6 amazing islands you’ve probably never heard of (and should visit)

As the sun starts to emerge this spring, you may be daydreaming about far-flung travels and laid-back island life.

So if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the tourist hotspots this year, check out these lesser-known spots of paradise.

1. Dugi Otok, Croatia

With 78 major islands, there are a lot in Croatia that many have never heard of, but Dugi Otok is one of the least-visited larger islands. A 90-minute ferry from the mainland, this long, narrow, 45km island off the Dalmatian coast, west of Zadar, has a rugged westerly coastline, and is famously quiet, with a population of less than 1,500 and most tourists found further south on the more well-known islands of Hvar or Brač.

Visit Dugi Otok for pristine, natural beauty with highlights including Telascica Nature Park, the white sands of Sakarun Beach and the bright blue-green waters of the saline Lake Mir. Dramatic cliffs stretch up the west side while charming villages huddle along the more protected east side.

How: The unique Villa Nai 3.3, with just eight rooms and suites, was built to really blend into the surrounding nature, immersed in 500-year-old olive groves (producing award-winning olive oil). Visit in autumn when the olive harvest takes place. Visit: villanai.com.

2. Eilean Shona, Scotland

This tiny private island inspired Peter Pan author J.M Barrie’s Neverland, Eilean Shona sits off Scotland’s west coast, and is now owned by Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard). With wild woodlands, heather-covered hills and white sandy beaches, the 2 mile long and 1.5 mile wide island is only a short boat ride over Loch Moidart from the mainland.

There’s a slow pace of life here – with no roads or cars and a population of just two people (yes, two), so you’re unlikely to come across another soul on your hikes. But there’s wildlife in abundance. Common are encounters with seals, sea eagles, sea otters, red squirrels, and pine martens, while in the warm summer waters you might spot dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks.

Try sea kayaking and wild swimming before barbecuing local mussels on the beach.

How: Eilean Shona House, with a classic Scottish façade, sleeps 18 – think a combination of a large family home, which can be catered. Or there are eight small self-catering cottages dotted around in the wilderness. Visit: eileanshona.com.

3. Caye Caulker, Belize

This small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize is island life personified, with an official motto of ‘Go Slow’ and famously laid-back charm. Divided into two by a narrow channel, The Split, where people meet to socialise and swim, the island is entirely car-free – only bicycles and golf buggies are allowed.

From here, visitors can explore the Belize Barrier Reef, to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley. And it’s easier to access than you might think, with BA flights to Belize City and then a local airline to Caye Caulker.

How: Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages have a boutique feel, set in tropical gardens, with three pools and a yoga platform. Prices start at £154 per night, visit: weeziescayecaulker.com.

4. Manshausen, Norway

As the trend of taking ‘coolcations’ seems only set to increase in popularity, heading north in the summer to enjoy islands with weather that’s sunny but isn’t sweltering may seem more and more appealing.

Manshausen is small at just 55 acres but it packs a punch, with mountains to hike up that will reward with incredible views, caves to explore, white sand bays and climbing opportunities – book the Nordskot traverse.

How: Stay in the Manshausen Sea Cabins, hanging over the waters of the Grotoya Strait with chic blonde-wood interiors and floor to ceiling windows to feel completely immersed in the remote Nordic nature, and just half a km from the pretty village of Nordskot. Best Served Scandinavia (0207 664 2241, best-served.co.uk) features three nights in the cabins as part of a five-night tailormade trip from £1,830 per person including flights, half board.

5. Cat Island, the Bahamas

One of the most underdeveloped and unspoiled islands in the Bahamas, Cat Island offers a peaceful alternative to the country’s better-known destinations. With its empty beaches, undulating hills and traditional Bahamian villages, it has still held onto its authenticity and local life without being overtaken by tourists. Take a hike up Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas at 63 metres, for sweeping ocean views from a small monastery. It has an 8-mile long pink sand beach, hidden coves, diving opportunities galore and plantation ruins to explore.

How: Rollezz Villas Beach Resort sits on one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in the Bahamas. Villas start from £200 per night. Visit rollezz.com.

6. French Island, Australia

Australia has more than 8,000 islands and French Island, just an hour from Melbourne, is one of the more mysterious. Sitting in Western Port Bay, it has an estimated koala population of between 5,000 and 7,000. Just a 15-minute ferry from Stony Point, it’s perfect for getting really off-grid, with no mains electricity or running water – making it a peaceful (if rustic) rural escape. People do live here (there’s a population of around 100) but they use rainwater tanks and generators or solar power.

How: Stay at French Island Eco Inn for a unique off-grid retreat. Just a short ferry ride from Mornington Peninsula on the mainland or Cowes Phillip Island, the Eco Inn offers peaceful cabins between two pristine coastlines, with panoramic bay views. Wake up to spot koalas in nearby gums and enjoy over 200 species of native birds right from your deck. Prices start from £168 per night. Visit: visitphillipisland.com.