The smallest inhabited islands. Smallest inhabited islands Largest and smallest island

How many islands are there in the world? Perhaps this is the most mysterious information. Although many researchers claim that there are about 500 thousand of them on planet Earth. They differ in size, distance from continents, population and other factors. Each of them has its own history, and some of them even make up legends. We offer you a selection of the smallest islands in the world that attract the attention of tourists.

Bishop Rock

The smallest built-up island in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. It is located 6400 m west of the Scilly Archipelago in Cornwall. The area of ​​the island is only 720 sq. m. It is so small that on its entire territory there is only one building - a 49-meter tower of a granite lighthouse, which for several centuries saved many ships from shipwreck. From 1858 until 1992, there were caretakers at the lighthouse who had to live next to the ever-raging sea. Today Bishop Rock is very popular with tourists; boat excursions are conducted to the ancient lighthouse and provide an opportunity for extreme lovers to live there for a period of one to three weeks.

How to get there: from the major cities of England to the only airport in the Scilly archipelago - St. Mary's, then by boat or helicopter to the island.

Tiberina (Isola Tiberina)

A small island, which is shaped like a ship running aground, is located on the Tiber River in Rome. Its area is 270 m long and 67 m wide. Any tourist can get to the island. To do this, you do not have to hire a helicopter or rent a boat, you can reach it on foot - Tiberina is connected to the capital of Italy by two old bridges, Fabrizio and Honor. Many legends and myths are associated with this island, which are so intertwined with the official historical facts that it is already difficult to figure out where the truth is and where the fiction is. Currently, in the territory of Tiberina, there is the active hospital of San Giovanni di Dio, better known as Fatebenefratelli, the fortress tower of Pierleoni and the Basilica of St. Bartolomeo.

How to get there: from the center of Rome on foot or by car. The island is located on the Tiber embankment, close to the Trastevere area and the Jewish Quarter.

Bay Island (Dunbar Rock)

Rumor has it that on this tiny island in Honduras more than a hundred years ago, a pirate nicknamed Blackbeard hid his treasures in Dunbar Rock. It’s so good that until now no one has been able to find this mysterious treasure. Apparently, that's why Bey was resold so often. Today, on the territory of the island, whose area does not exceed half a hectare, a three-storey villa has been built, surrounded by a man-made oak forest. This piece of land is especially loved by fans of scuba diving, who come here to observe the rich fauna and flora in the clear water.

How to get there: by plane or ferry from largest cities Honduras to Guanaja Island, then by boat to the villa.

Just Room Enough Island

It is this island that is the smallest inhabited island in the world, but not officially, like Bishop Rock, but in fact. Its area is only 306 sq. m. But this was enough for the American Sizeland family, who acquired it in 1950 to plant a tree there and build a cottage with a veranda. Just Room Enough Island is part of the Thousand Islands Archipelago, located on the St. Lawrence River along the border between Canada and the United States. There are 1864 islands in the archipelago, the size of which ranges from 100 sq. km to land plots of about 0.1 sq. m.

How to get there: by car from the nearest Canadian cities or from any major city in Western America to national park"Thousand Islands" either public transport- Greyhound bus from Brockville or Kingston (Canada). Next take a boat or pleasure boat to the island.

Foula

One of the Shetland Islands and the most remote from all inhabited island in Britain. Fula is located 32 km west of the neighboring island. Despite this, more than 30 people currently live on the island. They are all like one big, friendly family. Most of them earn their living by fishing, sheep breeding and tourism. Fula Island is very attractive for tourists, but not everyone risks visiting it due to frequent storms. In case of bad weather, it is simply not possible to leave there. And the locals say that this is one of the reasons why they love to live on the island. They are not even embarrassed by the fact that one has to sail on a boat or fly across the ocean to get food and medical care. By the way, there is Internet and telephone communication on the island, so amateurs social networks it won't be boring there.

How to get there: by air from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness or London to the Shetland Islands. Or a 12-hour ferry ride from Aberdeen and Kirkwall. Further by plane or by sea from Mainland Island (Mainland) to Fula Island. However, it should be noted that flights to Fulu are not regular.

Pitcairn Islands

This two-mile inhabited island is located in the South Pacific Ocean. It will take a very long time to get to it. Therefore, not everyone dares to go on such a long journey on their own. It is known that with the opening of the Panama Canal, Pitcairn is visited 4 times a year for several hours. cruise ships... During this time, tourists manage to see local attractions and chat with local residents. There are currently 50 people living on Pitcairn, and they are all descendants of the famous rebels “HMS Bounty” who settled the island in 1790. Only 15 of them are able to work. This is why, in 2014, the Pitcairn government tried to attract new settlers to the island and deployed special program... However, there were very few people wishing to live away from world centers - only one person took the risk and applied for a visa.

How to get there: from Tahiti by 4-hour flight to Gambier Island (planes fly only once a week) and more than 24 hours by sea from Mangareva Island (Gambier) to Pitcairn.

Atoll Suwarrow

it real island treasure, which is located in the South Pacific. And if on the island of Bay it was still not possible to find the hidden treasure, then on this piece of land they have already dug up a chest with gold coins. But the Suvorov Atoll is known not only for treasures, in 1978 the first and so far the only one was created on its territory. national park Cook Islands, which is home to many seabirds, including turquoise parrots. The atoll is a group of coral islets that sometimes reach only a few tens of square meters and encircle two lagoons - both large and deep. The entire land area is 1.68 square meters. km. This place is very popular with divers and pearl hunters. The coral island was discovered by the Russian navigator Mikhail Lazarev, who visited it on September 17, 1814. His ship, on which he discovered this piece of land, was called "Suvorov", and therefore the atoll got its name.

How to get there: from Australia, New Zealand, USA or French Polynesia to the island of Rarotonga, then with the help of the research vessel "Bounty Bay" or, having obtained permission, independently on a chartered yacht.

Mont Saint Michel

A rocky island-fortress 80 m high and about 950 m in circumference is located in Lower Normandy in the north-west of France. Perhaps this is one of the most popular land areas among tourists. Mont Saint-Michel is visited by about 3 million people annually. They are attracted to him interesting story origin and unique architecture. In addition, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is the fourth pilgrimage site in the West after Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. Twice a year it is especially crowded here: when the day of the appearance of the archangel Michael in Monte Gargano is celebrated and on the day of the consecration of the Roman altar dedicated to the archangel. It is worth noting that this island is not only a tourist attraction and an important pilgrimage center, but also a place of residence for several dozen people.

How to get there: from the center of Paris to sightseeing bus, rented car or high speed train from the Montparnasse train station.

Caye Chapel

The resort island is just two and a half miles long, located 20 kilometers off the Belizean coast in the western part The Caribbean... Despite its small size, Caye Chapelle has a private runway, 8 villas, apartments, bars and restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, a large pool complex and over 2 kilometers of pristine sandy beaches... The Caye Chapel Resort can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests. Although everyone who can afford it has the opportunity to relax on the island only one, with his family or with his own cheerful company. Standard stay services include the option to rent the entire island exclusively for 3 days or more.

How to get there: Via a 2-hour flight from the continental United States or a 10-minute flight from Belize City (BZE).

It is difficult to count all the islands on the planet. They differ in size, distance from continents and other factors. Such a piece of land can be formed in several ways: separate from the ground or become part of a solid rock ejected by an underwater volcano.

There was no life on the earth's surface during the formation of the island. Only after millennia did they become inhabited. Birds and winds carried the seeds of shrubs and trees, and man built stone structures. Some islands have become famous all over the world due to their favorable location and tiny size.

Bishop Rock

This is the smallest piece of land. There is one building structure on it. You can find the island in Carnoull County in the west of England. To get to it, you need to swim deep Atlantic Ocean from the Isle of Scilly 6 400 meters. Bishop Rock protrudes 2 meters above the ocean, and the length of one side does not exceed 16 meters.


Only a lighthouse has been built on this island. Its purpose is to warn ships about the danger of landing on a reef. On this stretch of land, there is only enough space for 4 people. Until 1992, there lived one worker who repaired the signal building. After the complete automation of the lighthouse, visitors rarely sail.

You can find this group of islands on the border of the United States and Canada. An archipelago 80 km long is being formed along the St. Lawrence River. This includes 1,864 islands. Some of them are the National Heritage of UNESCO. There are areas of all sizes. Some of them are inhabited by people.


Officially, only land can be considered an island here, with an area of ​​at least 1 m², which arrives above sea level all year round. There must be at least one tree growing on the ground. Favorite miniature tracts of land in the Thousand Islands Archipelago are the following:


Island "Heart". The romantic Boldt castle is located here. it popular place for a wedding in the USA;


Wolf Island. This is the largest area of ​​the archipelago. The population is 1400 people;


Island "One room". It only accommodates one single story house, a tree and two benches.

Pontikonisi

This mini mainland is located in Greece. You can find it in the Kanoni area. The area of ​​the territory is 1 hectare. Along the coast of Pantikonissi it is surrounded by a stone fence that prevents flooding at high tide. This popular tourist attraction has long been known. There are excursions to the oldest monuments Greece.


The only building on the small land is the Pantokrator monastery, built at the beginning of the 12th century. Its dilapidated walls continue to amaze tourists, and the white ornate steps that run across the island resemble a mouse's tail. You can reach it by ferry, which departs from Cape Kanoni 4 times a day.

A small piece of land is located in a mysterious place on Lake Bled in Slovenia. Besides fresh waters, it is surrounded by forests and mountains of the Julian Alps. It is the only natural island in the country and is considered the main attraction of the area. Tourists who have arrived on vacation tend to visit these places.


You can get to the island by boat, which is offered for rent by the owners at the pier, or with an excursion group on gondolas. Ships arrive at the embankment of the island. A stone staircase stretches from here to the Church of the Assumption. This place is popular with honeymooners. Wedding ceremonies and other sacraments take place here.

In the 9th century, people lived on this small piece of land. This is confirmed by archaeologists who discovered household items and other traces of settlements in this area. Scientists suggest that it was a Slavic cult of pagans. Graves with human remains from the 10th century have been discovered on the island.

Loretto Island is located in the middle of Lake Iseo near Northern Italy. It belongs to the administrative district of Siviano. It can only be viewed from the outside, since the land has been bought out, and new owner does not welcome tourists. Sailing around it on a boat, you can see the marina, two ancient lighthouses and a neo-Gothic castle, built in 1910 by Vincenzo Ricieri. The area of ​​Loretto is lined with coniferous trees.


Previously, monks lived on the island, but by 1580 the monastery ceased to exist. In these places, only one hermit Pietro remained, who left this land some time later. Gabriel Rosa (historian, traveler), who arrived here in the 19th century, discovered only the ruins of an ancient tower, a chapel destroyed over the years.

An interesting attraction of Montenegro is a miniature piece of land in the middle of the Bay of Kotor. It is located in quiet bay surrounded by majestic mountains... On the territory you can see the abbey, founded in the 9th century. The ancient buildings are surrounded by a stone wall. The inhabitants of this area experienced constant stress. The island has been conquered and destroyed many times. In the 16th century, a Turkish pirate burned down the abbey. 100 years after the restoration, the structure was again destroyed by an earthquake.


The Montenegrin landmark is famous for its art gallery, which is housed in a small church. Here are the works of Lovro Marinov Dobrichevich, who wrote in the 15th century. The mysterious islet is also famous for its cypress grove. Majestic trees are planted around the cemetery where distinguished and wealthy residents of the city of Perast are buried. Anyone can get to the island on their own by boat or with an excursion group on a boat.

A small amazing piece of land is located near the ancient city of Trakai in Lithuania. This island is located on Lake Galvė. The area is considered a landmark of the city. The miniature mainland is supported by an ancient castle, which was built in the 14th century. Previously, the building was a strategic site, while Trakai was considered the center of the Main Duchy of Lithuania. Now concerts, festivals and thematic meetings are held here.


Centre architectural ensemble defensive complex - the palace where Prince Vitovt lived. This building is surrounded by a massive wall, which has retained its strength over the centuries. You can get to the island without restrictions. It is necessary to cross the bridge to the neighboring land area and go to Trakai. It is possible to use water transport... Boats and boats are moored to the pier on the embankment.

Islands for sale

Small areas of land, protruding above the level of the oceans and seas, belong to the state. They will become private property as soon as a buyer is found for them. The island can be purchased anywhere in the world. The cost of such pleasure is calculated based on the location of the site, the distance to civilization, and the presence of buildings. A huge number of mini islets for sale. The following areas are considered attractive for living and working:


Sweet, British Columbia. This part of the land is located in the middle of a lake in Canada. On the territory there is a residential building and a shipyard. The island is densely covered with conifers.


Alligator Caye, Belize. A tropical climate envelops this area. This green island is located near the city of Dangrit. The winding coastline is indented with bays and bays.


Lark Caye, Belize. This tropical islet is located close to the mainland. Catches here mobile connection... It can be reached by boat in 15 minutes from the pier in Plasencia.


Cocrouch Bay, Belize. The islet is located next to Barrier reef. Coastline covered with golden sand. The territory is home to mangrove trees and coconut trees.


Tidmarsh, Nova Scotia. This area is suitable for building your own castle. Amazing miniature lands are located off the coast of Nova Scotia. The nearest town with the necessary infrastructure is Sheath Harbor.


Leader, Nova Scotia. This island is located near the city of Halifax. You can swim to it in half an hour. There are two berths built here, which are located on opposite sides of the land.


Staff, Ireland. It is a pristine European island. Vegetation grows here along the coast. The crowns of majestic trees lean towards the water, creating a cozy paradise. Next to it are the same small lands that the state is ready to transfer to private individuals.


Hengover, Florida, USA. Among the miniature territories on the list for sale, this island is the largest. Previously, there was a settlement of Indian tribes, so the land is filled with interesting artifacts.


Isla Alhambra, Brazil. A small piece of land is a tropical dream of city dwellers. There are no buildings on the island, only dense greenery of forests and plains.


Little Golding Cay, Bahamas. This land area is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. He is isolated from the outside world. You can only get to it by plane.

There are countless miniature islands on the planet, small and large. Land plots are gradually settled by people and turn into amazing sights. Even the smallest lands washed by the waters of oceans and lakes have names and administrative affiliations.

The number and total area of ​​the territory of the Russian peninsulas is much less than. The following peninsulas adjoin the territory of the country: Gydansky, Kamchatka, Kanin, Kolsky, Taimyr, Tamansky, Chukotsky and Yamal. They are mainly located in the Asian part and have a harsh climate. Below is a list, maps and short description six largest peninsulas of Russia in ascending order of area.

Chukotka Peninsula

Chukotka Peninsula on the map / Wikipedia

The area of ​​the peninsula is 49 thousand km². It is located between the Bering and Chukchi Seas. The capital is the city of Anadyr. The peninsula is based on mountainous terrain. Some mountain ranges exceed 1 km in height. Lowlands are located closer to the sea bays of the Chukchi Peninsula. Due to its location in the Far North of Russia, the climate is very harsh. January temperatures average -40 ° C. In summer, the thermometer rises to + 10 ° C.

The territory is also a forest-tundra. Among the trees are alder, poplar and larch. A few species live in the wooded area: wolverine, polar bear and the wolf. There are several hundred species of birds, and walruses are also found on the shores of the peninsula.

Kola Peninsula

Kola Peninsula on the map / Wikipedia

The area of ​​the Kola Peninsula is approximately 100 thousand km². The lands are located at the junction of Beloye and Barents. The largest cities are Murmansk, Kirovsk, Apatity, Severomorsk.

Thanks to the collision of tectonic plates on the peninsula, a unique landscape was formed: mountains, forests covered with conifers, and a plateau. The Arctic climate has contributed to the formation of numerous lakes, swamps, lowlands and depressions. The main attraction of the peninsula is considered to be the Khibiny mountains. Them highest point is 1200 m. Skiing is possible most of the year: snow covers the slopes from November to June. There are unique ones in the region. One of them is a small desert. The second is the coast of the White Sea, which is dotted with mineral fragments.

There are three nature reserves on the Kola Peninsula. The area is famous for its breeding grounds for eiders. occupies 20% of the land Murmansk region... In the forests of the peninsula, you can see spruce, birch and larch. There are many berry bushes, edible mushrooms, rare medicinal plants. The fauna is usually divided into forests. More than sixty species of mammals are found on the Kola Peninsula. Besides them, there are many, and. The forests are inhabited by bears, arctic foxes, foxes. Reindeer, lemmings, and voles live on the territory of the tundra.

Loach, salmon and brown trout spawn in the waters of the adjacent seas. Navaga, cod, herring and haddock are commercial fish species. Pinnipeds include the spotted seal, sea hare, and seal. Whaling has resulted in fewer than ten whale species living on the Murmansk coast.

Yamal

Yamal Peninsula on the map / Wikipedia

The area of ​​the peninsula is about 122 thousand km², the length of the peninsula is 700 km, the width is up to 240 km. It lies in the northern part of Western Siberia and is washed by the Kara Sea. Large settlements Panaevsk, Cape Kamenny, Salemal are considered. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in Yamal, so the infrastructure of the peninsula is constantly evolving.

Due to its location in the northern part of Russia, the Arctic climate prevails on the peninsula. Winters with winds and snowstorms last most of the year. Summer temperatures rise to + 6ºC on average. On the border with the continent, the tundra turns into a forest-tundra. The mossy ground is gradually covered with shrubs. There are no heights on the peninsula, the plain landscape dominates. The rivers flow into the Kara Sea.

The vegetation is represented by conifers and deciduous species. You can find heather and wild rosemary. The fauna is also diverse. The most common mammals are wolves, arctic foxes and reindeer. There are a lot of birds, especially representatives of the Red Book. The rivers are rich in commercial fish. Local population catches whitefish, lenok, char, muksun and Siberian perch.

Gydan Peninsula

Gydan Peninsula on the map / dic.academic.ru

The area of ​​the peninsula is about 160 thousand km², the length is about 400 km, the width is up to 400 km. The Gydan Peninsula is located in the West Siberian Lowland, abutting against the Kara Sea. The peninsula has an arctic climate, and winter lasts more than six months. Summers are short and cold, there is a polar night and a polar day. There are many rivers and lakes on the peninsula. The surface is often lowlands and marshes.

Animal and vegetable world adapted to extreme living conditions. Flora is scarce due to cold winds. Lichens, mosses, dwarf trees and creeping shrubs are more common. Near the southern border, forest-tundra vegetation appears: saxifrage, polar poppy.

The species composition of animals is due to low temperatures. On the Gydan Peninsula, the reindeer, arctic fox and fox are doing well. In summer, a variety of birds fly to the nesting site: geese, plovers, white-fronted geese. Some of them are included in the Red Book. Walruses, fin whales and polar bears are considered rare guests. The reservoirs are home to a huge number of species of freshwater fish.

Kamchatka

Kamchatka Peninsula on the map / Wikipedia

The area of ​​the territory is 270 thousand km², the length is 1200 km, the width is up to 440 km. Kamchatka is washed by the waters of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk in the west, as well as by the waters Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Kamchatka Krai occupies the lands of the peninsula, Karaginsky Island and the Commander Islands. Major cities are Vilyuchinsk, Elizovo, and the regional center is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

The peninsula is famous for active volcanoes and springs mineral waters... Mountain ranges occupy two thirds of the territory. In the center is Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the most powerful volcano in the country. There are several ski resorts in the vicinity of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

The diverse flora is due to a combination of volcanic activity, the presence mountain ranges and precipitation. More than two hundred Red Book plants are found in Kamchatka. The Kamchatka brown bear, ermine, bighorn sheep and polar wolf live on the peninsula. In the last century, squirrels came to these lands. In the forests, there are rodents such as muskrats and. Sometimes, from the side of the tundra, the peninsula is visited by a polar bear.

Taimyr

Taimyr Peninsula on the map / Wikipedia

The area is 400 thousand km². The peninsula is the largest in the country and the tenth largest in the world. It is located in the central part of Siberia, between the mouths of the Yenisei and Khatanga. Located in the Far North of Russia, Taimyr is characterized by a harsh climate. Winter lasts 8 months. The landscape is represented by tundra and arctic deserts. Rocky lands with lichens and bushes give way to cedar forests. Reindeer, musk ox, arctic fox, and sable live in Taimyr. Walrus rookeries are arranged on the coasts. Internal and external reservoirs are rich in fish.

A large number of tiny continents constantly appear in the ocean, but not all remain "afloat", they simply go back into the water abyss. But there are those that become inhabited, that is, they are populated by people. Surely many do not even know which is the most small island, and where it is located. This is the topic of this article.

Bishop Rock

The title of the smallest island is rightfully received by this piece of land. The rock is even listed in the Guinness Book. It is located in the south of Great Britain and is a protective barrier between England and is so small that there is only one lighthouse on it - nothing else fits on the rock, it is not intended for habitation. The height (together with the structure) reaches 52 meters. The main task of the lighthouse is to signal nearby ships about the location of a tiny piece of land and not allow them to run aground.

Bishop Rock is the smallest of the islands of a thousand archipelagos. Famous for rich history... Many shipwrecks took place near its shores. However, over the entire history of its existence, the lighthouse has repeatedly saved ships from destruction. The building was founded in the 19th century (1847). The builders hardly managed to install the lighthouse, this was prevented by powerful waves and strong winds, which simply demolished the structure. As a result, the lighthouse was built from solid stone, iron beams and granite blocks. Already in 1858, the building was illuminated

Tiny inhabited island Dunbar Rock

Another of the tiniest sites in the world. The smallest island of Dunbar is located in the bay of the Guanaia Peninsula, 70 km from the coast. According to official data, its area does not exceed half a hectare, and the rock itself looks more like a beautiful one.This land plot was resold many times, today a white three-story hotel is built on a mysterious land, which is surrounded by an oak forest. It turned out to be a truly heavenly place in the middle of a bottomless ocean. Frequent clients of this villa are fans

Wandering Mainland Sable

What is the smallest island on earth? This is a small sandy patch of land off the coast of Nova Scotia - Sable. He constantly wanders on the water surface, this happens due to the countercurrent of a cold and warm seas... The sailors called it the island of death, because during violent storm The 15-meter waves completely absorbed the earth, and the ships crashed on it.

This is a real cemetery in the middle. Only about five hundred disasters have been documented. After the installation of the service beacons, the tragedies stopped. Today this "ship-eater" is home to a small group of people who protect the local flora from death. However, the island does not shine with rich vegetation, trees hardly take root on it.

Residential islet Kay Kolker

There are the most beautiful corners on our planet where you feel like a real Robinson. Tourists consider Kay Kolker one of the best places in the world. The smallest island is, of course, Bishop Rock, but this piece of land is also not very large. Its area is about 7 square meters. m. This is a real exotic for tourists from megacities. The abundance of unusual vegetation combined with the blue sea makes this place truly fabulous.

St. Simons Island

Located in the Atlantic. Inhabited small resort village in the middle of the deep ocean. The size land plot- a little more than 10 sq. m. About 30 people permanently live and work here, the rest come to relax, enjoy the magnificent landscape and privacy.

A natural treasure of Croatia - the small island of Visovac

An ancient piece of land, on which the temples of the Virgin of Visovacka and the Mother of Mercy were built, is located in the middle of the picturesque Krka River. Of course, this is not the smallest island on earth, but it is definitely the most beautiful and religious one. Outside the natural heritage of the republic, there is a lake teeming with trout. Tall cypress trees grow along the entire perimeter of the site, protecting the island from the scorching rays and winds. An atmosphere of peace is in the air. You can only get here by boat from the village of Bristane.

There are many fabulous and mysterious mini-continents in the world. The smallest island in the bottomless ocean is unlikely to be seen by anyone, it is simply impossible to reach it. But there are those who, thanks to man, have become a real property of the public and small resorts that bring colossal profits. Moreover, the names of some of them are associated with ancient legends and tales.

Each island lives a distinctive life, characterized by a special flavor, its own concepts of culture and civilization. Exotic small corners in the middle of the water surface attract with pristine beauty, an extraordinary landscape created by nature itself, and pristine beaches. Surely none of us would refuse to visit such an amazing place, feel the pristine color and plunge into the sea of ​​pleasure.

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