Best Secret Islands for Unforgettable Seaside Selfies

Leave the “been there done that” destinations and discover the best places for capturing breathtaking pictures near the sea without being disturbed by too many tourists. From El Gouna to hidden Göteborg’s islands


19/07/2024

By Silvia Manzoni e Mia Shehade. Cover image courtesy Instagram.

Escape the ordinary and discover hidden gems where the sea meets serenity. This guide unveils secret islands that promise breathtaking coastal views without the hustle of typical tourist crowds. Whether you seek tranquil beaches, vibrant marine life, or scenic backdrops for your perfect selfie, these secluded paradises await your exploration. Ready?


How many secret islands are waiting for been discovered?


El Gouna islands: Egypt’s hidden wonders

This small town, located north of the best-known Hurghada, Egypt, is the epitome of beauty. The endless ocean stretches as far as the eye can see and beckons you to bury your toes into the warm sand and bask in the radiant Egyptian sun. It is a gem where peace and leisure blend effortlessly to provide the perfect getaway.


Unique island adventures:
From El Gouna, you can embark on a unique experience by visiting one of the small islands that dot the Red Sea. Most of them are uninhabited and just specks on the map, but they are perfect for a day trip of sun, fun, swimming, snorkelling and other beach activities. These islands are usually just an hour or so off the coast, and boats are readily available. They typically depart from the marina in the morning and return before sunset. 


Best islands to visit

  • Tawila Island is popular with kitesurfers and those looking to spend the day on a white sand beach. 
  • Bayoud is a sandbank about 2 km from the shores of El Gouna, so while it’s not technically an island in the literal sense, it serves the same purpose: it’s a small paradise. 
  • Gubal Island, close to Tawila, is a popular snorkelling and diving spot with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. The island and surrounding reefs offer various dive sites, including shallow coral gardens, deeper drop-offs and wrecks. 
  • Shadwan, one of the largest islands in the Red Sea, used to be an Egyptian military base. Most buildings were demolished except the Shadwan Lighthouse, which was built in 1889. The island boasts a unique landscape spanning 16 kilometres in length and ranging from 3 to 5 kilometres wide, including an impressive peak reaching 162 meters above sea level.


Back to El Gouna, enjoy a unique range of beauties: the Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, inviting you to sink your toes into the warm sand and soak up the glowing Egyptian sun. And for the swimmers, do not shy away from a dive. The Gouna waters bristle with life, promising a never-before-seen exploration of the Egyptian Coral Reef. 


Desert adventures and nightlife: As the sun sets, the desert summons your presence to witness a playground like no other. Wear your keffiyeh, hop on a camel, and set off on a thrilling adventure across the dunes. Enjoy the ride as time seems to stand still and the sound of gliding sand fills the air. Listen to the 1001 Nights Fables and watch fire spectacles as you savour Egyptian delicacies under the stars. From rejuvenating yoga sessions to peaceful boat rides on the calm waters, every moment is an opportunity to restore balance to your mind, body, and spirit. And don’t forget to experience a session of “hole-in-one therapy” before you leave the town, which is known for its majestic golf courses and the leisure time they provide. 

The beach, the desert, the coral reef, the relaxation El Gouna has it all! But also, if you feel in a clubbing mood, the nightlife: this destination is favoured by the most renowned international DJs.


Sant’Erasmo, secret island is a floating vegetable garden over the Venice lagoon

Has anyone ever told you that it is possible to visit the Venetian islands in the middle of Summer without jostling with tourists and falling asleep at night, listening to the song of cicadas? Welcome to Sant’Erasmo, also known as the vegetable garden of Venice, because the fertile lands of this lagoon “atoll” produce fruits and vegetables to which the salty accents of the sea breeze lend a unique flavour.


Cultivated charm: Sant’Erasmo’s agricultural legacy: Perhaps even before the Middle Ages, the vocation of this strip of land was agricultural: vineyards, cabbages, fruit trees, tomatoes, potatoes, and artichokes (the famous violet artichokes) are still cultivated here and land on all the Venetian food markets, first of all, the Rialto one. Ideally, discover Sant’ Erasmo by bicycle (rent in the local B&B Lato Azzurro). A tour of the island does not take long (4km length) and involves two must-see stops:

  • Fort Maximilian or Fort St. Erasmus, built by the Austrians in the first half of the 1800s when Napoleon ceded Venice to Austria. It served as the island’s southern defence initially and, during World War II, was used as an anti-aircraft emplacement. Today, the tower is generally closed to the public except during events and exhibitions. 
  • Church of Sant’Ermete e Sant’Erasmo, inaugurated in 1929. Inside is a depiction of the Martyrdom of St. Erasmus from the school of Tintoretto. 

Relax and explore

The central part of the island is dedicated to farmland. Visitors who enjoy water activities can go to the Bacan beach, which is still mostly frequented by Venetians. Here, they can swim in the calm waters or engage in activities such as birdwatching or forest therapy, allowing them to connect with nature. Even though Venice is nearby, experiencing its beauty at Sant’Erasmo is completely different. The island offers a serene escape with its lagoon, peaceful surroundings, and rustic landscapes that transport you back in time. At sunset, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a glass of prosecco, which is produced on the island without pesticides and is considered one of the best in the region, made from hand-picked grapes.


Happiness Therapy in Göteborg’s secret islands of Stirsö, Donsö and Vrangö


During the summer in Sweden, the sun lingers on the horizon, showcasing untamed nature and an incredible palette of colours. To experience landscapes imbued with tranquillity that rejuvenate the spirit, stroll along the water’s edge, listen to the birds chirping, and enjoy a typical spice-flavoured doughnut. Head to the Göteborg Islands for this unique experience.


Accessible tranquillity:

The South Islands are easily reached from Saltholmen Marina, a fifteen-minute trolley ride from the city centre. Styrsö, the largest island, offers beautiful paths through greenery. One of these runs alongside beautiful, brightly coloured wooden houses and fishermen’s huts, leading to Stora Rös, the island’s highest point, which offers a stunning view of the sea. 

Island highlights: Styrsö is the largest island with scenic paths and stunning sea views. From here, you can easily reach Donsö, a smaller island featuring a charming fishing village that gets lively in the summer season. You can reach it by boat or even on foot with a nice walk, as a bridge connects the two islands. Finally, a little further away stands Vrangö. It is a sight worth seeing, with its small harbour and the option to rent kayaks for a sea excursion. To truly experience the local culture, you can indulge in a mid-morning or afternoon snack, or, as they say in Sweden, a Fika – a black coffee accompanied by a cinnamon cake. The small café-restaurants on the islands are all welcoming and cosy, and whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors, they offer a moment of pleasure that helps realign the body and mind.

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