Buzz
Islands are dreamlike escapes for countless travelers across the globe. Imagine pristine beaches bathed in golden sunlight, framed by endless stretches of turquoise waters. Yet, for the adventurous at heart, the allure lies in discovering lesser-known islands, each holding its own mysteries and stories, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
These hidden gems can be awe-inspiring or eerily intriguing. This list showcases a blend of both, featuring islands from around the world that are as captivating as they are enigmatic.
10. Suwarrow
Located in the Cook Islands within the South Pacific, Suwarrow is a low-lying atoll frequently battered by storm surges. Designated as a National Heritage Park in 1978, it is protected under Cook Islands legislation. The island is home to just two caretakers and over a million seabirds, representing eleven distinct species.
Suwarrow has been hailed as one of the world's most romantic islands, but its fame as a treasure island truly set it apart. In the mid-19th century, a Tahitian ship crew stumbled upon an iron chest brimming with gold and silver coins while salvaging on the island. Decades later, in 1876, Henry Mair unearthed a rusted box in a turtle’s nest, filled with gold and silver jewelry, coins, and brooches. Unable to carry the treasure, he reburied it and sketched a map to mark its location.
Mair met his demise in the New Hebrides in 1891, and his treasure map was lost forever.
9. Flatey Island
Flatey Island topped the list of The Best 50 Islands in the World 2019, yet it remains largely unknown. Spanning just under two kilometers (1.25 miles), it is home to a mere six permanent residents.
Located off Iceland’s west coast, Flatey is the only inhabited island among 3,000 in Breiðafjörður Bay. It houses Iceland’s first library and the historic Flatey Church. Accessible only by ferry, the island bans cars and has inspired filmmakers, most notably serving as the setting for The Honour of the House (1999).
8. Mou Waho
Lake Wanaka in New Zealand is home to five islands, with Mou Waho being the most secluded and mysterious. Historically, it was inhabited by both Europeans and Maori, thriving as a hub for sheep farming. Today, the island is a sanctuary for birdlife, particularly the buff weka.
Mou Waho, also known as “Outer Island,” is famously described as an “island within a lake, on an island, in a lake, on an island in the ocean.” At its summit lies Arethusa Pool, featuring its own tiny islet. From the highest vantage point, visitors can witness a mesmerizing sequence of island, water, island, water, and island. This breathtaking view is just a 3-kilometer (1.86-mile) walk away.
7. Okinawa
Okinawa might ring a bell if you’ve watched The Karate Kid or its spin-off series, Cobra Kai. Tomi Village on Okinawa was once home to Mr. Miyagi before he moved to America. In Cobra Kai, Daniel LaRusso revisits the island, only to find it drastically transformed.
In reality, Okinawa is part of Japan, yet it holds a unique cultural identity distinct from mainland Japan. Its residents are called Nippon-jin, and the island is renowned for its high population of elderly citizens. Okinawa is also the cradle of karate, a martial art developed by locals as a defense against Japanese samurai invasions.
Okinawa is reputed to be one of the most haunted places globally. The Kadena Air Base, an American military installation, once housed “Building 2283.” In the 1970s, an Air Force officer residing there killed his family and then himself. When another family moved in, the father attacked his wife and children with a knife. Following these tragedies, the building was repurposed as a storage shed before allegedly being demolished in 2009.
Reports suggest that demolishing the building was a prolonged ordeal, as workers experienced severe headaches and hallucinations whenever they attempted to set up equipment.
Perhaps the most chilling detail is that a daycare center stood next to Building 2283. Children at the center frequently threw their toys over the fence separating them from the building. When questioned, they claimed the kids on the other side had asked them to…
6. Saba
Saba, the smallest island in the Dutch Caribbean, is home to the highest peak in the Dutch Kingdom—Mount Scenery, rising 887 meters (2,910 feet) above sea level. This potentially active volcano last erupted in 1640, adding an air of mystery to its towering presence.
Despite its small size, Saba is famous for having the world’s shortest runway, stretching just 400 meters (1,312 feet) along a beachside cliff. Pilots must navigate carefully, as overshooting the runway could send them and their passengers straight into the Atlantic Ocean.
This charming island is also one of the safest destinations globally for solo female travelers. Crime is virtually nonexistent, and the locals are known for their warm hospitality. Beyond the breathtaking ocean views, visitors can explore ancient burial sites scattered across private properties.
The silhouette of Saba was famously used to depict “Skull Island” in the 1933 film King Kong. Even in photographs, the island’s dramatic landscape evokes images of giant creatures lurking or peering over the volcanic peaks.
5. Andros
While travelers to the Bahamas often flock to New Providence, Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama Island, the lesser-known Andros Island is a must-visit hidden treasure. Adding it to your itinerary will offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, covering an impressive 5,960 square kilometers (2,300 square miles). It ranks as the fifth-largest island in the Caribbean and is often called the Secret Garden of the Bahamas due to its abundance of over 60 wild orchid species. Additionally, Andros is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. The area between Andros and New Providence, known as TOTO (Tongue of the Ocean), features extremely deep waters surrounded by islands, reefs, and shoals.
Legend has it that the mythical Chickcharney creature still roams Andros, with some attributing the tales to sightings of a prehistoric barn owl. However, no remains of the owl, Tyto pollens, have ever been found on the island.
4. Fadiouth Shell Island
Located in Mbour, Senegal, Fadiouth Shell Island is a unique destination composed of millions of clam shells accumulated over centuries. The island’s streets are paved with shells, leading to a wooden bridge that connects to a second shell island.
The second island, entirely constructed from shells, is renowned more for its cemetery than its unique composition. While approximately 90% of Senegal’s population practices Islam, this cemetery is adorned with white Christian crosses, symbolizing the country’s Christian minority. This striking contrast serves as a monument to religious diversity and is a testament to the region’s religious tolerance, making it a fascinating and unusual sight.
3. Santa Catalina
For those seeking a lively experience on a glass-bottom boat while enjoying the Pacific Ocean’s beauty, Santa Catalina Island is the perfect destination. Located just over 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Southern California’s coast, Catalina is a popular retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
During World War II, Catalina was closed to the public and transformed into a military training base. Today, the Catalina Island Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the island’s rich history, providing an educational alternative to beach activities.
As you explore Catalina, be on the lookout for the ghostly figure of a ballplayer often spotted at the Catalina Country Club. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions in 1920s attire walking through walls at the local theater, and some have even encountered an elderly woman in a white robe floating in the restroom.
2. Corregidor
Corregidor Island, located at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines, was historically fortified with coastal artillery to protect Manila and its bay from naval attacks. During World War II, it played a crucial role in both the invasion and liberation of the Philippines, though it suffered extensive damage in the process.
Today, the island’s ruins stand as a tribute to the soldiers who perished there. The Pacific War Memorial, situated at the highest point of Topside, honors their sacrifice. Additionally, a Japanese Garden of Peace commemorates the Japanese soldiers who died on Corregidor. Visitors can also explore the island’s historic lighthouse, one of its oldest structures.
Given its violent past, Corregidor is believed to be haunted by the spirits of those who fought and lived there. The Old Corregidor Island Hospital, built in 1912, is considered the island’s most eerie site. Reports include hearing screams and cries from its ruins, while others claim to hear the sounds of a fully operational hospital echoing through its empty halls.
1. Danger Islands
For years, biologists assumed the Adelie penguin population was in steady decline. However, in 2018, researchers uncovered a massive supercolony of over 1.5 million Adelie penguins on the Danger Islands, located near the Antarctic Peninsula’s northern tip. This colony remained hidden for decades due to the treacherous waters and the islands’ extreme isolation.
The Danger Islands were first identified by James Clark Ross in 1842, who noted the peril posed by the surrounding ice. The expedition nearly missed spotting the islands entirely, as the dense ice effectively concealed them until their ship was almost upon them.
