These Quiet Maine Islands Will Transport You To Another World

Imagine stepping onto an island where the noise of the world fades away, and the only sounds you hear are the gentle waves, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional call of a distant seabird.

These islands, scattered along the rugged coastline, are more than just quiet escapes, they are portals to a simpler, more peaceful existence. Each one offers a unique experience, from artists’ retreats and historic villages to unspoiled landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

If you’re craving solitude and natural beauty, these serene islands will transport you to another world, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

1. Monhegan Island

Artists have been flocking to this rocky paradise for over a century, and one look at the dramatic cliffs will tell you why. Monhegan sits ten miles offshore, accessible only by boat, which keeps the tourist crowds refreshingly thin.

Wild lupines blanket the island in summer while fishing boats bob in the harbor below. The village has no cars, no paved roads, and definitely no chain stores—just weathered cottages and studios where painters capture the endless ocean views.

Hiking trails crisscross the island, leading to breathtaking lookout points where seals bask on sun-warmed rocks.

2. Isle Au Haut

Part of Acadia National Park calls this island home, yet most tourists never make it here. Only about 70 people live on Isle au Haut year-round, giving it an end-of-the-earth feeling that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The mail boat delivers residents and adventurous visitors who want trails less traveled. Dense spruce forests open suddenly to reveal stunning coastal views that’ll make your jaw drop.

Camping is available at a handful of lean-tos, but you’ll need to book months ahead because word is slowly getting out about this hidden gem.

3. Swan’s Island

Lobster traps stack high along the docks of this working island where fishing isn’t just history—it’s happening right now. Swan’s Island keeps things real with a year-round population that actually makes their living from the sea.

Three villages dot the landscape, connected by roads that wind past old granite quarries and marshlands teeming with birds. The lighthouse museum tells stories of shipwrecks and storms that’ll give you goosebumps.

Summer brings a handful of visitors, but even then, you’ll find beaches where your footprints are the only ones in the sand for miles.

4. Frenchboro (Long Island)

With a population hovering around 30 souls, Frenchboro wins the prize for Maine’s most isolated island community. Getting here requires serious commitment—the mail boat runs just three times weekly, and there’s no overnight lodging for tourists.

The one-room schoolhouse sometimes has only a handful of students, but the community fiercely protects their way of life. Locals gather at the church for potlucks where everyone knows not just your name but probably your grandmother’s too.

Day-trippers can grab lunch at the seasonal restaurant, where homemade pies taste like love baked into crust.

5. Matinicus Island

Twenty-three miles from the mainland, Matinicus holds the title of Maine’s most remote year-round island. About 50 hardy residents brave the winters here, and they like it that way—isolation builds character and keeps out the riffraff.

A tiny airstrip provides the most reliable access since ferry service is notoriously unpredictable. Lobstering dominates the economy, with territories passed down through generations like precious family heirlooms.

Visitors who make the journey find an island frozen in time, where neighbors still help neighbors and the night sky explodes with more stars than you knew existed.

6. North Haven

Summer folks have been vacationing on North Haven for generations, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s overrun. The island maintains a perfect balance between welcoming visitors and preserving its quiet character.

Rolling farmland meets rocky shores, creating landscapes that look like they belong on postcards. The village center features a general store where locals swap gossip over morning coffee and fresh-baked donuts.

Bike rentals let you explore at a leisurely pace, passing stone walls that have stood for centuries and gardens bursting with hydrangeas the size of basketballs.

7. Vinalhaven

Granite built America’s grand buildings, and much of it came from Vinalhaven’s massive quarries. Today, these flooded pits create surreal swimming holes with water so clear you can see twenty feet down—if you’re brave enough to jump in.

The largest year-round island community in Penobscot Bay, Vinalhaven balances fishing heritage with a growing arts scene. Galleries showcase local talent while waterfront restaurants serve lobster so fresh it was probably crawling around that morning.

The ferry ride from Rockland takes 75 minutes, giving you plenty of time to spot seals and seabirds.

8. Chebeague Island

Casco Bay’s largest island packs surprising variety into its compact size—beaches, forests, and even a nine-hole golf course await exploration. Bikes rule here, with car-free roads perfect for families pedaling past historic homes and wild rose bushes.

The island museum preserves stories of stone sloop sailors and summer hotels that once drew crowds from Boston and beyond. Today’s visitors find a mellower vibe, with kayaking, beachcombing, and porch-sitting ranking as top activities.

The ferry from Portland makes Chebeague an easy escape, yet once you arrive, mainland stress melts away like morning fog over the water.