The 14 Most Remote Places on Earth – Would You Travel There?

Are you ready to discover some of the world’s most hidden and mysterious places? These are spots so far away and isolated that only a few people have ever visited them. Let’s get started!
Tristan Da Cunha
Tristan Da Cunha Photo by Brian Gratwicke

1. Tristan Da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean

Tristan da Cunha is a marvel of nature, the most isolated inhabited archipelago on the globe, found in the cool waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Your journey to this volcanic island would take you far from the nearest continent, with South Africa lying over 2,400 kilometers to the east and South America even farther to the west.

If you seek solitude and unspoiled landscapes, Tristan da Cunha beckons with its rare wildlife and picturesque views.

2. Pitcairn Island, Pacific Ocean

Visiting Pitcairn Island is like stepping back in time to a quieter, more secluded world. Your journey to this tiny island in the Pacific will be a true adventure.

It’s the only inhabited island in a group of four, offering you a rare glimpse at untouched nature and a tightly-knit community lifestyle descended from the fabled mutineers of the Bounty.

Pitcairn island
Pitcairn island Photo by Tony Probst

3. Alert, Nunavut, Canada

Situated on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Alert holds the title of the northernmost permanently inhabited place on the globe, a mere 817 kilometers from the North Pole. Are you ready for crisp Arctic air and midnight suns?

Originally a weather monitoring site, this area now includes military and scientific operations too. If you’re seeking adventure far from the beaten path, Alert is as remote as it gets.

4. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island greets you with wide-open skies and a landscape dotted with mysterious moai statues. Tucked into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, this spot might be the most secluded place you can set foot on.

Warm weather awaits you year-round, perfect for enjoying Easter Island’s outdoor adventures. Remember to pack a raincoat, though—the island’s weather is lovely, but quick showers can surprise you!

moai easter island
Moai Easter Island

5. McMurdo Station, Antarctica

At the southern tip of Ross Island lies McMurdo Station, the largest hub of human activity in Antarctica. Think of a small town, but surrounded by ice and astounding nature! Operated by the United States, it’s a vital research spot where scientists study everything from astronomy to zoology.

Don’t let the cold deter you—technology keeps life cozy here. With Starlink, residents even enjoy satellite internet. It’s vastly different from any place you’ve known, but its unique charm can spark anyone’s curiosity.

6. Socotra Island, Yemen

Step onto Socotra Island, a gem far off Yemen’s coast, where nature thrives in isolation. Here, the Dragon Blood Tree spreads its umbrella-shaped crown across an ancient landscape, creating a scene so striking, it’s otherworldly.

With one-third of its flora and fauna found nowhere else, Socotra is a biologist’s dream. Small villages dot the landscape, preserving a way of life as unique as the wildlife.

Socotra Yemen Dragon's Blood Trees
SOCOTRA YEMEN DRAGON’S BLOOD TREES PHOTO BY ROD WADDINGTON

7. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Discover Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland, a place so peaceful it seems like a different world. Nestled in Eastern Greenland, it’s one of the least accessible yet most serene locations you could set foot in.

With a small population, your neighbors are the Arctic wildlife and the Northern Lights. It’s perfect for your adventurous spirit, offering a unique blend of culture and nature. Picture crisp air, the sound of silence, and open skies – an absolute dream for lovers of the great outdoors!

8. Kerguelen Islands, Indian Ocean

Discovered in 1772, the Kerguelen Islands are a distant dream in the Indian Ocean. Belonging to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, this archipelago has no permanent residents.

If you’re seeking solitude, Kerguelen’s vast landscape of glaciers and rugged valleys is for you. Your eyes can feast on the untamed beauty, where natures reigns with windswept plains and tussock grasses.

Barrow Alaska
Barrow Alaska Photo by generalising

9. Barrow, Alaska, USA

If you’re seeking adventure, consider Barrow, also known as Utqiaġvik. It’s the most northerly city in the United States, where the sun doesn’t set for 82 days in summer!

In this unique spot, temperatures can plunge way below freezing, making it a challenge for even the boldest travelers. Expect to see amazing wildlife too, from polar bears to migratory birds—nature’s best, right at America’s edge!

10. Motuo County, China

Nestled on the southern edge of the Himalayas, Motuo County is truly secluded. It’s the only county in China with no road connection! Imagine rivers, valleys, and lush plant life — it’s nature at its most pure.

Getting there is an adventure, as you’ll navigate paths less traveled, but the serenity is worth the journey. If solitude and pristine scenery call to you, Motuo is a world worth exploring.

La Rinconada
La Rinconada Photo by Linda Castañeda

11. La Rinconada, Peru

At an elevation so high the clouds might just be within reach, La Rinconada in Peru claims the title of the highest permanent settlement on Earth. Imagine living at 16,700 feet, where each breath is a gulp of crisp Andean air.

Your adventure-seeking spirit could be tested in this gold-mining town, teetering on the edge of the impossible. With its challenging accessibility, La Rinconada presents a compelling destination for those wanting to venture where few travelers have set foot.

12. Svalbard, Norway

Exploring Svalbard means venturing into a land of icy glaciers and majestic polar bears. This archipelago sits way up north, closer to the North Pole than to Norway’s mainland, and it’s teeming with wild arctic life, such as reindeer and walruses.

It’s not all frozen tundra, though—you’ll find a unique community in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s largest settlement. Curious adventurers flock here to experience the sheer beauty of the Arctic, where day and night can last for months due to the midnight sun and polar night phenomena.

svalbard norway
Svalbard, Norway

13. Deception Island, Antarctica

If you fancy an adventure off the beaten path, Deception Island in Antarctica is a hidden marvel. Nestled among the South Shetland Islands, it’s an active volcano with a history as intriguing as its landscape.

Your curiosity might kick into high gear exploring this rugged terrain, where eerie abandoned whaling stations tell a silent tale of the past. Don’t let its foreboding name fool you; Deception Island invites you to marvel at its steaming beaches and to partake in a polar plunge, if you dare!

14. Chatham Islands, New Zealand

Discover the Chatham Islands, New Zealand’s hidden paradise over 500 miles east of the mainland. Your next adventure is waiting on those charming isles.

With just a two-hour flight from major cities like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, you can explore the untouched nature and unique history of this remote archipelago.

With fewer than 700 residents, the Chatham Islands offer you peace away from busy city life and a chance to witness rare wildlife up close. Be ready to meet the friendly locals, learn about the Moriori culture, and treat yourself to fresh seafood.