READ RELATED POST The first Europe-US 'virus-free' flights? In Italy. Ferries run daily from the mainland to the tiny port at Dodong-ri, where trails climb to the rocky summit of Seonginbong Peak (984m). Midway between South Korea and Japan, this rugged volcanic island is said to have no pollution, no thieves and no snakes вЂ“ in other words, this is perfect hiking country. Nicknamed Mystery Island for its mystical energy, Ulleungdo is believed to have been formed following volcanic eruptions over 2.5 million years ago. ГЋle Royale, once the administrative headquarters of the penal settlement, has several restored prison buildings, including a restaurant and guesthouse, while the smaller ГЋle St Joseph and ГЋle du Diable are both overgrown with coconut palms. In the elapsing seven decades, the islands have become a relaxing delight вЂ“ a place to escape to. The three tiny islands, 15km north of Kourou over choppy, shark-infested waters, were considered escape-proof and particularly appropriate for political prisoners.

ГЋles du Salut, known in English as the Salvation Islands, this archipelago was anything but that for prisoners sent here from the French mainland by Emperor Napoleon III and subsequent French governments. It is well worth digging a little deeper into the traditional life of the Yaeyama Islands because there is a rich heritage, and it epitomizes a kind primitive cultural beauty that harks back to a distant time. The region is famous for its rich musical heritage of song and dance, as well as for period piece village settings, such as Taketomi Island, where the time has seemingly stopped. Widely known for their natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, superb diving, and lush vegetation, the entire area is a jewel of nature valuable enough to be designated as the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park to preserve it for future generations. The Yaeyama Islands lie at the very southern end of the Japanese archipelago, about 400 kilometers from Okinawa Main Island. The car-free island is all about embracing a low-key, boho-barefoot vibe. Off the north coast of MexicoвЂ™s YucatГЎn peninsula, this secluded strand is a three-hour ferry from CancГєnвЂ™s crowded shores, but it feels a world away. In summer, whale sharks congregate nearby. Lying within the Yum Balam reserve, Holbox is home to more than 150 bird species, including roseate spoonbills, pelicans, herons, ibis and flamingos. Isla Holbox is a fantastic place to spot wildlife. The result is a rich and vibrant culture with strong traditions of dance, colourful headdresses, masks, carving and printmaking.

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islanders are of Melanesian descent, but have interacted with Aboriginal people from Tropical North Queensland for tens of thousands of years.

Two of the oldest cultures on Earth meet in the Torres Strait Islands. Very few are inhabited вЂ“ and only a handful permit visitors вЂ“ but intrepid travellers who venture to AustraliaвЂ™s northernmost outpost will be rewarded with a glimpse into a fascinating culture, stunning landscapes and a slice of history. Almost 300 islands dot the ocean like stepping stones from the northern tip of Cape YorkВ to Papua New Guinea.

The Torres Strait Islands are a world unto themselves. You think of an island getaway and youвЂ™ll probably think of big-shot isles of the world that certainly have a place on any travel bucket list, but there are unknown, secret islands hidden all around the globe that you can visit - if you know where to look.Д¬heck out these ten secret islands that will surprise even the most well-traveled adventurers: Torres Strait Islands, Australia

Top 10 hidden islands