These Are World’s Top 5 Secret Islands to You Need Visit Before Everyone Else Finds Out
In a world where social media influencer documents every corners of the globe, it feels like true travel secret is becoming a rare commidity. But even today, hidden gems still exist—untouched islands that has evade the spotlight, places where you can still found serenity away from the crowds, where nature remain untamed, and the beaches aren’t yet overrun by tourists. Here are five of the world’s most secret islands that you need to visit before everyone else finds out.
1. Isla Holbox, Mexico
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a postcard scene, Isla Holbox (pronounced “Hol-bosh”) is that dream come true. Located off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Isla Holbox is a small island where color and nature blends seamlessly. Picture tranquil turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and streets without cars—just golf carts humming along, delivering the few visitors across its sandy terrain.
One of Isla Holbox’s highlights is its shallow waters—you can wade a hundred meter into the ocean and still only be knee-deep. This calm water makes it perfect for spotting pink flamingos, often spotted relaxing on the sandbanks. You can even found bioluminescent plankton lighting up the shorelines during certain months of the year, creating a dazzling show at night as you walks along the beach.
Holbox remains under the radar because its charm lies in its simplicity. There are no mega-resorts or all-inclusive packages—just boutique hotels, fresh seafood, and colorful murals decorating the town. The town square hosts lively gathering where locals play music, sells street food, and children dance under twinkling lights. Those who makes the journey here will find tranquility, magic, and one of the best place to witness sunsets that paints the horizon in shades of orange, pink, and purple.
The island remains largely unknown because reaching Isla Holbox require a bit of effort—it’s a two-hour drive from Cancun, followed by a 20-minute ferry ride. But therein lies its beauty: only those willing to put in the effort are rewarded with its simple charms.
2. Côn Đảo, Vietnam
Set amidst the vastness of the South China Sea, the Côn Đảo archipelago in Vietnam remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering an experience that stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of popular Vietnamese destinations like Hà Nội or Ho Chi Minh City. Côn Đảo is an escape to nature, where thick jungles meets pristine beaches, and clear waters lap against secluded bays.
With just a few thousand inhabitant, Côn Đảo has been called one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets. Here, you can snorkel in coral reefs teeming with marine life, hike through lush forest paths, and explore deserted beaches—each one more picturesque than the last. The diverse marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins, offers fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities for underwater enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you may even witness green sea turtles laying their eggs at certain times of the year.
Côn Đảo’s history also offers an intriguing backstory. During the French colonial era, the island was used as a prison—a place of hardship for those who fought for independence. Today, you can still visit the old prison complex, learning about Vietnam’s tumultuous past while appreciating the serene beauty that surrounds you.
The island’s limited accessibility—a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City—has helped to preserved its peacefulness, and with a small number of visitors making the journey each year, Côn Đảo’s serene nature remain intact. It’s a must-visit destination for those who crave authenticity and raw beauty without the large crowds.
3. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, are a breathtakingly beautiful archipelago that is still relatively unknown among mainstream tourists. Characterized by dramatic peaks, fjords, and scenic fishing villages, the Lofoten Islands offer an experience that feels like stepping into a Nordic fairy tale.
Here, you can find charming red cabins known as “rorbuer” lining the waterfront, traditional fishing boats bobbing gently, and untamed landscapes that invite endless exploration. The Lofoten Islands are perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and culture. Hiking trails lead to stunning viewpoints, kayaking through the clear waters allows you to get up close to the landscape, and fishing remains an integral part of life here—visitors are welcome to try their hand at catching cod.
The islands are also one of the best places in Norway to witness the midnight sun during the summer and the northern lights in the winter, giving visitors an opportunity to see some of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. The small population, together with the remoteness of the islands, means that even in peak season, you can still find a sense of peace and solitude that is often missing in other parts of Europe.
The Lofoten Islands may be more accessible than some of the other destinations on this list, with regular flights from Oslo to the regional airports. However, the rugged beauty, unique cultural experience, and the awe-inspiring scenery make this place one of the last hidden gems in Europe—a must-visit for travelers wanting to explore an untouched Arctic paradise.
4. Flores Island, Azores, Portugal
The Azores archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean and belonging to Portugal, is slowly gaining attention as a top travel destination, but within the nine islands lies a hidden gem that still remains under the radar—Flores Island. As the westernmost point of Europe, Flores is a natural paradise that offers everything from dramatic cliffs and lush valleys to cascading waterfalls and crater lakes.
Flores Island, as its name imply, is known for its abundance of flowers, particularly vibrant blue hydrangeas that blanket the landscape in the summer months. The island’s volcanic origins has shaped a terrain filled with caldera lakes and jagged peaks, making it ideal for adventure seekers. Hike up to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro—one of the most photographed spots in the Azores—to witness countless waterfall flowing down the green hillside.
The island’s remoteness makes it less accessible to mass tourism, with a small airport connecting Flores to the larger islands of the Azores and mainland Portugal. The island is sparsely populated, and during your visit, you might find yourself hiking for hours without seeing another person, making it an ideal destination for those in search of solitude.
Whether you choose to kayak through tranquil lakes, explore the rugged coastline by boat, or simply relax in a natural hot spring overlooking the ocean, Flores Island offers an unspoiled escape from the busy world—a place where nature and adventure intersect in breathtaking ways.
5. Isla de Gorgona, Colombia
Once home to a prison, Isla de Gorgona—off the Pacific coast of Colombia—has transformed into an unexpected haven for nature lovers and adventurers. While Colombia’s Caribbean islands are more commonly visited by tourists, Gorgona remains largely undiscovered, in part due to its history and in part due to its wild terrain. Yet, for those who makes the journey, it’s an island that rewards them with a unique and beautiful experience.
Isla de Gorgona is covered by dense rainforest, home to monkeys, sloths, and a colorful array of birds. The surrounding waters—part of a protected national park—offer some of the best diving experiences in South America. Between July and October, humpback whales migrate through the area, and sightings are almost guaranteed. Whale watching in Gorgona is an experience that rivals any in the world—hearing the sound of whales breathing just meters from your boat as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean is nothing short of magical.
The island has only a few accommodations—most are eco-friendly lodges that ensure visitors leave no trace and keep the ecosystem thriving. This emphasis on sustainable tourism, along with limited infrastructure, has helped Isla de Gorgona retain its untouched charm. It’s a place where you can disconnect completely from modern life—no phone signals, no rush—just the sound of the jungle and the waves crashing against the shore.
With its rich biodiversity, fascinating history, and secluded location, Isla de Gorgona is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience Colombia’s natural beauty without the crowds of more popular destinations.