The 9 best hidden gem islands for a secluded holiday

Not just secret but private too, Jicaro Island is on Lake Nicaragua, just a short trip to the UNESCO-listed city of Granada and offering views over the spectacular Mombacho Volcano. Set amongst this tiny, jungle-covered stretch are seven thatched casitas that hide in the trees, built from local materials. The best part about Jicaro Island isn’t just the accommodation (which has a restaurant and pool), but the location. Explore nearby islands, go fishing or head out on the lake by kayak, spotting wildlife on the way. 

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Vietnam is home to dozens of beautiful islands, but the Côn Đảo Islands are still off the radar of the main tourist crowd. Near the south coast, the island chain is home to alabaster sand beaches, low-hanging palm trees and incredible marine life, but Côn Sơn is the only inhabited island in the group. This makes it perfect for taking boat trips around the archipelago, exploring the dramatic cliffs of Côn Sơn by motorbike or snorkelling with tropical fish and turtles in sandy coves. 

It’s hard to choose just one of the jaw-dropping Azores Islands, but if you’re after unspoilt nature and spectacular landscapes then Pico is difficult to beat. You can find Pico Mountain here, which is Portugal’s highest peak, along with pretty lakes and lava fields. But the most surprising thing about Pico is its wine - its vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site, so make sure to sample some at one of the local restaurants. Cheers to that. 

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The UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll is one of the world’s largest coral atolls in the Seychelles’s distant southwest, so remote you can only get here by liveaboard. But with just four tiny islands and a central lagoon, the waters boast over 3000 marine species per 100sq/m. On land, the world’s largest population of giant tortoises stroll around (very slowly). While you can’t stay overnight, select cruises and dive boats will let you spend a day here, in one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places. 

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East of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Réunion is technically a region of France, but you wouldn’t guess from the towering pitons, cliffs and mountains which resemble Jurassic Park. The island’s main volcano, Piton de La Fournaise, is one of the most active in the world, and almost half of Réunion is a UNESCO site. The many peaks and ancient lava flows make it popular for hiking, but you’ll also find waterfalls, beaches and colourful villages, plus delicious Creole cuisine and best of all, very few other people.

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Although islands in Malaysian Borneo are usually in the spotlight, the Perhentian Islands off the country’s east coast are just as picturesque and secluded. A small plane, bus and speedboat are needed to reach the twin islands, Perhential Besar and Perhentian Kecil, but we promise its worth the trip. Golden beaches, water so clear you can see to the bottom and intermittent internet make it an ideal off-grid escape. The only tourists you’ll meet here are scuba divers, as marine parks, house reefs and shipwrecks surround the islands. 

Filicudi is an island Italians don’t want to share, where the clear waters hide dolphins and turtles, and extinct volcanoes dominate the landscape. The UNESCO-listed island is part of the Aeolian Islands, which can be reached by ferry from Naples. There are a few villages connected by mule tracks, local restaurants and almost no cars, but hop on a scooter and you can visit sea caves, the peak of Fossa Felci volcano, and the very edge of Filicudi’s coast to watch unforgettable sunsets. 

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If you thought Western Australia couldn’t get better, just visit Rottnest Island, also known as Wadjemup by Aboriginals. You might be familiar with the island thanks to its adorable residents, the quokkas, who have no natural predators and therefore love to pose for photos. Dazzling blue water, more than sixty beaches and fresh local seafood are only the start. Jump on the Island Explorer coach for the day to stop at all of the best spots, including quokka haven Thomson’s Bay and Henrietta Rocks for snorkelling. 

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If you didn’t know that Japan has tropical islands with white sand beaches and brilliant blue waters, prepare to be blown away by the islands in Okinawa. Iriomote Island is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands and is covered in jungle and mangrove forests. Part of Iriomote is an untouched national park, and the few people who visit turn their time to kayaking, snorkelling and hiking, but you can also take a jungle cruise or scuba dive at Manta Way to see huge schools of manta rays.

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