Ever wonder if there are still places left on Earth that feel untouched—like truly off the radar? Not just the top 10 best islands in the world you see in every travel roundup… but the quiet ones. The hidden ones. The ones you probably won’t find on a postcard or trending on Instagram feed.
If that’s what you’re chasing, you’ve landed on the right blog post. We’re diving into some of the best hidden gem islands in the world—places where the water’s still clear, the beaches are almost suspiciously empty, and time just… slows down.
Some are tucked away in Oceania’s hidden gems travel destinations, others scattered across unexpected corners of the map.
They’re not perfect, and that’s kind of the point. Each one has its quirks, its charm, and its own way of surprising you. Honestly, a few might even make you rethink what “paradise” really looks like.
Let’s get into it.
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1. Tanna, Vanuatu
Honestly, I stumbled upon Tanna by accident—or rather, by curiosity. Most people know Vanuatu for its big‑name attractions, but Tanna is this jewel tucked away at the southern end.
- Why it’s special: Mt. Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. You literally can stand on the crater rim and—yes, hear that rumble. It’s raw, it’s fiery, it’s kind of terrifying—but in a good way?
- Vibe: Rustic villages, kastom dances, people planting yams. You feel connected to Earth, in a way few places do.
- Best time to go: May to October, during the dry season.
And here’s the thing: Tanna doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. It’s kind of shy, but welcoming.
2. Lifou, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
You might miss Lifou on the map. The Loyalty Islands barely show up unless you zoom in… and even then, they look like scattered dots just drifting in the Pacific. But Lifou? It has this quiet gravity. You get there, and suddenly everything feels slower. Softer.
What makes it stand out? The limestone cliffs drop dramatically into glass-clear waters, and there are cenotes — actual luminous ones — hidden inland. I dove into one and honestly didn’t expect to feel much. But something about that silence underwater… I don’t know, it hit differently. Like a pause you didn’t know you needed.
And the food? Well, it’s got a bit of that French‑Pacific fusion going on. But not in a pretentious way. I had grilled mahi-mahi with cassava one night, and it was probably the most straightforward, no-fuss plate of food I’ve had on any island — but it just worked. Local, warm, no frills.
It’s the kind of place where beaches don’t come with signs. You just wander, maybe follow a dirt path between palms, and suddenly there’s this stretch of sand with no one around. Not even footprints. It feels — I don’t know — like a place the world forgot… in a good way.
If you’re looking to discover unbelievable islands around the world, Lifou might not scream for your attention. But it stays with you long after you leave.
3. Savai’i, Samoa
Okay, this one surprised me a bit. Most folks hear “Samoa” and think Upolu, the main island—but Savai’i is quieter, greener, older in a traditional sense.
- Must‑see: The lava tubes and blowholes at Alofaaga. They’re like nature’s own water park—OK, maybe a little wild.
- Cultural nuance: I watched a fale (traditional meeting house) being built. The precision and communal effort made me go, “Hm, modern life lacks this.”
Savai’i’s kind of more introspective—rootsy.
4. Tikehau, French Polynesia
When people talk “most beautiful islands in the world,” Tahiti and Bora Bora get the hype. Tikehau? Not so much. But it should.
- Elusive charm: A perfect coral atoll, a 360‑degree lagoon ring… It’s instantly calming.
- Under‑the‑radar: Nearly zero hotels when I went—just a cluster of small pensions run by locals who greeted me by name after a day.
It’s undiscovered, to the point where your biggest decision is east‑ or west‑facing sunset.
5. Lord Howe Island, Australia
This one’s in Oceania, but almost feels outside time.
- Eco‑vibe: Strict visitor cap—400 people max. Birds, fish, and insects act like they own the place (because they do).
- Adventure: Hike to Mt. Gower early in the morning—you’ll hit that cloud inversion and think, “Yeah, this is the peak of hidden islands in the world.”
Honestly, I came for the birds but stayed for the tranquility.
6. Gili Lawa Darat, Indonesia
Okay, not strictly an “island” according to some mechanicians, but it counts. It’s part of the Komodo archipelago—where you go looking for dragons (Komodo dragons, that is).
- What blew me away: Sunrise from that lookout—colors I thought didn’t exist.
- Uniqueness: Good diving spots where you’re likely to see manta rays. Locals are friendly, and there’s zero nightlife. Which might … be the best part.
Feels like a well‑kept secret, but I guess I just spilled the beans.
7. Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan is often seen as a stopover on the way to bigger Pacific destinations. But it has its own cool story.
- Historical depth: WWII relics are everywhere, but not eerie—more reflective.
- Beaches: Micro Beach is pink for a while every day (tiny red corals mixing with white sand).
- Underappreciated: No Lifou‑level drama, but surprising serenity.
It’s more nuanced than flashy.
8. Isla Holbox, Mexico
Let’s pause Oceania for a moment—because sometimes “hidden gems in the world” ripple beyond a region.
- No cars: Just buggies and bikes.
- Bioluminescence: At night, plankton light your every step. I felt like I was walking through a galaxy—though, possibly dramatic.
This one is on its radar, but still feels secret.
9. Santa Maria Island, Azores (Portugal)
Yeah, this is Europe, but I think it’s a hidden gem. And sometimes travel narratives benefit from a curveball, right?
- Style shift: Think volcanic cliffs, Alpine‑meets‑tropical greenery, fumaroles that hiss softly.
- Flavors: This one, I swear, has the best pineapple I’ve tasted—Azorean sunshine in every bite.
It doesn’t mind you noticing. In fact, maybe it enjoys the attention.
10. Ilha Grande, Brazil
Brazil’s coastline is explosive—but Ilha Grande is that lush whisper under the roaring canopy.
- Jungle meets beach: Trails, waterfalls, monkeys overhead.
- Human touch: No cars, no highways—just paths. I got lost (lovingly), found a hidden cove, and felt grinning afterward.
It’s one of my personal “why didn’t I come earlier?” spots.
Table: Quick Island Comparison
| Island | Region | Vibe | Highlights |
| Tanna | Vanuatu (Oceania) | Volcanic, rustic | Mt. Yasur volcano, kastom culture |
| Lifou | New Caledonia (Oceania) | Beachy, French‑influenced | Cenotes, limestone cliffs |
| Savai’i | Samoa (Oceania) | Traditional, green | Lava tubes, fale building |
| Tikehau | French Polynesia | Secluded, intimate | Coral lagoon, low‑key pensions |
| Lord Howe | Australia (Oceania) | Pristine, eco‑focused | Birdlife, hiking Mt. Gower |
| Gili Lawa Darat | Indonesia | Natural, adventurer’s choice | Manta ray diving, sunrise views |
| Saipan | Northern Marianas | Reflective, historical | WWII sites, pink‑sand moments |
| Isla Holbox | Mexico | Magical, no‑cars | Bioluminescent plankton, beaches |
| Santa Maria Island | Azores, Portugal | Volcanic charm | Pineapple, lush trails |
| Ilha Grande | Brazil | Jungle‑beach hybrid | Waterfalls, monkeys, wild trails |
Pro Tip
When hunting for the Best hidden gem islands in the world, flexibility is key. These places aren’t always easy to reach—ferry schedules change, weather can reroute flights. Treat surprises as part of the charm… not the spoil of the trip.
Top 10 Best Island in the World
Now, some of you might wonder: aren’t these Top 10 best islands in the world lists usually full of mainstream picks? Yeah, I’ve seen them. But I wanted something… a bit wilder, less on the postcard. Each of these islands may not be “top” in popularity, but in experience? Absolutely.
Why Do These Hidden Islands Resonate?
I think what links them is authenticity. Not all have turquoise‑blue water or the most beautiful islands in the world aesthetics that dominate Insta, but they have stories. You feel them—whether that’s in a Samoan village, a Brazilian jungle, or standing near an erupting volcano.
And, honestly, there’s something refreshing about that. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t need to be polished to be profound.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the takeaway here? I guess… it’s that not all beauty shouts. Sometimes the best hidden gem islands in the world don’t try to impress you. They just exist — quietly — waiting for someone who’s okay with getting a little lost, being a little surprised, and maybe not knowing exactly what to expect.
If you’re used to picture-perfect resorts and tourist-packed beaches, these spots might feel… different. Not better or worse — just more real. The kind of places that trade polished amenities for genuine moments. A conversation with a local fisherman. A strange fruit you’ve never tasted. A beach with no name, just silence and wind.
A few parting thoughts before you go booking:
- Prioritize uniqueness over picture-perfection. Not every island has postcard looks — but many leave a deeper mark.
- Book ahead, especially transport — ferries, tiny island flights, and remote guesthouses can fill up fast, even off-season.
- Learn a couple of local words. Seriously. Whether it’s Bislama in Vanuatu, Samoan greetings, or just “thank you” in the native tongue — people notice. And it matters.
- And maybe keep your plans loose. Sometimes the best parts of travel aren’t on the itinerary.
This wasn’t meant to be a polished list of the top 10 best islands in the world or a Pinterest-perfect travel guide. Just a personal(ish) wander through places that still feel a little undiscovered — from hidden islands in the world like Tanna and Lifou to lesser-known corners of the Oceania hidden gems travel destinations.
Maybe you’ll visit one. Maybe all ten. Or maybe you’ll just daydream about them for now — which is totally fine too.
Safe travels… and may you always find beauty where no one’s looking.
