Top Under-the-Radar Island Getaways
Unspoiled Holiday Escapes: Hidden Island Jewels Unfamiliar to Most Travelers
Are you sick of overcrowded tourist traps that leave you more stressed than relaxed? Fear not! There are still numerous unspoiled islands around the globe that are virtually free of tourist hordes. These hidden gems offer breathtaking landscapes, serene beaches, and unique cultures. Some of them may even be all yours!
La Maddalena Archipelago, Italy
If you're not ready for a long journey to the South Pacific but still hankering for paradisiacal islands, consider Italy's La Maddalena Archipelago. Situated off Sardinia's northern coast, this archipelago consists of about 60 islands, each offering stunning bays and beaches. The entire area is protected as a national park, ensuring the preservation of this dreamy island haven. And with Sardinia boasting its own array of ways to delight your senses, you'll find plenty to enjoy on your Italian sojourn.[1]
Italy Travel Guide
Craving more information for an unforgettable Italian escapade? Check out our free Travel Tips: Italy digital magazine, filled with enchanting destinations and valuable information for your dream vacation!
Traveling to La Maddalena is a breeze. From Palau's small harbor on Sardinia, boats take just 20 minutes to reach the eponymous island, home to over 11,000 inhabitants. The island's charming old town is worth a visit, with a variety of eateries and shops catering to tourists. If you're eager for more exploration, the panoramic road winds through dreamy bays, taking approximately an hour. However, the archipelago is best experienced by boat, allowing you to discover hidden coves and pristine beaches.[1]
Don't forget to check out our Travel Tips: Active Vacation in Southern Sardinia magazine for more enchanting Sardinian locales to explore![1]
São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa
Around 50 kilometers off Gabon's west coast lies the diminutive island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. Comprised of two main islands and a handful of smaller ones, this tropical paradise remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism. Thanks to its location on the equator, São Tomé and Príncipe enjoy a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius.[2]
Rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, lush dream beaches, and crystal-clear waters await intrepid travelers seeking a unique island adventure. The rainy season occurs between October and May, followed by a dry season from June to September.[2]
St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean
The Caribbean isn't only about Cuba, Jamaica, and Barbados. On St. Kitts and Nevis, you can discover a treasure trove of rainforests, volcanoes, and over 100 kilometers of pristine coastline with scenic white and black sand beaches. Part of the Lesser Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis lie approximately 400 kilometers east of Puerto Rico.[3]
Explore the islands' diverse landscapes on foot or by bicycle, or hike to the summit of Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts' volcano. For a deeper dive into the islands' culture and cuisine, visit the bustling capital Basseterre and learn about the islands' history at the National Museum.[3]
European Arctic Ocean
Europe's north also offers up dreamy islands, including the picturesque Senja, located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. With verdant valleys, dramatic fjords, mountains, and dream beaches, Senja has been dubbed "Norway in miniature." During summer, Senja beckons hikers, while winter brings opportunities for skiing and spotting the Northern Lights.[4]
Comoros, Indian Ocean
Off the east coast of Africa and west of Madagascar lie the Comoros, an enchanting island cluster that's yet to fall under the spell of mass tourism. The archipelago consists of four main islands—Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli, and Mayotte, a French overseas territory. Due to their volcanic origin, the islands showcase a diverse landscape, inviting explorers to hike, relax on the beach, and even climb active volcanoes. The best time to visit the Comoros is during the dry season, from May to October.[3]
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Footnotes:
- Travel Tips: Italy and Travel Tips: Active Vacation in Southern Sardinia are available as free PDF downloads.
- The islands' tropical climate offers temperatures between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, with a rainy season between October and May and a dry season between June and September.
- For more information on the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, check out our travel guide.
- Europe's Nordic islands offer many wonders, including Senja.
La Maddalena Archipelago in Italy offers a lifestyle that combines stunning island landscapes, serene beaches, and a unique culture, all while being virtually free of tourist hordes, making it an ideal travel destination.
São Tomé and Príncipe, located in West Africa, remains undiscovered by mass tourism and provides an authentic travel experience, offering rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, dream beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
