20 remote islands that are worth the hassle to visit

For United States travelers, getting to Bora Bora is a major undertaking. It requires multiple long plane trips and is very expensive. But those who’ve visited have said it was one of the best trips of their life. 

Not all remote islands are tropical paradises. Some, like Fogo Island in Canada, revel in cold weather and rocky landscape. Though more accessible to United States citizens than some remote islands, Fogo Island is still nestled away from mass civilization and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of typical North American life.

For those who love history, mystery, and culture, Easter Island, way off the coast of Chile, is a worthy destination. There’s nothing but ocean for miles and miles, but once you reach the island, you’ll be floored by all there is to learn. 

Fernando de Noronha, off the coast of Brazil, is actually an archipelago, so if you make it all the way to the remote location, you can see more than one island. You’ll also see lots of beautiful wild- and sea life, stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. 

The Galápagos Islands are difficult to get to and have lots of rules — you can’t spend the night there, for example — but for anyone with an affinity for wildlife, they’re heaven on earth. If you can manage the cost and the traveling headaches, it’ll be well worth the hassle. 

The Seychelles are a remote group of islands off the eastern coast of Africa. Because of the distance, United States citizens find it tough to get to, but visitors cite it as one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. 

If you’re going all the way to the Seychelles, pair it with a visit to Madagascar. This island was famously depicted in the animated movie of the same name and is known for its unique topography and stunning wildlife. 

Despite the name, Christmas Island is not a festive destination, though it is perfect for a remote holiday. Despite its affiliation with Australia, Christmas Island is actually closer to Indonesia. Either way, it’s far away from land. 

Tasmania, Australia might sound like a made-up place and look like a made-up place, but luckily, it’s totally real. The beautiful remote island has a mixture of unique topographies and is a great place to see the Southern Lights. 

Mystery Island is so remote, it’s a small island off the coast of another small island way off the coast of Australia. For most people, this place will aptly remain a mystery, but those who venture out of their comfort zone to visit it will be absolutely delighted by its beauty. 

Don’t worry. If you visit Bermuda, you most likely will not mysteriously disappear. This location is easier for United States citizens to get to than most tropical remote islands, and it’s well worth the visit as it has a developed infrastructure and beautiful pink sand beaches.  

Cyprus is a good place to visit if you want a healthy mix of history, city life, and beaches without sacrificing modern accommodations. And as far as remote islands go, this one is almost in contention for not being considered remote, given its proximity to Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. 

Another archipelago, Los Roques, off the coast of Venezuela, is an island paradise. It’s known for its coral reef, which attracts tourists who want to dive underwater to see it up close and those who want to see it from the comfort of a boat. 

The Skellig Islands off the coast of Ireland will offer a different experience than other remote islands, but it’ll still be incredible. The islands are known for their abundance of unique birds and aquatic animals, so there will always be something natural to gaze at while on them. 

Off the eastern coast of Africa is Madagascar. Off the eastern coast of Madagascar is Mauritius, and off the eastern coast of Mauritius is Rodrigues Island. It’s safe to say this location, nestled in the Indian Ocean, is pretty remote. It’s also absolutely stunning, and you definitely won’t be bothered by loads of tourists. 

The Panamanian archipelago of San Blas Islands is known to be a great area for sailing, and it’s generally safe from hurricanes. However, anyone who wants to visit this remote locale should do so soon, as it’s at risk of being completely submerged due to rising waters.  

The Keeling Islands off the coast of Australia are a beautiful group of islands with coral atolls and lots of coconut trees. These islands are the blueprint for every sketch of a deserted island you’ve ever seen (except they’re totally real and not deserted). 

Palawan in the Philippines may require many long plane rides, but you’ll definitely not be alone once you're there. Many people live on the island, providing delicious food and fun excursions for tourists. 

Svalbard is a small island in the Arctic Circle with very few citizens and is always cold. But if you love Northern Lights sightings and polar days and nights, it’s a unique experience that’s sure to wow you. 

Some remote islands are totally luxurious, like the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain. Though a little difficult to get to, the Canary Islands are the best combination of European fanciness and island seclusion.