Introduction: The Charm of the Unseen Shore
In a time when travel photography saturates social media and once-pristine destinations are inundated with tourists, finding a place that still feels like a well-kept secret can be a transformative experience. While travelers rush to well-known island escapes like Bali, Santorini, or the Maldives, the world quietly holds dozens of lesser-known islands where nature thrives, traditions endure, and time seems to move a little slower.
These underrated islands aren’t just remote patches of sand—they’re full-fledged ecosystems of culture, beauty, and wonder, offering an experience that goes beyond checklists and bucket lists. Whether you’re in search of tranquil beaches, vibrant local communities, or untouched biodiversity, these islands promise unforgettable journeys far from the beaten path.
Now is the time to discover them—before their secrets are shouted from every travel blog, and their shores overrun with souvenir shops. This essay explores some of the world’s most underrated islands, why they’re worth visiting, and how to experience them responsibly.
- Isla Holbox, Mexico
Why Go: A car-free island off the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a peaceful alternative to the nearby tourist-heavy Cancun and Tulum. With streets made of sand and colorful murals decorating every wall, the island exudes laid-back charm.
What Makes It Special: The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, making it one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks between May and September. At night, bioluminescent plankton lights up the shoreline, turning midnight swims into magical experiences.
What to Do: Ride a bike to Punta Cocos for sunset, try freshly caught ceviche in town, and kayak through mangroves filled with flamingos and crocodiles.
- São Tomé and Príncipe, Central Africa
Why Go: Located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa, this two-island nation is one of the least visited countries in the world—but those who go are rewarded with dramatic volcanic landscapes, cocoa plantations, and tropical rainforests.
What Makes It Special: It’s a haven for eco-tourism, boasting endemic bird species, untouched coral reefs, and colonial-era architecture that tells the story of Portuguese influence.
What to Do: Hike through the Obô National Park to find hidden waterfalls, visit cacao plantations to taste some of the best chocolate on Earth, and snorkel in clear, warm waters untouched by mass tourism.
- Iriomote Island, Japan
Why Go: Most travelers to Japan focus on the cities or the snowy mountains of Hokkaido. But Iriomote, part of Okinawa Prefecture, offers a completely different experience: subtropical jungle, wild rivers, and coral reefs.
What Makes It Special: Home to the elusive Iriomote wild cat, the island is over 90% covered in untouched rainforest. It’s Japan’s wild side, largely unknown even to domestic travelers.
What to Do: Kayak through mangrove forests, hike to Pinaisara Falls (one of the tallest in Okinawa), and dive into the coral-rich waters of nearby Yubu Island.
- Isle of Eigg, Scotland
Why Go: A tiny island in the Inner Hebrides, Eigg offers rugged coastlines, rolling green hills, and a strong sense of community. It’s also the world’s first island to run entirely on renewable energy, powered by wind, solar, and hydro systems.
What Makes It Special: Eigg’s residents collectively bought the island in 1997, making it a symbol of sustainability and community-led development. The vibe is cozy, intellectual, and proudly off-the-grid.
What to Do: Climb An Sgurr, the island’s dramatic volcanic peak, explore caves once used by early Christians, and enjoy traditional folk music in local pubs.
- Flores Island, Azores (Portugal)
Why Go: Part of the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic, Flores is one of the least visited islands in the region, despite its immense natural beauty.
What Makes It Special: Known as the “Island of Flowers,” it’s a place of hydrangea-lined roads, crater lakes, basalt cliffs, and countless waterfalls. The pace is slow, and nature dominates every view.
What to Do: Explore the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs and cascading waterfalls, go canyoning, or relax in natural volcanic pools by the sea.
- Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Why Go: While Phuket and Krabi are flooded with tourists, Koh Yao Noi remains serene and largely untouched—despite being just a short boat ride away.
What Makes It Special: It’s one of the last islands in Thailand where traditional fishing villages, rice paddies, and local life remain at the heart of the experience.
What to Do: Rent a scooter to explore the island’s interior, take a longtail boat to nearby Phang Nga Bay, and enjoy Thai cooking classes hosted in family homes.
- Taveuni, Fiji
Why Go: Known as the “Garden Island” of Fiji, Taveuni offers an authentic slice of Fijian life far from luxury resorts and tourist crowds.
What Makes It Special: The island straddles the International Date Line and is covered in lush rainforest, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. The nearby Rainbow Reef is one of the best dive spots in the world.
What to Do: Hike the Bouma National Heritage Park, dive or snorkel in Somosomo Strait, and attend a traditional kava ceremony with locals.
- Sifnos, Greece
Why Go: While Santorini and Mykonos overflow with cruise ships and honeymooners, Sifnos remains a peaceful gem with whitewashed villages and world-class food.
What Makes It Special: Known as Greece’s culinary island, Sifnos is where Greek chefs go to reconnect with their roots. The island also boasts over 100 ancient stone towers and picturesque hiking trails connecting its quaint villages.
What to Do: Feast on chickpea stews and locally made cheese, visit ancient ruins, and take a swim in the hidden cove of Vathi.
Why These Islands Matter More Than Ever
The magic of these underrated islands lies not just in their scenery but in their ability to offer connection—whether to nature, culture, or a simpler way of life. As global tourism slowly returns post-pandemic, travelers have a rare opportunity to choose destinations more thoughtfully.
Avoiding Overtourism:
By exploring places not yet on mainstream itineraries, travelers reduce pressure on over-visited destinations that struggle with environmental and infrastructural strain.
Supporting Local Communities:
Underrated islands often rely heavily on tourism but rarely see the economic benefits of mass travel. Visiting responsibly allows for direct support of local families, businesses, and preservation efforts.
Preserving Authenticity:
These islands still reflect their natural rhythms and traditions—something quickly lost when crowds arrive. Going now means experiencing the real essence of the place, before it’s shaped for tourists.
Traveling Responsibly in Unspoiled Destinations
When visiting lesser-known places, respect is paramount. Here are a few ways to ensure your journey is as meaningful for locals as it is for you:
Tread lightly: Stick to marked trails, avoid single-use plastics, and leave no trace behind.
Engage respectfully: Learn basic phrases in the local language, understand cultural norms, and ask permission before taking photos.
Choose local: Stay in guesthouses, eat at family-run restaurants, and hire local guides.
