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Top 10 Islands You've Never Heard Of  Everyone loves an island vacation. Unfortunately, there is a  problem with a beach vacation—you're often forced to share your stretch of sand with countless others. If you're looking for a beach vacation minus the crowds, These are the 10 islands around the world where you'll find just that, you'll be rewarded with deserted beaches, fascinating culture, exotic cuisine, and the satisfaction of "discovering" a fabulous, off-the-beaten-path island destination.
1. Anegada, British Virgin Islands.  The only coral island in the volcanic BVI chain and surrounded by the largest coral barrier reef in the Caribbean, the island is a haven for beach bums, fly fishermen, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The north shore boasts nearly deserted white-sand beaches, the south is home to a huge population of bonefish, and the west end lays claim to large salt ponds and exotic birds.
2. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
If you needed another reason to visit Halong Bay—often hailed as the world's Eighth Wonder—the limestone outcropping that is Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is it. The best way to explore the natural wonders of this little-known island—home to the remarkable Trung Trang Cave, cascading waterfalls, cliffs, and the awe-inspiring National Park—is via motorbike.
3. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Deserted beaches, plentiful tee times, and absolutely no car traffic—that's what Daufuskie Island, situated between Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, is all about. The few who do know of it come for its two championship golf courses (one with three oceanfront holes), spa, equestrian center, tennis courts, and several miles of virtually untrammeled white-sand beaches.
4. Fakarava, French Polynesia
Overshadowed in popularity by neighbors Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, Fakarava, a pristine Polynesian island enveloped by a coral reef and blue lagoon waters, is so remote, it's not even found on most maps. Yet, it's part of a UNESCO nature reserve and rich in natural fauna, offers pink-sand beaches, and is rife with rare aquatic life that includes loach, meru, and barracuda—not to mention hammerheads and tiger sharks.   5. Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
Remote, beautiful, and altogether unique, the stellar Îles de la Madeleine (or Magdalene Islands, in English), 130 miles off the coast of Quebec, are the ultimate off-the-path escape. The islands boast 200 miles of virgin beaches, the freshest seafood, and an uncomplicated atmosphere that make them a joy to visit. Of all the settlements here, Île du Havre aux Maisons is our favorite for its colorful houses, charming boardwalk, and salty pubs and restaurants rife with local character.   6. Ischia, Italy
Though well-known to European and Asian travelers, the island of Ischia is oft-overlooked by Americans whose sights are more often set on nearby Capri. Though you'll hardly have Ischia to yourself, you will find fewer crowds and a less-pretentious attitude on this volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
7. Lamu, Kenya
Kenya's oldest living settlement, Lamu, boasts golden sands fronting the Indian Ocean, tiny villages, and a breezy, slow-moving pace of life. It's an island that offers a glimpse into the past—a place where donkeys are the main mode of transportation and residents still keep their arms and legs covered out of respect while out in town.   8. Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe
Les Saintes, a spectacular cluster of eight islands situated just off the coast of Guadeloupe and accessible only by ferry or private yacht, is the very essence of French West Indies life—without the crowds to boot. Terre-de-Haut is thof them all, with its attractive beaches, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, and laid-back French-speaking locals; it's also the only Les Saintes island with overnight accommodations.
9. Vis, Croatia
With its medieval villages, deserted beaches, ancient ruins, rambling olive groves, and the best vineyards in Dalmatia, Vis, Croatia, is poised to become the next "it spot" for sun and fun on the Adriatic. The winding streets of the two main towns, Vis and Komiza, are brimming with restaurants serving delicious seafood and Italian-style fare, while miles of sandy beaches, pebbly enclaves, and glittering shores
10. Yap, Micronesia
Part of a remote tropical archipelago in the midst of the Pacific, Yap is the most intriguing destination in the island nation of Micronesia. Having managed to escape most outside influences, like colonization and mass tourism, the island's traditional way of life remains both authentic and distinct: Legends are portrayed in colorful dances; village women dress in grass skirts, the men in brightly colored loincloths; and ancient stone money discs are still used as local tender. PopulateRelDests();   PopulateRelDests();