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For decades, glamorous island hotspots like St. Barths and Ibiza have drawn jet-setters from around the world. More recently, destinations such as Bali and Sri Lanka have surged in popularity, thanks largely to the influence of social media.

While I do appreciate the sparkle and sophistication of these well-known escapes, I’ll admit my heart lies elsewhere. Give me a quiet stretch of white sand, a fresh coconut in hand, and not another soul in sight—or better yet, a hidden island most travelers haven’t even discovered yet.

A slower, more relaxed island rhythm suits me far better than the constant buzz of big cities. I’m always searching for underrated destinations that fly under the radar, and chances are, you are too.

With that in mind, I invited 15 fellow female travel bloggers to share their favorite lesser-known islands that deserve a spot on your bucket list right now. I’ve also added my own personal favorite at number 10.

# Waigeo, Indonesia

You may not recognize the name Waigeo, but chances are you’ve heard of Raja Ampat—often hailed as one of the world’s most spectacular snorkeling and scuba-diving destinations.

Waigeo is one of the four main islands that make up Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Regency, a region celebrated for having the richest marine biodiversity on the planet. For anyone passionate about coral reefs and underwater life, this area is nothing short of paradise.

Remote and blissfully untouched, Waigeo and its surrounding islands offer the perfect escape from modern life. Here, you can truly disconnect—fall asleep to crashing waves, gaze at star-filled skies, and sink your toes into some of the most breathtaking white-sand beaches imaginable.

If you’re looking for a more accessible underwater adventure in Indonesia, my guide to snorkeling in Nusa Penida is a great place to start.

# Lanai, Hawaii

Hawaii is synonymous with paradise—sun-drenched beaches, lush rainforests, and hidden waterfalls. Naturally, it also attracts crowds, especially on Oahu’s North Shore and along Maui’s famous Hana Highway. But Hawaii isn’t always as busy as you might expect.

Enter Lanai, the second-smallest and one of the least-visited Hawaiian islands. Often overlooked even by locals, Lanai feels like a secret waiting to be uncovered.

Marketed as an exclusive playground for the wealthy, the island is home to just a handful of accommodations, including a Four Seasons resort and a few intimate bed-and-breakfasts. With a population of around 3,200, Lanai offers uninterrupted views free from skyscrapers and crowded streets.

Spend your days off-roading in a 4×4 jeep, diving in pristine waters, relaxing on untouched beaches, or teeing off at the Manele Golf Course, where ocean views steal the show.

# Cíes Islands, Spain

When Spanish islands come to mind, Mallorca, Tenerife, or Ibiza usually steal the spotlight. Far less known are the stunning Cíes Islands, a small archipelago tucked just off Spain’s northern Galician coast.

Made up of three islands—San Martiño, Monteagudo, and Do Faro—the Cíes Islands are a protected nature reserve. While San Martiño is accessible only by private boat, the other two are connected by a dreamy beach and can be reached by ferry from Vigo, Baiona, or Cangas.

With minimal development—just a visitor center, a restaurant, and a campsite—the islands are a haven of unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. If you’re planning a road trip through northern Spain, this hidden gem deserves a place on your itinerary.

# Sifnos, Greece

While travelers flock to Santorini and Mykonos, some Greek islands remain blissfully under the radar—Sifnos being one of them. Accessible only by ferry, Sifnos offers all the charm of its famous neighbors, minus the overwhelming crowds.

The island is crisscrossed with well-marked hiking trails that wind along the Aegean coastline, through wildflower-covered hills, and past iconic blue-and-white churches. Locals proudly claim there are 365 churches here—one for every day of the year.

From the ferry port at Kamares, a short bus ride takes you to Kastro, a cliff-hugging village straight out of a Greek postcard. Visit during the shoulder months of April–May or September–October for fewer crowds, or summer if you’re seeking a classic beach escape.

# Vis, Croatia

Vis is the most remote inhabited island in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, and that distance has helped preserve its authentic charm. With a population of around 3,000, the island comes alive in summer while still retaining a relaxed, local feel.

While many visitors stop by on day trips, staying for two or three nights allows you to truly experience Vis. Think cozy homestays, excellent food, and leisurely beach days with a book in hand.

Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, cycling, and snorkeling, while food lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of restaurants in both Vis Town and Komiža. The island’s history—once a Yugoslav military base—adds another fascinating layer, best explored with a local guide.

# Pulau Redang, Malaysia

Pulau Redang is a standout among the world’s lesser-known island escapes. Located in the South China Sea and part of Malaysia’s Terengganu Sultanate, the island forms part of a protected marine park alongside eight neighboring islands.

Reaching Redang requires a speedboat from Kuala Terengganu, but the journey is well worth it. Accommodation tends to be pricier than nearby islands, yet staying at a beachfront resort along Pasir Panjang is an experience in itself.

The sand here is so brilliantly white it almost glows, and the crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling. With luck, you may even spot baby sharks gliding through their nursery areas.

# Lemnos, Greece

Lemnos is one of the Aegean Sea’s most remote and overlooked islands. Ferries from Kavala often head to the popular island of Thassos, but only a few travelers continue onward to Lemnos—also known as the Island of Hephaestus.

Quiet and sparsely populated, Lemnos is rich in history, home to ancient sites such as the Sanctuary of the Kabeiroi, the theater of Hephaistia, and the prehistoric settlement of Poliochni.

Myrina, the island’s capital, is where ferries arrive and serves as one of the few lively towns. Thanks to its strong winds, Lemnos is also a top destination for windsurfing, particularly at Keros Beach.

# Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda is defined by its turquoise waters, powdery beaches, and enormous granite boulders scattered along the shoreline. The island’s most famous attraction, The Baths, features these boulders forming natural sea pools perfect for exploring and climbing.

With beautiful weather year-round and fewer crowds than many Caribbean destinations, Virgin Gorda invites you to slow down. Spend your days strolling along the beach, snorkeling straight from the shore, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet.

It’s one of the British Virgin Islands’ true hidden treasures—visit before everyone else catches on.

# San Juan Islands, United States

Located off the coast of Washington State, the San Juan Islands are known as a natural antidote to stress. The laid-back atmosphere hits the moment you step off the ferry.

Each island has its own personality: Orcas Island boasts excellent hiking, San Juan Island is known for farm-to-table food and wine, and Lopez Island—nicknamed the “Friendly Isle”—is famous for its welcoming locals.

Island-hop by ferry, keep an eye out for resident orca whales, and soak in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with its evergreen forests, driftwood shores, and pebble-lined beaches.

# Favignana, Italy

Off Sicily’s western coast lies Favignana, the largest island in the Egadi Archipelago. I stumbled upon it by chance after booking the cheapest flight I could find while living in Kraków—and it turned out to be a happy accident.

Despite affordable flights to nearby Trapani, Favignana remains largely a favorite among Italian travelers. The 45-minute ferry ride brings you to a charming harbor lined with bike and scooter rental shops, the best way to explore this flat, nine-kilometer-long island.

Though it’s possible to see a lot on a day trip, Favignana’s beauty begs for a longer stay. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.