For travelers craving true seclusion, the world offers remarkable escapes far from the bustle of civilization. These unique and remote vacation retreats provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, history, and culture, all while enjoying rare privacy. From isolated islands to hidden jungles, these destinations blend adventure with serenity. Here are ten of the most extraordinary and remote places to visit for an unforgettable getaway.
10. Lord Howe Island, Australia
Located 370 miles east of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island is a small volcanic remnant stretching about seven miles long. Its isolation creates a peaceful environment where no more than 400 tourists are permitted at any time. The island features the southernmost coral reef in the world, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Hiking enthusiasts can explore volcanic rock formations and thick primeval forests. Much of the island is protected as a park reserve, limiting accommodations mostly to the northern tip, making it a haven for visitors seeking quietude and natural beauty.
9. Ushuaia, Argentina
Known as the southernmost city on Earth, Ushuaia offers a unique blend of history and wild landscapes. Once a penal colony, the town now draws visitors to its rugged surroundings, including the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The famed End of the World Train traces an old route used by former inmates. Passengers enjoy narrated tours through lenga and ñire forests and witness waterfalls like Macarena. Visitors can explore fjords by boat or hike well-marked trails, making Ushuaia a remote but accessible gateway to Patagonia’s wilderness.
8. Manshausen Island, Norway
Set within the Arctic Circle off Northern Norway’s coast, Manshausen Island presents a remote retreat surrounded by fjords and mountains. Once a fish trading post, it now attracts visitors with architecturally stunning glass cabins perched on stilts above rocky shores. Guests can kayak, fish, hike, or enjoy traditional Scandinavian saunas by natural waters. Dining at the island’s resort is an adventure, featuring exotic dishes that complement the dramatic natural setting. Manshausen balances remoteness with comfort and design.
7. The Pitcairn Islands, South Pacific
One of the world’s most isolated places, the Pitcairn Islands lie in the southern Pacific Ocean. These volcanic islands are historically famous as the settlement of HMS Bounty mutineers. Reaching the islands requires a long freight ship journey, lasting between four and eleven days. Visitors can rent local houses for stays ranging from a few days to over two weeks. Dark skies here have earned international recognition for astronomy, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities. The islands are also ecologically protected, with strict controls to preserve native species.
6. Kastellorizo, Greece
The smallest and easternmost of the Dodecanese islands, Kastellorizo is a hidden gem near Turkey. It has a tiny population of under 300 and is reachable only by a lengthy ferry ride from Athens. The island’s charm lies in its low-key lifestyle, attracting celebrities, artists, and travelers seeking tranquility. Activities include turtle watching, visiting unique museums housed in historic buildings, and exploring the Blue Grotto, a surreal sea cave accessible only by swimming through a narrow opening. Kastellorizo offers a quiet escape steeped in history and natural wonders.
5. Moloka’i, Hawaii
Moloka’i is a rugged Hawaiian island where the rustic lifestyle remains largely untouched. Formerly home to a leper colony, it now appeals to travelers desiring simplicity and cultural preservation. The island has no traffic lights and limited tourist infrastructure, reflecting the locals’ commitment to tradition. Natural attractions include the expansive Pāpōhaku Beach, the longest continuous fringing reef in the U.S., and the world’s tallest sea cliffs. Visitors can enjoy luaus and hula festivals, celebrating the island’s rich Hawaiian heritage.
4. Rio Bec, Mexico
Hidden deep within the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the Mayan ruins of Rio Bec are among the most secluded archaeological sites in Mexico. Dense foliage concealed some structures for decades after their initial discovery. The area is home to wildlife such as jaguars, wild pigs, and howler monkeys, adding to the challenge of visiting. No roads lead directly to Rio Bec, but adventurous travelers can access it via motorcycles or ATVs. The site features well-preserved 50-foot stone pyramids, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Columbian architecture.
3. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Described as the most remote inhabited place in the western hemisphere, Ittoqqortoormiit is a small village of fewer than 400 residents. Situated near the Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park globally, the town provides access to vast fjords and Arctic landscapes. Popular activities include dog sledding, hunting, and summer hiking or sailing during the short warm season. Visitors can witness phenomena such as the northern lights and observe unique wildlife including musk oxen and polar bears. Transportation options are limited, with walking as the primary means within the town.
2. Ni’ihau, Hawaii – The Forbidden Island
Ni’ihau has been largely off-limits to tourists for over a century, earning its nickname as the Forbidden Island. Owned by the Robinson family, access is now restricted to private tours and safaris with strict rules forbidding contact with residents. The island has no roads, plumbing, internet, or phone service but benefits from solar-powered electricity. Inhabitants live in accordance with ancient Hawaiian traditions. Visitors to Ni’ihau can enjoy pristine beaches and observe rare wildlife such as Polynesian boars and exotic sheep breeds, all within a setting untouched by modern technology.
1. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean
Considered the most remote inhabited island on Earth, Tristan da Cunha lies halfway between South Africa and South America. Its population of about 250 mostly consists of farmers living a simple life. Access is by a six-day sea voyage from South Africa, making travel challenging. The island features Queen Mary’s Peak, a volcano rising over 6,700 feet with a crater lake formed by melted ice in summer. The area is a paradise for wildlife watchers, hosting seals, albatrosses, and rare northern rockhopper penguins. Tristan da Cunha offers unparalleled isolation and natural beauty.
