The Most Remote Island Vacations in the World
Arriving at one of the world’s most remote islands is well worth the extra time and effort
Posted September 21, 2017
There is a difference between going away and getting away. Islands crowded by shipped-in tourists hardly seem relaxing when you’re beach towel to beach towel with a stranger. These 11 secluded destinations will provide the R&R you desperately need, minus the crazy crowds.
The Faroe Islands
If you are looking for a departure from the typical tropic paradise, the Faroe Islands will scratch your itch for a nature-filled adventure. Composed of 18 islands off the coast of Northern Europe, this cluster of islands is filled with postcard-perfect towns composed of colorful clapboard houses overlooking rocky waters.
Heimaey Island, Iceland
Heimaey is home to the largest puffin population in the world; in the summer, puffins outnumber humans 1,777 to 1.
Ikaria, Greece
Sitting pretty in the far east of the Mediterranean, about 30 miles off the Turkish coast, Ikaria is home to the oldest people on the planet.
Flores Island, Azores, Portugal
With just fewer than 4,000 inhabitants, this island is named for its flower-covered landscape.
Koh Yao Yai, Thailand
As one of the last untouched islands in the Andaman Sea, Koh Yao Yai is the perfect destination for white sandy beaches and lush terrain ideal for hiking.
Easter Island
Located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is probably best known for its incredible archeological sites containing more than 900 statues dating back as far as the 13th century.
Saba, Caribbean
Known as the Unspoiled Queen, this very friendly, little-known Caribbean island is home to the shortest airstrip in the world. If you aren’t a fan of tiny planes, Saba also has an active port.
Niue
Its name literally meaning “behold the coconut,” Niue is most well known for snorkeling amid beautiful coral reefs and sightings of humpback whales during their migration in July and October.
Ocracoke, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a remote getaway Stateside, Ocracoke is your paradise. As an island that is only accessible by air or boat, it’s a little more desolate than the rest of the Outer Banks. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for a gang of wild ponies running along the sandy beaches (yes, really).
St. Helena
This tiny little island sits 2,500 miles east of Rio de Janeiro and has roughly 4,500 residents. In 2016, St. Helena built its first airport, making the dreams of adventure seekers around the world come true.
Christmas Island
Named for the day it was first spotted by explorers, this tropical island is covered in rainforest, Christmas Island red crabs, and miles of beautiful coastline.