5 Breathtaking Maine Islands That Are the Peaceful Escape You’ve Been Craving

Maine has thousands of islands, with many of them representing an opportunity to get away and enjoy a less crowded, relaxing environment.

Outdoor enthusiasts can visit many of them and enjoy many of the activities they enjoy inland, such as hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing. Plus, visiting an island is also a great way to take in some incredible scenery.

If you think it may be time to get away, here are five islands offering outdoor activities, quiet, and scenic bliss.

Monhegan Island in Maine

According to MonheganWelcome.com, this small, rocky island is ten miles from the nearest mainland.

It can be reached from three ports in Maine: Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor, with each trip to Monhegan about an hour or more.

MonheganWelcome.com says, "Monhegan has long been a destination for artists and art lovers and there are ample opportunities to enjoy both, including artists studios, crafts co-op, and Monhegan Museum of Art and History."

Vinalhaven Island in Maine

Vinalhaven is located off Rockland and is accessible via the Maine State Ferry Service.

According to Vinalhaven.org, the 15-mile ferry ride from Rockland takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and provides a unique and scenic tour of Penobscot Bay.

Vinalhaven.org says, "Vinalhaven is the state's largest off-shore island community, known for its striking natural beauty and for being home to one of the world's largest lobster fishing fleets."

Islesboro in Maine

Islesboro is about three miles off the coast of Lincolnville in Penobscot Bay.

According to TownOfIslesboro.com, the most common way to get there is the 20-minute ride on the Margaret Chase Smith ferry, which is operated by the Maine State Ferry Service.

For foot passengers, water taxis with more flexible schedules are also an option.

"Islesboro is also the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, on land or sea," according to RocklandMaineVacation.com. "First and foremost, the island is known for some of the best sailing conditions in the world."

Swan's Island in Maine

Swan's Island is located six miles south of Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park.

The Maine State Ferry Service offers rides to Swan's Island out of Bass Harbor, which takes about 40 minutes one-way.

Visitors can check out the Swan's Island Lobster and Marine Museum and Hockamock Head Lighthouse.

Another attraction is Fine Sand Beach, which TownOfSwansIsland.gov refers to as "the jewel of Swan's Island."

"The path to the beach proceeds through a forest of spruce and fir. The beach is best visited at low tide when the full expanse of the pure white sand is exposed," the website notes.

Isle au Haut in Maine

Isle au Haut is located in Penobscot Bay, nearly seven miles from the mainland.

Isle au Haut Boat Services provides year-round transportation from Stonington to Isle au Haut.

IsleAuHautMaine.us says that about half of the island's land belongs to Acadia National Park.

The boat company also provides seasonal service to the Duck Harbor Landing, where park visitors can go hiking and camping.

Again, the state has thousands of islands, and while you can't visit them all, the list of ones you can goes far beyond the five mentioned above.

This is just a quick list to help get you started if you're thinking about an island getaway.

READ MORE: 10 of the Top Tourist Locations Throughout Maine Worth Visiting

Do you have a favorite Maine island? Leave a comment and let us know.