Embark on an extraordinary journey to the edges of the Earth to explore some of the world’s most isolated yet accessible islands. Discover the allure of isolation and the sense of adventure at these destinations.
In an age of mass tourism and interconnectivity, truly remote destinations have become increasingly rare. However, for those seeking solitude, adventure, and a glimpse into worlds largely untouched by modern civilisation, these islands offer unparalleled experiences. From windswept volcanic outposts to tropical paradises, these remote destinations offer intrepid travellers unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and fascinating cultures far from the beaten path. Ranked from the most to least remote, each of these isolated gems presents its own set of challenges and rewards for the spunky traveller.
Tristan da Cunha, British Overseas Territory
Located 2,816 km from South Africa and 3,360 km from South America in the South Atlantic Ocean, Tristan da Cunha holds the distinction of being the most remote inhabited island in the world. Part of a British Overseas Territory, this volcanic island is home to rare wildlife and a population of just 238 people. With them living in the settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into a truly isolated community.
Visitors to Tristan da Cunha can explore its rugged landscape, dominated by the 2,062-metre Queen Mary’s Peak, and observe diverse wildlife.
The island offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails leading to stunning viewpoints and hidden coves. The Tristan da Cunha Archive and Museum beside the Post Office offers insights into the island’s history, including its volcanic eruption in 1961 that led to the temporary evacuation of the entire population.
Reaching Tristan da Cunha is an adventure in itself, typically involving a six-day journey by ship from Cape Town, South Africa. The island’s limited infrastructure and infrequent transport connections mean that visitors must plan well in advance and be prepared for an authentic, off-the-grid experience.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chilean Territory
Known to its native Polynesian inhabitants as Rapa Nui, Easter Island lies 3,600 km off the west coast of Chile in the South Pacific Ocean and is renowned for its enigmatic moai statues and rich Polynesian culture.
The island’s most famous attractions are undoubtedly the known 1,043 monolithic human figures, or moai, scattered across the landscape. These massive stone statues, carved between the 14th and 17th centuries, continue to captivate visitors and researchers alike. The Rano Raraku quarry, where many moai were carved, offers an impressive sight with dozens of statues in various stages of completion.
The island boasts a stunning natural beauty with the three extinct volcanoes that formed the island creating a dramatic backdrop. Visitors can explore traditional Rapa Nui dance and music at cultural shows, visit the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum to learn about the island’s history or participate in the vibrant Tapati Festival, an annual celebration of Rapa Nui culture held in February. Despite its remoteness, Easter Island is relatively accessible, with regular direct flights from Santiago, Chile taking 5 hrs and 25 mins.
Socotra, Yemen
Often described as the ‘most alien-looking place on earth’, Socotra is an island archipelago in the Arabian Sea, about 380 km off the coast of Yemen and is home to hundreds of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet.
The island’s most iconic feature is the dragon blood tree, with its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy. These ancient trees, along with the bottle-shaped desert rose trees, create surreal landscapes that seem more like science fiction than reality. The Homhil Protected Area offers excellent hiking opportunities and the chance to see these unique plant species up close.
Detwah Lagoon, with its turquoise waters and white sand, is a paradise for swimmers and birdwatchers alike. The Hoq Cave, one of the largest on the island, features impressive stalactites and ancient inscriptions. The island’s indigenous culture is as unique as its natural environment. The Socotri people have their own language and distinct traditions, which have been preserved due to the island’s isolation.
Reaching Socotra is a 2-hour direct flight from Abu Dhabi, scheduled every Tuesday. The island’s infrastructure is basic, and tourism facilities are limited, adding to the sense of adventure and remoteness.
Flores Island, Azores, Portugal
The westernmost point of Europe, and part of the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, Flores Island is located about 2,187 km from Lisbon, Portugal. The island is known for its stunning landscapes, characterised by dramatic cliffs, numerous waterfalls, and deep crater lakes. The Rocha dos Bordões, a distinctive geological formation of vertical basalt columns, is one of the island’s most iconic sights. The Seven Lakes, a series of crater lakes in the island’s central plateau, offer breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities.
The island offers numerous hiking trails that wind through lush forests, past waterfalls, and along coastal cliffs. Canyoning is popular in the island’s many streams and waterfalls, while the coastal waters are ideal for diving and whale watching. The island’s two main towns, Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores, are charming examples of traditional Azorean architecture.
Despite its remote location, Flores is accessible by air daily from other Azorean islands, making it a unique combination of isolation and reachability. Or, if you’re up for a maritime adventure, you can also reach Flores Island by sea, but you’ve been warned that it will be a long and chopping sail.
South Georgia Island, British Overseas Territory
South Georgia Island is a British Overseas Territory located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,390 km southeast of the Falkland Islands. This remote and largely glaciated island is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
The island’s rugged terrain features snow-capped mountains, massive glaciers, and fjords with Mount Paget, the highest peak, rising to 2,935 metres. Visitors to South Georgia can explore abandoned whaling stations, which serve as haunting reminders of the island’s past. Grytviken, the main settlement, houses a museum and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who made a legendary crossing of the island during his ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Access to South Georgia is primarily by expedition cruise ships, which typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, or the Falkland Islands. The journey takes several days and often includes stops at other subantarctic islands. Strict environmental regulations are in place to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem.
Adventures await
These remote islands represent some of the most isolated yet visitable places on the planet. From the windswept shores of Tristan da Cunha to the mysterious statues of Easter Island, each destination offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and the allure of true remoteness. Visiting these islands often requires careful planning, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to step off the beaten path. The rewards, however, are immeasurable: pristine landscapes untouched by mass tourism encounters with unique wildlife, and insights into resilient communities that have adapted to life in isolation.
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, these remote islands serve as reminders of the planet’s vast diversity and the enduring appeal of truly getting away from it. For the intrepid traveller, these remote islands represent not just destinations, but gateways to adventure, discovery, and a deeper appreciation of the world’s hidden corners.
