7 of the Smallest Islands in the World—Including One Made of Shells

As the saying goes, great things come in small packages. For travelers seeking solitude, island escapes have long been at the top of the list. But why should you go to just any island when you can visit one of the smallest in the world?

All across the globe, there are teeny, tiny specks of land offering seclusion. From lush isles barely big enough for you and a palm tree to rocky outposts teetering on the edge of the world, here are seven of the smallest islands you can visit right now. 

Bishop Rock, United Kingdom

Bishop Rock, often noted as the world’s smallest island with a building, can be found off the southwestern coast of the U.K. It’s roughly 150 feet long and about 50 feet wide, with a massive lighthouse taking up much of that space. You can visit the lighthouse and the surrounding waters that are part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago via a boat tour that also allows you to spot seabirds, dolphins, and seals. 

Fadiouth, Senegal

Fadiouth has perhaps the coolest foundation of all the smallest islands, as it’s made up almost entirely of seashells. This island in Senegal is connected to the mainland via a small wooden footbridge that allows locals and visitors to come and go as they please. There are technically two small villages on the island—Joal and Fadiouth—home to a combined 5,000 people. You can come see the shell-covered houses, take a traditional boat ride, or view the 800-year-old baobab tree living here. (Note: there’s a small fee to enter the island.)

Søndre Sandøy, Norway

For your next tiny island trip, make your way to Søndre Sandøy, part of Norway’s Hvaler archipelago. The island covers about two square miles, but somehow manages to fit in plenty of coastal trails. Discover its beautiful hidden beaches, or cycle, run, or stroll the paths to find small wooden cabins scattered throughout the island. Then, put together a picnic to bring to the shore for a relaxing lunch. You can even get a tasty snack right on the island at Café Oline and stay overnight by booking in at the Stuevika campsite. 

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Those wanting warm weather and azure waters will find just that on Isla Mujeres, a tiny island off the coast of Cancun. Despite its small size—only about 4.3 miles long—Isla Mujeres packs in an impressive amount of fun. Travelers can view its surrounding coral reefs while snorkeling or diving and visit the Underwater Museum of Art. Back on dry land, explore the cliffside park of Punta Sur to see ancient Mayan ruins and gorgeous views.

Monuriki, Fiji

Monuriki, part of Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, is a small, uninhabited island that served as the filming location for the 2000 movie “Cast Away.” While the island doesn’t even cover a full square mile, it boasts dazzling volcanic rocks and white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. Note that it isn’t possible to spend the night here, but you can take a day trip from one of the nearby resorts for a snorkel, swim, or guided nature walk.

Fox Island, Alaska 

You don’t need a passport to explore one of the smallest islands in the world. Fox Island, located in Resurrection Bay off the coast of Seward, Alaska, can only be reached by boat. Keep an eye out for puffins, sea otters, and humpback whales. Here, wild terrain abounds, including cliffs that disappear into glacial waters, dense forests, and pebbled beaches. Even better, you can spend the night at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge to fully immerse yourself in this remote destination. 

Corvo Island, Portugal

Portugal is already a small country, and the Azores are already a group of small islands. But you can take it one step further and head to Corvo Island, the smallest in the archipelago. It’s roughly 6.6 square miles, and the main attraction is the Caldeirão, an impressive volcanic crater filled with two lakes that are surrounded by grassy fields and wildflowers. Travelers can hike around the crater for an unforgettable view before visiting the island’s only village, Vila do Corvo, home to just 380 residents, before hopping on a ferry back to Flores Island.