Parisian islet Île aux Cygnes spans approximately 36 feet at its broadest expanse, as captured in a photograph by John Kellerman, Alamy.
In the realm of tropical escapes and coastal getaways, urban islands often get overlooked in the top 10 island cities lists. However, these hidden gems offer a unique blend of culture, leisure, and often historic or natural attractions, combining island relaxation with urban convenience. Here are some travel-worthy urban island destinations that you might want to explore:
Willemstad, Curaçao
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Willemstad, Curaçao, is a vibrant capital that combines urban culture with beautiful beaches, water activities, and charming architecture. The Handelskade waterfront and Queen Emma Bridge are must-see attractions that showcase the city's unique Dutch colonial heritage.
San Juan Island, Washington State
San Juan Island offers a more nature-focused urban island experience. With its small-town charm, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures, it provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being accessible to urban amenities.
Santa Cruz Island, California
Part of Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island offers wilderness hiking, camping, sea kayaking, and scuba diving, all within reach of southern California urban centers.
Pearl Islands, Panama
While more of an archipelago than a single urban island, the Pearl Islands include upscale resorts and are accessible from Panama City. This unique destination offers a blend of tropical island luxury with the convenience of urban Panama.
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Though less urbanized, Little Corn Island has a charming small community and offers access to snorkeling and beach activities. Reachable by plane or ferry from Managua, it provides a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking a more laid-back island experience.
Ada Bojana, Montenegro
A coastal island known for its laid-back beach vibe, Ada Bojana is accessible from urban Montenegro. It offers a blend of natural beauty and local culture, making it an offbeat destination worth exploring.
Nessebar, Bulgaria
Nessebar is a historic town on a peninsula or island connected to the mainland. It offers a mix of beaches and cultural heritage, providing a more affordable European island urban experience.
Moving across the globe, there are several other urban islands that are worth visiting:
Ilha de Paquetá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Located in Rio's Baia da Guanabara, Ilha de Paquetá is a romantic tropical island that fills up on weekends but offers a peaceful retreat during the weekdays.
Cockatoo Island, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Once a penal colony and the largest shipyard in Australia, Cockatoo Island now offers camping by the water and venues for art and performance. Its legacy includes dry docks, industrial buildings, and warehouses.
Île aux Cygnes, Paris, France
Half a mile long and narrow, Île aux Cygnes is an artificial island in the middle of the Seine river. It features trees lining its central path, and a Statue of Liberty, a quarter the size of the original, as a gift from the French community in the United States.
Matiu/Somes Island, Wellington Harbour, New Zealand
Matiu/Somes Island has a history as a Maori fortified settlement, the site of New Zealand's first lighthouse, and a military fortification. Now, it is under the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society and has returned to nature, with bird life including the Little Blue Penguin.
Bowen Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Bowen Island is a wooded island with a friendly, unhurried atmosphere. There are no hotels or campsites, but bed-and-breakfasts offer opportunities to meet locals. Activities on Bowen Island include enjoying beaches, lakes, and Bridal Veils Falls, renting a bike, kayak, or sailboat.
Pulau Ubin, Singapore
Pulau Ubin is a rural refuge in the modern city-state, home to fishermen, prawn farmers, and abundant wildlife. The 5-mile-long granite island has areas of jungle and mangrove swamps, and mudflats where endangered flora and fauna flourish.
Margaret Island, Budapest, Hungary
Named after a 13th-century princess, Margaret Island is located between the two halves of the ancient city. It offers a jogging path, restaurants, theater, thermal springs, and ruined monasteries.
Kampa Island, Prague, Czech Republic
Kampa Island is a tranquil island on the River Vltava. It can be accessed by double steps from the Charles Bridge and features Renaissance and baroque houses, cafes, restaurants, and the Sova's Mill, now a museum of modern Czech art.
Fort Warren, Georges Island, Massachusetts Bay, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Fort Warren is a landmark on Georges Island in Massachusetts Bay. It was built in 1847 as part of Boston's defenses.
City Island, New York City, New York, USA
City Island is located in New York City and is known for its picturesque waterfront homes and boatyards.
These urban or semi-urban island destinations provide a unique blend of island relaxation and urban convenience, making them perfect for travelers seeking a change of pace from the typical island city experience.
- Willemstad, Curaçao offers a blend of urban culture, charming architecture, and beautiful beaches, making it a unique destination in the Caribbean for travelers.
- San Juan Island provides a nature-focused urban island experience, offering small-town charm, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures while still retaining access to urban amenities.
- Pearl Islands, an archipelago in Panama, combines tropical island luxury with the convenience of urban Panama, providing a unique and upscale destination for travelers.
- Pulau Ubin, a rural refuge in Singapore, is home to fishermen, prawn farmers, and abundant wildlife, offering travelers a chance to experience a side of the modern city-state unsullied by urban development.
