11 Islands That Sound Like Paradise but Are Tourist Traps

You daydream of a picture-perfect island escape, a place beset by clear blue waters and soft sandy beaches, from which to unplug, and unwind. Some islands are just too much of a hassle than a haven, too much of a photo op than paradise.

What if you arrive only to find yourself shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other travelers, eating overpriced food and searching for a place to lay down your towel? Some of the most popular islands are so overrun with tourists that their charm has been pushed aside for crowds and commercialization. Let’s explore!

Bora Bora

It’s the kind of island that dreams are made of… or at least that’s what it’s portrayed as. Bora Bora screams ‘postcard-worthy’ with luxury resorts built on turquoise waters and Mount Otemanu in the background. The island looks heavenly, but it’s also wildly expensive and full of honeymooners all trying to get the same Instagram shots. It’s an island where you can pay inflated prices on food and activities, and struggle to find a spot to explore.

Santorini

Santorini is certainly one of Greece’s most famous islands for its white-washed buildings with blue domes perched on cliffs over the Aegean sea. The problem is, everyone and their mother has the same idea. At peak season, it’s crammed with cruise ship visitors and it’s hard to enjoy its narrow streets or find a good place to watch that famous sunset. Prices rise, there’s less charm and you’ll spend more time avoiding photo bombs than views.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular islands, with its nightlife, beaches and endless activities. In reality, however, parts of Phuket have been overrun by tourists and tacky souvenir stands. For Instance Patong Beach is crowded and far from a tropical oasis: bars, clubs and vendors line the length of the beach. Phuket might not be the serene paradise you’re looking for if you are after a peaceful escape.

Maldives

Private villas over azure waters and endless stretches of beach are what come to mind when you think of the Maldives. It’s beautiful but can also be shockingly expensive, even for luxury travel. Costs are driven up by the isolation of these islands, and once you get there, your options for food, shopping and entertainment are slim. You may only be getting bragging rights rather than an experience.

Hawaii (Oahu)

Hawaii, Oahu in particular, Waikiki Beach, is what most people think of when they think of Hawaii. However, Waikiki has turned into a bustling hotspot of tourists, high rise hotels and chain restaurants. The beaches feel like crowded swimming pools, and traffic can be brutal. If you’re looking for a Hawaiian getaway in which you can bask in the beauty of untouched nature, this might not be it.

Ibiza

Known for its legendary nightlife, Ibiza, Spain, is a partygoer’s dream. Yes, it has some beautiful beaches and quiet areas but most of Ibiza is overrun with parties and sky high prices, especially during peak season. Crowded clubs and over-packed beaches can feel more exhausting than rejuvenating for the person looking to unwind.

Bali

The lush landscapes, temples and beaches of Bali may appear to be the perfect island paradise, but Bali is so popular these days that many places have become overcrowded and full of tourists. There are traffic jams, crowded markets, and beaches with vendors. You may be surprised by how many tourists are exploring this so-called tropical sanctuary if you are looking for solitude.

Mykonos

Another gem of Greece, Mykonos is known for its luxurious beach clubs, high energy nightlife and its iconic windmills. It’s also known for its sky high prices, packed beaches and throngs of tourists. Once an escape, it’s now an exclusive playground where people never seem to relax, in solitude. You’ll need to spend a lot more for a daybed here than you would for a week’s worth of lounging elsewhere.

Jamaica (Montego Bay)

Jamaica’s most popular resort town is Montego Bay, with its beaches and all inclusive resorts. Don’t expect a quiet beach experience, however. It’s crowded with tourists (and even more so during cruise season), and many of the activities are organized tours rather than authentic island activities. It’s a beautiful place, but very commercialized, and some visitors feel like they want something more authenticly Jamaican.

Tahiti

Often painted as a perfect island paradise, with volcanic peaks, and pristine beaches, Tahiti is a place to visit. Its capital, Papeete, is busy and many beaches are rocky, not sandy. The prices of food and activities are steep, and the island has some beautiful spots, but many visitors feel like there is no — or very little — wow factor compared to the price tag and hype.

Seychelles

Seychelles sounds like paradise with exotic beaches and rare wildlife but this luxury playground comes with prices to match. The main islands are crowded and expensive and don’t necessarily live up to the experience, and tourists flock to them. It’s beautiful, no doubt, but it’s also a very high end tourist destination.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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