The strangest islands on Earth are not just beautiful travel destinations — they are scientific wonders, ecological mysteries, and geological surprises. In this guide, we explore 10 of the most unusual islands in the world, highlighting what makes each one unique, strange, and globally famous.
Table of Contents
1. Socotra Island – The Alien-Looking Island (Yemen)
Often called the "most alien place on Earth", Socotra Island is famous for its bizarre plant life, especially the Dragon’s Blood Tree with its umbrella shape. Over one-third of its plant species are found nowhere else on the planet.
- Why it’s strange: Unique, prehistoric-looking vegetation
- Famous for: Dragon’s Blood Trees, rare biodiversity
2. Snake Island – Ilha da Queimada Grande (Brazil)
This island is considered one of the most dangerous islands in the world because it is home to thousands of highly venomous golden lancehead snakes.
- Why it’s strange: Extremely high snake population
- Access: Closed to the public for safety
3. Hashima Island – The Abandoned City Island (Japan)
Also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), this small island was once densely populated due to coal mining. It is now a ghost island with abandoned buildings.
- Why it’s strange: Completely abandoned urban landscape
- Famous for: Ruins and industrial history
4. Lake Hillier Island – The Pink Lake Island (Australia)
Lake Hillier on Middle Island is famous for its bright pink water, caused by microorganisms and algae.
- Why it’s strange: Bubblegum-pink lake
- Scientific reason: High salinity and special bacteria
5. Easter Island – The Island of Giant Statues (Chile)
Easter Island is world-famous for its giant stone statues called Moai, built by the ancient Rapa Nui civilization.
- Why it’s strange: Hundreds of mysterious stone heads
- Historical mystery: How statues were transported
6. North Sentinel Island – The Forbidden Island (India)
North Sentinel Island is inhabited by one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes. The Sentinelese people reject outside contact.
- Why it’s strange: Completely isolated human population
- Status: Protected by law, no visitors allowed
7. Surtsey Island – The Newest Island (Iceland)
Surtsey emerged from the sea after a volcanic eruption in 1963. Scientists study it to understand how life colonizes new land.
- Why it’s strange: One of the youngest islands on Earth
- Scientific importance: Natural laboratory for evolution
8. Socorro Island – The Shark Island (Mexico)
Socorro Island is known for its massive ocean creatures, including giant manta rays and sharks.
- Why it’s strange: Extraordinary marine life encounters
- Nickname: “The Galápagos of Mexico”
9. Christmas Island – The Red Crab Island (Australia)
Every year, millions of red crabs migrate across the island in one of the world’s most spectacular animal migrations.
- Why it’s strange: Roads covered with migrating crabs
- Natural event: Annual red crab migration
10. Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca (Peru/Bolivia)
These islands are not natural — they are handmade from reeds by the Uros people and actually float on the lake’s surface.
- Why it’s strange: Man-made floating islands
- Cultural significance: Traditional indigenous lifestyle
Comparison Table of the Strangest Islands
| Island | Country | Main Feature | Why Strange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socotra | Yemen | Alien plants | Unique biodiversity |
| Snake Island | Brazil | Venomous snakes | Dangerous wildlife |
| Hashima | Japan | Abandoned city | Ghost island |
| Lake Hillier | Australia | Pink lake | Unusual water color |
| Easter Island | Chile | Moai statues | Ancient mystery |
“Earth still holds countless geographical wonders that seem almost too strange to be real.”
Which is the strangest island in the world?
Socotra Island is often considered the strangest due to its alien-like plants and rare species found nowhere else on Earth.
Can tourists visit all strange islands?
No. Some islands like North Sentinel and Snake Island are restricted to protect wildlife or indigenous people.
