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You’d be surprised to learn that over 70% of Earth’s surface is water, yet only a fraction of travelers venture beyond mainland trails to discover hiking’s best-kept secrets. Islands offer something continental mountains simply can’t match—dramatic coastlines meeting rugged peaks, unique ecosystems shaped by isolation, and trails that end where the ocean begins. From volcanic craters to ancient forests, these thirteen remote destinations will challenge everything you thought you knew about hiking adventures.
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Key Points
- Madeira offers ancient levada trails through volcanic mountains and rainforests, suitable for all skill levels year-round.
- Corsica features the challenging GR20 trail and granite peaks, best hiked June through October when snow clears.
- Faroe Islands provide dramatic cliff hiking up to 2,000 feet with unmarked trails through pristine Nordic wilderness.
- Tasmania’s Overland Track spans six days through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair with alpine lakes and ancient rainforests.
- Isle of Skye offers iconic landmarks like Old Man of Storr plus challenging Cuillin Mountains for experienced hikers.
Madeira, Portugal
Where else can you traverse ancient levada channels carved into volcanic mountainsides while subtropical flowers bloom around every bend? Madeira’s network of irrigation channels doubles as hiking trails, leading you through laurel forests and along dramatic cliff edges.
You’ll find paths for every skill level, from gentle coastal walks to challenging peak ascents. The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro connects the island’s highest peaks, offering spectacular views across rugged terrain.
For something easier, try the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, where you’ll walk through tunnels and emerge at a stunning waterfall. Pack layers—weather changes quickly at elevation.
The spring months bring the best hiking conditions, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Madeira’s trails deliver year-round adventure. These diverse paths make Madeira one of the world’s premier destinations for rainforest hiking trails.
Tasmania, Australia
While Madeira offers volcanic peaks wrapped in subtropical greenery, Tasmania presents an entirely different island adventure—one where ancient wilderness meets dramatic coastlines across Australia’s southernmost state.
You’ll find world-class hiking on the Overland Track, a six-day journey through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This iconic trail winds past alpine lakes, through temperate rainforests, and across button grass plains dotted with ancient pencil pines.
For shorter adventures, tackle Mount Wellington’s summit trails overlooking Hobart, or explore the rugged Three Capes Track along the Tasman Peninsula. Here, you’ll witness towering sea cliffs and unique rock formations.
Tasmania’s cool climate means you can hike year-round, though summer offers the most comfortable conditions. Pack layers—weather changes quickly in this untamed landscape. Before heading out on any of these trails, ensure you have the essential gear needed for safe wilderness exploration.
Corsica, France
Why settle for crowded Mediterranean beaches when Corsica’s rugged interior offers some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain hiking? You’ll find the legendary GR20 trail crossing the island’s spine – it’s considered one of Europe’s toughest long-distance hikes. Don’t worry if you’re not ready for that challenge; Corsica offers plenty of day hikes through granite peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and ancient forests.
You can explore the Restonica Valley’s dramatic gorges or tackle Monte Cinto, the island’s highest peak at 8,878 feet. The best hiking season runs from June through October when snow clears from higher elevations. Pack layers – mountain weather changes quickly here.
For those seeking an even more challenging adventure, the island also offers opportunities for glacier climbing on its higher peaks during winter months.
You’ll discover why locals call their island “a mountain in the sea.”
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Though Scotland’s largest Inner Hebridean island spans just 50 miles long, the Isle of Skye packs enough dramatic landscapes to fuel weeks of hiking adventures.
You’ll find the island’s crown jewel in the Trotternish Ridge, where ancient landslides created otherworldly rock formations like the Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.
The Cuillin Mountains offer Scotland’s most challenging scrambling, with jagged peaks that’ll test experienced hikers.
Don’t miss gentler coastal walks around Neist Point or Kilt Rock, where you can spot seals and seabirds.
Weather changes quickly here, so pack waterproofs regardless of forecasts.
Spring through autumn provides the best conditions, though you’ll encounter midges in summer.
Book accommodation early—Skye’s popularity means everything fills up fast, especially during peak season.
For those traveling with children, consider bringing along family camping activities to enjoy during rest days at established campgrounds around the island.
Patagonia’s Tierra Del Fuego, Chile/Argentina
From Scotland’s misty highlands to the windswept wilderness at the world’s end, Tierra del Fuego offers hiking that’s equally dramatic but entirely different in character. You’ll find yourself trekking through landscapes that feel untouched by time, where jagged peaks pierce endless skies and ancient forests whisper stories of isolation.
Where ancient forests meet endless skies, every trail tells stories of profound solitude and timeless wilderness.
The island’s trails deliver unforgettable experiences:
- Dientes Circuit – A challenging 5-day trek through raw mountain terrain
- Tierra del Fuego National Park – Accessible day hikes with stunning coastal views
- Martial Glacier Trail – A moderate climb rewarding you with glacier vistas
- Laguna Esmeralda – An emerald lake hike through peat bogs and beaver dams
You’ll encounter unpredictable weather, so pack layers and waterproof gear. The remoteness here isn’t just scenery—it’s profound solitude. For multi-day treks like the Dientes Circuit, proper winter camping gear becomes essential given the harsh Patagonian conditions.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Where else can you hike beneath the midnight sun while dramatic granite peaks plunge directly into Arctic waters? The Lofoten Islands deliver Norway’s most spectacular hiking, combining Alpine-style mountains with pristine beaches and fishing villages.
You’ll find trails for every skill level across these connected islands. Tackle Reinebringen for Instagram-worthy views over Reine’s red cabins, or challenge yourself on Kvalvika Beach‘s demanding route that rewards you with Instagram-worthy views over Reine’s red cabins, or challenge yourself on Kvalvika Beach’s demanding route that rewards you with isolated Arctic coastline. Ryten offers a moderate climb with stunning panoramas.
Visit between May and September for ideal conditions. The midnight sun runs from late May through mid-July, giving you endless daylight for extended adventures.
Book accommodations early—these islands are popular. Pack layers; weather changes quickly. Most trailheads are accessible by car, making island-hopping straightforward. If you’re planning water activities after your hikes, consider whether renting or buying a boat makes sense for exploring the surrounding fjords and coastal areas.
Big Island, Hawaii
How do you hike from tropical beaches to snow-capped peaks in a single day? You head to Hawaii’s Big Island, where volcanic landscapes create Earth’s most diverse hiking playground.
The island’s trails span every climate zone imaginable. You’ll discover:
- Kilauea Iki Trail – Walk across a solidified lava lake where steam still rises from cracks.
- Mauna Kea Summit – Climb to 13,803 feet where snow meets tropical skies.
- Valley of the Kings – Trek through ancient Hawaiian settlements and waterfalls.
- Chain of Craters Road – Follow coastal paths where lava meets the ocean.
Pack layers because you’ll need shorts and snow gear on the same hike. The Big Island doesn’t just offer trails—it offers time travel through geological history.
Crete, Greece
Why settle for ordinary Mediterranean hikes when you can traverse ancient Minoan paths that wind through Europe’s southernmost mountains? Crete delivers dramatic gorges, rugged coastlines, and peaks reaching over 8,000 feet.
Discover Europe’s southernmost peaks where ancient Minoan trails meet dramatic gorges and 8,000-foot summits on mystical Crete.
You’ll find the famous Samaria Gorge challenging but rewarding—it’s a 10-mile descent through towering limestone walls ending at a pristine beach. For something less crowded, tackle the Imbros Gorge or explore the White Mountains’ alpine trails.
The E4 European Long Distance Path crosses the island, offering everything from coastal walks to mountain summits. Spring brings wildflowers and perfect temperatures, while autumn provides clear skies and fewer travelers.
Pack plenty of water—Crete’s sun is intense. Many trails connect traditional villages where you’ll refuel with local cheese and wine.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
Though most travelers overlook these 18 remote islands scattered between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands offer some of Europe’s most dramatic and untouched hiking terrain. You’ll traverse grass-covered cliffs that plunge 2,000 feet into the Atlantic, walk through valleys carved by glaciers, and discover hidden waterfalls around every bend.
The weather’s unpredictable, so you’ll need proper gear and flexibility. Here’s what makes Faroese hiking special:
- Múlafossur Waterfall – A 30-meter cascade dropping directly into the ocean
- Kallur Lighthouse – The northernmost point offering panoramic views
- Sørvágsvatn Lake – An optical illusion lake appearing to float above the sea
- Slættaratindur Peak – The highest point with clear-day views of all islands
You’ll often hike alone on unmarked trails through pristine Nordic wilderness. When camping overnight, practice respectful camping etiquette to preserve these untouched landscapes for future hikers.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Where else can you hike from temperate rainforests to alpine meadows, then end your day watching orcas breach in the Pacific? Vancouver Island delivers this incredible diversity within hours of each other.
You’ll find everything from the challenging Juan de Fuca Trail‘s rugged coastline to the family-friendly Goldstream Provincial Park‘s towering Douglas firs.
The West Coast Trail ranks among Canada’s most demanding multi-day hikes, featuring suspension bridges, muddy bog walks, and dramatic cliff-top views.
For something less intense, explore Cathedral Grove‘s ancient forest or tackle Mount Washington‘s alpine routes.
Spring through fall offers the best conditions, though you’ll need rain gear regardless of season.
Victoria provides easy access to southern trails, while Tofino opens up the island’s wild western adventures.
Before embarking on these wilderness adventures, familiarize yourself with essential camping mishap recovery techniques to ensure your safety on multi-day trail experiences.
La Réunion, France
This French island in the Indian Ocean packs three distinct climate zones into just 970 square miles, creating one of the world’s most diverse hiking destinations. You’ll trek through tropical rainforests, alpine meadows, and volcanic moonscapes all in a single day.
The island’s crown jewel is its volcanic cirques—massive crater-like amphitheaters carved by erosion. Here’s what makes La Réunion exceptional:
- Piton de la Fournaise – You can hike to one of the world’s most active volcanoes
- GR R2 trail – This 130-mile circuit crosses the entire island
- Mafate Cirque – Only accessible on foot, offering complete wilderness immersion
- Year-round hiking – The tropical climate means you’re never out of season
You’ll find well-marked trails and mountain huts throughout, making multi-day adventures surprisingly accessible. For those seeking a different kind of adventure on wheels, Britain’s Motorhome Show offers exciting opportunities to explore destinations in comfort and style.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Moving from volcanic drama in the Indian Ocean to Korea’s largest island, Jeju offers a completely different hiking experience centered around Hallasan, South Korea’s highest peak. You’ll find well-maintained trails leading through diverse ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.
The Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa routes are most popular, taking you through crater lakes and unique volcanic formations.
Don’t miss the Olle Trail network—26 coastal walking paths that showcase Jeju’s dramatic coastline, black sand beaches, and traditional villages. Each trail’s marked with colorful ribbons and horse symbols, making navigation straightforward.
Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas, while autumn offers stunning foliage. The island’s compact size means you can easily combine mountain hiking with coastal walks, experiencing everything from waterfalls to lava tube caves.
While Jeju’s wildlife is generally less intimidating than high-altitude regions, hikers should still practice basic wild animal safety precautions when exploring the island’s more remote trails and forested areas.
Stewart Island, New Zealand
How does New Zealand’s third-largest island remain so wonderfully untouched? Stewart Island’s isolation keeps crowds away, leaving pristine wilderness for serious hikers. You’ll find yourself among native forests, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife that’s disappeared elsewhere in New Zealand.
Stewart Island’s splendid isolation creates a sanctuary where New Zealand’s vanishing wilderness and wildlife thrive undisturbed by modern crowds.
The Rakiura Track offers your best introduction to this remote paradise. Here’s what you’ll encounter:
- Ancient podocarp forests – Rimu and totara trees tower overhead
- Golden beaches – Deserted stretches perfect for contemplation
- Native birds – Kaka parrots and tui calls echo through valleys
- Panoramic vistas – Stunning views across Foveaux Strait
You’ll need three days to complete the 32-kilometer circuit. Don’t expect luxury – basic huts provide shelter, and weather changes rapidly. Pack accordingly and embrace the island’s wild, untamed character.
When planning your multi-day trek, consider bringing a portable camping table to enhance your outdoor dining experience at designated rest stops along the trail.
Sum Up
You might think these remote islands aren’t worth the travel hassle, but you’re missing out on trails that’ll change your perspective completely. You can’t find this combination of dramatic landscapes, pristine wilderness, and unique ecosystems anywhere else. Each island offers something different – volcanic craters, ancient forests, rugged coastlines. Don’t settle for crowded mainland hikes when you could be exploring these incredible island adventures that most people never experience.
