Underrated Islands Around the World

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 22 June 2025

When we think of island getaways, places like Bali, Maldives, and Santorini usually steal the spotlight. And while they’re popular for good reason, sometimes the real magic lies elsewhere—in the quieter, less-discovered corners of the world.

There’s something incredibly special about visiting an island that hasn’t been photographed a million times on Instagram. No massive cruise ships docking, no packed beaches fighting for a sun lounger. Just you, a little bit of sand, some crystal-clear water, and that feeling that maybe you stumbled onto a secret.

So this week, I thought I’d take you on a little journey to some of the underrated islands around the world—places that might not top the usual lists, but absolutely should.

São Miguel, Azores (Portugal)

Often called the “Green Island,” São Miguel feels like a secret that Portugal’s been keeping. It’s part of the Azores, a cluster of volcanic islands sitting quietly in the middle of the Atlantic. Think towering cliffs, crater lakes in shades of blue and green, steaming geothermal pools, and fields of hydrangeas lining country roads.

The best part? You can experience hot springs, tea plantations, whale watching, and incredible hiking trails—all without the crowds you find in mainland Europe. Spend a day at Furnas, where you can soak in natural thermal baths and try a meal slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat (called cozido). São Miguel feels wild, lush, and refreshingly untouched—like a European version of Hawaii, but far more affordable and much less busy.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta is what people dream about when they picture a tropical Thai island—but without the party chaos. It’s laid-back, uncrowded, and moves at its own slow rhythm. The beaches stretch for miles, the sunsets are postcard-worthy, and you can always find a quiet spot to yourself.

Hop on a scooter and explore the island’s sleepy villages, wander into little cafes serving fresh mango smoothies, or book a diving trip to the nearby coral-rich islands of Koh Haa and Hin Daeng. It’s a place where your days blur between swimming, napping, eating, and watching the sky turn brilliant shades of orange every evening—with almost no crowds to rush you.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

Isla Holbox is the kind of place where shoes are optional and schedules don’t really exist. Located just a ferry ride north of Cancun, it’s a peaceful world of sandy streets, colorful murals, hammocks over the sea, and slow, easy days.

Here, you can swim with whale sharks (the gentle giants of the sea) during summer, kayak through mangroves teeming with flamingos, or witness the breathtaking glow of bioluminescence at night. Golf carts replace cars, tacos are everywhere, and the whole island feels a little bit like it’s frozen in the best version of a beach holiday you’ve ever imagined.

Rodrigues Island, Mauritius

Tiny, rugged, and charmingly off the radar, Rodrigues Island is Mauritius’s little secret. It’s only about 18 kilometers long, but it’s packed with hidden beaches, lagoons that seem to go on forever, and a culture that’s proudly its own.

The vibe here is slower and less polished than Mauritius—which is exactly the point. You can snorkel in protected coral reefs, hike across rolling volcanic hills, explore little fishing villages, or just find a quiet patch of sand and do absolutely nothing. Rodrigues reminds you of what travel used to feel like: simple, genuine, and wonderfully unhurried.

Mljet, Croatia

While Dubrovnik and Hvar pull the crowds, Mljet stays blissfully serene. This Croatian island is a green wonderland of pine forests, saltwater lakes, hiking trails, and hidden coves. Almost a third of the island is protected as a national park, and the pace of life is deliciously slow.

Rent a bike and cycle to Veliko Jezero (the Big Lake), hop on a boat to a tiny monastery set on an island within the lake, or simply hike to panoramic viewpoints where you’ll feel like you have the whole Adriatic to yourself. Throw in some fresh food and local wine, and you might wonder why you ever considered the busier islands in the first place.

Siargao, Philippines

Most people know Siargao because of Cloud 9, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. But even if you’ve never touched a surfboard, this lush, laid-back island offers so much more.

Think endless palm tree jungles, turquoise rock pools like Magpupungko, white-sand beaches with almost nobody on them, and island-hopping adventures to spots like Guyam Island and Daku Island. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and just a little bit wild. Rent a motorbike, chase sunsets, eat freshly grilled food on the beach, and fall into the rhythm of island life where the biggest decision is whether to nap in a hammock or go for a swim.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Most travelers rushing through Puerto Rico miss Culebra, and honestly, that’s their loss. This tiny island is home to Flamenco Beach, often rated among the top beaches in the world, and it still feels untouched.

Here, the pace is slow, the waters are glass-clear, and you’ll likely find yourself snorkeling alongside sea turtles within minutes of hitting the beach. There’s almost no nightlife, no giant resorts—just small guesthouses, local food stalls selling mofongo, and plenty of quiet corners to unwind. If you’re craving a Caribbean island without the tourist crowds, Culebra delivers.

Havelock Island, Andaman Islands (India)

Closer to home, Havelock Island (now officially Swaraj Dweep) is pure paradise. Think powder-soft white sand, turquoise lagoons, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Asia.

Radhanagar Beach, with its perfect crescent-shaped coastline, is easily one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. But what really makes Havelock special is how unhurried it feels. Spend your days hopping between secluded beaches, diving into colorful coral gardens, kayaking through mangroves. It’s a tropical escape that still feels authentic and refreshingly raw compared to more commercialized island spots.

Ischia, Italy

Everyone flocks to Capri, but just across the water sits Ischia—Italy’s best-kept island secret. It’s bigger, greener, and way more laid-back. Known for its natural hot springs, medieval castles, and lush gardens, Ischia feels like stepping into a slower, dreamier version of the Amalfi Coast.

Spend your days soaking in thermal spas, wandering through the charming streets of Ischia Ponte, exploring the Aragonese Castle perched dramatically on a volcanic rock, or simply eating your body weight in fresh pasta by the water. It’s beautiful, authentic, and feels like Italy before it became “the Italy” everyone posts about. Plus, the sunsets here are something else.

Pico Island, Azores (Portugal)

While São Miguel often gets the spotlight, Pico Island deserves its own round of applause. Home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico, this island feels wild, rugged, and wonderfully untamed.

Here, you can hike volcanic trails, sip wine from UNESCO-listed vineyards grown on black lava rock, and go whale-watching in waters that are some of the best in the Atlantic for spotting blue whales and sperm whales. Pico is the kind of place where you feel nature’s power at every turn—from towering cliffs to endless ocean views—and where slow, simple travel feels like the only way to do it right.

When it comes to island escapes, the world is so much bigger than the usual “top 10” lists. These underrated islands offer the kind of travel that’s a little slower, a little quieter, and a lot more memorable. These islands remind you what travel is really about: discovering places that still feel like secrets. Chalo Bag Bharo Nikal Pado...