10 Must-See Haunted Islands for the Fearless Traveler This Spooky Season

When you hear “island,” do you think beaches, warm weather, and a cold cocktail? Or do you think: isolation, tragic backstories, and prime real estate for restless spirits? Haunted islands are the perfect storm—cut off from the mainland, steeped in history, and often crawling with the kind of energy that makes your spine do the cha-cha.

Whether it’s cursed soil, ghostly prisoners, or dolls that blink when you’re not looking, these ten haunted islands are not here to play. They’re here to haunt. So grab your backbone, your ride-or-die, and maybe a salt circle—because these islands offer more screams than sunscreen. Here are 10 Must-See Haunted Islands from around the world. So pack those bags and get ready for an otherworldly packed experience this spooky season!

10 Must-See Haunted Islands

1.  Poveglia Island – Italy

Poveglia Island is the paranormal prom queen of the Venetian Lagoon. Haunted by plague victims dumped in mass graves, asylum patients subjected to questionable “treatments,” and centuries of sorrow, Poveglia is basically a ghost buffet. People report screams from the ruins, shadowy figures, and a vibe so heavy it could bench-press your soul. If haunted soil were a thing, this place would sell it by the pound.

2. Alcatraz Island – USA

Alcatraz hasn’t been a prison since March 21, 1963. Now, it is a haunted fortress with waterfront views and guests that never leave. But you are welcome to visit them. Alcatraz is now the host to the souls of tortured inmates, ghostly guards, and the echoes of solitary confinement. Imagine walking the halls and hearing the cell doors slamming, phantom footsteps, and voices whispering when no one else is around.

3. Hashima Island – Japan

Hashima, aka Battleship Island, is haunted by the souls of forced laborers who endured brutal conditions during WWII. The place is a crumbling industrial relic, and the silence? Deafening. Visitors report shadowy figures, cold spots, and the distinct feeling that someone—or something—is watching. It’s dystopian, decayed, and deeply haunted. Bring snacks. Leave your optimism.

4. Isle of Skye – Scotland

Skye is haunted in a misty, poetic way. It’s got castle ghosts (hello, Lady in Green), fairy folklore that’s more mischievous than magical, and landscapes that practically beg for a haunting. The spirits here don’t scream—they sigh. But don’t be fooled. That fog? It’s hiding centuries of spectral sass. You’ll feel it in your bones and your bagpipes.

5. Great Isaac Cay – Bahamas

This island is haunted by missing lighthouse keepers, shipwreck victims, and the kind of eerie sounds that make you question your life choices. The lighthouse stands tall, but the energy? Unsettling. Visitors report strange noises, flickering lights, and a sense of being watched. It’s tropical, it’s tragic, and it’s totally haunted. SPF won’t save you here.

6. Isla de las Muñecas – Mexico

Haunted by a drowned girl and the hundreds of dolls hung to appease her spirit, this island is a full-blown nightmare. The dolls are decaying, staring, and allegedly moving. Visitors report whispers, giggles, and the overwhelming urge to nope out. It’s like walking through a haunted toy store curated by your sleep paralysis demon. Cute.

7. Port Arthur – Tasmania, Australia

This former penal colony is haunted by convict ghosts, colonial cruelty, and the kind of historical trauma that leaves a mark. Visitors report apparitions, sudden chills, and the feeling of being watched. Is Port Arthur haunted by the injustice, isolation, and echoes of lives lived in torment? If you’re into haunted history with a side of emotional baggage, this one’s for you.

8.  Deadman’s Island – Canada

Haunted by war prisoners, plague victims, and unmarked graves, Deadman’s Island is exactly as cheerful as it sounds. It’s off-limits to the public, but the stories persist—ghostly sightings, eerie sounds, and a vibe that screams “don’t linger.” It’s haunted by forgotten souls and the kind of silence that feels personal.

9. Hart Island – New York, USA

Hart Island is the final resting place of over a million unclaimed souls buried in its public cemetery. The haunting here is quiet but heavy; Experiences from those who have visited claim to see apparitions, hear unexplained noises, and feel a lingering sense of sorrow. It’s haunted by neglect, grief, and the weight of anonymity. Respect is mandatory. Ghosts don’t forget.

10. Gaiola Island – Italy

Gaiola is a haunted island by cursed owners, mysterious deaths, and a streak of bad luck that would make a black cat nervous. Every owner has met a tragic fate—accidents, financial ruin, you name it. Locals say the island is cursed, and honestly,the evidence is compelling. It’s beautiful, but it’s giving “admire from afar” energy. Don’t test it.

Final Thoughts: Ghosts Love Islands—And So Do We

Haunted islands are the perfect blend of isolation, history, and “what was that noise?” Whether you’re chasing chills or collecting cursed selfies, these destinations offer more than just scenic views. They’re haunted by tragedy and mystery.  So this spooky season, skip the haunted house and go full haunted island. Just remember: respect the spirits, trust your gut, and never split up.