Published on
November 26, 2025
Across the planet, there exist landscapes where the stillness of nature has remained untouched for generations, and where the vastness of the horizon dominates every direction. In such places, the absence of crowds and urban noise allows a different kind of travel experience to unfold. These destinations have been recognised for offering deep solitude, dramatic scenery, and environments shaped by time rather than modern development. The longing for remote travel, solitude, untouched landscapes, and isolated destinations has grown among travellers seeking meaningful disconnection, and these locations continue to draw those who prefer stillness over speed. Whether formed by volcanic forces, arctic climates, ancient civilisations, or protected ecosystems, these regions present a rare window into how life survives far away from global networks. This guide highlights six extraordinary places across Norway, Chile, Yemen, Morocco, and the South Atlantic that can still be visited despite their extreme remoteness. Through their silence, landscapes, and unique cultures, these destinations offer journeys shaped by reflection and awe, inviting travellers to step into corners of the world where time appears to move differently.
1. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic
Tristan da Cunha has long been recognised as the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. Situated more than 2,000 km from Africa, the island is characterised by steep volcanic cliffs, dramatic ocean views, and a community whose lifestyle has remained deeply connected to nature. The slow rhythm of daily life, combined with the isolation surrounding the island, creates an atmosphere that feels entirely separated from the modern world. Travellers who arrive by sea often describe the setting as a living portrait of natural solitude.
Why It Is Worth Visiting
Tristan da Cunha offers untouched coastal landscapes, thriving birdlife including albatross colonies, and the rare chance to witness a community living in harmony with extreme isolation.
Best Suited For
Nature-driven travellers, slow explorers, and those wishing to experience genuine seclusion benefit most from a trip here.
How Travellers Reach
As the island lacks an airport, transport is carried out exclusively by ship from Cape Town, with the journey requiring approximately six days each way.
2. Svalbard, Norway
High above the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is known for its polar wilderness, glaciers, and vast stretches of polar desert. The region maintains a level of silence that immediately captures visitors, while its small settlements provide essential facilities without disturbing the surrounding isolation. Despite its remoteness, the infrastructure supports travellers who wish to experience life in the Arctic.
Why It Is Worth Visiting
Svalbard offers the possibility of observing polar bears in their natural habitat, exploring ice caves, sailing along glacier-carved fjords, and witnessing the midnight sun or polar night.
Best Suited For
Adventure enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and travellers eager for intense Arctic environments.
How Travellers Reach
Accessibility is provided by flights to Longyearbyen, typically routed through Oslo or Tromsø.
3. Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile
Easter Island, known globally for its iconic Moai statues, remains one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands. The volcanic plains, ancient ceremonial sites, and coastal cliffs create a landscape that evokes the mysteries of ancient Polynesian culture. The island’s quiet expanses and heritage sites allow travellers to explore at a calm, reflective pace.
Why It Is Worth Visiting
Visits offer opportunities to witness the Moai statues, volcanic craters, archaeological sites, and the rich cultural legacy of the Rapa Nui civilisation.
Best Suited For
Travellers interested in archaeology, history, and solitary island exploration.
How Travellers Reach
Flights operate from Santiago, Chile, with an approximate travel duration of six hours.
4. Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra Island, part of Yemen, is frequently described as one of the most alien-looking places on Earth due to its otherworldly biodiversity. The Dragon’s Blood Trees, limestone plateaus, and isolated beaches contribute to a surreal landscape shaped by millions of years of isolation. The island remains safeguarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its fragile ecosystems.
Why It Is Worth Visiting
Travellers encounter endemic flora, untouched beaches, extraordinary geological formations, and an ecosystem rarely found elsewhere.
Best Suited For
Landscape photographers, nature-focused explorers, and travellers who prefer wilderness without crowds.
How Travellers Reach
Access is possible through limited flights from Abu Dhabi, dependent on travel permissions and seasonal schedules.
5. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert, known as the world’s driest nonpolar desert, is marked by cracked earth, salt flats, geysers, and lunar-like valleys. Despite its dramatic desolation, the region is considered accessible due to the tourist infrastructure in nearby towns. Nights in the Atacama are renowned for stargazing, with skies that remain some of the clearest on the planet.
Why It Is Worth Visiting
Travellers can observe stellar constellations, explore high-altitude geysers, walk through moon-like valleys, and experience deep silence within remote desert pockets.
Best Suited For
Astronomy enthusiasts, quiet-seekers, and travellers drawn to alien landscapes.
How Travellers Reach
Visitors usually fly to Calama from Santiago and travel by road to San Pedro de Atacama.
6. Ait Benhaddou and the Sahara Edges, Morocco
Ait Benhaddou, located in southern Morocco, stands as a fortified village built from striking mud-brick architecture. The site has gained global recognition through its cinematic appearances and its position at the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Beyond its walls lie vast stretches of golden dunes, remote desert camps, and open landscapes where silence becomes profound.
Why It Is Worth Visiting
The region offers camel expeditions, historic kasbah scenery, desert sunrises, and the experience of wide, uninhabited dunes.
Best Suited For
Desert fans, couples seeking tranquil escapes, and solo travellers aiming for peaceful journeys.
How Travellers Reach
Access is typically arranged through Marrakech, followed by road travel or guided desert tours.
Accessibility and Evacuation
Remote areas may have minimal transport services and limited emergency support. Travellers are advised to research evacuation routes and nearby support facilities.
Connectivity Challenges
Phone networks often vanish entirely. Offline maps, emergency contacts, and updated itineraries shared with a trusted person are essential.
Cultural and Environmental Respect
Many remote destinations protect indigenous communities or fragile ecosystems. Local protocols and conservation rules must be followed at all times.
Weather and Terrain Preparedness
Extreme cold, sudden storms, high altitude, and water scarcity are common challenges. Careful assessment of local weather patterns is necessary.
Permit Requirements
Some regions require conservation, border, or tribal permits. Verification through official tourism authorities prevents last-minute complications.
Layered and High-Efficiency Clothing
Clothing must be chosen based on climate, with waterproof, thermal, and quick-dry layers.
Survival Essentials
A torch, headlamp, knife, matches, and an emergency kit form a non-negotiable part of the packing list.
Medical Supplies
Medication for altitude sickness, rehydration, motion sickness, and minor injuries should be carried in sufficient quantity.
Durable Food Reserves
Energy bars, nuts, instant meals, and electrolyte mixes provide essential support where food access is limited.
Navigation Tools and Power Backup
Power banks, spare batteries, GPS devices, and printed maps ensure reliable navigation.
Essential Documents
Identification, travel insurance, permits, and cash in small denominations should always be carried.
