Top 10 Most Peaceful Islands Worldwide
BookRetreats has unveiled a list ranking the ten quietest islands globally after scrutinizing 100 islands using satellite imagery and mapping data across six distinct criteria. Leading the list is Stewart Island in New Zealand, which scored an impressive 94.6 points. This diverse ranking highlights islands from various parts of the world, each boasting exceptional natural preservation, minimal noise pollution, and excellent opportunities for solitude.
How the Islands Were Evaluated
The selection process involved assessing islands based on the following factors:
- Level of natural preservation (20%)
- Density of road networks (20%)
- Volume of air traffic (20%)
- Availability of secluded spots (20%)
- Darkness of night skies (15%)
- Number of quiet coastal areas (5%)
Each island received a final score on a 100-point scale.
Stewart Island, known as Rakiura in the Māori language—meaning "glowing skies"—is recognized as the southernmost international dark sky reserve worldwide. Home to roughly 500 residents, about 85% of the island is protected within Rakiura National Park. The island also serves as a habitat for the endangered brown kiwi, a species unique to New Zealand.
Coming in second is Anafi, a Greek island covering nearly 40 square kilometers with fewer than 300 inhabitants. Located east of Santorini, Anafi lacks a commercial airport, enhancing its tranquility. Third place is occupied by Brazil’s Ilha Grande, where approximately 90% of the island remains cloaked in Atlantic tropical rainforest. Ilha Grande forbids private car use and has no airport or paved roads, preserving its peaceful atmosphere.
The list also features Santa Catalina Island in the United States, ranked tenth. Spanning around 19,400 hectares, 88% of the island is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, dedicated to conservation efforts. With about 4,000 residents, Santa Catalina is notable for hosting 60 endemic species of plants and animals.
Interest in serene travel destinations is surging: over the past year, Google searches for quiet places to relax have jumped by 1268%, reflecting a growing desire for peaceful retreats. As Olga V. Lehmann commented, "Silence means something unique to each individual, but there are objective factors that truly matter."
The complete list of the world’s top ten quietest islands according to BookRetreats is:
- 1. Stewart Island (New Zealand)
- 2. Anafi (Greece)
- 3. Ilha Grande (Brazil)
- 4. Lord Howe Island (Australia)
- 5. St Martins (Isles of Scilly, England)
- 6. Tioman Island (Malaysia)
- 7. Ko Chang (Thailand)
- 8. Koh Rong (Cambodia)
- 9. Havelock Island (India)
- 10. Santa Catalina Island (USA)
BookRetreats' research highlights an increasing demand for tranquil, nature-rich vacation spots, likely driven by modern life's stress and the desire to escape bustling urban environments. This ranking not only identifies some of the quietest corners on the planet but also serves as a valuable guide for travelers seeking calm and restorative experiences immersed in nature.
As travelers seek serene getaways, the recognition of Stewart Island as the quietest island highlights the growing trend towards peaceful destinations. In a similar vein, Norway’s Vestland has been named the top travel destination for 2027, showcasing a shift in travel preferences towards tranquil environments. Discover more about this emerging trend in travel and what makes these locations stand out.