You’ve read our post about choosing the right island adventure for you. You know what you’re looking for in an island, what you want to do most while you’re there, and when you want to go. Above all, you’ve realized that what you crave most is a bit of solitude. Your least favorite thing about the beach is all the other people there too. Therefore, you’re looking for an under-the-radar island escape that isn’t jam-packed with visitors.
Here’s our top list of underrated islands or complete hidden gems that you’ve never considered.
Underrated European Islands
Favignana, Italy – Certainly not a secret from local Italians. Nonetheless, this island off the coast of Sicily is a place you may never have heard of. Favignana is best described in three words: sea, bikes, food. Savor the stunningly clear water, bike (or boat) between the tranquil coves, and enjoy the amazing food that Italy is famous for.
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Vis, Croatia – Vis exudes quiet, authentic, exclusive luxury. Here you can enjoy a slow, relaxing pace of life with crowd-free beaches and upscale wine bars. Add more luxury to your trip by exploring the island, its many beaches, and stunning Blue and Green Caves with a private yacht charter. Because Vis was a military base and closed to outsiders until 1991, it feels like tourism in Croatia before Instagram.
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Folegandros, Greece – An idyllic island escape awaits, and it’s only an hour away from Santorini. Small and easy to explore, with breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and a charming old town. Here you’ll find everything you need for an authentic and affordable luxury Greek Island vacation. Plus, you can enjoy the charming villages and hidden beach coves at a relaxed pace. Above all, you’ll still find buzzing tavernas, amazing meals, and beautiful hikes, with several luxury hotel options.
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Madeira, Portugal – This Portuguese Island is perfect for adventurers. It offers a huge variety of landscapes, from mountain peaks to natural lava rock pools, and levadas with lush vegetation. Enjoy breathtaking hikes. Or relax in its lush gardens and enjoy eternal spring temperatures throughout the year. With several excellent luxury hotels, dolphin and whale watching, upscale wineries, and delicious gastronomy, this is a great island escape for those who don’t need to lay on the beach.
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Southeast Asia & Oceania
Kadavu, Fiji – Fiji’s fourth largest island is a wild and luxurious escape with rainforest hills and an amazing reef. Many of the resorts have a private beach, and all of them are geared towards enjoying and conserving the island’s natural wonders. Many locations are only accessible by boat, and your resort crew will be able to guide you to the hidden gem locations. The best time to see manta rays is May – Oct, and as long as you avoid cyclone season from November – April, you’re sure to enjoy this luxury island.
[Photo Credit: Denys Nevozhai via Unsplash]
Koh Yao Noi, Thailand – An authentic island with traditional villages, a gentle pace, and unspoiled beaches. Above all, this is a place to slow down and relax; there’s no room to hurry on this small island in southern Thailand. You can snorkel vibrant spots, and wonder at a world practically untouched by mass tourism. Because it’s still a working island that doesn’t rely on tourism, you won’t feel like you’re being constantly sold something. Enjoy the luxury of privacy and peace. You can book private pool villas or small boutique resorts with request-based service, private beaches, and on-site dining
Aitutaki, Cook Islands – A tropical dream, lagoons, coral reefs, and Polynesian charm. Between Tonga, and French Polynesia, Aitutaki offers five-star villas, sandy shores, and blue lagoons. Above all, this is your quintessential island escape where you can swim with sea turtles, kitesurf, scuba dive, and fish. Enjoy boutique luxury resorts or stay in a luxury villa with your own chef. Marvel at tropical fish in warm, shallow seas. The Cook Islands are more affordable, smaller, and more low-key than their French Polynesian cousins.
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Central America & The Caribbean
Culebra, Puerto Rico – No passport needed here. This designated wildlife refuge boasts snorkeling with turtles, one of the world’s best beaches, and an unhurried pace of life. Located just off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Rent a golf cart, scooter, or bike to get around this small island. Here it’s all about beaches, lounging, and snorkeling. Quiet, with colorful Caribbean bungalows, private villas, and boutique inns.
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Isla Holbox, Mexico – A very, very small island, just white sand and a cluster of boutique hotels. Located three hours from crowded Cancun. You can enjoy cavernous cenotes for a bit of adventure. But overall it’s a laid-back beach vibe. Boutique luxury hotels, wellness experiences, fine dining. See nearby islands on a boat tour, bike around the island, and marvel at the bioluminescence in some of the bays – especially in the summer months.
[Photo Credit: Alejandro Perez via Unsplash]
Anguilla – One of the least crowded islands in the Caribbean and some of the most beautiful beaches. Anguilla isn’t a hidden gem per se, however its upmarket vibe lends a certain level of exclusivity. No cruise terminals, no big-budget attractions. Instead, world-class luxury resorts and stunning beaches. You are here to relax on the beach and snorkel on the offshore reefs. From Miami, you can take a 3.5hr flight directly there.
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Dominica -In contrast to Anguilla, this is the nature island in the Caribbean. Protected, dense mountainous jungles,built for adventurers. One of the best islands for outdoor adventure with luxury accommodation. Lush rainforest covers two-thirds of the land, in which you’ll find a rich array of springs and waterfalls. The island has a Creole culture – West African roots, indigenous Kalinago and French & British influences. This is the kind of island where you relax in an open-air thermal spa with heated sulfur pools, a mud pool, and sulfur baths.
[Photo Credit: Chris Jones via Unsplash]
Are you dreaming of an island vacation? Let us know what island escape you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect adventure!