Amazing miniature islands around the world- car-free but inhabitated

Ever since I visited Gili islands of Indonesia the amazement of miniature islands started to appear. Beautiful decorations, happy vibes where people just feel so relaxed and seaside magic including hammocks and swings- everything sounds so inviting. More than that, walkable places make you feel so free that you don’t want to leave.

Not only in the tropics, come of the islands give the special island vibe wherever they are. This beautiful collection of places is put together with contributions of close to 20 amazing travel bloggers.

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Gili islands, Indonesia contributed by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno are three small islands very close to Lombok island near Bali. Known by the lovely swings in the sea, Gili islands are full of amazing decor.

Gili Trawangan is the largest taking the nickname of the Party island. What differentiate it from other two is the awesome night market and bigger choice of shops. Diving is one of the favourite activities of visitors with few diving centre. Visiting underwater statues is the highlight of the islands.

Islands are pretty walkable so you can cross it 1-2 hours but biking around is such a pleasure though the horse carriage also exist on Gili Trawangan.

Gili Air has more relaxed vibe with cute little caffe bars and restaurants along the coast. Hotel and hostels offer the laid back atmosphere often near the amazing pools.

Gili Meno is a total contrast of the other two where the world out of civilization awaits. Some hostels and hotels are available though.

Gili islands are easily reachable from mainland Bali, Nusa Penida or Lombok by speed boat ride.

Koh Mok, Thailand contributed by PlacesofJuma

Koh Mook is a tinny car-free island in the South of Thailand and for sure, one of the most unique places in this amazing travel country. Here, you won`t find any cars, no party or bigger supermarkets – the biggest part of the island is the Chao Mai National Park – a deep jungle with an intact nature. There is just one small village with friendly locals, where you will enjoy unique vibes. This island is far away from mass tourism and the ideal place to have an idyllic island time.

Beautiful is also the coast of the island lined with palm trees, gigantic cliffs and amazing beaches. Especially on Sivalai Beach you will find a postcard like panorama. Another must visit is the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook. It’s the most important place to visit and should not be missed on any holiday. Here you have to swim through an 80-meter-long and pitch-black cave to reach at its end the emerald-green lagoon with a white sandy beach.

Getting to Koh Mook can easily be organized by speedboat or ferry from the mainland, several times a day!

Ukulhas island, Maldives contributed by Bianca Caruana from The Altruistic Traveller

Although there are over one thousand islands that make up the Maldives archipelago less than two hundred of them are inhabited, and even fewer are open to tourists. Ukulhas is one of the few islands that opened its shores to tourists back in 2012. 

Ukulhas is a small island located in the Maldives’ Alif Alif Atoll and is home to a small population of roughly one thousand people. The island is in closer proximity to the capital, Malé, and can be reached by speedboat in 90 minutes. 

What makes the island unique is its commitment to being eco-friendly. In 2014 Ukulhas achieved a Green Leaf award for its outstanding services in protecting and preserving the island’s environment, and continue to embrace sustainable practices to this day. With the island spanning a mere 1 square kilometre, the need for motor vehicles is almost redundant and locals collaborate on efficient waste management practices and marine conservation efforts while embracing sustainable tourism practices. 

For a true glimpse of the laid-back Maldivian local life consider a trip to Ukulhas and support eco-tourism in the Maldives.

EUROPE

Silba, Croatia contributed by Gabi from Under Flowery Sky

Silba is a small island near Zadar in Croatia. Silba is characterised by the tower dedicated to the love story of the captain Petar Marinić named Toreta or the Tower of love. Its spiral stairs offer the amazing sunset views.

Silba is quite artistic place where amazing art and crafts can be seen at the lovely souvenir shops. Silba Environment Art organises many artistic events during summer including Cultural summer of Silba.

Silba is the place where beautiful bays decorate the shores in its hidden corners with 16 registrated beaches.

Around 300 inhabitants make the island in winter but during the summer more than 1000. Such a tranquile reality offers the opportunity to cross it in 10 minutes from one shore to the other. Few caffe bars and restaurants create the cozy center.

There are no hotels in Silba but only local atmosphere of several airbnb. There are no roads or noise, only few services to tranport your luggage after the ferry.

Lopud, Croatia contributed by Places of Juma

The amazing Lopud Island is a hidden gem in Croatia and belongs together with Koločep and Šipan to the few inhabited islands of the Elaphites. What`s amazing – this island is car-free and with a size of 4.63 km² it is not too big and hast the perfect size for a relaxed island vacation in Croatia. Only about 240 inhabitants live here, which gives the island a very rustic and idyllic atmosphere.

Famous is Lopud especially for the Sunj Beach, a beautiful fine sandy beach which is quite hard to find in Croatia. Beautiful are also the many walking trails, leading over the deep forests of the island. Especially sportive ones enjoy these routes, where you can discover some old ruins and former attractions as well to enjoy amazing views.

Lovely is also Lopud Village where you will find only a very small supermarket, a few vacation apartments and a handful of restaurants. If you are planning a longer stay, we highly recommend buying everything you need for your vacation before in Dubrovnik’s supermarkets.

Getting to Lopud can easily be organized by ferry from Dubrovnik Harbor. Anyway, if you prefer to join a guided tour, you will find a few options for boat-tours as well!

Hydra, Greece contributed by Chrysoula from Greece Travel Ideas

The beautiful Saronic island of Hydra in Greece makes a perfect day trip from Athens. Getting from Athens to Hydra is very easy, you just need to take the ferry from Piraeus port and in under two hours, you will arrive in a small paradise.

Hydra is beautiful and has been used as a film set and long been much loved by the rich and famous. Everything is at a leisurely pace, as there are no cars or bicycles. The main town sits on a hillside with elegant mansions, steep cobbled streets, and its port.  

There are beautiful stony beaches with crystal clear water for swimming, more than 300 churches, a monastery, and museums including an ecclesiastical one in a monk’s cell and another dedicated to Lazaros Kountouriotis. The wonderful coastal walk from Kamini to Hydra Town is a must as well.  Finally, the Sunset Restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sun go down while enjoying delicious food.

Ile-Aux-Moines, Brittany- France- contributed by Elisa from France Bucket List

A visit to the Ile-aux-Moines, in the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the top things to do in the Gulf of Morbihan, Brittany. The Gulf protects the island from winds and currents, so the waters are always calm and the weather good.

Ie-aux-Moines makes a great day trip from Vannes, Morbihan department’s capital. It’s only a 30-min trip by ferry from Vannes, and you can travel with your bicycles. Once on the island, there are various bike circuits of different lengths, and they are a good way to explore the island’s beautiful landscapes.

If you pack your swimsuit and a couple of sandwiches, you can also stop at one creek for a picnic and a refreshing bath. The creeks are never crowded, but you may have a creek almost to yourself if you visit on weekdays.

The Morbihan is well known for its millenary stone alignments, some of them listed UNESCO World Heritage. Ile-aux-Moines also has some alignments, and they are all labeled and free to visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to combine history with nature.  

Espalmador, Spain contributed by Nadine Maffre from Le Long Weekend

Located just off the tip of Spain’s smallest Balearic Island, Formentera, the island of Espalmador is a true oasis in the Mediterranean. Privately owned and uninhabited, it makes the perfect day trip for nature and beach lovers. Simply board the ferry from the port in Formentera (the trip takes around 30 minutes), or take a tour from nearby Ibiza, and spend your day exploring the island’s deserted coast, swimming in crystalline waters, sunbathing on pink sand, or walking through the low shrub to discover a hidden lagoon.

There are no facilities on the island, so you’ll need to take everything you need for the day with you, and be sure to bring everything back with you too. The last ferry departs the island at 6.45 pm, but you can jump off at the pier of Ses Illetes beach on the northern peninsula of Formentera on your way back and enjoy a few more hours beach hopping and dining at the Es Minister bar.

Capri, Italy contributed by Lori Sorrentino by Travlinmad

The luxurious island gem of Capri, Italy is one of the world’s most beautiful island destinations. Despite its reputation as an A-lister playground, the tiny island (just 4 square miles) still has an enticing casual vibe to it.
Located in southern Italy off the coast of Naples and Sorrento, Capri is only accessible by ferry and boat, which arrive every day with day trippers eager to discover its wonders. But trust me, Capri more time if you’re to fall under her spell. There are enough sites to see and attractions in Capri to make for a relaxed and uncrowded Italian vacation.
You can choose to congregate at La Piazzetta for morning cappuccinos then stroll the luxury shops along the narrow streets. But it doesn’t take much to escape the crowd.

Capri is easy to slow travel and have the island to yourself. The more adventurous should get out, on, or in the water depending on the time of year. Or take a private boat trip for the day.
But to really get a feel for the island, plan on walking the streets around the island to overlook the famous grottoes, relax in a beach club, or hike to Villa Jovis, the ruins of Italy’s Emperor Tiberius’ summer From the water or the maze of cobblestone alleyways, there’s no doubt Capri is one of Italy’s most charming small towns.

Ilha da Ormona, Portugal contributed by Paulina from Paulina On The Road

Ilha da Armona, situated in Olhao, Portugal is a part of the natural park of Ria Formosa. It is a miniature island with a negligible population. The island with 9 kilometers length and 1kilometer breadth has a population of 50 people. They spend their lifestyle with fishing and tourism. It attracts tourists because of the beautiful beach. The beach has fine white sand and clear water. As there are no cars on the island, the water is protected from pollution.

What makes Ilha da Armona special is its beach that can be divided into two parts. One part is Praia da Armona Ria, which faces the mainland and river. Taking a boat to Ilha da Armona will take you on this side. Besides the bars and restaurants, the other part, Praia da Armona Mar is more preferable to visit. It faces the ocean and is the best part of the island. You can reach here by taking a boat from Olhao and enjoy things like the sunset, beach walk, beach bar, witness wildlife on the island, eat at restaurants like Armona 4, and more. You can find where to stay in Algarve and take a boat to this island.

Burgh island in Devon, England contributed by Claire Hall from Devon With Kids

Burgh Island is a small tidal outcrop off the South Devon coast in England. It was once home to monks, fishermen and the odd smuggler. But in more recent history it has become a luxury retreat popular with celebrities and honeymooners.

Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson are rumoured to have stayed at the island’s Art Deco hotel, which also inspired two Agatha Christie crime novels.

Today the 26 acre island is a popular place for walks and wildlife spotting. When the conditions are right you can also kayak and paddle board around it. You can hire equipment from Discovery Surf School at Bigbury-on-Sea on the mainland. The island also has a natural seawater lagoon where you can take a dip.

Getting to the island is easy at low tide when you walk along the 250m strip of sand (waterproof shoes are advisable). If you are staying on the Island then the best way to arrive is by tractor. Sea tractor to be precise – the only hydraulic vehicle of its kind in the world. Hotel guests ride for free. The fare is £2 for other visitors.

Lundy island, England contributed by Suzanne from Meandering Wild

Lundy Island is located in the south west of England, 19km offshore from the north Devon coast.  It is small at just 5km long and 1km wide and has one access point.  The remainder of the island is sheer cliffs.

The island is well known for its amazing wildlife with seals and puffins.  There are also feral goats and sheep that roam the steep cliffs.

The island has three lighthouses, the north and south are still active and then the now inactive old light.  It is possible to visit all three in one day, but it is quite a walk.  Close to the Landing Beach are the old buildings including the castle and the church as well as the Marisco Tavern which is the heart of the village and the place to spend the evenings on the island.

28 people live on the island and there are a further 23 holiday cottages that can be rented.The island boat, the MS Oldberg leaves from Bideford or Ilfracombe and makes the slow crossing.  If weather conditions are not suitable for the crossing during the winter months then there is a helicopter service.

Skelling Michael, Ireland contributed by Carol from Is This Even A Road

The ancient stone island of Skellig Michael is uninhabited but rich with history. It sits alongside Little Skellig Island off the wild Atlantic shores of Ireland.

     This UNESCO heritage site is 8 miles off the coast of Portmagee in Southwest Kerry county and only accessible by ferry. A handful of boat companies take a limited number of visitors on the one hour ride to the island daily. (May to October with reservations.)

     After docking at the island, visitors climb 614 ancient stone steps up the jagged cliffs to a monastery at the top. Six original beehive huts, a cemetery, a chapel and an Oratory remain.

     The St Fionan monks crafted the monastery and stone steps in the 6th century. The monks used the corbelling technique to keep the structures watertight without concrete or mortar. The rocks were dry stacked facing inward to repel water and wind for centuries.

     Skellig Michael and Little Skellig are home to tens of thousands of seabirds annually, including gannets and adorable puffins.

     Skellig Michael also made an appearance with Luke Skywalker in two recent Star Wars movies.

     Visit by ferry or by using The Force, but don’t miss out on a Skellig Michael adventure. 

SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA

Uros Floating Islands in Peru contributed by Audrey Bergner from That Backpacker

Visiting the floating reed islands of Uros is an experience not to be missed! Located on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, these islands were built on the water so that if a threat ever arose, its people would be able to make their escape by simply relocating their islands.

The reed islands vary in size depending on the number of people that live on them; some islands float close together and are connected via bridges, while others are distanced enough that they require travelling by boat. 
Because these islands depend on tourism, locals welcome visitors. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to tour a home, hear from a resident about their way of life, and learn about the amount of work that goes into keeping these reed islands afloat. Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts, ride aboard a reed raft, and get a Lake Titicaca stamp in their passport.
Reaching the floating islands of Uros, involves travelling to the city of Puno, which is where tours depart from. You can also plan an overnight homestay on Lake Titicaca, which typically includes a visit to the islands of Uros, Amantaní and Taquile.

Caye Caulker, Belize contributed by Kylie Neuhause from Between England And Iowa

An amazing miniature island is Caye Caulker in Belize. It’s 5 miles long and less than a mile wide. There are no cars on the island so people either travel by golf cart, bike or walk!

Caye Caulker’s motto is ‘Go Slow’, it’s a place to relax and unwind or even take part in rooftop yoga. There are plenty of hammocks and swinging chairs dotted around the island. Several bars have tables, swings and more IN the water, so you can cool off while enjoying a refreshing drink. Don’t miss a snorkelling day trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley where you may be able to swim alongside manatees, turtles and nurse sharks.

The quickest way to get to Caye Caulker is to fly from Belize City Airport. However, the cheapest way to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker is by water taxi, either via the San Pedro Express or Ocean Ferry. Journey time is around 45 minutes.

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua contributed by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

Little Corn Island is part of Nicaragua and found in the Caribbean Sea. It is a tiny island, without cars. You can walk the length of the island in about 30 minutes, or around the whole island along the beaches in about 1 ½ hours. As you can imagine, this is not an easy place to visit.

You have to fly into Big Corn Island, another island nearby, from Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Then, you hire a taxi from the airport to drive you around 6 minutes to the port, then hop on a super large speed boat with bench seating for about 50 people. It takes about 45 minutes to cross the Caribbean Sea between Big and Little Corn Island and it is quite the ride. You are going at wicked speeds, sometimes jumping over huge waves, and then splashing down, with water splashing everywhere. My kids loved it, but if you have a bad back, this might not be fun. 

Everything about Little Corn Island is special. When you arrive, you are met by locals with huge wagons to help carry your luggage. You walk across the island to your accommodation, most of which are beach huts steps from the water. You need to make sure that you wear proper beach and water shoes for this walk. Meals are usually fresh caught fish or shellfish from that day. You can snorkel or fish with the locals, and then, take back your catch from the day and get it cooked for dinner. The beaches are totally empty and pristine. It is truly paradise.  

San Blas Islands, Panama contributed by Joseph Monroe from The Culture Portrait

When it comes to amazing, uninhabited and car-free miniature islands, the San Blas Islands archipelago takes the crown. They’re located in the Caribbean coast of Panama, and can be visited as a day trip from Panama City. These islands consist of an archipelago of 365 islands, of which only some are inhabited and they’re a unique place to visit in the Caribbean, which not many know of.

Their pristine, transparent waters, hurricane-free weather, pure air, and virginity make these islands a desirable destination for any island lover. You can see starfish in their natural habitat, snorkel in the transparent water, sail to dozens of uninhabited islands and be on islands which not many have been to before, and if you get lucky, see whales. For anyone who visits Panama, a visit to the San Blas Islands archipelago is an important addition to any list of things to do in Panama, as it’s a beautiful Caribbean paradise. 

There are three ways to get to the islands. One is by plane to the airport closest to them, the second one is by chartering a boat through a tour agency or sailing there in your own boat, and the third one is by car from Panama City and a water taxi. The preferred option by the locals in Panama City is the car option, which is the cheapest option. If you go by car, it can only be a 4×4 vehicle as the terrain to get to the dock where you take the water taxi does not allow any other type of vehicle. The locals from Panama City who want to go to the islands and do not have a 4×4 vehicle almost always just book a tour through one of several tour agencies in the city. The tour agencies handle everything including the transportation. If you’re visiting Panama City and you don’t want to charter a boat or sail there from another place in the Caribbean, then just booking a trip through a tour agency in the city is the best option.

Cayo Blanco, Cuba contributed by Carley Royas Avila from Home to Havana

Visiting Cayo Blanco on a catamaran or as part of a snorkeling excursion is one of the most popular day trips from Varadero, Cuba, one of Cuba’s most popular and beautiful beach getaways just a few hours outside of the capital city of Havana. 

While Varadero had a lot to offer, this tiny strip of pure white sand just a few miles away in the middle of the ocean is even more pristine and dreamy. These white sand beaches are dotted with tiny restaurants and shacks serving drinks and food, as well as places renting beach chairs to visitors. Cayo Blanco is the perfect getaway, and you’ll feel like you’re on a private island – and because Cayo Blanco is accessible only by boat and has no permanent residents, you practically are.

Holbox, Mexico contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Holbox is an island located in Yucatan, Mexico. While the island itself isn’t incredibly small most of it is actually an uninhabited nature reserve. The little town in Holbox doesn’t allow cars and only a few selected locals have permission to drive one. Tourists can rent golf carts or bikes to get around. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous and perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

Holbox is known for its incredible wildlife and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to spot flamingos, horseshoe crabs and rare fish. You can even go on a guided tour to swim with whale sharks. These tours vary in price and will take a full day. You’ll leave early in the morning and go on a boat ride out into the open ocean where whale sharks gather. They are completely harmless to humans and the experience is incredible. You might even spot manta rays while you are there. Holbox is also known for its amazing street food with authentic tacos and other traditional foods you absolutely have to try.

NORTH AMERICA

Islands of South-West Florida, USA contributed by Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad

Off the coast of southwest Florida in the United States are so many enchanting barrier islands — sun drenched nearly year round and surrounded by the beautiful warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If this doesn’t sound enticing enough on its own, let me seal the deal — many of these Florida Gulf coast islands are accessible only by boat.
Some of these islands such as Useppa Island, Don Pedro Island, and Keewaydin Island are private beach clubs and State parks, and open during the day to visitors to explore. They make great day trips from the nearby towns of Sanibel, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island.

But several more like North Captiva and Cabbage Key welcome overnight guests at private cottages and exclusive resorts open to just a few guests. Imagine having a tropical island all to yourself for the night, pretending to be a castaway, just your significant other and you.
While there are no cars allowed on these islands, guests and visitors can get around on golf carts or hike the trails that wind through. There are usually a few beach bars to enjoy a cold beverage or fresh seafood tacos. Other than that, your days are wide open. Sounds like the perfect getaway to me!

Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA contributed by Kris Morton from My Michigan Travel

Mackinac Island lies between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas in Lake Huron. Cars were banned over 100 years ago and to this day only a few motorized emergency vehicles exist on the island. Visitors and locals travel on foot, bike, or in horse drawn carriages.

With a historic fort looming over downtown and several beautifully preserved Victorian hotels and cottages, it truly feels like stepping back in time. Tourists can take carriage tours that stop at many of the island’s landmarks, and many set off to bike the loop road that runs along the edge of the island. Once you’re done pedaling, treat yourself to some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge you can find at numerous shops downtown.

Mackinac Island is mainly accessed via ferry, with regular departures from both Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the UP. Ferries will haul bikes for an extra charge or there are many rental shops on the island.

PIN IT FOR LATER: