We all know the feeling: You want to escape the world for a bit, start a special vacation, or simply disconnect from routine – only to find that popular destinations are too crowded. But the smallest islands in the world offer something rare: Complete isolation from the crowds. Some are so tiny they contain only a lighthouse or a small village, while others were formed from shells or used as film sets. Here are seven tiny islands worth keeping on your radar:
Bishop Rock, UK – The Island with the Lighthouse
Size: 46 meters long by 15 meters wide (about the size of a tennis court).
What’s special? Bishop Rock holds the title of “the smallest island in the world with a building” – a massive lighthouse that occupies most of the island. This rock sits off the southwestern coast of the UK and can be reached on a boat tour from the Isles of Scilly. Along the way, you’ll see seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
Joal Fadiouth, Senegal – The Island Made Entirely of Shells
What’s special? The island is almost entirely made of shells – the houses, the streets, everything. Fadiouth is connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge and has two small villages with a total of 5,000 residents. You can see shell-covered houses, take a traditional boat tour, and visit an 800-year-old baobab tree. Entrance fees are low.
Sondre Sandoy, Norway – Hidden Paths and Beaches
Size: Approximately 5.2 square km.
What’s special? This island in Norway’s Hvaler archipelago is small but full of beautiful coastal trails. You’ll find hidden beaches, scattered wooden cabins, and you can spend a full day having a picnic. There’s a small café (Café Oline) and even a campsite if you want to stay overnight.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Small but Packed with Attractions
Size: 7 km long.
What’s special? This island off Cancun is small but packed with attractions. Snorkeling near coral reefs, an underwater art museum, Mayan ruins, and stunning views from the cliffside park. If you want a small island with plenty to do – this is the place.
Monuriki, Fiji – The Island from the Tom Hanks Movie
What’s special? This is where the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks was filmed. The island is under one square kilometer, uninhabited, and full of volcanic rocks and white sandy beaches. You can’t stay overnight, but you can visit on a day trip from nearby resorts – snorkeling, swimming, or a guided hike.
Fox Island, Alaska – Boat Required
What’s special? You can reach one of the smallest islands in the world without leaving the U.S. Fox Island is near Seward, Alaska, and can only be accessed by boat. Cliffs drop into icy waters, dense forests, and wildlife – puffins, sea otters, and humpback whales. You can also stay overnight at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge.
Corvo Island, Portugal – The Smallest in the Regional Archipelago
Size: 17.1 square km.
What’s special? The main attraction is a huge volcanic crater (Caldeirão) with two lakes, surrounded by meadows and wildflowers. The island has only one village – Vila do Corvo – with 380 residents. You can hike around the crater and then return by ferry to Flores Island.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, these tiny islands are the answer. Some offer just a lighthouse or a small village, others are made of shells or were used as film sets, but all provide a rare opportunity: To be alone with nature. Just remember to check transportation and accommodation options – as some of these islands are extremely small.