While some of the more mainstream island holiday destinations are consistently breathtaking and tourist-friendly, there are a number of stunning, under-the-radar islands that have not yet received the hype that they so deserve. If you’re looking for a picturesque yet more remote holiday this year, why not look into booking a trip to one of these charming locations?
Karpathos, Greece
Karpathos is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and is the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands. This stunning island is best known for its gorgeous sandy beaches and overall relaxing atmosphere. As a slightly more remote area of Greece, this island is a great place to visit for those who wish to escape some of the hustle and bustle of the more popular islands and embark on a tranquil escape. This is a mountainous island which means that it boasts magnificent views and hiking trails, should you wish to explore its natural beauty. Karpathos is heavily associated with Greek mythology and is home to Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods.
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
The Yasawa Islands is an archipelago in the Western Division of Fiji, consisting of twenty volcanic islands. These islands are often unknown to those visiting Fiji, as tourists typically travel to the more mainstream areas such as the Mamanuca Islands and the Coral Coast. The Yasawa Islands have become more popular in recent years though, and can be reached via boat from the town of Nadi. These islands are absolutely beautiful and are packed with white-sand beaches and crystalline waters. The Yasawa Islands are well known for being a fantastic place to snorkel and boast a variety of spectacular marine life. Additionally, the island of Sawa-i-Lau is particularly famed for its stunning saltwater caves which were featured in the film Blue Lagoon. These beautiful caverns are open to the public and make for a lovely swimming destination!
Isla Rosada, Costa Rica
Isla Rosada is a tiny pastel pink island off the coast of Nosara in Costa Rica, which only emerges when the tide is low . The scenery that surrounds Isla Rosada is breathtaking, featuring vibrant greenery, swaying palms, and aquamarine water! This area is also an excellent place to snorkel and surf, and boasts a range of local eateries and drinking venues, making it a great place to travel to for a luxurious and relaxing getaway. Isla Rosada gets its name from the glistening sand, which is white but is mixed with seashells to give it a candy pink appearance.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores is a group of remarkable islands in Portugal, adored by nature lovers and adrenaline junkies due to its abundance of diving locations and mountain trails. Many of the trails in the Azores lead to natural bodies of water, perfectly placed for a cooling swim after a long day of hiking. If you’re in search of more of a relaxing holiday, the Azores beaches are to die for and boast golden sands and leafy surrounds. The Azores host festivals each year that are dedicated to the holy spirit, the way that these festivals are celebrated varies from island to island. However, this celebration typically involves decorating with small shrines, singing, eating, and drinking!
The Whitsundays, Australia
If you’re looking for natural beauty then look no further… The Whitsunday Islands are located 55km off the coast of Queensland and are frequently described as a ‘tropical paradise’ by those who have visited. The archipelago consists of 74 islands, including Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, and Long Island. Large portions of these islands are taken up by rainforest, which only adds to their natural appeal. They’re also located conveniently close to the Great Barrier Reef, making them a brilliant jump off point for day trips. The Whitsundays is well known for the dreamy heart shaped reef which can be found in the turquoise water that surrounds the island.
This lovely reef can be visited on boat trips from the island, visit this link to book!
