12 Hidden Islands Perfect for Honeymooners Who Crave Quiet

If your idea of romance is the hush of palms in a sea breeze, the soft thrum of waves at night, and the delicious absence of crowds, you’re in the right place. The islands below are quiet by design—some because they limit visitors, others because they’re far-flung or fiercely protected by locals who prefer slow rhythms to resort rows. Each pick balances seclusion with enough comfort and character to make a honeymoon feel special rather than spartan.

How to choose your quiet island

• Travel time vs. time on-island: Remote means transfers. Factor in ferries, small planes, or private boats so you don’t shave days off your honeymoon in transit.

• Seasonality: Quiet islands can get wild winds, heavy rain, or swell that cancels boats. Choose shoulder months for calm seas and lower prices.

• Barefoot rustic or discreet luxury: Decide whether you want an eco-hut and starry skies or a villa with a plunge pool. Many of these islands offer both ends of the spectrum, but not always.

• Activities you’ll savor: Think beyond beaches—hiking, snorkeling, whale sharks, stargazing, or local culture. A quiet place becomes unforgettable when it matches how you recharge.

• Logistics: ATMs, Wi‑Fi, medical care, language, and cash economy. Quiet often means fewer services; a little prep goes a long way.

The islands

Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe

This little African eden in the Gulf of Guinea limits visitor numbers and protects wild rainforest that spills onto cocoa-scented beaches. It feels like a secret shared in whispers.

• Getting there: International flight to São Tomé (via Lisbon or Accra), then a 35–40 minute domestic hop to Príncipe. Hotel transfers handle the rest.

• Best time: June–September and December–February bring drier weather. Expect warm, humid conditions year-round.

• Stay: Sundy Praia (luxury tented villas in the jungle by the beach), Roça Sundy (restored plantation house with history), or Bom Bom (simple, set on twin coves).

• Do: Turtle nesting (seasonal), guided rainforest walks to Oquê Pipi waterfall, cocoa plantation tours and chocolate tastings, boat trips to deserted bays.

• Good to know: It’s malarial—discuss prophylaxis with your doctor. Cash is helpful; cards are accepted at higher-end lodges but internet can be slow. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and plan for some power outages with a smile.

Mafia Island, Tanzania

A quiet alternative to Zanzibar, Mafia is protected by a vast marine park with coral gardens and a calm, unhurried soul.

• Getting there: Short flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia (30–45 minutes). Most lodges include airport transfers.

• Best time: October–February for whale sharks; July–October for drier, breezier weather and great diving.

• Stay: Butiama Beach (boutique simplicity), Pole Pole (eco-chic with lagoon views), Chole Mjini (treehouse romance on a tiny offshore island).

• Do: Gentle drift dives and snorkeling, ethical whale shark trips with small groups, sandbank picnics, dhow sails at sunset, strolls through Kilindoni market.

• Good to know: Modest dress in villages (Mafia is predominantly Muslim). Marine park fees apply. ATMs may run out of cash; bring enough Tanzanian shillings. Electricity and Wi‑Fi can be patchy—embrace the digital detox.

La Digue, Seychelles

A postcard made real: smooth granite boulders, luminous lagoons, and a car-light island where you pedal to dinner.

• Getting there: Fly to Mahé, ferry to Praslin, then a 15-minute ferry to La Digue. Book ferries ahead during peak months.

• Best time: April–May and October–November for calm seas and top snorkeling. Trade winds blow June–September.

• Stay: Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie (romantic villas), Le Nautique (stylish and intimate), or family-run guesthouses for privacy on a budget.

• Do: Cycle to Anse Source d’Argent early for empty sands, snorkel at Anse Sévère, hike Nid d’Aigle for panoramic views, visit L’Union Estate and its vanilla orchids.

• Good to know: Rent bikes or e‑bikes—taxis are scarce and pricey. Bring reef shoes for some coral-strewn entries. Many places accept cards, but small notes make market stops easier.

Folegandros, Greece

If Santorini’s crowds make you flinch, Folegandros serves Cycladic drama minus the tour buses. Whitewashed lanes and cliffside sunsets feel private, not performative.

• Getting there: Ferry from Santorini (1–2 hours) or Piraeus (4–6+ hours). Summer schedules are frequent; book high-speed ferries early.

• Best time: Late May–June and September for warmth and fewer people. Meltemi winds can gust in July–August.

• Stay: Anemi Hotel (design-forward with pools), Blue Sand Boutique (above Agali Beach), or simple studios in Chora.

• Do: Boat to turquoise coves like Katergo, hike the clifftop path to Panagia Church at golden hour, linger over grilled octopus in Chora’s plazas.

• Good to know: Beaches are mostly pebbly or require short hikes—pack light sandals. ATMs exist but can run dry in peak months. Rent a scooter for flexibility.

Flores, Azores, Portugal

Flores is the wild flower of the Azores: waterfalls pouring from emerald cliffs, crater lakes, and barely a soul on the trail.

• Getting there: Flight to São Miguel or Terceira, then a domestic flight to Flores. Inter-island flights can sell out—book early.

• Best time: June–September for calmer seas and hiking-friendly weather. Spring brings wild blooms; winter is stormy.

• Stay: Aldeia da Cuada (stone cottages with Atlantic views), Inatel Flores (simple, well-placed), or rural guesthouses around Fajã Grande.

• Do: Swim beneath Poço do Bacalhau waterfall, drive the scenic central plateau, kayak along the west coast, day-trip to tiny Corvo by boat when seas allow.

• Good to know: Weather changes quickly—layer up and pack a waterproof. Rental cars are limited; reserve ahead. Dining is small-scale—make restaurant reservations, especially at dinner.

Colonsay, Scotland

A Hebridean hush with golden beaches, a single hotel bar where everyone eventually meets, and more seabirds than humans.

• Getting there: Ferry from Oban (2–2.5 hours) or a small flight from Connel (seasonal). Schedules can be weather-dependent.

• Best time: May–September for milder weather and longer days. Spring brings wildflowers; August can be busier but never hectic.

• Stay: The Colonsay Hotel (cozy, social), self-catering cottages near Scalasaig, or rustic farm stays.

• Do: Beach picnics at Kiloran Bay, coastal walks to Balnahard, foraging with a local guide, island-hopping to Oronsay at low tide to see the priory ruins.

• Good to know: Shops are limited—bring specialty items and layers. Midges appear on still summer evenings—pack repellent. Restaurant opening days vary; plan dinners.

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

A peaceful patch of Thai life between Phuket and Krabi, with limestone karsts on the horizon and water buffalo in the fields.

• Getting there: Speedboat from Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier or from Krabi’s Tha Len Pier (30–40 minutes). Arrange transfers through your hotel.

• Best time: December–April for dry skies and clear water. May–October brings afternoon showers and fewer tourists.

• Stay: Six Senses Yao Noi (over-the-top romantic), Cape Kudu (stylish mid-range), or small beachfront bungalows along Pasai or Tha Khao.

• Do: Sunrise kayak among karsts, island-hop to Hong or Pakbia before day-trippers arrive, Thai cooking classes in a family kitchen, scooter the quiet loop road.

• Good to know: Respect local culture—cover shoulders in villages. ATMs exist but not everywhere. Avoid midday longtail crowds by starting early or going late.

Sumba, Indonesia

Raw and soulful, Sumba is for couples who love big horizons: rolling savannah, wild beaches, and ancient megalithic villages.

• Getting there: Flights from Bali to Tambolaka or Waingapu (about 1–1.5 hours), then a drive to your lodge.

• Best time: May–November dry season. Surf breaks can be powerful; seas calmest between September–October.

• Stay: NIHI Sumba (legendary splurge), Alamayah (wellness-forward), or community-run homestays for deeper cultural immersion.

• Do: Visit traditional villages like Ratenggaro, swim in the blue lagoons of Weekuri, horseback rides at sunset, private beach picnics, gentle river SUPs.

• Good to know: Roads are rough; travel times stretch. Dress modestly in villages and bring a small gift if welcomed into homes. Cash is king outside resorts.

Calaguas Islands, Philippines

A string of powdery arcs in Camarines Norte, Calaguas gives you Maldivian blues without the price tag—just a bit of grit in the transfers.

• Getting there: Drive or bus from Manila to Paracale or Vinzons (6–8 hours), then a bangka boat 1.5–2.5 hours depending on seas.

• Best time: December–May for calm seas. June–November sees swell and potential boat cancellations.

• Stay: Waling-Waling EcoVillage (simple beach villas), tent glamping on Mahabang Buhangin, or small homestays in Tinaga.

• Do: Beach days with zero noise, snorkeling the nearshore reefs, short hikes to viewpoints, island-hopping to Maculabo.

• Good to know: Limited electricity and minimal Wi‑Fi. Bring cash, a dry bag, and motion-sickness tablets for the crossing. Leave-no-trace is essential—there’s no sophisticated waste system.

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki’s lagoon feels like it was painted for honeymooners—impossible blues, sandbars that vanish at high tide, and island time that slows your heartbeat.

• Getting there: Fly to Rarotonga, then a 45-minute domestic flight to Aitutaki. Transfers are easy to arrange.

• Best time: May–October for cooler, drier weather. November–April is warmer with sporadic rain.

• Stay: Etu Moana (boutique villas with heart), Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (adults-only), Tamanu Beach (classic Polynesian style).

• Do: Lagoon cruise to One Foot Island before the big boats, private motu picnics, paddleboarding at dawn, Sunday church services for soaring choral harmonies.

• Good to know: Reef-safe sunscreen only; the lagoon is pristine. Scooters are the easiest way around. Cards are accepted but bring some cash for food trucks and crafts.

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Capped at around 400 visitors at any time, Lord Howe protects a Jurassic-looking landscape with world-class snorkeling and near-silent roads.

• Getting there: Short flights from Sydney or Brisbane (limited seats; book months ahead). No mobile data for some carriers—expect a soft disconnect.

• Best time: September–May for warmth and swimming; winter is cooler and good for hiking.

• Stay: Capella Lodge (ultimate splurge), Arajilla Retreat (serene), or self-catering apartments with bikes included.

• Do: Guided climb of Mt Gower (bucket list), snorkel the southernmost coral reef at Ned’s Beach, cycle to Blinky Beach with a picnic, hand-feed kingfish in crystal shallows.

• Good to know: No high-rise resorts or nightlife; it’s blissfully subdued. Groceries can be pricey due to logistics. Book activities before arrival to secure spots.

Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Sailboat silhouettes, pastel shops, and a low-key harbor vibe make Bequia feel like old-school Caribbean—friendly, slow, and sincere.

• Getting there: Fly to St. Vincent then ferry (1 hour), or small plane to Bequia. Private charters to/from nearby islands are common.

• Best time: December–April for dry, breezy days. May–June is lovely and less expensive; hurricane risk peaks August–October.

• Stay: Bequia Beach Hotel (classic glam on Friendship Bay), Bequia Plantation Hotel (beachfront charm), small villas in Spring or Lower Bay for privacy.

• Do: Snorkel at Princess Margaret Beach early, hike to Peggy’s Rock for wide views, day-sail to the Tobago Cays for turtles, browse Belmont Walkway’s galleries.

• Good to know: Cash is handy; ATMs can be fickle. Tap water isn’t always potable—check with your host. Taxis are friendly, but walking and water taxis are more fun.

Planning tips for a truly quiet honeymoon

• Go shoulder-season smart: Aim for a week before or after peak dates. You’ll often get calmer weather and emptier beaches without sacrificing sunshine.

• Front-load rest: After a long-haul flight, spend your first night near the arrival hub. Then transfer fresh to the island so you don’t start tired.

• Stay put longer: Two islands in ten days can work, but one island for a full week often feels richer and more relaxing.

• Book the early start: For famous beaches (La Digue’s Anse Source d’Argent, Aitutaki’s One Foot Island), go at sunrise or right before close. You’ll own the view.

• Pack light but right:

• Soft bags for small planes/boats

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun shirt

• Light rain shell and a warm layer for windy ferries

• Portable power bank and offline maps

• Dry bag, mask and snorkel, quick-dry towel

• Money matters: Many quiet islands are cash-forward. Bring small denominations and a backup card. Confirm if your lodging can handle card payments and check for park fees.

• Health and safety:

• Check vaccination and malaria guidance (notably for parts of Africa).

• Carry a minimal first-aid kit and medications—pharmacies can be sparse.

• Use reef-safe insect repellent; wear long sleeves at dusk in buggy spots.

• Respect the place: Cover shoulders in conservative areas, ask before photographing people, and leave shells, coral, and cultural artifacts where they belong. Quiet islands stay special when visitors tread lightly.

Sample 7-night quiet-island game plans

• La Digue, Seychelles:

• Days 1–2: Ease in, sunset at Anse Source d’Argent after 4 p.m.

• Day 3: Snorkel at Anse Cocos via the coastal path.

• Day 4: Boat to Coco and Felicité early.

• Day 5: Nid d’Aigle hike, lazy afternoon in Chora.

• Days 6–7: Spa time, slow breakfasts, cycle to hidden coves.

• Bequia, SVG:

• Day 1: Belmont Walkway stroll and a waterfront dinner.

• Day 2: Beach-hop by water taxi.

• Day 3: Day sail to the Tobago Cays.

• Day 4: Spa morning, sunset at Princess Margaret Beach.

• Day 5: Hike Peggy’s Rock, long lunch in Port Elizabeth.

• Days 6–7: Villa day, snorkeling, and rum punch on Friendship Bay.

Final thoughts

The magic of a quiet island isn’t just about silence—it’s about presence. Morning swims before footprints, meals where you actually taste the spice and smoke, conversations that meander because there’s nowhere else to be. Pick the island that pairs with your pace, plan just enough to smooth the edges, then let the days stretch. The quiet will do the rest.