As the saying goes, great things come in small packages. And that goes double for your vacation destination.
For travellers seeking solitude, island escapes have long been at the top of their travel list. But why go to any island when you can visit one of the smallest in the world?
There are teeny, tiny specks of land offering seclusion from the crowds. From lush isles barely big enough for you and a palm tree to rocky outposts teetering on the edge of the world, these are seven of the smallest islands you can visit right now.
Check out the smallest islands you can visit to escape the crowd
Bishop Rock, United Kingdom
Bishop Rock, often noted as the world’s smallest island with a building, can be found off the southwestern coast of the UK. It’s roughly 150 feet long and 50 metres wide, with a massive lighthouse taking up much of that space. You can visit the lighthouse and the surrounding waters that are part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago via a boat tour that also allows you to spot seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
Fadiouth, Senegal
Fadiouth has perhaps the coolest foundation of all the smallest islands, as it’s made up almost entirely of seashells. The island in Senegal is connected to the mainland via a small wooden footbridge that allows visitors and locals to come and go as they please. There are technically two small villages on the island — Joal and Fadiouth — home to a combined 5,000 people. You can come see the shell-covered houses, take a traditional boat ride, or view the 800-year-old baobab tree living here. (Note: there’s a USD 84 or HKD 653 fee to enter the island.)
Søndre Sandøy, Norway
For your next tiny island trip, make your way to Søndre Sandøy, part of Norway’s Hvaler archipelago. The island covers about two square miles (5 square kilometres) but somehow manages to fit in plenty of coastal trails. Come see its beautiful hidden beaches or cycle, run, or walk the paths to find the small wooden cabins scattered throughout. Then, grab a picnic to bring to the shore for a relaxing lunch. You can even get a tasty snack right on the island at Café Oline and stay overnight by booking in at the Stuevika campsite.
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Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Those wanting warm weather and azure waters will find just that at Isla Mujeres, a tiny island off the coast of Cancun. Despite its small size — only about 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometre) long — Isla Mujeres packs in an impressive amount of fun. Travellers can explore its surrounding coral reefs via snorkelling or diving and even visit the Underwater Museum of Art. Back on dry land, travellers can explore the cliffside park of Punta Sur to see the ancient Mayan ruins and gorgeous views.
Monuriki, Fiji
Monuriki, part of Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, is a small uninhabited island that served as the filming location for “Cast Away.” The island doesn’t even cover a full square mile, but every square inch is covered in white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters and dazzling volcanic rocks. Travellers can’t spend the night here, but they can take a day trip from the nearby resorts for a snorkel, swim, or a guided nature walk.
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Fox Island, Alaska
Fox Island, located in Resurrection Bay off the coast of Seward, Alaska, can only be reached by boat, and you may even spot puffins, sea otters, and humpback whales along the way. Here, wild terrain abounds, including cliffs that disappear into glacial waters, dense forests, and pebbled beaches. Even better, you can spend the night at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge to fully immerse in this wild destination.
Corvo Island, Portugal
Portugal is already a small country, and the Azores are already a group of small islands. But go one step further and head to Corvo Island, the smallest in Portugal’s Azores archipelago. The island is just 6.8 square miles (17 square kilometres), and its main attraction is the Caldeirão, a volcanic crater filled with two lakes that are surrounded by grassy fields and wildflowers. Travellers can hike around the crater for an unforgettable view before visiting the island’s only village, Vila do Corvo, home to just 430 residents, before hopping on a ferry back.
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(Feature Image Credit: HomoCosmicos/Getty Images)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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