Five lesser-known island paradises for you to discover in 2025
The world is full of surprises when venturing to new places. Whether it’s to evade the tourist hotspots or to finally tick visiting somewhere off one’s bucket list, there are plenty of enchanting places that remain off the itineraries of most holidays. And what could be more captivating than an unspoiled island?
It allows for experiencing a more intimate side of travel, where local communities share stories and rare landscapes thrive without the usual crowds. Following curiosity unlocks experiences that feel both refreshingly authentic and comfortably manageable.
Ilha do Fogo, Cape Verde
Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular islands for holidays in Cape Verde due to their beautiful beaches, but it’s well worth considering a side trip to Fogo. Booking accommodation is necessary due to the ferry timings and the absence of flights, but it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
The island is celebrated for its dramatic active volcano, known as Pico do Fogo, standing at just shy of 3,000m. It provides fertile soil that locals use for growing high-quality coffee beans and making wine – both of which are well worth sampling.
Speaking to a local guide for information on hiking routes allows for viewing recent lava flows and steaming vents before engaging in sledging on the ash.
Isola Tavolara, Italy
One might recognise Sardinia’s glitzy waterfronts, but Isola Tavolara remains a well-guarded retreat. It was until recently ruled by the Bertoleoni family, which claimed it to be one of the smallest kingdoms in the world.
Local ferries from Porto San Paolo dock at this imposing limestone massif measuring just a few kilometres across. Visitors can hike paths that weave around wild juniper bushes with dramatic cliffs towering overhead or go snorkelling to see an array of incredible fish.
Ilha do Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe
Príncipe rewards the adventurous spirit with emerald rainforests, secluded waterfalls, and deserted beaches rarely touched by large tour groups.
Flying in from São Tomé allows exploration of colonial-era cocoa plantations where one can taste fresh chocolate sourced from local farmers. Wandering through wildlife reserves offers opportunities to spot versions of thrushes, starlings, and other birds exclusive to the island, as well as lively monkeys swinging in the lush canopy.
Corn Island, Nicaragua
Little Corn and Big Corn serve as portals to a laid-back Caribbean scene that retains an old-island character. Catching a short flight from Managua to Bluefields and then continuing by boat leads to these magnificent enclaves.
Days can be filled spotting nurse sharks on coral reefs or sampling coconut-infused seafood dishes. A wander through the area may even uncover something that hints at the island’s past as a popular stopping point for pirates.
The Azores, Portugal
Volcanic peaks and rolling meadows coexist in these pristine, verdant mid-Atlantic islands. Fly directly from Lisbon to São Miguel or Faial, then rent a car to drive past beautiful crater lakes and steaming fumaroles.
Discover hiking trails lined with hydrangeas or set sail on a responsible whale-watching tour to see migrating sperm whales and dolphins. One returns home with stories of green valleys, warm hospitality, and the distinct sense of having found a true hidden paradise.
The editorial unit
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