20 Remote Areas of the World That Feel Completely Unreal

20 Remote Areas of the World That Feel Completely Unreal

Table of Contents

There are places on Earth so untouched, so distant from human noise, that stepping into them feels like entering another realm. These remote places of the world offer breathtaking landscapes, peaceful silence, ancient cultures, and a glimpse into what the planet might have looked like thousands of years ago.

In an era of crowded cities and constant connectivity, people are increasingly seeking remote travel destinations, secluded vacation spots, and life-changing nature-based holiday experiences. Whether you’re an adventurer, photographer, or someone who craves solitude, these most remote places on Earth offer surreal beauty that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Let’s explore 20 breathtakingly isolated places that are so unreal, they almost feel like a fantasy.

Most Remote Places That Look Otherworldly

1. Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra is the closest thing we have to an alien planet. Located in the Arabian Sea, it is often referred to as the most remote island in the world due to its exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystem. The island’s iconic Dragon’s Blood Trees, with their umbrella-shaped tops and red sap, resemble something from a science-fiction world.

Why Socotra Feels Unreal

  • Over 700 plant species are found nowhere else
  • Remote villages with ancient traditions
  • White-sand beaches meet rugged mountains
  • Caves, limestone formations, and turquoise lagoons

Despite being far from modern development, Socotra is rich in culture, stories, and untouched wilderness. For travelers who want to see a landscape that defies imagination, this is one of the best exotic travel destinations in existence.

2. Faroe Islands, Denmark

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands are a paradise of dramatic cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and misty green valleys. These islands are often used as filming locations for fantasy movies because they seem unreal.

What Makes the Faroe Islands Special?

  • Tiny remote villages perched on cliffs
  • Puffin colonies and wild sea birds
  • Turf-roofed houses that blend into nature
  • Roads that wind through untouched wilderness

This is one of the best secluded places for people who love peace, fog, and infinite ocean horizons. The remoteness of these islands makes everyday life feel calm and timeless.

3. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)

Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)

Patagonia is one of the world’s most renowned remote regions, spanning the southernmost edges of South America. This region is characterized by towering mountain peaks, icy glaciers, and vast, seemingly endless plains.

Why Patagonia Feels Unreal

  • The blue glow of Perito Moreno Glacier
  • The jagged peaks of Torres del Paine
  • Herds of guanacos roam freely
  • Windswept steppe landscapes with no one around

Patagonia is ideal for remote vacations, long trekking adventures, and immersing oneself in the raw energy of the natural world.

4. Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is situated halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, making it one of the most accessible yet isolated places in the world for travelers.

What to Expect in Svalbard

  • More polar bears than people
  • 24-hour darkness in winter
  • Endless white fjords and icy wilderness
  • A silence so deep you can hear your thoughts

The remoteness and extreme climate make Svalbard feel like the edge of the Earth.

5. Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Imagine a lagoon so blue, it looks unreal. Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is a tropical paradise for anyone craving an exotic destination far from crowds.

Why Aitutaki is Paradise

  • Crystal-clear lagoon with coral islets
  • Traditional Polynesian culture
  • One of the world’s most peaceful islands
  • Perfect for remote vacations

This is a place where time seems to stand still, a beautiful halt.

Hidden Wilderness in Remote Locations

6. The Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

The Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Often described as the most desolate place on Earth, the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and harshest landscapes known to humanity.

What Makes Danakil So Unreal?

  • Neon-colored sulfur pools
  • Acidic lakes and boiling springs
  • Active volcanoes
  • Salt plains stretching endlessly

It feels like stepping onto another planet—perfect for explorers of the extreme.

7. Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar

This UNESCO site features razor-sharp limestone pinnacles that form a natural stone labyrinth.

Why Travelers Love It:

  • Hanging bridges over deep canyons
  • Narrow rock passages
  • Rare wildlife found only in Madagascar
  • One of the most inaccessible places on Earth

The Tsingy formations create a surreal maze unlike anywhere else.

8. Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Home to over 300 volcanoes, Kamchatka is one of the world’s wildest and most untouched places.

Highlights of Kamchatka

  • Explosive volcanic fields
  • Brown bears roam freely
  • Geysers and boiling mud pools
  • Remote villages far from civilization

For those seeking true wilderness, Kamchatka is unmatched.

9. Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Known as the “Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes feel like stepping into a sci-fi movie.

Why Wadi Rum Feels Surreal

  • Red dunes and sandstone arches
  • Massive rock formations
  • Bedouin camps under the starry sky
  • Silence, unlike anywhere else

It is one of the most peaceful and mystical remote locations in the world.

10. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

This national park features thousands of pillar-like mountains shrouded in mist.

What You’ll See:

  • Floating mountains straight out of Avatar
  • Dense forests cover rocky columns
  • Hidden valleys and caves
  • One of China’s most breathtaking natural destinations

It truly looks like Earth from another dimension.

Remote Cold-Climate Regions That Feel Unreal

11. Greenland Ice Sheet

Greenland Ice Sheet

The Greenland Ice Sheet covers 80% of the island and resembles an endless frozen desert.

What Makes It Fascinating

  • Blue meltwater rivers cutting through ice
  • Remote mountain ranges emerging from glaciers
  • Endless silence and isolation
  • One of the world’s purest wilderness areas

This is the ultimate destination for remote travel explorers.

12. Oymyakon, Russia

Oymyakon, Russia

Known as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, Oymyakon experiences temperatures as low as -60°C.

Life in Oymyakon

  • Cars must run all day to avoid freezing
  • Food freezes instantly outdoors
  • Locals live in extreme isolation
  • A true example of human resilience

This is the definition of a remote place in the middle of nowhere.

13. Antarctica Dry Valleys

Antarctica Dry Valleys

These valleys have no snow, no ice, and almost no life—making them Earth’s most Mars-like region.

Why They Feel Unreal

  • Dusty desert conditions
  • Alien-like rock formations
  • Nearly zero humidity
  • Used by NASA to test Mars rovers

It is widely considered the most remote place on Earth.

14. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten offers Arctic charm mixed with dramatic scenery.

What Makes Lofoten Special

  • Rugged peaks rising from the sea
  • Colorful fishing villages
  • Panoramic fjords
  • Northern Lights experiences

This is one of the most beautiful remote places to stay.

15. Nunavut, Canada

Nunavut, Canada

This vast Arctic territory is larger than many countries but sparsely populated.

Why Nunavut Is So Remote

  • Isolated Inuit communities
  • Icebergs, fjords, and remote forests
  • Wildlife like narwhals and polar bears
  • Some of the best remote places to live for solitude

It is one of the quietest places on Earth.

Beautiful Tropical Paradises in Isolation

16. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan, Philippines

Often called the world’s most beautiful island, Palawan is paradise in its purest form.

Highlights of Palawan

  • Hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs
  • Underground river (UNESCO site)
  • Remote beaches with no crowds
  • Famous for exotic vacation spots

Perfect for travelers seeking untouched tropical bliss.

17. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

This archipelago is renowned for its rich marine life.

Why Raja Ampat Is a Dream

  • Remote islands scattered across turquoise water
  • Coral reefs with rare species
  • Traditional villages
  • Ideal for remote vacations and diving

It is one of Earth’s last truly pristine marine environments.

18. Tuvalu

Tuvalu is one of the most isolated countries in the world, located in the Pacific Ocean.

Why Visit Tuvalu?

  • Only a few flights per week
  • Small population
  • Secluded beaches and peaceful lagoons
  • A true escape from modern life

This is ultimate isolation in paradise form.

19. Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Located deep in the Sahara Desert, Siwa is a hidden gem of history and natural beauty.

What Makes Siwa Special

  • Salt lakes that glow turquoise
  • Date palm forests
  • Ancient ruins and temples
  • Traditional Berber culture

A perfect destination for travellers seeking unique experiences on Earth.

20. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Known for its mysterious Moai statues, Easter Island is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth.

Why Easter Island Feels Unreal

  • Massive stone statues carved centuries ago
  • Volcanic craters and rocky coastlines
  • A culture rich with mythology
  • Located thousands of miles from mainland Chile

It remains one of the most fascinating remote destinations on the planet.

Conclusion

These 20 remote areas of the world demonstrate the planet’s remarkable diversity, magic, and breathtaking beauty. From frozen deserts to tropical islands and mysterious rock formations, each destination offers something unforgettable.

Whether you’re seeking isolated vacation spots, remote getaways, or the chance to explore the most secluded place on Earth, these locations remind us that adventure exists far beyond crowded cities.

If you ever feel the need to disconnect, these remote places on Earth will bring you peace, wonder, and a deeper appreciation for the world’s untouched beauty.

FAQs

1. What is the most remote place on Earth?

The interior of Antarctica, particularly the Dry Valleys, is widely considered the most remote place on Earth.

2. Which remote destinations are easiest to visit?

Palawan, the Faroe Islands, and Easter Island are more accessible compared to Antarctica or Socotra.

3. What is the most isolated country in the world?

Tuvalu is considered one of the most isolated countries due to its extreme distance and limited air travel options.

4. Are remote places safe for travel?

Most are safe with proper preparation, local guides, and awareness of environmental conditions.

5. Why travel to remote locations?

Remote travel allows you to disconnect, explore untouched landscapes, and experience nature at its purest and most stunning.