13 Remarkable Remote Locations on Earth Worth the Journey

While lounging on a sandy beach with a cocktail adorned with a tiny umbrella can be delightful, a true getaway may call for venturing into an untamed wilderness.

The term "remote" can be interpreted in many ways. Some once-unimaginable trips (like witnessing penguins in Antarctica) have become more attainable due to innovative, energy-efficient cruise ships. Despite the growing challenges in finding truly isolated spots—thanks to social media—there are still untamed landscapes waiting to be discovered.

To assist travelers in planning adventures to the far reaches of the globe, Dinogo has curated a list of 13 breathtaking remote islands and settlements worldwide.

1. Ittoqqortoormiit

Location: Greenland

With its harsh climate, Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most challenging places on Earth to access, situated 500 miles from the nearest city in any direction. Yet, this isolation adds to Its charm. The best route to reach this settlement involves flying to Reykjavík, then taking a quick flight to Akureyri in northern Iceland. From there, travelers complete their journey by flying to Constable Point, Greenland, where they can board a Fido-powered sled (dogsled) to reach Ittoqqortoormiit. Alternatively, a 15-minute helicopter ride from Constable Point offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, the iceberg-laden Arctic Ocean, and—if fortune smiles— the Northern Lights.

2. Kerguelen Islands

Location: South Indian Ocean

Often referred to as the Desolation Islands due to their remote and inhospitable terrain, this rugged archipelago—approximately the size of Delaware—is located in the southern Indian Ocean near Antarctica. The Kerguelen Islands lack any known Indigenous populations; their dramatic landscapes, featuring steep cliffs, numerous fjords, strong winds, and icy temperatures, are currently home only to French researchers and local wildlife, including penguins and seals. Access to the Kerguelen Islands is exclusively by boat, specifically the Marion Dufresne, which makes the journey four times a year. Tickets for the Marion can be quite pricey, costing around $18,000 for tourists.

3. The Nyi La Pass

Location: Nepal

The Nyi La Pass lies in the secluded region of northern Nepal known as Upper Mustang. Accessing the pass requires navigating the Kaligandaki Road Corridor, which construction began by the Nepalese army in 2021. This pass is subject to heavy snowfall and landslides, but the journey rewards intrepid explorers with some of the most breathtaking views in Nepal. Travelers will encounter the country’s famed shale and limestone cliffs along with numerous snow-capped peaks. Note: Due to the high altitude, the air can be thin, so it’s wise to take frequent breaks and consider carrying supplemental oxygen. Hiring a local hiking guide is also recommended.

4. Svalbard

Location: Arctic Ocean

Nestled between Norway and the North Pole, this archipelago boasts a population of polar bears that far exceeds that of humans. Svalbard is now more accessible than ever and has become a popular cruise ship destination, yet it remains untamed at its core. Visitors fortunate enough to explore this area may encounter walruses, reindeer, ringed seals, harp seals, and polar bears. Renowned as one of the world's northernmost inhabited regions, Svalbard offers incredible opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in winter and to bask in 24 hours of sunlight during summer.

5. Tuamotu

Location: French Polynesia

The Tuamotu archipelago, comprising 78 coral reef atolls located north and east of Tahiti, remains sufficiently remote from civilization to avoid the pitfalls of mass tourism. Rather than focusing on attracting international visitors, the local economy thrives on fishing, coconuts, and an abundance of black pearls. The pristine marine environment makes the Tuamotu archipelago a scuba diver’s dream, filled with vibrant coral reefs.

6. Machu Picchu

Location: Peru

When explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the lost city of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian rainforest in 1911, it was regarded as one of the most remote locations on Earth. Today, it can only be reached by hiking or by train. Approximately 1.5 million visitors arrive each year, thanks to two train lines and numerous tour operators organizing treks to this UNESCO World Heritage site established in 1983. Despite its fame and popularity, it remains a breathtaking sight to experience.

The peak season for Machu Picchu falls during its dry winter months from June to August. As hotels in Aguas Calientes—the town located at the mountain's base—tend to fill up months ahead, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October when there are fewer tourists and average temperatures hover in the 60s Fahrenheit.

7. Milford Track

Location: New Zealand

Regarded as one of the most picturesque hikes in New Zealand, the Milford Track spans approximately 30 miles and leads into Milford Sound, famed for its stunning coastal vistas. Located nearly four hours from the nearest city (Queenstown), the Milford Track is classified as one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” attracting numerous hikers to complete the five-day circuit that takes them through rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, misty mountains, and icy glaciers. However, this trek is best suited for experienced hikers prepared to carry their own supplies, as cellphone coverage is limited across much of the trail.

8. Dynjandi

Location: Iceland

While Gullfoss attracts most visitors, the Dynjandi waterfall ranks among the largest in Iceland. Nestled in the remote Westfjords, often referred to as the region’s crown jewel, this magnificent waterfall cascades down 330 feet, producing a thunderous sound characteristic of its name, dynjandi. With its multiple tiers, approximately 98 feet wide at the top and expanding to 646 feet at the base, the waterfall resembles a bridal veil. The short (15-minute) hike to the main falls is made even more scenic by several smaller waterfalls along the way, and hikers may even catch a glimpse of Arctic foxes.

9. Hamoa Beach

Location: Hawai‘i

Both Mark Twain and James A. Michener extolled the virtues of Hamoa Beach and its secluded beauty. This sandy, sheltered stretch on Maui’s eastern shore, framed by palm trees, is often regarded as the island’s finest beach. However, Hamoa frequently remains quiet as many tourists overlook it during the 64-mile drive to Hana. To fully appreciate the area, consider staying overnight in Hana to avoid rushing. Indulge in banana bread, soak beneath waterfalls, and leisurely explore Hamoa, where the soothing shade of sea cliffs and gentle waves invite relaxation.

10. The Pitcairn Islands

Location: Southern Pacific Ocean

Pitcairn is certainly known for its notorious history, being the settlement of the mutineers from the HMS Bounty (famous from Mutiny on the Bounty). To reach Pitcairn, travelers must embark on a quarterly shipping vessel from Mangareva in French Polynesia, with journeys lasting anywhere from 4 to 11 days.

Astronomy enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise on Pitcairn, where the island's dark skies provide some of the finest views of the universe. The stargazing is so exceptional that Pitcairn was officially designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2018, making it one of just a few dozen worldwide.

11. St. Helena

Location: South Atlantic

Until recently, the only way to reach the South Atlantic island of St. Helena—where Napoleon famously spent his last days—was to embark on a week-long journey aboard the royal mail ship departing from Cape Town. Now, the South African airline AirLink provides a weekly four-hour flight from Johannesburg, making it much more accessible for visitors to explore the island, hike the 2,600-foot-tall Diana’s Peak, or meet Jonathan, the (allegedly) 185-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise.

12. The Outer Hebrides

Location: Scotland

Some Scottish islands see their fair share of visitors—perhaps even too many, particularly places like Skye, where the infrastructure struggles to keep pace with growing popularity. Beyond these well-trodden paths lie the Outer Hebrides, featuring major islands like Lewis and Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, and Barra. Ferries frequently service various ports, but for a truly memorable arrival, consider a Loganair ticket from Glasgow to Barra, where you can land right on the beach during low tide. With charming villages, abundant greenery, and exceptional birdwatching, these islands offer a serene getaway.

13. Madagascar

Location: Southeastern coast of Africa

Madagascar is renowned as one of the most biodiverse islands on the planet—approximately 92 percent of its reptiles, mammals, and plants are unique to the island, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. However, being situated off the coast of Mozambique brings its own set of logistical challenges: limited airline options and difficult travel conditions once you arrive, with many roads being winding and rough. Yet, the island’s enchanting lemurs, stunning geological features, and towering, whimsical baobab trees are absolutely worth the effort.