12 Dreamy Islands Around the World Where You’ll Want to Get Lost

Sometimes, the perfect escape isn’t about ticking off sights—it’s about vanishing into a slower rhythm. These 12 islands around the world are ideal for losing track of time. They aren’t all remote or luxury destinations, but each offers something rare: a chance to fully exhale. From lush tropics to windswept coasts, these are places where the world softens and solitude shines.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Dramatic cliffs, moody skies, and deep lochs make Skye one of the most hauntingly beautiful islands in Europe. You’ll find fairy pools, castle ruins, and endless trails that seem designed for slow wandering. The weather changes every hour, adding a cinematic touch to every view. It’s a place to savor misty mornings, cozy pubs, and the wild heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

While nearby Phuket and Krabi get the crowds, Koh Yao Noi remains tranquil and authentic. Wooden houses on stilts, rubber plantations, and quiet beaches define the vibe here. The locals are warm, the roads are nearly empty, and the limestone karsts rising from the sea feel surreal. It’s perfect for travelers who want Thai charm without the noise.

Ischia, Italy

Often overshadowed by nearby Capri, Ischia is larger, quieter, and full of local life. It boasts thermal springs, hillside vineyards, and dramatic coastal views. The seafood is fresh, the towns are colorful, and the gardens at La Mortella are worth a full day. Ischia feels lived-in and deeply Italian, offering a soulful, romantic break without pretense.

Caye Caulker, Belize

This tiny island runs on island time—literally. The motto “Go Slow” is painted everywhere, and locals take it seriously. You’ll find no cars, just golf carts, beach bars, and turquoise water. Snorkeling the barrier reef is world-class, and watching the sunset from The Split is a daily ritual. Caye Caulker is where you go when you truly want to disconnect.

São Jorge, Azores, Portugal

Known for its cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and fajas (coastal lava fields), São Jorge is a raw and rewarding escape. There’s cheese-making, hiking, and whale watching—but not much else, and that’s the appeal. Fog hugs the hills in the morning, and everything feels timeless. It’s ideal for solitude seekers and nature lovers who crave untamed beauty.

Lord Howe Island, Australia

With strict limits on tourist numbers, Lord Howe feels like a secret you’re lucky to know. The waters are crystal clear, the hiking trails rise above the reef, and the beaches are empty even in peak season. It’s a UNESCO-listed paradise with rare wildlife and no mobile coverage in some spots. If you want to disappear in style, this is your place.

Iriomote Island, Japan

Far from Tokyo’s neon lights, Iriomote is Japan’s wildest island. Dense jungles, mangrove rivers, and secluded beaches define this remote spot in Okinawa. It’s home to the rare Iriomote wildcat and offers kayaking, snorkeling, and waterfall treks. Rustic inns and low tourism keep things beautifully simple. It’s the kind of island you stumble upon and never forget.

Huahine, French Polynesia

Less flashy than Bora Bora, Huahine is all about untouched charm. With lush mountains, vanilla plantations, and hidden beaches, it feels authentic and relaxed. You can cycle around the whole island in a day or snorkel with reef sharks in the afternoon. Locals welcome visitors like old friends, and the island’s slower rhythm is instantly contagious.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

No cars, sandy roads, and swing seats at beach bars—Holbox is the bohemian answer to overdeveloped resorts. Located where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean, it’s known for flamingos, whale sharks, and technicolor sunsets. Yoga, street art, and hammock naps fill your days. Despite its rise in popularity, it still holds that dreamy, just-found magic.

Corvo, Azores, Portugal

With just one village and fewer than 400 residents, Corvo is Europe’s smallest inhabited island. There’s one hotel, one road, and a volcanic caldera that stuns every time. Life is slow and sweet here. You’ll spend your time watching birds, chatting with fishermen, and breathing in the Atlantic air. It’s not for luxury seekers—it’s for lovers of simplicity.

Isla Chiloé, Chile

Chiloé is a world of its own. Known for wooden churches, myths about ghost ships, and colorful stilt houses, it’s like stepping into magical realism. The forests are dense and misty, the seafood is legendary, and islanders still speak Chilote dialects. It’s wild, weird, and welcoming in equal parts. You don’t just visit—you feel woven into its story.

Naxos, Greece

Overshadowed by Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos is spacious, affordable, and surprisingly lush. Long beaches, mountain villages, and ancient ruins create a perfect blend of history and island ease. You’ll find fewer crowds, better prices, and a deeper sense of daily Greek life. Naxos doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly why it stays with you.