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11 Secret Islands So Stunning Locals Don’t Want You To Find Them
Ever felt like you’re always showing up to the beach after the party’s already over? Sun-bleached sand, overpriced coconut drinks, and crowds so thick you’d think they were handing out free gold bars?
Well, guess what? Somewhere out there are secluded little slices of paradise so well-hidden that the locals probably created a secret handshake to keep outsiders in the dark. No tour buses, no souvenir stands; just the sound of waves and your own awe (and maybe a crab or two shimmying along the sand).
Let’s take a look at a few that I just know you will be adding to your bucket list ASAP. But if you asked where you learned about the island… remember, you didn’t hear it from me.
Yakushima, Japan
Picture an island where the trees are older than most civilizations and look like they belong in a fantasy. Welcome to Yakushima, home to ancient cedar trees, including Jomon Sugi, a mystical elder thought to be over 2,000 years old (yes, it’s older than most grandparents combined).
This moss-covered wonderland inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, which checks out because stepping into these forests feels like walking into an enchanted movie. Pack for rain, though; it’s pretty much always misty or wet. But hey, doesn’t that add to the magical atmosphere?
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Want a beach where cars are banned, sand is your red carpet, and the water glows like something out of a sci-fi thriller? Isla Holbox is that rare gem where nightlife involves glowing bioluminescence and stargazing instead of crowded bars.
If you time your visit just right, you can even swim with whale sharks, which, contrary to the name, won’t swallow you whole. And the streets here are so relaxed, you’ll likely question why you’ve tolerated asphalt all your life. Grab a hammock, sip on a margarita, and prepare for a slice of sandy zen.
Isola Di Capraia, Italy
Capraia – a tiny Italian island that screams, “Nobody’s finding me on a cruise itinerary!” Formerly a penal colony, this volcanic retreat now boasts rugged coastlines so dramatic they could put an entire soap opera to shame.
Take a hike through fragrant maquis vegetation (think perfume bottles exploded everywhere) and explore secluded coves perfect for pretending you’re the last person on Earth. But if you kayak around the island, don’t say I didn’t warn you about post-paddle arm cramps.
Sao Jorge, Azores
If incredible cliffs and volcanic landforms make your heart race, Sao Jorge is calling. Because this lesser-known Azorean island serves jaw-dropping volcanic fajas (lava flows that cooled into flat land) on the regular.
Try not to gasp too loudly as you hike along coastal trails dotted with tiny villages that look straight out of a dream. But watch your step, or you might tumble into the Atlantic. And cheese lovers, you’re in for a treat. Sao Jorge cheese, with its velvety texture and tangy twang, will turn you into a lifelong fan after one bite.
Lord Howe Island, Australia
Who needs crowds when Lord Howe Island lets just 400 people in at any given time? That’s right, this place is VIP-only (but for nature instead of bottle service). With its rare species of birds and jaw-dropping snorkeling spots, it’s like a David Attenborough documentary came to life.
The coral reefs burst with color, while hiking trails wind through lush forests untouched by time. And if you’re up for a challenge (and by “challenge,” I mean a fair amount of complaining), climb Mount Gower for views that redefine “worth it.”
Great Blasket Island, Ireland
Uninhabited but far from uninteresting, Great Blasket Island is rugged beauty incarnate. Located off Ireland’s west coast, the island once housed a tiny community until everyone decided the mainland was more appealing in the 1950s.
Now, all that’s left are haunting ruins, sweeping coastal views, and the occasional seal waving hello. Remember to bring sturdy boots as the terrain doesn’t negotiate. And no matter if it’s foggy or sunny (good luck predicting that), you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own Celtic legend.
Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
Imagine a volcanic peak soaring out of the ocean, cloaked in a cloud forest and hiding world-class scuba sites below. That’s Saba – where life moves slower, except when you’re descending into colorful abyssal reef walls alongside sharks and tropical fish.
And hiking Mount Scenery takes you through misty landscapes so lush they might trick you into believing you’ve entered another dimension. Want to see what solitude feels like? This tiny island has zero beaches, fewer tourists, and a mood so chill it might just freeze time.
Isle Of Eigg, Scotland
This tiny Scottish island is so eco-friendly, even your conscience will breathe easier. Powered almost entirely by renewable energy, the Isle of Eigg feels like the utopia we all dream about while doomscrolling.
Towering cliffs guard its peaceful shores, and the views of the Inner Hebrides? Chef’s kiss. The island’s Norse history also adds a dash of intrigue, with Viking raids once spicing up the otherwise tranquil land. But today, the only storming comes from the unpredictable Scottish weather.
Kastellorizo, Greece
Nestled oh-so-elegantly at Greece’s edge, this Dodecanese island whispers rather than shouts. With its neoclassical houses painted in cheerful pastels, the peaceful harbor could charm a sea turtle out of its shell.
Perched just a stone’s throw from Turkey, Kastellorizo has seen centuries of Ottoman, Italian, and Greek rule. And tourists? Practically nonexistent compared to the hordes swarming other islands. Just you, the occasional fisherman, and enough tranquility to recalibrate your soul.
Togean Islands, Indonesia
Getting here might test your patience (and possibly every mode of transportation), but good things come to those who endure endless layovers. The Togean Islands, sprawled out off Sulawesi’s coast, are worth every ounce of effort.
Think coral gardens that look like underwater rainbows, remote villages where time seems to have hit snooze, and a level of peace that modern life doesn’t deserve. It’s unapologetically slow-paced. So take a deep breath, sip some local kopi, and remind yourself that the rat race can wait.
Isle Au Haut, Maine
This is what Maine was before tourist traps and roadside lobster rolls became cliches. Mostly part of Acadia National Park, Isle au Haut is a wild, rugged escape where trails wind through forests and rocky coasts that seem plucked from another century.
The tiny year-round community embodies small-town charm, and the lack of cellphone signal is, frankly, a bonus. Prepare to experience Maine the old-school way, with raw nature, weathered fishing shacks, and a lighthouse straight out of a storybook.
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