Escape from everyday life and leave all your worries on land. Check out these few mysterious islands that deftly avoid the radar of tourists.
There are still places in the world that have not been overrun by tourists. See where your next vacation will be.
Ile d'Ouessant, France
The westernmost French island takes you back in time, and you can explore it by bike. There are five lighthouses on the island, which can be found near Stiff harbor, from where the ferry takes you back to Brittany.
Salina, Italy
The paradisiacal Aeolian island off Sicily offers unspoiled natural beauty along with some boutique accommodation and stunning views of its stunning neighbour, the volcanic island of Stomboli. You can explore the island by boat, swim in the sea and sunbathe in one of the secret bays.
Alonnisos, Greece
Although the island waits patiently in the shadow of the larger Greek islands, Alonnisos is only one of two actual marine parks in the country. Home to an endangered species of bear, it is famous for its many natural beauties, and some cute churches are also worth exploring. Some are more than 500 years old.
Rottnest Island, Australia
The island, full of tiny, kangaroo-like marsupials called Quokka, got the name "Rat's Nest" due to a mistake by Dutch sailors. The sailors were convinced that it was rodents, thus causing a great injustice to the island. Don't let this put you off visiting this gem of the Western Australian coast.
Niue, South Pacific
Niue remains a mystery in the South Pacific mainly because of its location. Namely, it lies northeast of New Zealand and belongs to one of the largest formed coral atolls in the world. Due to its unique nature, many call it "Eden", a paradise, as almost a quarter of Niue is a pristine rainforest full of native birds.
Okunoshima Island, Japan
Us Agi Jima, or Rabbit Island as the locals call it, got its name from its rodent inhabitants. During World War II, this secluded island near Hiroshima was used for military testing, some of which was conducted on rabbits. At the end of the war, the army withdrew, and today the bunnies roam the island freely.
Gaya Island, Malaysia
Located within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the small island of Gaya in Malaysia boasts pristine sandy beaches, lush rainforest and natural luxuries, making it perfect for a tranquil getaway away from it all. Surrounded by crystal clear water and views of Mount Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort offers spacious villas and the opportunity to witness the beauty of the world beneath the sea level.
Favignana, Italy
Favignana, located on the west coast of Sicily, is popular among the local population, while it remains unknown to foreign tourists. The island is connected to Sicily by hydrofoils and private boats, and is popular for its unspoilt scenery and crystal clear water, considered by many to be some of the best snorkeling and diving around.
Palmaria, Italy
In the immediate vicinity of the Cinque Terre is the island of Palmaria, which, despite the tourist crowds on the Italian river, has not yet been discovered by the tourist radar. The island, a paradise for nature lovers, offers many opportunities for hiking on idyllic trails with wonderful views of the sea and the village of Portovenere in the distance.
Pico, Portugal
Don't be fooled by the small size of this Portuguese gem in the Azores; although the island may be small, the highest Portuguese mountain – Ponta de Pico – is located right here. Its black volcanic soil has catapulted the local vineyards to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
