As many people start reframing the way they think about the future of travel, the words “small” and “remote” are becoming positives. These tiny islands prove that big things (aka memorable holidays) come in small packages. Scroll on to get inspired for future trips.
Just Room Enough Island (United States)
Just Room Enough Island, nestled within New York’s Thousand Islands archipelago, stands out as a remarkable and enchanting destination. True to its name, this island boasts an incredibly small size, spanning approximately 3,300 square feet. Its uniqueness lies in its petite dimensions, scarcely able to accommodate more than a single house, a couple of small trees, and a tiny beach area.
Simping Island (Indonesia)
Simping Island, also referred to as Pulau Simping, emerges as a hidden treasure nestled within the Riau Islands of Indonesia. It serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and individuals yearning for solitude amidst a tropical paradise.
Dangar Island (Australia)
Dangar Island, located within the Hawkesbury River of New South Wales, Australia, presents itself as a charming and serene sanctuary accessible solely by boat. This island provides a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city of Sydney.
Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Georgia, Little St. Simons Island stands as a pristine and privately-owned barrier island, sprawling over 11,000 acres. Accessible solely by boat, it presents a distinctive fusion of natural splendor and outdoor pursuits.
Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands)
Nestled within the Falkland Islands, Sea Lion Island, despite its modest dimensions, bursts with a rich tapestry of diverse flora and fauna. Renowned for its thriving southern sea lion population, from which it derives its name, the island captivates visitors with its biodiversity.
Monhegan Island (Maine, United States)
Perched along the coast of Maine, Monhegan Island beckons with its picturesque vistas and storied past, celebrated for its artistic ambiance and unspoiled natural beauty. Accessible by ferry, this island has been a magnet for artists and nature enthusiasts alike for more than a century.
Bishop Rock, Isles of Scilly
Rising from the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean, 6.4km west of the Isles of Scilly, Bishop Rock is the most south-westerly point in Britain. Measuring a measly 0.0011844 square kilometres, Men Epskop (as it’s known in Cornish) held the title of the “smallest inhabited island” until its famous iron lighthouse was converted to automatic operation and the last keeper left in 1991.
Saba, Netherlands Antilles
The smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles, Saba measures 13 square kilometres and has a population of around 2000, so it tends to fly under the radar. Unlike most of its Caribbean neighbours, Saba doesn’t have picture-perfect beaches. But what this pyramid-shaped isle lacks in size and sandy shoreline, it more than makes up for in lush rainforests.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Sitting ever so calmly at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres (Spanish for “Island of Women”) feels blissfully removed from the hustle, bustle, booze-fuelled debauchery, and hard-partying antics of nearby Cancún. This sleepy little isle trades nightclubs that blare techno music for breezy beach bars and a low-key yet vibrant downtown area.
Fox Island, Alaska
Located off the coast of Seward, Fox Island is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Alaska’s Resurrection Bay. Envision imposing mountains, pebble beaches, sheltered coves, and glimmering glaciers. The raw beauty of this 5.47-kilometres-long parcel has inspired many visitors. Of course, outdoor adventure comes with the territory, too. Fox Island’s legendary peaks beckon hiking enthusiasts.
