While travelers might be familiar with Polynesia in the south Pacific, Micronesia is a stunning region that is lesser known. Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania and is an archipelago of islands in the southwestern Pacific. With the Philippines to the west and Polynesia to its east, there is a unique influence of various continents and countries in this part of the world. Micronesia is composed of five independent countries and three territories. These destinations offer the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of more popular islands, like Tahiti or the Maldives, without the crowds or high price tag. Consider visiting these islands in Micronesia for a relaxing or romantic getaway.

8 Guam

Guam is a U.S. island territory belonging to the United States of America. It’s the largest island in Micronesia, and people born there are American citizens despite the geographic location in the southwestern Pacific. Although it was once known for its military bases, Guam’s tourism sector is starting to thrive, and there are many hotels and beaches to enjoy here. Two Lovers Point is an iconic lookout spot to visit on the island, and shopping at the Chamorro Village Market is a great way to experience the local culture.

Related: See The Giant 12-Foot Coins Of Tropical Micronesia

7 Kiribati

Kiribati is an independent country in Oceania, officially called the Republic of Kiribati. Kiribati was previously a British colony known as the Gilbert Islands prior to its independence. There are lot to do on the islands of Kiribati, including exploring architectural and historical sites like the Parliament Building and the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

6 Palau

Palau is a country in Oceania comprised of 500 islands. The island of Babeldaob is where travelers will find the country’s capital city, Ngerulmud. However, it’s also worth visiting Koror Island, which was formerly home to the capital city of the same name. Palau offers incredible opportunities for sea kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, boasting the same beautiful blue waters travelers seek in destinations like Palawan or Coron.

Related: Book These 10 Luxury Hotels For An Unforgettable Stay In Micronesia

5 Nauru

Nauru is a small country in Micronesia that is located northeast of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. As the smallest island country in the world (around 8 square miles), the physical size of Nauru ranks behind just two other nations in the world: Monaco and Vatican City. Top attractions on the island include the blue waters of Anibare Bay, exploring the Central Plateau, and viewing the Japanese Guns.

4 Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands in Micronesia consist of Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, Kwajalein, and Majuro. The volcanic islands of this country are located in the Pacific between Hawaii and the Philippines and were formerly part of the United States before the Oceanic country gained its independence. Top things to do in this chain of islands include snorkeling or scuba diving the coral reefs at Kalalin Pass, visiting the Alele Museum, or exploring historical sites like the Castle Bravo Crater. Most visitors choose to spend their time in the capital, Majuro.

3 Federated States Of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia encompasses four islands: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. These island states boast beautiful beaches, shipwrecks that make for interesting dive sites, and archeological sites like Nan Madol. Nan Madol is located on the island of Pohnpei and is an ancient city that was abandoned in the 18th century. The city is built on top of a coral reef and served as an important hub for politics and spirituality of the Pohnpeian people when it was inhabited from the 1200s to the 1700s.

It’s also worth visiting the Kepirohi Waterfall while on Pohnpei. This waterfall is the most famous in the country and opens into a wide lake at its base. It’s a fantastic spot for swimming and relaxing on a hot afternoon.

2 Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are the main islands making up the Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia. Other inhabited islands in this group include Anatahan, Alamagan, and Agrihan. Pagan island belongs to the Northern Mariana Islands but is no longer inhabited following evacuation due to volcanic eruption. Most travelers will want to spend time in the capital of Saipan, with sandy beaches and lush green mountain landscapes. Visit Ladder Beach, go swimming in the Grotto, or go hiking on Mount Tapochau, the highest point on the island.

1 Ifalik

Ifalik is located in the state of Yap and consists of 4 islands. When compared to other Micronesian islands, this one is considered quite remote. To access the Ifalik atoll easily, people consider going there through Guam, given that only a few cruise ships head to Ifalik every year. The 4 islands have no running water and no electricity making them an untouched island paradise. Thus, anyone willing to live in close connection with nature and get away from civilization's stress will consider the islands of Ifalik to be a perfect destination.