Underrated Islands Worth Visiting Around the World
Escape the Crowds: Stunning, Underrated Islands Around the World
Dreaming of an island escape? If Bali, Santorini, or the Maldives come to mind first, you're not alone. They're popular for a reason. They are postcard-perfect. But let’s be real. The world is full of amazing islands that don’t always get the spotlight. These hidden gems offer something special: genuine culture, room to breathe, and that awesome feeling of finding a secret paradise.
Tired of fighting crowds? Want to experience local life, not just tourist traps? Ready to trade those been-there-done-that spots for something unique? Then it's time to think outside the box.
From volcanic spots in the Atlantic to remote atolls in the Pacific, from Nordic islands to warm havens in Africa and Southeast Asia, every corner of the planet has amazing, underappreciated islands. We're about to take a look at some of the best—places that should be on every adventurous traveler's list.
1.São Jorge, Azores: A Hiker's Paradise of Coastal Plains and Misty Peaks
While the Azores are becoming better known, São Jorge remains a peaceful escape. This long, narrow island, shaped by volcanoes, is known for its fajãs. These flat coastal areas, created by lava flows or landslides, are now home to small villages and farms.
Why it’s special
Most people visiting the Azores stick to São Miguel or Pico, so São Jorge stays peaceful. The island's landscape makes it difficult for big tourist crowds to come. It protects its quiet fishing towns, trails along the cliffs, and perfect natural pools.
What to do
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo: This remote spot, only reachable by foot or 4x4, has a natural lagoon and great waves for surfing.
Eat the cheese: Try Queijo São Jorge, a tasty cow's milk cheese that’s a must-try in Portuguese cooking. It has a bold, slightly spicy flavor that reflects the island's volcanic soil. Visit a local farm for a cheese-making tour and get a true taste of São Jorge.
Go hiking: São Jorge features some amazing trails with views of the island's skinny ridgeline. The trails are well-marked but can be steep—bring good boots! You’ll pass through forests of hydrangeas, see rare birds, and maybe even spot a few cows grazing on the hillsides.
Visit the Coffee Farm: Europe's only coffee plantation, where they grow a unique variety of Arabica.
São Jorge feels untouched by the modern world. Clouds hide and reveal the peaks of hills in minutes, turning every view into a new experience. You can still feel like you’re one of the first to set eyes on this place.
2.Île des Pins, New Caledonia: The South Pacific's Untouched Beauty
Some call Île des Pins the closest island to paradise. But outside of Australia, Japan, and France, this island isn't known very well. It sits in the South Pacific, near New Caledonia's main island. Clear lagoons and tall Araucaria pine trees create a view you won’t find anywhere else.
What makes it stand out
New Caledonia doesn’t get the same attention as Fiji or Tahiti. So, it’s still untouched by big tourist groups.
Things to do
Swim in the Natural Pools of Oro Bay: These warm, shallow pools are filled with sea life—snorkel here. The pools are sheltered by surrounding rocks. The water is calm and the marine life is amazing. It’s a great spot for families.
Learn about Kanak Culture: The island’s buildings, food, and customs show the traditions of the local Melanesian people. You can attend a traditional dance performance, visit a local village, and sample local dishes cooked in earth ovens. It’s a fully immersive view into the island’s cultural past.
Relax on white-sand beaches: Kuto Beach, Ramena Beach, and Kanumera Beach are great examples, with their impossibly white sands. Relax on the beach, sip a tropical drink, and enjoy the serenity.
It's amazing that such a perfect place remains undiscovered to most of the world. The clear lagoons and old pine forests offer a peaceful escape.
3.Lofoten Islands, Norway: Arctic Beauty and Cozy Villages
The Lofoten Islands are being photographed more, but they are still relatively unknown when compared to other European destinations. Way above the Arctic Circle, mountains rise up out of the turquoise fjords.
Why they're not as popular
People often choose Iceland for its landscape, but Norway's islands are just as beautiful and peaceful.
Why you should visit
Midnight sun and northern lights: You can see daylight all night long or watch the aurora. In the summer, experience weeks of continuous daylight, perfect for hiking and exploring. In the winter, the northern lights dance across the sky.
Explore cute fishing towns: Check out Reine, Henningsvær, and Nusfjord, filled with colorful houses on stilts. These villages have museums, art galleries, and cafes serving fresh seafood.
Surf in the Arctic: Unstad Beach attracts surfers from around the world who ride the cold waves. Don't worry about the cold—thick wetsuits are available for rent. The dramatic mountain scenery makes it a once-in-a-lifetime surfing experience.
Lofoten combines wilderness with small-town charm. It's great for adventurers who like comfortable places to sleep and a good warm cup of coffee.
4.Rodrigues Island, Mauritius: A Local Gem That Time Forgot
Mauritius attracts honeymooners. However, most don’t visit Rodrigues, the small island 560 km to the east. Rodrigues is more laid-back, with fewer hotels. It resembles Mauritius before resorts took over.
What makes Rodrigues special
A lagoon bigger than the island: The world’s biggest lagoon is great for kiteboarding, snorkeling, and finding quiet beaches. The calm, clear water is ideal for water sports, and the marine life is amazing. You can find your own private beach and soak up the sun.
Experience the Creole culture: Listen to its music, taste its food, and take in its customs. The island hosts several festivals.
Visit cave systems and go hiking: Explore Caverne Patate or hike the rolling hills beyond the beach. The island is relatively easy to hike, with trails for all skill levels.
Rodrigues is a rare find in the Indian Ocean, and its people are friendly.
5.Isla Holbox, Mexico: Caribbean Relaxation
Cancún and Tulum can be crowded, but Isla Holbox (pronounced Hol-bosh) is a relaxing escape. This island, north of the Yucatán Peninsula, can only be reached by ferry. Instead of roads, there are sand roads.
Why it’s underappreciated
Holbox has become better known recently, but it’s still quieter than Mexico’s bigger resort areas.
What will make you happy
See the bioluminescence: Holbox has glowing waters in the summer. Hire a guide. They'll take you to the best spots to see this natural wonder. It’s a unique experience, with the water sparkling around you as you move.
Swim with whale sharks: These gentle animals migrate near the island from June to September. Many tour operators bring small groups out to snorkel with them. It’s a respectful, eco-friendly tour.
No cars: You get around by golf cart or bike. It gives the island a friendly, relaxed feel. You can rent golf carts or bikes to see the island at your own pace.
Holbox is about slow mornings, naps in hammocks, street art, and eating seafood with your feet in the sand.
6.Ponza, Italy: A Quiet Mediterranean Paradise
Italy has some very well-known islands, but Ponza is relatively unknown to travelers from outside of Italy. This favorite island among Romans features crystal-clear waters, colorful towns, and dramatic cliffs..
# **What makes it a secret
Ponza has fewer high-end hotels than Capri. So it feels more authentic and local.
Experiences
Boat tour around grottos: See the Grotte di Pilato and natural pools. Rent a boat. Or join a tour. Get the best sea views of the island.
Visit Chiaia di Luna Beach: Check out this crescent-shaped beach. White cliffs tower behind it. Reach it by boat or steep path.
Eat fresh seafood: Simple spots serve top fish meals from the Mediterranean. Try classic Italian food with a seafood twist.
Ponza is Italy without crowds. It charms with romance and beauty.
7.Yakushima, Japan: An Island Full of Ancient Forests
Yakushima sits south of Kyushu. This UNESCO site boasts mystical cedar woods. Trees here inspired the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke. Many reach thousands of years old.
Why tourists skip it
People stick to Japan's cities. They skip remote islands.
What makes it special
The Jomon Sugi: View one of the world's oldest trees. It dates back about 7,000 years. It marks the island's deep history and beauty.
Wildlife: Monkeys and deer roam free. Spot monkeys in trees. See deer in the brush.
Hot springs: Soak in tide-fed ocean pools. Hot water meets the sea in magic style.
Yakushima blends nature, spirit, and Japanese ways. It makes for calm stays.
8.Saba, Caribbean Netherlands: An Eco-Tourism Haven
Saba lies south of St. Maarten. This volcano rises sharp to the sky. It calls itself the Unspoiled Queen. It stays eco-friendly with light tourism.
Why it stays secret
No beaches here. Towering cliffs draw hikers and divers. Resorts do not tempt beachgoers.
Island highlights
Mt. Scenery: Hike a cloud forest to the Dutch Kingdom's high point. The path proves steep and tough.
Go diving: Check top Caribbean spots with volcanic peaks. Strict park rules keep reefs healthy.
Village stops: See gingerbread trim on red-roof homes. All stay neat.
Saba relaxes you. It hides safe from the world.
9.Ilha Grande, Brazil: Rainforest Island without Cars
Ilha Grande served as pirate lair and jail long ago. Now it shines as jungle haven off Rio. It keeps small-town vibes near big cities.
Why visitors love it
No cars: Move by boat or foot. It freshens your island walks.
Go hiking: Find falls, lookouts, hidden sands. Trails suit all from easy to hard.
Lopes Mendes Beach: One fine stretch of sand and surf.
Ilha Grande mixes wild life with calm shores away from Brazil's mainland.
10.Guadeloupe’s Les Saintes: French Caribbean Charm
Europeans hit Guadeloupe. Yet Les Saintes stays quiet. Terre-de-Haut fits the French island look.
What keeps it underrated
No resorts rule it. It draws free spirits instead.
Best of Les Saintes
Pain de Sucre Beach: Prime snorkel spot. Clear calm holds bright fish and coral.
Fort Napoleon: Gaze over the bay. Learn its past role in defense.
French food: Taste fresh catch done French style. Local plates shine.
Les Saintes joins Europe flair with isle beauty.
11.Koh Yao Noi, Thailand: Phuket Without the Mess
Reach Koh Yao Noi in 30 minutes from Phuket. Tourism spares this spot. Fishing hamlets, paddies, and lime karsts build peace.
What sets it apart
Adventures: Kayak, bike, climb sans crowds. Rent gear for near isles and caves.
Phang Nga Bay views: Karsts spike from waves. Best at dawn or dusk.
The vibe: Hammocks and huts beat clubs. Rest rules here.
Koh Yao Noi matches travelers' dream of Thailand.
12.Corsica’s Lavezzi Islands: Wild Mediterranean Beauty
South of Corsica, Lavezzi rocks granite, swims clear, teams with life.
Why underappreciated
Few push this far. Isles lack all but flawless sands and wild.
Things to do
Snorkel clear seas.
Seek out coves.
Eye the bold rocks.
One day here revives a crowd-free Med.
13.Aitutaki, Cook Islands: A Lagoon of Breathtaking Blues
Aitutaki glows vivid. It stays untouched.
Why crowds stay away
No steady flights in.
What makes great memories
One Foot Island: Sandbar sets water sights wide open.
Snorkel with giant trevally.
Feel Polynesian welcome.
See Aitutaki to believe it.
14.Isle of Skye, Scotland: A Place Like a Fairy Tale
Skye draws fans yet stays underrated.
Why pick Skye
Fairy Pools: Blues pool deep and pure.
Quiraing and Old Man of Storr: Hikes bring wild sights.
Dark skies for stars.
Skye's lands brew ancient magic.
15.Komodo’s Islands, Indonesia
Komodo National Park hides pretty small isles.
What draws travelers
Pink sand shores.
Few crowds.
Fine bays.
These spots give raw beauty cheap.
16.Isle of Eigg, Scotland: Run by the Community
Eigg begs a visit.
Why special
An Sgurr: Summit the peak.
Wildlife: Birds flock in types.
Innovation: Renewables power it all.
Eigg proves green living works.
17.São Tomé, West Africa: A Jungle to Remember
São Tomé calls explorers.
What sets it apart
Cocoa farms.
Black sand beaches.
Varied woods.
São Tomé thrills tourists who crave jungle.
18.Caye Caulker, Belize: Calm Waters
Caye Caulker offers true escape.
Why love it
Snorkel near the reef.
Swim the channel split.
Roam fun streets.
Caye Caulker wows.
19.Taveuni, Fiji: Waterfall Haven
Taveuni hides true.
What grabs you
No big resorts like others.
What shines
Park trails.
Natural slides.
Diving spots.
Taveuni weaves it all tight.
20.Gozo, Malta: An Easy Getaway
Gozo charms as lost gem.
Things to remember
Neat towns.
Stunning seas.
Rich reefs.
Gozo feels stuck in sweet time.
What makes an island underrated
Key traits mark these spots.
- Low buzz
They wait for slow finds.
- Culture stays pure
Fewer tourists save old ways.
- Low hotel rates
Spots stress place and fun.
- Fine beaches
Lands keep wild and whole.
Such isles match hot spots in looks, minus jam.
How to Pick the Right Location
Let's narrow things down.
Adventurous Travelers
- Lofoten Islands
- Yakushima
- Rodrigues
- Saba
Beach Goers
- Île des Pins
- Aitutaki
- Ilha Grande
- Les Saintes
Chillers
- Ponza
- Holbox
- Gozo
Nature Fanatics
- São Jorge
- Taveuni
- São Tomé
How Each Island Can Change the World
In the End: The Beauty of Going Off the Road
In places like Earth, islands are great. They let things happen. They show patience and make us feel open. It's not the same, but it's great. The views are great, and there's always a home to return to. The world is too big to follow trends. The places that are waiting are better. For more information click here.
