When you picture an island, you probably imagine endless beaches, palm trees rustling in the wind, and maybe a hammock swaying between two trunks. But not all islands are tropical escapes. Some are so unbelievably small, they barely make a dot on the map. And yet, they exist — some with buildings, others with people, and a few that appear only at low tide.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the smallest islands in the world, including some you’ve probably never heard of — but definitely won’t forget.

If you’ve ever wondered what is the smallest island in the world? or where is the smallest island on Earth?, you’re in the right place.

1. Bishop Rock, United Kingdom – A Lighthouse on a Rock

Just off the coast of the Isles of Scilly sits Bishop Rock — a rugged sea rock topped with a lighthouse. That’s all there is. Measuring only about 46 meters in length, it’s recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest island with a building. No one lives there, but since 1858, the lighthouse has been guiding ships through treacherous waters. It’s as isolated — and iconic — as islands get.

2. Just Room Enough Island, USA – Exactly What the Name Says

This island isn’t just small — it’s barely big enough for a single house. That’s why it’s called Just Room Enough Island. Located in the Thousand Islands region between the U.S. and Canada, it’s home to a tiny cottage, one tree, and a couple of lawn chairs. Owned by a family since the 1950s, it’s officially known as the smallest inhabited island in the world. Yes — people really live (or at least vacation) there.

3. Simping Island, Indonesia – A Local Treasure

Simping Island might not be famous internationally, but in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, it’s a source of pride. Just off the coast near Singkawang, this tiny island is reachable by a short footbridge. You can walk there in minutes. If you’re curious what is the world’s smallest island you can walk to, this is likely it. It’s often featured in lists of the top 10 smallest islands in the world, and though it’s small, it welcomes tourists year-round.

4. Île aux Cochons, France – No Pigs, Just Isolation

Despite its name — which means “Pig Island” in French — Île aux Cochons has no pigs. Or people. It’s a windswept, uninhabited island in the southern Indian Ocean that once hosted a massive penguin colony. Today, it’s off-limits to most, but its remote location and compact size make it a regular entry in discussions about what is the smallest island in the world worth knowing about.

5. Nauru – The Smallest Island Nation

Tiny in size but officially a country, Nauru holds the title of the smallest island nation on Earth. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it covers just 21 square kilometers and has no official capital city. It’s rarely visited by tourists, and many people have never heard of it — yet it’s a sovereign state, home to around 10,000 residents. Not the world’s smallest island by landmass, but certainly the tiniest recognized country made up of one.

6. Duck Island, USA – A Slice of Private Seclusion

Duck Island, located in Long Island Sound off the coast of Connecticut, is a small, privately owned island. There’s no infrastructure or permanent residents, but it occasionally hits the real estate market, offering someone the chance to own their very own slice of solitude. It may not be famous, but when it comes to the smallest islands in the world you can buy, it’s a standout.

7. Little St. Simons Island, USA – Small by Experience, Not Size

Little St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia isn’t the smallest in area, but it feels that way. Covering about 4,000 acres, it limits visitors to just 32 guests at a time. This careful control creates a peaceful, nature-rich experience. If you’re thinking what is the smallest island in the world you can stay on, this secluded eco-resort might be your answer.

8. Föhr Sandbank, Germany – An Island That Comes and Goes

Sometimes an island is only an island… part of the day. That’s the case with Föhr Sandbank, a temporary island in the Wadden Sea near Germany that appears at low tide and disappears beneath the water when the tide rolls in. It challenges our definitions of what counts as an island — but if you’re asking what is the smallest island on Earth, this disappearing act definitely deserves a mention.

9. Vulcan Point, Philippines – A Tiny Island Within Islands

Vulcan Point is a mind-bending geographical oddity. It’s a small island inside a lake (Main Crater Lake), which sits on an island (Volcano Island), inside a lake (Taal Lake), on the island of Luzon. Yes — an island within a lake on an island in a lake on an island. While the island itself is small and uninhabited, its location makes it one of the most fascinating answers to “what is the world’s smallest island?”

10. Motu Tapu, French Polynesia – Royal Roots in a Tiny Package

Once used exclusively by Tahitian royalty, Motu Tapu is a small, picture-perfect island near Bora Bora. It’s just a few acres in size but packed with history, beauty, and exclusivity. Though uninhabited today, it’s still used for private events and photo shoots. Among the top 10 smallest islands in the world, it’s perhaps the most glamorous.

Final Thoughts: So, What Is the Smallest Island in the World?

It depends who you ask. Some islands are small in size, others in population, and some vanish with the tide. Whether it’s Bishop Rock with its lonely lighthouse, Just Room Enough Island with its one house, or Föhr Sandbank, which literally disappears, these places stretch the limits of what we think of as an “island.”

They may be tiny — but they leave a big impression.