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.
#21 Ellesmere Island, Canada
You might be shocked to learn that, despite being the world’s 10th largest island, spanning approximately 75,000 square miles, Ellesmere only has about 140 residents living there. Chances are, you’re more likely to encounter a polar bear than other human beings. So, if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the island would be the perfect place to unwind.
9points
#22 Svalbard, Norway
Covering an area of around 23,000 square miles, this Norwegian archipelago is often described as an “Arctic dream, where tundra, mountains, glaciers, and dramatic light shifts shape daily life”. With a population of just over 2,500 people, it may seem barren at first, but it actually offers nature-based experiences throughout the year.
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8points
#23 Tristan Da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha, in the South Atlantic, is often described as the most remote inhabited island in the world. Home to a small community of about 250 on its only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the residents rely on fishing, farming, and even stamp sales to support themselves. Naturally, access to an island as remote and peaceful as Tristan da Cunha is only possible by ship.
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8points
#24 Coober Pedy, Australia
It’s not a secret that most isolated places experience extreme weather conditions, and Coober Pedy in South Australia is no exception. Known for its barren yet striking landscape, this remote desert town has a population of approximately 2,000 people and is located about 850 km from Adelaide. What’s even more interesting about it is that many of the houses, churches, and shops are built underground to escape the region’s blistering heat.
8points
#25 La Rinconada, Peru
The town of La Rinconada, nestled away in the eastern Andes Mountains, is the highest permanent settlement in the world. Despite lacking running water and proper sanitation, the population has grown to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 residents, likely due to the informal gold mining sector. As you’d expect from a town located 3 miles above sea level, life is quite difficult due to harsh temperatures and scarce resources.
8points
#26 Dundas Harbour, Canada
Chances are, you’re wondering why this image feels a little eerie; well, that’s because you’re looking at a site that has been an isolated “ghost-town” since the early 1950s. Previously an outpost in the 1920s, Dundas Harbour is now known for having one of the world’s most northerly cemeteries and also for its well-preserved derelict buildings. Located on the world’s largest uninhabited island, the site is primarily accessible to visitors by ship during the summer months.
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8points
#27 Iqaluit, Canada
Sitting on the southeastern coast of Baffin Island is Iqaluit, the capital city of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. With no road connections to the rest of Canada and a relatively small population of about 7,700 people, it’s no surprise that it’s often described as isolated. Curiously, the city remains the administrative and transportation hub of Nunavut despite being quite remote.
7points
#28 Supai, Arizona, USA
If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic, a village with no roads or vehicles probably sounds like bliss. Often referred to as "the most remote community" in the contiguous US, Supai is located deep inside the Grand Canyon, about 8 miles from the nearest road. Interestingly enough, visitors and villagers get around primarily by foot, mule, or even helicopter.
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7points
#29 Oymyakon, Russia
It’s hardly unexpected that the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth would make it onto this list. This small village in the Russian Sakha Republic experiences bitterly cold winters with temperatures often plunging below –58 °F. Although daily life in Oymyakon is extremely challenging due to its harsh climate and remote location, people continue to live there.
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7points
#30 McMurdo Station, Antarctica
With Antarctica’s extreme weather conditions, it’s easy to see why the McMurdo Station, located on the southern tip of Ross Island, is pretty much isolated. Considered the largest American scientific research base on the continent, the station only hosts around 800 to 1,000 people in summer and 150 to 250 during the harsh winter months.
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7points
#31 Jan Mayen Island
Jan Mayen is a remote volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean, among the most isolated places in the world. Apart from the small Norwegian Armed Forces crew and researchers visiting to study, there are no permanent residents due to the extreme weather, rough seas, and limited infrastructure.
7points
#32 The North Pole
Although the North Pole isn’t as cold as the South Pole, only a few visitors make the grueling journey each year. Located hundreds of miles from the nearest land, access to the point is primarily through icebreakers, though other specialized modes of transportation are possible on rare occasions. Despite the lack of wildlife at the Pole itself, some travelers are lucky enough to spot seals, seabirds, and even polar bears as part of their travel experience.
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7points
#33 Gough Island
Just 200 miles south of Tristan da Cunha lies Gough Island, one of the most isolated places in the world. Similar to many other remote islands with no permanent population, only a small team of about six to eight rotating researchers make up the population at any given time. Due to this, the area makes the perfect sanctuary for millions of seabirds and endangered species, such as the Tristan Albatross.
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7points
#34 Utqiagvik, Alaska
Similar to other places on this list, animals, in this case, caribou, far outnumber people in Utqiagvik. Situated at the very top of Alaska, with no roads leading to the city, visitors can only access it by plane, which isn’t surprising considering its remote location. As one might imagine, a settlement this isolated comes with some not-so-attractive conditions, like a high cost of living and 65 days of continuous darkness.
7points
#35 Siwa Oasis, Egypt
This region, situated deep in Egypt’s Western Desert, is considered one of the country’s most isolated and culturally significant. Famous for its unique scenery, heritage, and history, Siwa Oasis offers visitors a genuine desert experience like no other. With limited access by road from major cities like Cairo, the journey to the region is long, but worth it.
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7points
#36 The Cocos Keeling Islands
You may find it surprising to learn that out of 27 islands in this archipelago, only two are inhabited. With a population of around 600 and strict access control to the settlements, the Cocos Malays have been able to preserve their traditional language and religious practices for many years.
7points
#37 Mêdog County, Tibet, China
You might be surprised to learn that, despite having the biggest population in the world, China still has some isolated areas, and a great example of this is Mêdog County in Tibet. Surrounded by dense forest and steep mountains, this region was once the most inaccessible in the country due to its lack of a road link. Although this changed in 2013, Mêdog still feels remote due to its small villages and rough terrain.
6points
#38 Ascension Island
Ascension Island has no indigenous population and is home to approximately 800 people who are there only for work. With no civilian airport, a barren and rugged terrain, and the nearest inhabited island roughly 800 miles away, it’s no surprise that the island is a highly remote location.
5points
#39 Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Nicknamed the Pearl of the Alps, this resort village situated on a high mountain plateau at 5,900 feet is known for its dramatic mountains, glacier views, and traditional chalets. On top of that, it offers over 60 miles of pistes for skiing and snowboarding, giving visitors a unique experience that’s quite different from busy Alpine resorts.
4points
#40 Manacapuru, Brazil
Unlike many other destinations on this list, Manacapuru, located deep in Brazil’s Amazonas region, has a relatively sizeable population and sees a decent number of visitors annually. Surrounded by dense forest, the town is mainly accessed by riverboat from the nearest major city, Manaus. Despite its remote location with tropical heat and long travel routes, Manacapuru remains vibrant and culturally rich.
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4points