Want to get away for something unique and unusual? Here are some suggestions for islands that you may not even know of.
1. La Isla de las Muñecas, Mexico City
On the outskirts of Mexico lies the eerie “Island Of Dolls”, with trees that are tied with plastic dolls. A very weird sight to see, with heads and limbs hanging from trees. The story goes back to when a nearby girl drowned, and the caretaker of the island hung up a doll in her memory. 40 years later he was found dead in the same spot where the girl had died, with many more dolls around him. The locals share the tale of how the dolls would whisper at night, leaving people speechless and scared.
2. Fadiouth, Senegal
Fadiouth, or ‘Shell island’, is mostly made out of mollusc shells, accumulated over the decades and embedded in a very architectural way. Senegal is a country that mostly follows Islam, however this island has a cemetery with catholic crosses and graves that symbolize the phrase: ‘Beauty to death’.
A. Abbas
— Chlodny 🇵🇱✝️🕯 🌲🦉🇵🇱👻➡#Trump-Nawrocki2025⬅️ (@Chlodnyodcien) October 31, 2018
SENEGAL. Fadiouth.
Baobab trees over the Catholic cemetery.
1988. pic.twitter.com/ZRYnooLAh9
3. Big Major Cay, Bahamas
It is famously known as the ‘Pig Island’, because there are always 15-20 pigs swimming in the waters and enjoying the sunny shores. No one knows how these pigs got here, but they always seem to be enjoying themselves as they swim around tourists, getting fed in return. These pigs are known to be very friendly, and you can swim in the clear waters alongside them.
4. Socotra Island, Yemen
This island is home to over 800 species of flora and fauna, many of which cannot be found elsewhere in the world. The island has a very alien vibe to it because of how different its trees look. The dragon blood tree is the most distinctive of them all, shaped like an inside-out umbrella.
5. Okunoshima Island, Japan
This is a very small island in Japan, home to wild rabbits that run all around. They have become very tame, and often let tourists feed them, however the history of the island is not quite as sweet. It was previously home to a gas factory, which used rabbits to test their products on. Nowadays it is much more pleasant to visit, but you can still visit the Poison Gas Museum.
6. Floating Islands, Peru
This living relic of the past lies in the middle of Lake Titicaca, where the indigenous people of Peru live and have preserved their lifestyle for years now. These islands have man-made rafts that are crafted using totora reeds, and there is a tour that takes you around the people’s houses, farms, and schools, all of which are floating. An amazing place that offers the chance to experience a unique destination and its lifestyle.
7. Spitbank Fort, England
Built in the late 19th century, this fort is found floating in the Solent. It was built to protect Southern England, however after WWII, it ran out of resources and was sold to private owners. If you are looking for a unique getaway and something a little unusual, this island has several luxury hotels and spas built into it. The fort is surrounded by water and has an incredible, never-ending view of the horizon.
