambodia
Lie in a thatched-roof cottage and snooze away the hours on Koh Rong, one of a stretch of islands in the Gulf of Thailand where ATMs and electrical power will be as rare as your sense of time, and which is considered one of the world’s most secluded islands.
It’s the second-largest island in Cambodia, and it has plenty of space for four small villages, long stretches of untouched seashore, clear waters ideal for diving and snorkeling, and a dense interior jungle of virgin forest. It’s about 15 miles from Sihanoukville, and it’s the second-largest island in Cambodia.
You may trek across the island on secret routes, or you can hire a native fishing boat to carry you around Koh Rong and to the many nearby islands and islets. Couples may find peace and quiet in resorts along the coast, but backpackers and divers are more likely to congregate near villages and stay in more laid-back guest houses and hostels.
Regardless of where they choose to stay, visitors will have the opportunity to see an island that is still relatively untouched and undeveloped—at least for the time being.
In the following years, a slew of vacationer infrastructure improvements are expected to be completed, increasing the likelihood of Koh Rong being visited.
Don’t Miss Out on: Swimming in bioluminescent seas at night. The water contains phosphorescent plankton, which shimmer and shine when disturbed by movement.
It takes two hours to go by boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.
San Andres, Colombia is number six on the list.
Do you want to experience the old-school Caribbean without all of the resorts and glitz? Then San Andres may be the island for you, as it is considered to be one of the most secretive places on the planet.
Located in the Caribbean Sea approximately 435 miles from the Colombian mainland, San Andres has a thriving local Raizel heritage that is influenced by English, Dutch, African, and Spanish influences.
The island is part of a series of islands in the Caribbean Sea. Locals, notably in the tiny community of La Loma, continue to speak Creole and practice traditional skills such as crafting handicrafts from coconut and totumo wood, which are still in use today.
What is your favorite island dish? In Rondon, fish, yucca, plantains, and dumplings (or “domplines”) are boiled in coconut milk until the fish is cooked through.
The exterior, on the other hand, is the primary attraction for holidaymakers. On the ground, tourists may ride a scooter around the island, pausing along the route to find secret coves or experience the swing of coconut trees in the breeze.
The seahorse shape of San Andres gives a clue as to what lies under its waters: a coral reef teeming with fish that is a component of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Make a point of visiting Johnny Cay, a little islet with a pristine aquarium for snorkeling as well as a white-sand beach that pulses to the rhythm of reggae music, which is worth seeing.
How to Get There: Take a flight from Bogota or Cartagena (on airlines such as Copa and Avianca) to San Andres’ international airport.
Holbox Island, Mexico is number seven on the list.
It is a three-hour boat ride from Cancun’s packed coastline, yet it seems like a world apart, and it is one of the world’s most hidden islands. It is located off the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula.
The island’s low-key, boho-barefoot ambiance is all about enjoying a laid-back, bohemian lifestyle. Check into CasaSandra Boutique Resort, which boasts breezy palapa-roofed casitas with hammocks and a seafood-heavy menu (learn: many ceviche!) for the ultimate in R&R. Restaurant with a Mexican-Caribbean theme.
8. Desroches Island, Republic of the Seychelles
If having a whole island to yourself seems like your idea of heaven, go no further than Desroches, which is a 40-minute flight from Mahé, the capital of the Seychelles, and one of the world’s most secluded islands.
The island is remote; there are no dining establishments or retail businesses, and there is not a single other person in sight, with the exception of the lone genuine 5-star resort on the island.
Relax at your own own expansive property, which overlooks 9 miles of white-sand beach and has a tropical courtyard with a plunge pool and a private tropical garden. If you ask us, we’re not exactly roughing it, to put it mildly.
Côn So’n, Vietnam (number nine).
Côn So’n is the largest of a 16-island archipelago, and despite the fact that it is within an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City and is one of the world’s most hidden islands, it continues to remain remarkably under the radar of visitors.
Specifically, it is all about the unspoiled natural environment (image: craggy granite cliffs, windswept sands, turquoise waters).
In addition, although there are no shops or bars, the exclusive Six Senses resort provides extravagant amenities to keep you entertained.
Private butlers, a tranquil spa, and even personal guides who will take you on a tour of the island’s mountaintop lighthouse and crystal-clear lagoons are all included.
Chiloe, Chile is number ten.
In the Chilean archipelago of Chiloe, on the northern margin of Patagonia, near to Puerto Montt, is a mystical country of foggy landscapes and historical mythology, as well as one of the world’s most mysterious islands, El Chiloe.
Stories of witchcraft and ghost ships will arouse your imagination as told by a native Chilote, who is well-known for his or her hospitality.
The most significant island, Isla Grande de Chiloe, is home to seashore communities dotted with colorful palafitos, picket cottages on stilts, and scores of shingled church structures. The island’s most important harbor is located on the island’s northern tip. And, despite the fact that Charles Darwin spent some time exactly here, many tourists haven’t.
The island’s westernmost national park, with miles of seashores and temperate rainforest, as well as vast tracts of undulating farmland and woodland, remains undisturbed, making Chiloe an excellent destination for geotourism and agritourism.
On the ocean, you may sail or kayak between the islands, where you can see penguins nesting in the colony that is home to both Magellanic and Humboldt species and is considered one of the world’s most hidden islands.
Not to be missed: Curanto, a traditional Chilean meal prepared with shrimp, pork, and potatoes that is covered with nalca (Chilean rhubarb) leaves and boiled over sizzling stones under the earth.
The Flight: LAN Airways offers flights to Chiloe from Santiago, with a layover in Puerto Montt. The Flight: Additionally, ferries from Puerto Montt are available for purchase.
15 Curiosity-Inspiring Secret Islands
11. Lord Howe Island, off the coast of Australia
Due to the lack of cell phone connection and a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit (for the few autos that are permitted), Lord Howe Island, off the eastern coast of New South Wales, embodies island time in Australia and is considered to be one of the world’s most secretive islands.
This seven-mile-long island is easily traversed by bicycle, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy activities such as snorkeling at Erscott’s Gap or hand-feeding enormous fish at Ned’s Seashore.
The isolated volcanic island is located at the confluence of five major ocean currents, and as the home of the world’s southernmost barrier coral reef, it is a diver’s paradise, with more than 90 varieties of coral and 500 species of tropical fish, making it a popular diving destination.
It is also Australia’s premier bird-watching holiday destination, with breeding grounds for colonies of rare, unusual species such as the Windfall Petrel and the flightless Lord Howe Island Woodhen, as well as colonies of endemic, uncommon birds such as the Lord Howe Island Woodhen.
With its near-pristine forest and wildlife that rivals the Galapagos, Lord Howe Island is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and about 75% of the island has been protected from development.
Mountain climbing trips on Mt. Gower, Lord Howe’s highest peak at about 2,900 feet, where you may see rare fauna and take in panoramic views of the whole island are not to be missed.
Getting There: Regional airline QantasLink offers flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Lord Howe in somewhat less than two hours, depending on the season.
Scotland’s Summer Isles are number twelve on the list.
A dining establishment. A well-kept workplace. In addition, there are a few nice summer villas. What additional amenities do you need if you truly want to go away?
Within the Summer Isles, a little-known archipelago of completely abandoned islands located within the Scottish Highlands, crowds and fashionable life have been displaced by craggy coasts and beautiful seashores, making it one of the world’s best-kept secrets.
Despite being the largest and only inhabited island in the group, Tanera Mor offers the only semblance of civilisation while remaining eerily isolated.
The island does not have roads and is unlikely to be able to host more than 35 people; but, it does offer hundreds of acres of bogs and peat-covered hills, an abundance of animals, and a wealth of inspiration for budding artists and authors.
If a short keep is not adequate, examine the job of the island keeper. The rumor mill has reported that Tanera Mor is now for sale.
The tenting and guided sea-kayaking adventures offered by Wilderness Scotland are not to be missed; on the latter, you will circle Tanera Mor before paddling north to Eilean Flada Mor, where you will see dolphins and pass a seal colony along the way.
Getting There: From Inverness, which is connected to the rest of the United Kingdom by train, bus, and air, take a picturesque drive or bus through the Highlands to Achiltibuie or Ullapool, where you will board a ferry to Tanera Mor.
Isle au Haut, Maine (No. 13)
“You can’t get there from here” is a common expression in Maine, and with good reason. And for secretive settings like Isle du Haut, which want to maintain its secrecy, this is an excellent element, making it one of the world’s most secret islands.
The Penobscot Bay refuge, located 17 miles off the rocky coast of Maine, is a tranquil location to land. More than half of the island (about 2,700 acres) is protected as part of Acadia National Park, making it a peaceful area to stay. Acadia author James Kaiser discusses his work.
According to the Full Information, “Because of its remote position, Isle au Haut is the ideal spot to immerse oneself in the slow-paced pace of Maine island life.”
Even in the summer months of July and August, when most of the coast is thronging with tourists, Isle au Haut retains a charming sense of untouchedness.”
It is only about 7,000 visitors per year who camp at Duck Harbor, or who come only for the day to take a scenic lighthouse cruise across the bay, to lobster with local lobstermen, to sea kayak, and to stroll along the 18 miles of climbing trails. Duck Harbor is a small community with a limited number of visitors.
A stay at The Keeper’s Home Inn, a functional lighthouse that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a must-do.
It is possible to get to and from Isle au Haut by reliable postal boat service, which operates year-round from the mainland city of Stonington, Connecticut.
the world’s most secluded islands
14. Arab buying and selling posts on the island of Ibo in Mozambique.
Fortifications built by the Portuguese, as well as one of the world’s most hidden islands.
Pirates and political prisoners But you’re intrigued, right? Although Ibo Island in northern Mozambique has a long and illustrious history, it is still virtually unknown to the rest of the world in the modern day.
The island, which is a part of the Quirimbas Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, was under Arab and then Portuguese authority until Mozambique achieved independence from Portugal in 1975.
Arab influences may still be seen in the dhows (handmade picket sailboats) that are currently used for island hopping, as well as in the silver filigree jewelry that has been fashioned by generations of skilled artisans.
Regarding cuisine, Portuguese history comes through; standout dishes include a kind of roll called paozinho, cassava-leaf pesto, and dishes seasoned with piri-piri pepper sauce. Because the Portuguese terminated their 500-year reign on the island, there has been little or no development on the island.
Currently, the most important tourist attractions and economic drivers in the area are pristine reefs and mangrove lagoons, which are teeming with tropical fish such as scarlet snapper, barracuda, and other species of tropical fish, among others.
These coastal landscapes, which are a part of the Quirimbas National Park, are kept preserved via conservation efforts that are ongoing.
A stay at Ibo Island Lodge, an elegant getaway built in three restored colonial estates, is a must-do while in the area.
To reach there, you’ll need to fly from African cities such as Johannesburg to Pemba Airport, where you’ll cross Mozambican customs before taking a short flight to Ibo’s airfield.
15. Montserrat, a Caribbean island, is the fifteenth.
Montserrat, often known as the Emerald Isle because of its beautiful tropical woods and historical links to Ireland, is one of the Caribbean’s tiniest islands and one of the world’s most secretive destinations.
On arrival, you’ll be given a passport stamp in the form of a shamrock, and you’ll see that the country’s flag and national costume are the same green, orange, and white as those of Ireland.
Montserrat is roughly 10 miles long and seven miles wide, and it has a population of around 5,000 people. It is located in the Caribbean.
The population of Montserrat, as well as the island’s tourist industry, were badly harmed by a violent eruption of the previously dormant Soufriere Hills volcano in 1995, which relocated many residents and devastated large sections of the island. Vacationers looking to witness a volcano from a safe distance are now drawn to the erupting volcano’s pulsating activity.
16. The Greek island of Skopelos
Santorini. Mykonos. Crete. Despite the fact that Greece has 227 inhabited islands spread over the Aegean and Ionian Seas, these three stand out as the most spectacular, as well as being one of the world’s most hidden islands.
However, Skopelos, which is just an hour boat ride away from Skiathos, is an equally beautiful and less crowded alternative, with an untouched coastline, quaint blue-roofed tavernas, and Byzantine-era monasteries, among other attractions.
We guarantee that you will never want to leave your own villa with terraces overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea at Adrina Resort & Spa (trust us, you won’t want to go).
The terracotta-tiled buildings of Skopelos City are home to charming backyard dining establishments such as Perivoli and Anatolia, where people gather to listen to live rebetika music in the evenings.
The little town of Glossa, located on the northwest extremity of the island, provides the most impressive sea views, notably at Agnanti, whose cliffside terrace is the ideal site for Greek classics such as kleftiko (leg of lamb) and stifado (stewed lamb shoulder) (beef stew).
Scrub Island (British Virgin Islands) is number seventeen.
Do not be fooled by the label; this little inlet adjacent to Tortola is as lush and lovely as it gets when it comes to islands. It was deserted and relatively unknown until a few years ago, and it was considered to be one of the world’s most hidden islands.
However, when Scrub Island Resort, an Autograph Collection, opened its doors, each and every one of them was transformed.
The resort, which includes three private seashores, a diving shop, a marina, and an award-winning spa, offers everything you could want in a tropical getaway, and then more.
Relax and rejuvenate with an island rock therapeutic massage in an open-air pavilion with a view of the Caribbean Sea.
Culebra, Puerto Rico (number 18)
The island of Culebra, located in the Caribbean, is ideal for anyone looking to avoid a long-haul journey to their next unique island getaway. It is also considered one of the world’s most hidden destinations.
While its sister island, Vieques, attracts the majority of visitors, we prefer Culebra for its laid-back attitude, ten unspoiled beaches, lush animal preserves, and the small core city of Dewey.
The canary-yellow cottages at Membership Seabourne serve as a kind of alternate base of operations. Then you may go to the crescent-shaped coastline of Playa Flamenco, where you can snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish before having lunch at one of the numerous beachside shack restaurants that offer delectable local cuisine.
Pinches, hen kebabs, and alcapurrias are some of the traditional Puerto Rican avenue dinners (fried plantain full of crab or beef).
Alternatively, visit Zaco’s Tacos, which serves a variety of tacos such braised pig stomach, grilled tuna, and carne asada, as well as hibiscus margaritas.
Nicaragua’s Jicaro Island is number 19 on the list.
In the case of Jicaro, a tiny island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua that is only 10 minutes outside of Grenada and considered one of the world’s secret islands, it would be the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and get away from it all for a while.
Despite the fact that there isn’t a single television set on the whole island, and furthermore you’d be hard-pressed to get a WiFi signal, there are more than enough places of interest to keep you entertained.
Paddle out to the nearby freshwater lake to look for howler monkeys, lake turtles, and the 87 bird species that inhabit the area (don’t forget your binoculars!).
Alternatively, for an even more adrenaline-pumping trip, zip line across the jungle canopy at 100 feet above the forest floor.
Those looking for a relaxing getaway might choose Jicaro Island Ecolodge, which offers eco-adventures such as sustainability tours and lakeside yoga classes, as well as an ultra-organic restaurant that uses ingredients gathered from the property’s own grounds.
Desert Islands in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Consider the Desert Islands in the United Arab Emirates, as well as one of the world’s most hidden islands, for visitors seeking something completely new for their next island getaway.
These Arabian Gulf islands, which are located 150 miles east of Abu Dhabi, may easily compete with those found in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.
Make the Anantara on Sir Bani Yas, with its 64 Arabian-chic accommodations, your basecamp for exploring the wadis (dry river beds) and mangroves that surround the property.
You’ll quickly realize that the world is full of surprises, from the vibrant coral where you’ll be able to snorkel to the flamingos who call the island home (which may be seen on a sport drive by a close-by wildlife park).
Simply avoid going during the summer months, when temperatures may reach scorching 130 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
