Need a break? Discover serenity on beautiful remote islands that offer tranquility beyond imagination. In a world often characterized by constant movement and noise, these ten peaceful getaways promise a respite like no other.
Each island on this curated list boasts its own unique charm, from untouched landscapes to dynamic marine life, providing the ideal backdrop for those seeking solitude or a deeper connection with nature. Whether you crave the untouched beauty of the South Pacific, the rugged allure of the North Atlantic, or the tropical flair of the Caribbean, these islands cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Even the quiet islands offer a plethora of thrilling experiences, such as scuba diving, hiking, and ziplining. Others offer a peaceful destination to disconnect from the rest of the world and indulge in undisturbed relaxation. There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches, either.
In any case, whether you’re taking a sabbatical to travel across the globe or visiting your nearest quiet island for a long weekend getaway, one thing you shouldn’t forget to get before embarking on your next trip is travel insurance.
VisitorsCoverage allows travelers to view and compare different travel insurance plans to fit their individual needs. Users can filter by trip duration, location, and needs!
That’s enough about the intricacies of travel life for now. Let’s get into the best quiet islands to visit for a peaceful escape!
TL;DR- Top 5 Quiet Islands For A Relaxing Vacation
| Island Name | Location | Population | Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kefalonia | Greece | 35,801 | Secluded beaches, caves, island hopping |
| Lanai | Hawaii | 3,367 | Luxury resort, snorkeling, off-roading |
| Moorea | French Polynesia | 18,332 | Snorkeling, hiking |
| Fogo Island | Canada | 2,244 | Hiking, sightseeing, historical towns |
| Little Cayman | Cayman Islands | 161 | Scuba diving, bird-watching |
1. Dominica
Location: Dominica
Population: 72,412
Dominica is among the least visited Caribbean islands despite being full of natural wonders and beauty. In the south of the island, you’ll find Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its three freshwater lakes, natural hot springs, and volcanic peaks.
The Boiling Lakes Trail within the park is a favorite amongst visitors and locals. Elsewhere on the island, visitors can enjoy a variety of beaches, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
Cool off at the photogenic Trafalgar Falls or scuba dive in the incredible Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Whichever activity you choose, Dominica is the perfect tropical paradise for travelers looking to immerse themselves in pristine natural beauty.
Most accommodations in Dominica are budget-friendly, ranging from charming inns in the forest to beachside resorts. The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa offers guests a luxurious experience while on this rugged island.
2. Guana Island
Location: British Virgin Islands
Population: Privately owned
If you’re searching for the best quiet Caribbean islands to escape from it all, Guana Island might just have what you’re looking for. This tiny island, part of the British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is one of the last remaining privately owned islands in the Caribbean.
The beautiful island of Guana is home to five stunning white sand beaches, some great for snorkeling and collecting shells, while others, like North Beach, are exceptional for thrilling watersports like kitesurfing. The island also has twelve miles of hiking trails where visitors can explore its rugged landscape and discover ruins from the island’s early Quaker settlers.
Guana Island is privately owned and even includes a luxury boutique hotel that was established in 1934. The resort is comprised of 18 unique rooms and villas, from charming sea-view cottage rooms to sprawling villas with their own private pools. It’s an idyllic tropical location for a peaceful vacation in the Caribbean.
See Related: Best Things to Do in St. Thomas, USVI
3. Little Cayman
Location: Cayman Islands
Population: 161
Little Cayman is the least developed of the Cayman Islands, rich in untouched beauty and pristine beaches. A stop in Little Cayman can easily be combined with a trip to the other islands, Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
This idyllic island lives up to its name, as it’s only 10 miles long and one mile wide. Little Cayman is known for its incredible empty beaches and coral reefs, creating the perfect, quiet escape for beach lovers. Little Cayman Beach Resort features an in-house dive center that offers various dive packages.
Bird watchers can enjoy the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, which provides a protected habitat for many wetland and shore birds. If your family would like to enjoy their private slice of paradise, the Conch Club Cottage can easily accommodate a large family and is located right on the shores of Blossom Village.
4. Kefalonia
Location: Greece
Population: 35,801
Thinking about the Greek Islands often brings visions of crowded Santorini at sunset or partying ’til the early morning hours in Mykonos. But the island of Kefalonia is far from that. It’s peaceful, laidback, and barely resembles the Cyclades at all.
This Ionian island is perfect if you want to experience the welcoming Greek culture and warm weather of the Greek islands without all the crowds. Drive around the island to discover tons of incredible beaches. Melissani Cave is also an incredible experience and a great place to beat the heat in the summer months.
If you’re planning an extended trip to Kefalonia, I also recommend renting a boat to discover Ithaca Island. This tiny island is famous as the homeland of the mythical hero Odysseus and has loads of secluded coves and beaches just waiting to be discovered.
Back in Kefalonia, do not miss Myrtos Beach, which has the most electric azure waters I’ve ever seen. Stay nearby at Myrtos View Apartments, which features an amazing pool overlooking those mesmerizing waters.
See Related: Best Greek Party Islands to Visit
5. Salt Cay
Location: Turks and Caicos
Population: 108
Salt Cay is the smallest main island in Turks and Caicos and also the least inhabited. While there are a few small villas and vacation rentals, the island remains secluded and peaceful – there aren’t even any paved roads!
North Bay Beach features the same stunning white sands that many travelers flock to Turks and Caicos for, but with little to no crowds. Salt Cay is also famous for its spectacular scuba diving spots, many of which are just offshore and don’t require a boat to get to. During the winter months, visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of majestic Atlantic humpback whales.
The mangrove forests of South Creek are known for their famous feathered residents, including ospreys, herons, and egrets. Stay at The Stone House, which is close to the main restaurant on the island (there are only three!) and many of the island’s top attractions.
6. Renaissance Island
Location: Aruba
Population: Privately owned
Did you know that Marriott has its own private island in Aruba? The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, also known as Renaissance Island, features the only privately owned beaches in Aruba. The island also has a flock of famous residents – majestic pink flamingos!
Renaissance Island is the perfect getaway for luxury travelers who want to be pampered in their very own tropical oasis. With eight restaurants, private beaches, incredible beachside cabanas, a mall, and even a casino, you’ll never have to leave the resort.
Marriott’s Renaissance Island is family-friendly and also offers a kids’ club, so parents can spend some one-on-one time together. The island also has a nature trail and daily iguana feedings!
7. Rodrigues Island
Location: Mauritius
Population: 41,669
Make your castaway dreams come true when you visit the rugged paradise of Rodrigues Island, a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar. This island is famous for the Francois Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve.
The reserve is 20 hectares within a valley. It’s home to more than 3,000 giant tortoises, tropical birds, native flora and fauna, and nine impressive caves to explore.
Rodrigues Island makes the perfect escape for nature lovers looking for their next vacation off the beaten path, as well as adrenaline junkies! The island’s Tyrodrig zipline in the Montagne Malgache is the fourth longest zipline in the world. Continue the rush of the thrill at Cascade Pistache, which features a suspension bridge where thrill seekers can partake in a 30-meter (90-foot) pendulum drop!
Wind down at the end of each day at C Rodrigues Mourouk. This four-star hotel features a fantastic restaurant and beachfront location in Port Sud-Est, one of the best kitesurfing spots around the world. Rodrigues Island is just a short flight from the main island of Mauritius, which is also an incredible island to visit.
8. Moorea
Location: French Polynesia
Population: 18,332
The mystical South Pacific island of Moorea is the less glamorous sister of Bora Bora. What it lacks in over-the-top mega-resorts, it makes up for with pristine beaches, incredible hiking trails, and an unmatched laidback vibe that’ll make you want to stay forever.
This is, hands-down, my favorite island in French Polynesia. You can swim with reef sharks and stingrays in the island’s lagoon, hike to Afareaitu Waterfalls, or bike around this tropical island.
You can rent a car, but many hotels offer bikes for rent. I suggest taxiing from the ferry or airport and biking around as needed.
While Moorea does have a fair amount of luxury resorts, such as the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort, a smaller hotel or vacation rental just sort of makes sense for such a small island. This Moorea Pool & Lagoon House is located on Moorea’s best beach, Tipaniers, and even has its private pool.
See Related: Best Places Like Bora Bora to Visit
9. Fogo Island
Location: Canada
Population: 2,244
Looking for a different spin on “island life?” If your dream island escape doesn’t so much involve a tropical climate as it does lush forests, quaint coastal towns, and a whole lot of hiking, Fogo Island off the east coast of Canada may check all of your boxes!
Fogo Island is the largest offshore island of Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s characterized by its unique and historical architecture and abundance of nature trails.
The main village of Tilting was first settled in the 18th century as a fishing village. Today, it has several historical landmarks to visit, including the Lane House Museum, the Old Irish Cemetery, and the old Post Office. Sandy Cove Beach is also nearby and offers stunning views of the expansive Atlantic Ocean.
While Fogo Island can be visited year-round, you’ll get the most out of your experience if you visit in the non-winter months. Most visitors fly into Gander on Newfoundland, rent a car, and take the daily ferry from Farewell to Fogo.
The Old Salt Box Co. offers various vacation rentals around the island. Each one features jaw-dropping views of the sea and surrounding nature.
10. Lanai
Location: Hawaii
Population: 3,367
The island of Lanai is the most exclusive island to visit in Hawaii. This privately owned island is located just off the coast of Maui and is reachable by local ferry from Maui or by plane from Oahu.
Enjoy the island’s palm-fringed beaches, off-roading along red dirt paths, and hiking along sea cliffs. For a pampered stay, book a room at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.
If you are a guest at the Four Seasons, the resort can arrange a Jeep rental to explore the rest of the island. Make sure to drive up to Keahiakawelo, also known as The Garden of the Gods.
Also, make a stop at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is free to visit (though donations are welcome) and is home to more than 700 feline friends.
There are many secluded beaches around the island, but the main beach is Hulopoe Bay, which is just in front of the Four Seasons. Relax in the shade of the palm trees, trek up the sea cliffs to enjoy panoramic views, or enjoy the colorful marine life while snorkeling in the bay and its tidepools. Dolphins often make an appearance here, as well!
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Brittney is a lifelong traveler from Oahu, Hawaii. She has visited more than 35 countries and is continually researching new places to explore – even though she hates flying. Her favorite destinations have one thing in common: they’re warm. With expertise in French Polynesia, Hawaii, and the Mediterranean, you can follow along as she checks out the cleanest beaches and clearest water on the planet. Brittney is currently based in the South of France.
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