12 Haunted Islands Around the World With Mysterious Pasts

Haunted islands with eerie histories continue to capture the imagination of thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. From abandoned settlements to places once home to dark practices, these islands are steeped in mystery and chilling legends. Visitors often report strange occurrences and ghostly sightings, adding to their spooky allure. Whether a site of forgotten tragedies or mysterious disappearances, each island tells a unique tale of its haunting past.

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Poveglia Island, Italy

Poveglia Island is often called one of the most haunted places in the world. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, it was once used as a quarantine station during the bubonic plague in the 18th century, where thousands of infected people were sent to die. Later, it was transformed into a mental asylum, with rumors of unethical treatments and cruel experiments on patients. These dark histories have led to countless stories of ghostly apparitions and eerie sounds heard by those who dare to visit. With its haunting atmosphere, Poveglia remains a chilling reminder of its grim past.

The island is now abandoned, but many still report seeing shadowy figures and hearing whispers when near the decaying buildings. The unsettling atmosphere, combined with the tragic history, makes Poveglia a spot feared by many. Despite being closed to the public for years, a few daring souls have snuck onto the island, only to be overwhelmed by the feeling of being watched by restless spirits.

Island of the Dolls, Mexico

The Island of the Dolls (La Isla de las Muñecas) in Mexico has a reputation that sends shivers down the spine of anyone who hears about it. Located in the canals of Xochimilco near Mexico City, the island is filled with hundreds of decaying dolls, many of them hanging from trees. The legend says that a man named Julián Santana Barrera found the body of a drowned girl in the canal and, in an effort to appease her spirit, began hanging dolls around the island. Over time, more dolls were added, and the island became a bizarre shrine to the deceased girl, with locals believing the dolls could come to life.

Visitors to the island report feeling unnerving sensations, with some claiming the dolls’ eyes appear to follow them. The island’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its tragic backstory, makes it one of the most chilling haunted spots in Mexico. The dolls are said to be haunted, with many who visit claiming they hear whispers or faint giggles, as if the spirits of the dolls themselves are trying to communicate.

Hashima Island, Japan

Hashima Island, often referred to as “Battleship Island,” is located off the coast of Nagasaki in Japan. Once a thriving coal mining community, it was abandoned in the 1970s after the coal reserves were exhausted. The island’s history is steeped in a dark past, as it was home to forced laborers during World War II, many of whom died under harsh conditions. Today, the remains of the island’s buildings stand as a haunting testament to its troubled history.

Visitors to Hashima Island have reported ghostly apparitions and strange noises emanating from the abandoned buildings. The island is often considered haunted due to the tragic deaths of the laborers and the island’s sudden abandonment. Despite being closed to the public for many years, tours have resumed, and those who venture to the island are often left with a feeling of unease, as if the spirits of its past inhabitants still linger.

North Brother Island, United States

North Brother Island, located in New York City’s East River, has a dark and mysterious history that makes it a ghostly destination. The island was home to a quarantine hospital in the late 19th century, which housed individuals infected with deadly diseases, including typhoid fever. One of the most famous residents was Typhoid Mary, a woman who unknowingly spread the disease. After the hospital closed in the 1960s, the island became abandoned, and the decaying buildings and overgrown vegetation have created an eerie atmosphere.

Those who have visited North Brother Island report strange feelings of unease and a sense of being watched. The isolation and tragic history of the island, particularly the suffering of those confined to the hospital, have made it a place where the spirits of the past are believed to roam still. The island is off-limits to the public, adding to its air of mystery and intrigue.

Alcatraz Island, United States

Alcatraz Island, located in the San Francisco Bay, is famous for its notorious federal prison that housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. The prison operated from 1934 to 1963, and its harsh conditions led to numerous reports of paranormal activity. Over the years, many have claimed to see ghostly figures in the prison’s dark hallways, hear unexplained footsteps, and experience cold drafts, all of which suggest the lingering spirits of former prisoners.

The haunting stories surrounding Alcatraz only add to its mystique. Some believe that the spirits of the prisoners who were subjected to brutal treatment still haunt the island. Visitors to Alcatraz often report feelings of dread and unease, and it remains one of the most visited haunted locations in the world.

Okunoshima Island, Japan

Okunoshima Island, also known as “Rabbit Island,” is famous for its large population of wild rabbits. However, the island has a dark and mysterious past. During World War II, the island was used as a secret site for the production of chemical weapons, and many workers died from exposure to toxic substances. After the war, the island was abandoned, and its haunting past has led to rumors of lingering spirits.

The island’s haunting atmosphere is further compounded by the abandoned buildings and overgrown vegetation that dominate the landscape. Visitors to Okunoshima have reported seeing strange shadows and hearing unexplained noises, with some believing that the spirits of the workers who perished there still haunt the island. Despite the cheerful appearance of the rabbits, the island’s sinister history lingers.

The Spinalonga Island, Greece

Spinalonga, located off the coast of Crete, is a small island with a tragic history. It was used as a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, and many people who were sent there died in isolation. The abandoned buildings and crumbling fortifications still stand as remnants of the island’s grim past. The lepers who lived there were often left to fend for themselves, leading to widespread suffering.

Today, Spinalonga is a popular tourist destination, but it still carries an eerie atmosphere. Visitors have reported hearing strange sounds, feeling sudden temperature drops, and experiencing a sense of sadness that seems to pervade the island. The spirits of the former residents are believed to linger still, and the island is often described as haunted.

Houtman Abrolhos, Australia

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia have a tragic past. In 1629, the Dutch ship Batavia was wrecked on the islands, and the survivors endured a nightmarish ordeal. The captain and his crew were murdered by a mutiny, and the rest of the survivors were left to fend for themselves in a hostile environment. The island’s history of bloodshed and survival has led to its reputation as a haunted location.

Many who visit the islands claim to hear strange noises and report feeling a presence in the air. The tragic history of mutiny and death adds to the sense of unease felt by those who venture onto the islands. Today, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands remain a place of intrigue, with many believing that the spirits of the survivors still roam the shores.

Iriomote Island, Japan

Iriomote Island in Japan is known for its lush landscapes and rare wildlife, but it is also home to a disturbing history. The island was once a site for forced labor during the war, and many workers died under cruel conditions. The haunting remnants of these dark events, combined with the island’s dense forests and remote location, have led to ghost stories and paranormal experiences.

Visitors to Iriomote Island report feeling uneasy, with some even claiming to hear disembodied voices or footsteps in the forest. The island’s eerie reputation stems from the suffering endured by those who lived and worked there, and it is often considered one of Japan’s most haunted locations.

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa Island in Singapore is known for its luxury resorts, attractions, and beautiful beaches, but it also has a history filled with mystery and ghosts. During World War II, Sentosa was the site of fierce battles, and many soldiers lost their lives on the island. The remnants of these tragic events, combined with the island’s eerie atmosphere at night, have led to numerous ghost stories and sightings of apparitions.

Some believe that the spirits of fallen soldiers still haunt the island, and there have been reports of ghostly figures appearing in the shadows. Visitors to Sentosa sometimes feel a sense of unease, especially near the old forts and military structures that remain. Despite its transformation into a modern tourist destination, the island’s past continues to shape its haunted reputation.

Barren Island, India

Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea and is famous for being home to the only active volcano in India. The island’s volcanic activity and isolated nature make it an eerie location. The island’s dark history, including frequent eruptions and its remote location, has contributed to its reputation as a haunted place.

Although it is uninhabited due to the harsh conditions, the island is a site of fascination for those who venture near it. Some reports suggest that people who have come too close to the island feel an overwhelming sense of dread and even see strange phenomena. The island’s fiery eruptions and its desolate landscape add to the ghostly legends that surround it.

Bouvet Island, Norway

Bouvet Island, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most isolated places on Earth. The island was uninhabited until a Norwegian expedition arrived in 1927, and since then, there have been few visitors. Its extreme isolation, combined with its desolate landscape and harsh weather, has led to various paranormal theories and ghostly stories about the island.

Some believe that Bouvet Island is haunted by the spirits of explorers who perished during early expeditions. The island’s inaccessibility and haunting atmosphere have led to many rumors of ghostly sightings, and some even believe that the island hides secrets yet to be uncovered. Despite its isolation, the island remains a place of mystery.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.