7 Best Hidden Gem Islands for a Romantic Escape

Planning a romantic escape? Forget the overdone tourist traps and discover the allure of hidden gem islands. These secluded paradises offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, unique cultural experiences, and, most importantly, an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples seeking to reconnect and create lasting memories. From the Philippines to Croatia, and Belize, prepare to be captivated by these idyllic destinations.

Here are seven of the best hidden gem islands for a romantic escape:

1. Palawan, Philippines: A Sanctuary of Emerald Waters and Hidden Lagoons

Palawan, often hailed as the Last Frontier of the Philippines, is a sprawling archipelago teeming with natural wonders. While El Nido and Coron attract their fair share of visitors, venture beyond the main tourist hubs to uncover Palawan's true hidden gems. Imagine yourselves kayaking through the emerald waters of Bacuit Bay, discovering secluded lagoons, and snorkeling amidst viant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Palawan offers a diverse landscape, from towering limestone cliffs to powdery white-sand beaches, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic adventure.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the lesser-known islands of the Calamianes archipelago. Here, you can discover secluded beaches like Duli Beach, a turtle nesting site and local surfing spot, or venture to Linapacan Island, known for having some of the clearest waters in the world. Imagine spending your days swimming in turquoise lagoons, sunbathing on pristine shores, and enjoying the tranquility of this untouched paradise.

Local Tip: To avoid the crowds, consider visiting Palawan during the shoulder season (March-May or September-November). You'll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate and secluded experience.

Getting There: The most common way to reach Palawan is by flying to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). From there, you can take a bus or van to El Nido or Coron, or arrange for a flight to smaller airports like El Nido Airport (ENI) or Busuanga Airport (USU) near Coron. Several airlines offer daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippine cities.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Amanpulo, a secluded resort on Pamalican Island. Alternatively, explore boutique hotels and guesthouses in El Nido or Coron, offering stunning views and personalized service. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in Port Barton or San Vicente, where you'll find charming accommodations and a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Hvar, Croatia: Lavender Fields, Ancient Towns, and Azure Waters

Escape to the sun-kissed shores of Hvar, a Croatian island renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and viant nightlife. While Hvar Town can get busy during peak season, venture beyond the main tourist hub to discover secluded coves, lavender fields, and ancient towns that exude romance. Imagine yourselves exploring the cobblestone streets of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, or sailing through the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, discovering hidden bays and pristine beaches.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the Pakleni Islands, a chain of small, stunning islands just off the coast of Hvar Town. Here, you can discover secluded coves like Dubovica Beach or Malo Zarace Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the tranquility of the Adriatic Sea. Imagine yourselves indulging in a romantic picnic on a secluded beach, watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Tip: Rent a scooter or car to explore the island at your own pace. This will allow you to discover hidden gems, visit local wineries, and enjoy the stunning scenery at your leisure.

Getting There: The most direct access to Hvar is from the Croatian coastal cities of Duovnik and Split. There are frequent daily flights to both cities from many EU/European hubs. From Split, you can take a Jadrolinija ferry or Krilo catamaran, with regular departures throughout the day from Split's ferry port. The journey takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel, the oldest hotel on Hvar. Alternatively, explore boutique hotels and guesthouses in Stari Grad or Jelsa, offering stunning views and personalized service. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in Milna, a charming village with eathtaking beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Caye Caulker, Belize: A Laid-Back Caribbean Paradise

Escape to the laid-back Caribbean paradise of Caye Caulker, a small island off the coast of Belize. With its pristine turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and colorful wooden houses, Caye Caulker exudes a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. Imagine yourselves swimming in the crystal-clear waters of The Split, snorkeling amidst viant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and enjoying the slow pace of island life.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Here, you can discover an underwater wonderland of colorful coral, exotic fish, and other marine creatures. Imagine yourselves diving or snorkeling together, exploring the depths of the reef, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Tip: Emace the island's motto: Go Slow. Caye Caulker is all about relaxation and enjoying the simple things in life. Take your time, unwind, and soak up the island's laid-back atmosphere.

Getting There: The easiest way to get to Caye Caulker is through Belize City. You can take a 8-minute flight with Tropic Air or Mayan Air. Alternatively, the high-speed water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes around 45 minutes.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages, a boutique hotel located on the eastern shore of Caye Caulker. Alternatively, explore guesthouses and cabanas offering stunning views and personalized service. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in hostels or smaller hotels, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a chance to meet other travelers.

4. Astypalea, Greece: A Secluded Aegean Gem

Escape the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos and discover the tranquil beauty of Astypalea, a secluded island in the Dodecanese archipelago. With its whitewashed villages, windmills, and pristine beaches, Astypalea exudes a sense of timeless charm. Imagine yourselves exploring the narrow streets of Chora, the island's capital, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Livadi Beach, one of the island's most beautiful beaches.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the island's hidden coves and secluded beaches. Rent a boat and discover hidden gems like Vatses Beach or Kaminakia Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the tranquility of the Aegean Sea. Imagine yourselves indulging in a romantic picnic on a secluded beach, watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Tip: Rent a car or scooter to explore the island at your own pace. This will allow you to discover hidden gems, visit local tavernas, and enjoy the stunning scenery at your leisure.

Getting There: You can take a flight/ferry from Athens or a ferry from Naxos, Rhodes and Kos (the closest and best option).

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Salas Studios, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea and personalized service. Alternatively, explore guesthouses and apartments in Chora, offering a traditional Greek experience and a chance to immerse yourselves in the local culture.

5. Boipeba, azil: Untouched Beaches and Lush Rainforests

Escape to the untouched beauty of Boipeba, a tropical island off the coast of Bahia, azil. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and viant Afro-azilian culture, Boipeba offers a unique and romantic escape. Imagine yourselves exploring the island's hidden beaches, hiking through the rainforest, and immersing yourselves in the local culture.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the island's diverse ecosystems. Take a boat trip to the nearby mangroves, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Morere Beach, or hike through the rainforest to discover hidden waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Imagine yourselves indulging in a romantic dinner on the beach, watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Tip: Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with the local community.

Getting There: To get to Boipeba, you'll typically fly into Salvador International Airport (SSA). From there, you can take a ferry to Itaparica Island, followed by a bus to Valença, and finally a boat to Boipeba.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Pousada Mangabeiras, offering stunning views of the ocean and personalized service. Alternatively, explore guesthouses and pousadas in Vila de Boipeba, the island's main village, offering a traditional azilian experience and a chance to immerse yourselves in the local culture.

6. Ko Lipe, Thailand: A Tropical Paradise in the Andaman Sea

Escape to the tropical paradise of Ko Lipe, a small island in the Andaman Sea, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and viant coral reefs. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Ko Lipe offers a perfect romantic escape. Imagine yourselves swimming in the turquoise waters of Sunrise Beach, snorkeling amidst viant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and enjoying the slow pace of island life.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the surrounding islands and reefs. Take a boat trip to Koh Adang, offering stunning views of Ko Lipe, or explore the nearby reefs, teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures. Imagine yourselves indulging in a romantic dinner on the beach, watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Tip: Bargain respectfully when shopping for souvenirs or booking tours. This is a common practice in Thailand, and it can help you save money while supporting the local economy.

Getting There: The easiest way to get to Ko Lipe is by flying to Hat Yai International Airport (HDY). From there, you can take a taxi or minivan to Pak Bara Pier, followed by a speedboat to Ko Lipe. Several airlines offer daily flights from Bangkok and other major Thai cities.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Serendipity Beach Resort Ko Lipe, offering stunning views of the ocean and personalized service. Alternatively, explore bungalows and guesthouses on Sunrise Beach or Sunset Beach, offering a beachfront experience and a chance to immerse yourselves in the local culture.

7. Lord Howe Island, Australia: A Volcanic Paradise in the Tasman Sea

Escape to the remote and pristine beauty of Lord Howe Island, a volcanic island in the Tasman Sea, known for its unique flora and fauna, stunning landscapes, and crystal-clear waters. With its limited number of visitors and untouched natural beauty, Lord Howe Island offers a truly secluded and romantic escape. Imagine yourselves hiking to the top of Mount Gower, exploring the island's hidden beaches, and snorkeling amidst viant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

For a truly unforgettable experience, explore the island's diverse ecosystems. Take a boat trip to the nearby Ball's Pyramid, the world's tallest sea stack, or hike through the island's rainforest, discovering unique plant and animal species. Imagine yourselves indulging in a romantic picnic on a secluded beach, watching the sunset over the Tasman Sea, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Local Tip: Respect the island's strict environmental regulations. Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's important to protect its unique ecosystem.

Getting There: The only way to reach Lord Howe Island is by plane from Sydney or isbane. QantasLink operates daily flights to the island, with a flight time of approximately two hours.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and romantic stay, consider Capella Lodge, offering stunning views of the ocean and personalized service. Alternatively, explore guesthouses and apartments on the island, offering a comfortable and authentic experience.

These seven hidden gem islands offer a unique and romantic escape for couples seeking to reconnect and create lasting memories. From the pristine beaches of Palawan to the ancient towns of Hvar, and the laid-back atmosphere of Caye Caulker, these idyllic destinations are sure to captivate your hearts and leave you with unforgettable experiences.