Although the world is more connected than ever before, there are still some locations that are so remote they almost feel like they’re on another planet. As one might expect, these places are tucked away from major cities, access routes, and even everyday comforts. Whether they sit alone in the middle of vast oceans or are nestled deep in the Amazon, each destination is truly extraordinary. Naturally, their isolation has given rise to unique cultures, rare wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes that seem out of this world. If you’re up for an adventure, let’s take a journey through 40 of the most remote places you’ll ever hear about.
#1 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
A list of the most remote places wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost settlements with midnight sun in summer and 24-hour darkness in winter. Although the town is in an incredibly remote location, it still welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually and has more hotels and eateries than you’d expect.
24points
#2 The Faroe Islands
A self-governing nation with a population of more sheep than people certainly deserves a spot on our list. Located in the Kingdom of Denmark, these 18 mountainous islands aren’t just known for their dramatic views and narrow fjords, but also for their small population of just over 54,000 people.
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22points
#3 The Kerguelen Islands, French Antarctica
It probably isn’t surprising that an archipelago (group of islands) with the nickname the “Desolation Islands” would be recognized as one of the most remote locations in the world. With no permanent residents and rotating research staff as the only inhabitants, it shouldn’t be shocking to learn that wildlife makes up most of the population on the Kerguelen Islands.
18points
#4 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
While Vestmannaeyjar may be an archipelago, only one of its islands, Heimaey, is inhabited, with approximately 4,300 people calling it home. Drawing tons of visitors by ferry, the islands are certainly famous for their incredible cliffs and sea views, and also for hosting the largest puffin colony in the world.
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16points
#5 Socotra Island, Yemen
Located a few hundred miles from the coast of Yemen, Socotra is an island unlike any other. Known as one of the most isolated landforms on Earth of continental origin, it’s famous for some of the world’s highest levels of endemic plant life and unique landscapes. From rare flora like cucumber-shaped plants and trees that bleed red sap to jagged limestone mountains, these surreal qualities set Socotra apart from other islands on Earth.
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16points
#6 Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
If seeing a polar bear is on your bucket list, then Ittoqqortoormiit is the place to do it. Considered one of the coldest places on Earth, this small, isolated settlement in Greenland lies between the world’s largest fjord system and the world’s largest national park. With a population of only around 345 residents as of 2020, it’s not surprising that Ittoqqortoormiit made its way onto this list.
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15points
#7 South Georgia Island
Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia Island is as captivating as it is remote. Much like the movie Happy Feet, it’s home to more penguins than humans, and apart from around 30 researchers present at any given time, it has no permanent population. As expected, access to the island is strictly controlled due to its rare wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
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13points
#8 Bouvet Island, Norway
It may be hard to believe that this tiny volcanic islet, belonging to Norway as a fully protected nature reserve, is often referred to as the most remote island in the world. Located very far from any other terrain in the South Atlantic Ocean, landing on Bouvet Island is extremely difficult, which is why it has no permanent population.
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12points
#9 Skeleton Coast, Namibia
It probably doesn’t come as a shock to learn that Skeleton Coast is one of the most remote and unforgiving shorelines in the world. Earning its name from the bones of whales, seals, and even shipwrecks that once littered the shore, the coastline is known for its heavy surf, dense fog, and dangerous waters. It’s for this reason that access to it is limited and highly controlled, with most visitors entering only with permits, guided tours, or fly-in safaris.
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12points
#10 Pitcairn Island
Imagine a place being so remote that most of its residents are direct descendants of sailors and their Tahitian companions who settled there in 1790. Well, this is exactly the case with the Pitcairn Islands, a small, isolated cluster of islands in the South Pacific. With the nearest airport hundreds of miles away and the closest neighbor over 1,300 miles away, the community is truly one of the most remote in the world.
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12points
#11 Foula, Scotland
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably guessed that yet another island has earned its spot on the list. This time, it’s Foula, one of the UK’s most remote inhabited islands, with a population of approximately 35 people. Famous for its high sea cliffs and seabird colonies, participating in activities such as hiking and birdwatching is said to be quite exciting. Visitors often arrive by ferry or by plane between May and August, when mild weather brings out the many bird species in the habitat.
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11points
#12 Adak, Alaska, USA
With its remote towns and stretched-out geography, Alaska has certainly earned its title as one of America’s most unusual states. Adak adds to its reputation by being both the Westernmost municipality in the U.S. and the Southernmost city in Alaska, with an estimated population of just over 170 people.
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11points
#13 Flores Island, Azores
From stunning waterfalls to lush green landscapes, very few places offer scenery as captivating and unique as Flores Island. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and over 1,000 miles from Lisbon, Portugal, the rain and wind-swept island is home to around 3,400 residents. This makes it the ideal place for a unique and remote experience.
11points
#14 South Pole
Only a handful of places are as remote as the South Pole, situated on the continent of Antarctica. A pretty good guess as to why it’s so isolated would likely be the freezing weather and months of darkness during winter. Even more interesting is that the nearest city to it, Ushuaia, Argentina, is a whopping 2,400 miles away.
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11points
#15 Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia
Famous for its rugged landscapes, cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity, Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland is one of Australia’s most remote regions. Covering over 52,000 square miles, the area is home to around 18,000 residents, most of whom are Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.
10points
#16 Hanga Roa, Chile
Located over 2,000 miles from mainland Chile, this island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is another one of the world’s most isolated settlements. Unlike some of the other remote islands, Hanga Roa has a mild sub-tropical climate year-round with warm summers, gentle winters, and stable ocean breezes. As the only town, it’s home to around 7,000 residents, which is almost the entire population of the island.
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10points
#17 Munnar, India
You’re probably wondering why Munnar in the south of India has made this list when it’s actually quite a popular tourist destination. Well, while the town may be a pleasant summer escape with beautiful mountains, green hills, and tea plantations, it’s pretty secluded and located far from major cities.
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10points
#18 Macquarie Island
It might be hard to believe that millions of penguins and more than 100,000 seals flock to the beaches of Macquarie Island to breed. With no permanent population and a very well-preserved ecosystem, the area is considered one of the world’s greatest wildlife hotspots. Additionally, the island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for decades.
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10points
#19 Palmerston Island, Pacific Ocean
Palmerston Island is a remote atoll located among the Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Much like the Pitcairn Islands, its small population is thought to have descended from a sailor who settled there in the 1860s. With high coral reefs and rough seas surrounding the island, access to it is only possible by ship, a few times a year.
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10points
#20 Laura Beach, Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands
From calm, white beaches to quiet roads, this remote island corner at the western tip of Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands is the kind of place you’d love to visit if space, silence, and tranquility are things you’re after. With no massive resorts or hordes of people, Laura Beach offers visitors a truly relaxing experience.
9points