Top 10 underrated island destinations vs. tourist favorites
Consensus Summary
Two Australian news outlets, SMH and THEAGE, published identical articles on June 12, 2026, challenging common perceptions of the world’s most popular island destinations. Both list Thailand, Japan, Italy, Australia, Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and Indonesia, arguing that lesser-known alternatives like Koh Lanta (Thailand), Hokkaido (Japan), and Tasmania (Australia) often surpass tourist hotspots such as Phuket, Okinawa, and the Whitsundays. The articles emphasize unique experiences—Koh Lanta’s quiet beaches, Hokkaido’s food and skiing, and Tasmania’s Indigenous-guided hikes—while providing practical details like ferry routes, flight connections, and recommended accommodations. Both sources agree on all factual claims, including island counts, accessibility, and key attractions, with no contradictions. The consensus highlights underrated destinations while acknowledging the appeal of well-known spots.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Thailand has 1,430 total islands, with Phuket being the most popular but Koh Lanta recommended as the best alternative
- Japan has 14,125 total islands, with Okinawa being the clichéd choice but Hokkaido recommended for food, skiing, and nature
- Italy has 450 total islands, with Sicily (including Taormina, Palermo, and Mount Etna) being the top pick over others like Sardinia or Capri
- Australia has 8,222 total islands, with the Whitsundays being popular but Tasmania recommended for food, wine, and Indigenous-guided hikes
- Hawaii (US) has 137 total islands, with Maui being the luxury choice but the Big Island recommended for volcanoes, snorkeling, and local vibes
- The Cook Islands has 15 total islands, with Aitutaki being popular but Atiu recommended for isolation, caves, and rare birds
- Vanuatu has 83 total islands, with Efate being the tourist hub but Tanna recommended for Mount Yasur volcano and Blue Cave diving
- Indonesia has 17,508 total islands, with Bali being the most visited but Lombok recommended for beaches, surfing, and the Gili Islands
- Koh Lanta is accessible by direct ferries from Phuket, Krabi town, Ao Nang, Khao Lak, and Langkawi (Malaysia)
- Sapporo (Hokkaido, Japan) is accessible via flight from Tokyo and is also on the Shinkansen line
- Palermo and Catania (Sicily) are accessible by air from Rome, with a train line running via ferry from the mainland
- The Big Island (Hawaii) is accessible by air from Oahu, which has direct flights to Australia
- Atiu (Cook Islands) is accessible by Air Rarotonga with three weekly flights from Rarotonga (45-minute flight)
- Tanna (Vanuatu) is accessible by Air Vanuatu with 40-minute flights from Port Vila
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Koh Lanta’s Khlong Dao has a unique food scene with Thai and Malaysian influences
- Hokkaido’s Furano is known for fields of flowers
- Tasmania’s Derwent Valley and Coal River Valley are highlighted for wineries
- The Big Island’s Kona coast offers nighttime manta ray snorkeling
- Atiu’s Mata Arai offers coffee plantation tours
- Tanna’s Blue Cave is accessed via a swim-through passage
- Lombok’s southern coastline is noted for surfing vibes
- Koh Lanta’s west coast is filled with tranquil beaches
- Hokkaido’s Shiretoko National Park is mentioned for hiking
- Sicily’s Agrigento is noted for Greek temples
- Tasmania’s Huon Valley is mentioned for wineries and restaurants
- The Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is highlighted for lava tubes and active craters
- Atiu’s Birdman George offers rare native bird tours
- Tanna’s Sulphur Bay and Resolution Bay have hot springs
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Both sources agree on all factual claims, no contradictions found
Source Articles
The best island in each of the world’s 10 greatest island destinations
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The best island in each of the world’s 10 greatest island destinations
Which islands do our experts rate the world’s best? Whether close by like Tasmania, or further afield like Sicily, here’s where to go next.