From volcanic landscapes to tiny communities far from busy cities, these remote islands offer a glimpse into life in some of the world’s most isolated…
1/7Pitcairn Island, Pacific Ocean | Located in the South Pacific, Pitcairn Island is home to fewer than 50 people, many of whom are descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers who settled there in 1790. The island has no airport, making the journey a challenge for visitors. Travellers usually reach it by boat from Mangareva in French Polynesia. Once there, visitors can explore its rugged landscape, discover hidden caves and enjoy the surrounding waters. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
2/7Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean | Tristan da Cunha is widely recognised as the world’s most remote inhabited island group. Located in the South Atlantic, it lies about 2,400 kilometres from South Africa and has a small population living in a settlement called Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. The island is part of a British Overseas Territory and can only be reached by sea, with the journey from Cape Town taking around a week. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
3/7Easter Island, Chile | Also known as Rapa Nui, Easter Island is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world. It lies around 3,700 kilometres west of mainland Chile and is famous for its enormous stone statues, known as Moai, created by the island’s early inhabitants. Despite its remote location, the island has an airport and is accessible by air. Visitors can explore volcanic craters, sandy beaches and archaeological sites while learning about the island’s Polynesian heritage. (Image source: Canva)
4/7Socotra, Yemen | Situated in the Arabian Sea, Socotra lies off the coast of Yemen and is known for its unusual plant life and striking natural scenery. One of its most recognisable features is the dragon’s blood tree, which has an umbrella-shaped appearance and produces distinctive red sap. Its rocky mountains, white-sand beaches and clear waters attract nature lovers and adventure travellers. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
5/7Kerguelen Islands, Southern Indian Ocean | Often called the Desolation Islands, the Kerguelen Islands are a remote French territory in the southern Indian Ocean. Located 1,865 miles from Madagascar, the islands have no permanent civilian population and are mainly visited by scientists, engineers, and unconventional travellers. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
6/7Macquarie Island, Australia | Located in the Southern Ocean between Tasmania and Antarctica, this oceanic island is known for its rich wildlife. Macquarie Island lies around 1,500 km southeast of Tasmania, roughly halfway between Australia and Antarctica. The island is home to large populations of penguins and seals and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, Macquarie Island has no permanent civilian settlement. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
7/7Little Diomede Island, USA | The Diomede Islands lie in the Bering Strait between Alaska in the United States and Chukotka in Russia. The two islands, Big Diomede and Little Diomede, are separated by the International Date Line, which places them on different calendar dates. Big Diomede belongs to Russia, while Little Diomede is part of the US. Little Diomede is home to an Inupiat community that lives in a challenging Arctic environment. Big Diomede, meanwhile, has no permanent civilian population and access is restricted. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
