Beautiful Secret and Least-Visited Islands of The World

You want something exotic – hidden islands, secret islands, non-touristy islands – somewhere the whole world isn’t flocking to. You’ve been to Japan. You’ve been to Hawaii—twice. Maybe you’ve even been to Cyprus. If you’re looking for ways to spice up your next island vacation, we’ve got the perfect plan. Instead of going to popular tourist destinations, consider making your next trip to somewhere a little less traveled.

In this guide, we’ll introduce ten of the less-travelled islands in the world that will make perfect landing spots for your next vacation. These islands are not as traveled that they might as well be hidden islands or secret islands! Some of them you might already know about and some are relatively unknown islands to most of the world. 

1. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Looking for that perfect Asian getaway? It’s time to pack your bags and head to the Perhentian Islands! A series of two islands located near the Malaysian heartland, the Perhentian Islands contain both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Both islands have something to offer—and it all depends on what you are looking for. Both islands are not as touristy that you could consider them hidden islands or a secret islands.

Perhentian Besar, the larger of the two islands, boasts several luxury resorts and tourist attractions are sure to provide hours of fun. Enjoy one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and get some shopping done while you’re at it! Want to relax a bit? Perhentian Kecil, the smaller island, offers tons of backpacking opportunities and amazing beaches you won’t want to miss. Plan your trip today!

2. Small Cyclades, Greece

The Greek Islands are some of Europe’s hottest vacation spots, which makes it hard to believe that the Small Cyclades aren’t frequently visited. This amazing cluster of islands, which includes Iraklia, Donousa, Koufonisia, and Schinousa, boast some of the most beautiful views in Europe. Make them your private getaway someday, and enjoy the best that Greece has to offer!

The best part? The Small Cyclades offer prices you can’t afford to miss! If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to more popular tourist locations, you’d be remiss not to check out these stellar Greek islands. These islands are relatively unknown to most of the world and could make your list of a secret or hidden island getaway. 

3. Senja, Norway

Ready to hike the second-largest island in Norway? For all its beauty, the island of Senja has largely been ignored as a travel destination. This makes it the perfect location for an experienced adventurer like you! If you’re ready to go to a world where mountains, greenery, and ocean collide, you don’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. We say this is an exotic island to say the least! If you want to go visit an island that is not too touristy, this is the place to go! 

Here’s the deal: Senja can be seen as a gateway to the natural world, making it one of the most beautiful islands on this list. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach or engage in some of the best camping of your life, you can do it all in Senja. 

4. Gili Islands, Indonesia

Take your next vacation to the Gili Islands, a stunning archipelago in Indonesia that will take your breath away. In total, the archipelago contains three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. A trip to any one of these stunning islands marks the perfect way to spend any vacation. Simply put, the Gili Islands feature some of the best diving spots in the nation, so you’ll want to make sure to include them on your bucket list. We like to think of these as the top secret islands of the world, and hidden from the rest of the world, except of course, if you’re very familiar with Indonesia, then you should know all about them. 

You’ll fall in love with the coral reefs surrounding the islands and get a great firsthand look at stunning marine life. Keep in mind that motorized traffic is prohibited on the islands, so you’ll need to travel by foot or bicycle. Enjoy your all-natural trip to this amazing archipelago next vacation!

5. Ischia, Italy

Thinking of a future visit to the grandest nations in Europe? If you’re looking to mix things up, it’s time to forego that trip to Rome and instead take a trip to Ischia, one of Italy’s most remarkable islands. Simply put, Ischia has everything you could ever want in more in a getaway. From tall mountain peaks like Mount Epomeo to sparkling blue beaches, the location offers it all so that you can have the time of your life. Find your way to this hidden secret island for the best time of your life. 

What’s more, it’s filled with medieval culture epitomized in places such as Aragonese Castle. You’ll absolutely love the culture of the island, which combines with the natural wildlife to make an experience like no other!

6. Rangiroa, French Polynesia

What makes Rangiroa in French Polynesia one of the best hidden gems to visit in all the world? It starts with its exclusivity. Despite being one of the largest atolls in the world, the location isn’t heavily travelled. And that makes it perfect for your next trip!  Rangiroa is home to one of the largest lagoons in the area, making it the ultimate location for snorkeling and diving. This hard-t0-get-to islands counts as the most exotic island for vacation on our list. It is not only a really nice island, but it’s also a beautiful hidden island to visit. 

If you’re ready for a marine adventure like never before, you won’t be satisfied until you cross Rangiroa off your bucket list. Combine these amazing natural sights with remote local cultures, and you’ve got a vacation like never before! So don’t wait! Plan your trip to Rangiroa today!

7. The Channel Islands, California

Ready for the ultimate California adventure? It’s time to take a trip to the Channel Islands, an eight-island archipelago that rests off the shores of Southern California. This hidden gem contains a beautiful national park that stretches across five different islands and makes the perfect location for that vacation getaway. It’s hard to believe that this gem is in the USA and is actually one of the best islands to visit within the USA. We like to think it’s a great alternative to any other exotic island vacation you might have planned. 

Though the Channel Islands are close to the US mainland, they aren’t often-traveled. This means that you can expect some never-before-seen wildlife on this spectacular little island. If you’re ready to dive into the natural world, it’s time to pack your bags for the Channel Islands!

8. Ameland, The Netherlands

A trip to the Netherlands has never been so fun! Visit Ameland, the reclusive island that boasts an impressive lighthouse and a centuries’ old culture. A West Frisian Islands, Ameland has some of the best shopping and dining options in the nation, meaning you’ll have a chance to enjoy Dutch cuisine like never before!

Looking for a bit of culture? Check out some amazing museums that dot the island! Visit the museums of Nes and Hollum, where you’ll find some amazing regional museums that offer an in-depth look into the unique culture of the island. One thing’s for sure: this is one trip you won’t want to miss! So, looking for the least visited island in Europe, look no further than this beautiful island. 

9. Vanua Balavu, Fiji

One of the largest of the Lau Islands, Vanua Balavu makes the perfect Fiji getaway. If you’re looking for a trip, you can keep with you for a lifetime, you don’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind destination. Sparkling blue waters and a tropical atmosphere combine to make an unforgettable experience. If you’re in the Oceania region and asking – where are hidden islands near me – this is the secret island you want to head to. 

Here’s the deal: Vanua Balavu, despite its size, is nearly full-wild. You won’t find restaurants or many accommodations on the island, making it the perfect getaway for travelers looking for something more exclusive.  Enjoy the best local culture and nature offer with one of Fiji’s best islands: Vanua Balavu!

10. Mallorca, Spain

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers a unique way to view Spain. World-renowned beaches like Playa de Muro are don’t-miss locations for anyone looking for that perfect European vacation. Mallorca comes alive during holiday season, though it doesn’t enjoy the popularity of some other European islands. So even though this is not a hidden island or even an unknown island, we don’t think a lot of people know it exists! 

If you’re ready for a day in the sun at one of Western Europe’s most hidden gems, it’s time that you made Mallorca, Spain, your next destination. Besides terrific beaches, the island contains beautiful architecture, and cathedrals that make for the perfect visit!

The Bottom Line

Your next vacation could easily be the best one of your life. If you’re ready to explore the lesser-known beauties of the world, it’s time to follow the information in this guide and visit one (or more) of the great secret and hidden islands on this list!

Happy travels! 

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