It's Always Summer on These 25 Secret Islands

It's Officially Island Time

1/26
Having a hard time accepting the fact that summer has ended? Prefer Pina Coladas to Pumpkin Spice Lattes? Well, then you are going to want to set a course for one of the following islands. All of these are fully immune to the winter blues and just so happen to be a little off the beaten path.

Caye Caulker, Belize

2/26
While the breezes are warm, the mood is always "chill" on this car-free island off the coast of Belize. Use Caye Caulker as a base to experience some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean or just spend your days lounging at the Lazy Lizard beach bar. Regardless, you'll see fewer crowds and spend less money than on nearby Ambergris Caye.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

3/26
Holbox is getting more and more attention these days, but it still feels undiscovered compared to some other dreamy destinations in Mexico. Pastel-painted shops selling tropical fruit share the sandy streets with humble cafes and cantinas full of happy tourists. The beaches are beautiful for sure, but the island's mangroves are also worth exploring, too.

Big Pine Key, Florida

4/26
While many travelers make a quick stop in Key Largo before driving straight through to Key West, those that pull over in Big Pine Key will be richly rewarded. Here, you will find an isle blessed with natural beauty in the form of rare wildlife (the adorable Key deer calls Big Pine home) and the breathtaking Bahia Honda State Park.

Con Son, Vietnam

5/26
The Con Doa Islands are just coming into their own as a Southeast Asia hotspot, and Con Son is their shining star. Spend your mornings hiking on the interior of the island before cooling off in the aquamarine sea, but get here before they get too popular and graduate from the list.

Gili Meno, Indonesia

6/26
The Gili Islands lie a stone's throw from Bali, but for the time being fly much further under the radar. Gili Trawangan is the most built-up of the islands, but Gili Meno moves to a much calmer beat. Dedicate your days to finding the most comfortable position in your beachside daybed or go diving to spot vibrant underwater life.

The Channel Islands, California

7/26
There are no hotels on "The Galapagos of California", but that's alright because you can make a week's worth of memories during one day trip from the mainland. Adventurous travelers can camp, and those that do will feel as if they have stumbled into a deserted island, not somewhere just off the coast of California.

Sal, Cabo Verde

8/26
Okay, so the secret is starting to get out on Cabo Verde-especially among Europeans-but you're still bound to be the only North American on the beach in Sal. Come for fine stretches of white sand and the kitesurfing, leave falling for the friendly locals and the most vibrant nightlife anywhere in this African archipelago.

San Andres, Colombia

9/26
Famed for its beaches and budget-friendly fun, San Andres has long been a favorite of Colombians. North Americans are yet to discover the island en masse, so it still feels like being let in on something special. Take a day ferry to Johnny Cay for crystal-clear water-perfect for submerged selfies.

Cedar Key, Florida

10/26
With many of its buildings built-up on stilts over the Gulf of Mexico, Cedar Key offers a step back in time. You will still find pretty beaches here, but you won't find the same volume of crowds that you do further south in the state.

Isla Margarita, Venezuela

11/26
Any island with "margarita" in its name has to be a magnificent place, doesn't it? This isle benefits from the same arid climate and warm winds as nearby Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, but with significantly fewer crowds.

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

12/26
To help keep divine Little Corn a secret, you might actually be tempted to not share any stories about it on social media during your visit. But don't your friends deserve to know about an island full of beachside chalets, rustic seafood restaurants and some of the friendliest people in the world?

Molokai, Hawaii

13/26
Molokai has retained much of its traditional Hawaiian character and it is also home to fewer hotels than some of the other islands. This is what helps makes it so special, to say nothing of the world's tallest sea cliffs and several postcard-perfect beaches.

Providencia, Colombia

14/26
Due to its isolated Caribbean location and unique history, Providencia offers a fascinating mix of cultures. This, in addition to a set of sensational beaches and balmy temperatures, makes it a truly special place to slay the winter blues.

Ometepe, Nicaragua

15/26
The only lake island on the list, Ometepe feels like another world completely. Listening to the lapping waters of Lake Nicaragua as you gaze at the shades of a sunset appear over the island's mystical twin volcanoes is a travel dream come true.

Gasparilla Island, Florida

16/26
The spirit of Old Florida is still going strong on Gasparilla. Spend the day tanning on the island's pristine white beaches or go fishing before paying a visit to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, the oldest building on the island.

Principe, Sao Tome and Principe

17/26
One half of the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, this pearl off the coast of Africa stays warm all year-round yet still remains relatively undiscovered. Explore the northern reaches and beaches of Principe, an adventure that features the ability to walk across a bridge to nearby Bom Bom Island.

Havelock Island, India

18/26
A string of sugar-white pearls bobbing in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are the secret-seekers alternative to the Maldives-and Havelock is home base for beach lovers.

Mustang Island, Texas

19/26
One of Texas' beautiful barrier islands, Mustang is often overlooked for destinations further south. Those in the know either use Port Aransas as a base to explore the sands and wildlife of this island or camp on the island itself. While you may need to pack a sweater in winter, the temperatures rarely get anywhere near frosty.

Dominica

20/26
Dominica is the domain of those seeking an active, off-the-beaten-path getaway in the Caribbean. Home to the region's first long-distance hiking trail, you'll love working up a sweat on this lush island as much as you do cooling down on the island's gorgeous sweeps of sand.

Ko Yao Yai, Thailand

21/26
A short ferry ride from Phuket but feeling a thousand miles away, this oft-overlooked island is home to a handful of romantic resorts with dramatic views of the sea and local limestone karsts.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

22/26
Often forgotten because of bigger names like Fiji or Tahiti, The Cook Islands make for a sensational South Pacific escape. Aitutaki offers solitude and beaches made for strolling until the stars come out.

Upolu, Samoa

23/26
Even though it is home to Samoa's capital city in Apia, sections of this South Pacific island still feel like a hidden paradise. Lefaga Beach is one such place, as catching a sunset here is destined to be the highlight of your trip.

Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico

24/26
This island lies smack in the middle of the Sea of Cortez-between the Baja Peninsula and the mainland of Mexico. Here, you will find a handful of handsome resorts and a colorful array of underwater life. How vibrant? The region was famously dubbed "the world's aquarium" by the legendary undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau.

La Gomera, Spain

25/26
This hidden gem of the Canary Islands is home to a rocky interior and several striking beaches. Head for the hills to get your heart racing before spending the rest of the day resting on one of the island's pretty, pebble-strewn stretches of sand.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

26/26
There's a lot more to Puerto Rico than scintillating San Juan, and the shores of Culebra are a great place to start exploring. And if the hidden coves and beaches of Culebra aren't quite secluded enough for you, then hop a ferry to the uninhabited Culebrita, a true haven from reality.

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Scott Hartbeck

Scott Hartbeck

Editor true scotthartbeck 9309 14744 Born and raised in the USA but now based in the UK, Scott is a Europe travel expert who has been exploring the continent for over 20 years. He specializes in European rail and discovering underrated destinations & experiences

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Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me