Hidden Vacation Destinations: These 10 Islands Are Still Unknown

Who doesn't dream of an idyllic vacation at a place that hasn't been overrun by tourists? Away from the hotspots, there are numerous vacation paradises that enchant with untouched nature, unique landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Join us on a journey to discover ten of the world's most beautiful islands that are still real hidden gems.

Aitutaki is a small paradise and home to what might be the most beautiful lagoon in the world. The island is located about 150 miles from the Cook main island of Rarotonga and can be reached by plane from there. Eight small villages are scattered along the east and west coasts, with the main town Arutanga housing the port and most shops.

Popular excursions include catamaran trips to idyllic snorkeling spots or the tiny island of One Foot Island, where travelers can have their passport stamped in the world's smallest post office. Between July and October, visitors also have the opportunity to see humpback whales off the coast. Aitutaki offers a South Pacific idyll that you otherwise only see on postcards.

The small island of Koh Ta Kiev off the coast of Cambodia is still a real hidden gem. With its picturesque beaches, dense jungles, and unpaved roads, it is a place of peace. The small island can be easily explored on foot along footpaths, taking about two hours. To the east of the island lies a small fishing village. In the west and south, there are a handful of simple accommodations.

Besides hiking, Koh Ta Kiev is great for snorkeling, with beautiful reefs around the island. At night, the sea near the shore is surrounded by glowing plankton that you can swim through - a truly magical experience. The best time to visit is from November to March, outside the rainy season. To get to the island, you need to book a spot in the boats from the accommodations, which depart daily from Otres Beach near Sihanoukville.

São Tomé and Príncipe is the second smallest state in Africa - a paradise away from tourist crowds. The two islands are covered in lush rainforests, with waterfalls, mangrove forests, fine sandy beaches, and coconut palms. The islands are also home to exotic wildlife such as African grey parrots, mona monkeys, and large sea turtles.

The landmark of this island paradise is the Cão Grande Peak: A basalt monolith rising 663 meters almost vertically from the jungle. São Tomé and Príncipe offer a varied vacation: hiking, boat tours, and relaxation on the beach are all possible. From the USA, flights with a layover in Lisbon bring you to the island's capital, São Tomé. Entry is possible with a passport, no visa required.

220 miles north of the Arctic Circle, not far from Tromsø, lies Senja. It is Norway's second largest island and yet a real hidden gem. Senja's majestic mountains invite hiking. The most famous include Husfjellet, Hesten, and Segla. But there are also fine sandy beaches in Ersfjordstranda and Bøstranda that make you forget you're in the far north in summer.

Due to its scenic diversity, Senja is often described as Norway in miniature: visitors find rugged mountains, green valleys, fjords, waterfalls, and the characteristic colorful wooden houses. In winter, the mountains are snow-covered and offer ideal conditions for skiing. And between September and April, you can watch the northern lights dance in the sky.

The Islas del Rosario is an archipelago of 28 small islands belonging to Colombia. They can be reached in about an hour and a half by speedboat from Cartagena. With their clear waters, white sandy beaches, and magnificent coral reefs, the islands are perfect for swimming and diving. Additionally, there are lagoons, mangrove forests, and colorful parrots.

The largest islands are Isla Grande, Isla Rosario, and Isla Caribarú. The archipelago offers a relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect place for those seeking peace and natural beauty. The best time to visit the Caribbean Islas Rosarios is the dry months from December to April.

Croatia has over 1000 unique islands, some more, others less touristy. Mljet is considered Croatia's greenest island, as 90 percent of its area is forested. To locals, Mljet is a mystical place, as according to legend, the nymph Calypso lived here, who in Homer's 'Odyssey' seduced the shipwrecked Odysseus and kept him captive in her cave on the south coast for seven years. Therefore, it is also called 'Odysseus Island'.

The easiest way to reach Mljet is by ferry from Dubrovnik, which takes about two hours. With its crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and numerous coves, the island is a perfect retreat for those valuing tranquility and nature. But that's not all: besides the large national park, there are also medieval villages such as Okuklje or Prožura, sandy beaches in the east of the island, and the mountain Montoku, from which you enjoy a spectacular view.

In the middle of the East China Sea lies a green paradise: Iriomote is the largest island of the Yaeyama Group in Okinawa. Its national park is known for its tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and mangroves. About 90 percent of the island is covered in jungles, which is why it's also called the 'Galapagos of the East.' The river-dotted jungle landscape is ideal for hiking or kayaking tours. From the island of Ishigaki, Iriomote can be reached by ferry in about 40 minutes.

The Japanese island is also ideal for snorkeling and diving: the underwater world is breathtaking with pristine coral reefs and colorful fish. There's a unique feature to discover at Hoshizuna no Hama beach: the sand grains are not round but star-shaped. For a trip, the small island of Yubu is recommended, which is separated from the east coast of Iriomote by only a sandbank and shallow water. This stretch is crossed with carts pulled by water buffalo. During the ride, traditional music is played on the Sanshin, a stringed instrument from Okinawa.

The Fernando de Noronha archipelago, with its untouched nature and numerous secluded beaches, is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in Brazil. The 21 islands are a paradise for nature lovers, surfers, and divers. With an average temperature of 28 degrees and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Fernando de Noronha is worth visiting any time of year.

In the crystal-clear waters, it's possible to observe sea turtles and dolphins, and the fine sandy beaches invite relaxation and snorkeling. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the archipelago allows just 420 visitors at a time to prevent tourism-related damage. Fernando de Noronha is accessible by plane from Recife and Natal.

Few countries boast as many beautiful islands as Greece. Beyond well-known destinations like Crete, Mykonos, or Santorini, enchanting vacation paradises remain to be discovered. Kastelorizo is not just Greece's easternmost island, but Europe's too. Only 800 meters from the Turkish coast, colorful houses await in the picturesque port of Mandraki, along with the hilltop Red Castle and the Parasta Cave, a mystically shimmering underwater cave with stalactites, accessible only by boat.

There's a ferry connection from Rhodes to Kastelorizo, with the crossing taking about five hours. Visitors will be enchanted not only by the island's beauty but also by the locals' open-heartedness and the relaxed ambiance.

Caribbean, but preferably without tourists? Look no further! On La Désirade, the easternmost island of Guadeloupe, you can enjoy Creole life to the fullest. There are only a few hotels, and the entire island is under nature protection, allowing flora and fauna to thrive undisturbed. It's said there are more iguanas on the island than people - perfect conditions for a relaxed vacation. La Désirade is located about six miles from the mainland of Guadeloupe, from where there is a ferry connection.

Culinarily, Guadeloupe is famous for its rum and the influences of French cuisine. Hiking enthusiasts can trek the River Trail from Souffleur Beach to the island's highest peak, enjoying the impressive view along the way. Diving and snorkeling fans will also find paradise in the shallow waters of the dreamlike beaches.

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