The most unusual name of the island. Place names are funny and weird
Each year, TripAdvisor ranks the most best islands in the world. This year was no exception. Moreover, it is worth noting that this rating is not based on the traditional "expert" assessments of the editorial staff, but on the basis of recommendations and feedback from visitors to this interesting portal.
This year, the rating was headed by the island of Providenciales in the Caribbean, and only two representatives of the past laureates remained in the top ten - Thailand's Tau and the famous Bora Bora. And this fact should not surprise anyone, since the tourist market is difficult to predict and it is simply impossible to predict which destination will become popular this year.
Coral Paradise - Providenciales Island
This largest island of the Caribbean archipelago is part of such a little-known state as Turks and Caicos. The state is an extension Bahamas, therefore, it is not surprising that its islands are characterized by the same features for luxury holiday- white sandy beaches, mild climate that allows you to relax all year round, turquoise water surface and magnificent nature, creating beautiful scenery for walking.
However, the main reason for the frequent entry of the island into various ratings is not at all the usual habitual white sandy beaches and a variety of recreation. Vacationers can have a great time doing yachting, windsurfing and snorkelling. And the main and most popular entertainment here is diving. This contributes, as warm sea waters, as well as picturesque coral reefs, which can be easily reached from the shore on your own. 
Maui island in Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands have been canon for a long time have a nice rest. And if earlier Hawaii and Oahu were the most popular in the cohort of islands, now the island of Maui, which is more accessible to tourists, is taking the leading position.
First of all, when they talk about holidays in Hawaii, they immediately mean surfing and windsurfing. After all, the Hawaiian Islands are a mecca for those who like to swim on the board. In addition, it is on Maui with its small population that you can fully enjoy nature. Raging waterfalls national park Haleacao and amazing bamboo forest, not to mention the traditional warm sandy beaches attract many tourists. Therefore, the island rightfully occupies the second place in the ranking.
Roatan - paradise in the Caribbean
How often do we hear the words - "The wrong country was called Honduras" in a negative sense, expressed in relation to their own country. However, if you look closely at the latter, then Honduras is just another good comparison. Especially if you look at the rest on the island of Roatan, which belongs to Honduras.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs and covered with gorgeous beaches, making it just perfect place recreation, both for the usual beach pastime, and for all lovers of scuba diving. An ideal place has been created here for lovers of ecotourism (the Carambola Botanical Garden is famous for its tropical park of exotic birds) and for all kinds of entertainment - from sea fishing to all aquatic species sports.
Tranquility and romance in Santorini
The islands of the Cyclades amaze everyone with their amazing natural beauty. The most mysterious and beautiful in this archipelago is Santorini, which owes its birth to volcanic lava.
This island is often called romantic, but unlike most of the "paradise" ocean islands, which received their title due to wild nature and snow-white beaches, Santorini has earned this title thanks to the houses carved into the rocks, which attract tourists from all over the world with their snow-white facades and bright blue roofs.
Unlike most of the islands on the list, people come to Santorini not for diving or extreme entertainment, but to kindle a real fire in loving hearts. And most of the tourists are newlyweds, whom the island pleases with its unforgettable romance and positive.
Bright diving on Koh Tao island in Thailand
The waters of the Gulf of Thailand sheltered the cozy island of Tao, or "Turtle Island", shaded with palm trees. The island got its name due to the numerous colonies of sea turtles that have chosen its snow-white sandy beaches. Once the island was uninhabited and only turtles were its only inhabitants. White sand and the azure clear water around the island cannot but delight tourists, who, like the majestic reptiles many centuries ago, have now chosen these beaches.
However, not only snow-white sandy hills and sunny 300 days a year, allowing you to lazily sunbathe on the beach, this resort island. However, the island attracts most tourists with its underwater beauties.
It is diving on Koh Tao that is the most popular type of outdoor activity. Coral reefs rich in marine life, more than 30 dive sites of varying difficulty, including wrecks and short distances to dive sites - all this makes Koh Tao the "Diving Mecca" of Southeast Asia.
A safe haven for travelers - Madeira Island
The Portuguese island of Madeira has for many centuries served as a haven for all travelers who rushed to conquer the Atlantic. This paradise in the middle Atlantic Ocean For six centuries, thanks to its mild and temperate climate, it has served as a resting place not only for sailors, but also for the wealthy European elite.
At the same time, most tourists come here not to bask on the beaches, since they simply do not exist here, but for an active pastime. The island is a real expanse for lovers of hunting and fishing, diving and windsurfing, and green tourism. The main attractions of the island are national reserve Madeira and its Botanical Gardens. It is here that you can see all the worldwide diversity of flora that the Portuguese have collected over the three centuries of their rule of the sea.
Island of the Gods - Bali
In Indonesia, between the two largest islands of Lombok and Java, there is a cozy picturesque corner that attracts tourists with its majestic volcanoes Gunung-Angung and Kintamini, pristine tropical forests and blue lagoons.
The shores of the island hide delightful temple complexes and the sacred monkey forest, where mischievous primates will give tourists a little boost of energy in exchange for small sweets for them. In addition, Bali is a kind of Indian enclave in the middle of Muslim Indonesia, and it is here that you can relax on the coast, strengthening your spirit in yoga classes.
While the island's main draw is its white sandy beaches, along with the coral landscapes that surround it, attracting divers from all over the world, Bali has a few other must-see spots. One of them is spread over 20,000 hectares national park Barat. It is in it that you can see all kinds of combinations of flora and fauna in the primordial wild world without bars and aviaries.
A sandy paradise in mesmerizing Mauritius
Mauritius has long been included in the cohort of the most beautiful holiday destinations. This tropical paradise, which is sometimes called the "key to the Indian Ocean", despite its modest size, has more than a hundred kilometers of white sand beaches.
It was the bright combination of the turquoise waters of the lagoon, coral reefs and bizarre mountains that caused the rest on the island to be ranked among the highest category. Moreover, on local beaches you can often see famous artists and billionaires who are attracted here. high level comfort and individual rest of the highest level. Local authorities are trying to make the resort not just an ordinary place of mass pilgrimage. Therefore, you will not often meet an ordinary budget tourist on the island, and once here you will be completely sure that you will have a top-class vacation in the luxe category.
Mauritius is almost completely surrounded by reefs, so it is an ideal place for diving and fishing. It is here that you can see and catch the very fish that every fisherman dreams of getting into his trophies - various types of marlin, sailfish and bright representatives of the shark family.
Bora Bora - the island of romantics in love
Bora Bora is largest island among 118 islands French Polynesia. It has the status of the unofficial capital of romantics and newlyweds and is considered a romantic and exotic place on the planet. The island, like most of its neighbors, was formed after a chain of volcanic eruptions and is now mountain range with three peaks piercing the sky over a dazzling blue lagoon. 
Despite its miniature size (you can drive around it in an hour by car), nature has so generously endowed the island with its beauty that it rightfully proudly bears the title of “an emerald in a turquoise setting with a pearl necklace - this is how it can be described by looking at it above.
Bora Bora has plenty of things to do, from expeditions to the "coral garden" to visits majestic mountains to extreme snorkeling and diving. And one of the most interesting entertainment is feeding from the hands of local stingrays and sharks.
Paradise holidays on the beaches of Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is the name of an archipelago located near Brazil, and consisting of more than twenty islands. However, the most inhabited and, accordingly, the most popular of this cohort is the most big Island, which attracts all beach lovers. In addition, this archipelago has been on the list for fifteen years cultural heritage UNESCO because it is in its waters that large populations of dolphins, sea turtles and cetaceans live.
It is here that the Baia do Sancho beach is located, which has become a real mecca for all lovers sea recreation and firmly included in the list the best beaches peace. This famous crescent-shaped beach is surrounded on all sides by rocks and in order to get to it you need to go down seventy-meter stairs. However, it's worth it - the bay around the beach is a real natural treasure. The bay is a natural pool surrounded by solidified lava, in which the water is always crystal clear.
Blue skies, white sand beaches, crystal clear clear waters ocean, granite rocks rising right out of the water, tropical jungle and excellent service await you in this corner.
Most a nice place islands - the bay of Source d'Argens. The popularity of the beach is known even outside the Seychelles. It is here that many people go to spend a heavenly vacation and take pictures of the most romantic landscapes. What are local sunsets! When the sun sets, the whole bay turns red, at this moment it seems that you are in a fairy tale.
The waves here are always calm, all thanks to the reef, which perfectly protects from the raging ocean waters.
There is a cafe on the beach where you can taste Creole cuisine.
In addition to an excellent beach holiday in the bay, there is an opportunity to visit the L’Union Estate park, which is located next door. Entrance to the park is 100 rupees.
Source d'Argens is the perfect option for enjoying nature.
This is the most remote bay of the island, which has a length of 3 km. To get here, it is best to use a boat or boat.
snow white sandy beaches, clear calm waters, and most importantly, calm rest from the bustle of the city - attracts tourists.
In the waters of the bay you can see big variety marine inhabitants (dolphins, fur seals, whales and other inhabitants of the underwater world). In addition, about 100 species of birds live here.
Reunion is very popular place for world cruises and sports competitions.
The best time to visit this wonderful place is from April to November. During these months, the ocean is very calm, and getting to the bay will not be any particular problem.
Reunion is also known for the fact that it was on one of the beaches that a film was shot with Leonardo DiCaprio.
In the western part of the bay there are ancient sculptures of the 5th century AD.
5. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens (Royal Botanical Garden), Mahe Island
The Botanical Garden is located in the southern part of the Seychelles capital. This is one of the oldest national monuments Seychelles. There are a large number of endemic plants (about 200 species). Also, on 6 ha botanical garden exquisite orchids, fruit trees, ornamental bushes, herbs grow. Giant tortoises quietly crawl on the grass. Anyone can feed them.
Achiote bushes also grow here. Red fruits are used as natural dyes for cheeses, red fish and even cosmetics.
Entrance to the park costs 50 rupees.
Cousin Island is located 2 km from Praslin Island. It is a natural reserve. Several species of endangered animals live here. It is a nesting site for hundreds of seabirds and turtles.
The island has many low hills as it is of granite origin. The area of the island is only 26 hectares. In 1968, it was bought out and made a private reserve.
Basically, the island is inhabited only by birds. They can be seen literally everywhere: on trees and bushes, on the ground, in the sky, in the water.
The largest number of birds are white terns. Charming birds with big black eyes and beaks of blue color. They are constantly cleaning each other's feathers.
In addition to birds, giant tortoises Megalochelys also live on the island.
On the highest hill of the island there is a small observation deck with stunning views of the entire area.
More than 100,000 people visit the island every year. You can visit Kuzin from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 12 pm. Overnight stay on the island is prohibited. The tour costs 500 rupees. Film crews must obtain special permission. When visiting the island, you should observe silence and follow the advice of the guide.
Praslin Island is home to a unique nature reserve. It occupies about 20 hectares, most of the territory is covered with tropical forest. Rare sea palms Coco De Mer grow here, their seeds and fruits are the largest among all plants. And the height of palm trees can reach 30-40m.
Also in this reserve you can meet a rare species of black parrot, which lives only on Praslin. In addition to it, about a hundred unique exotic birds listed in the Red Book live here.
May Valley is included in world heritage UNESCO. Nearly half of all tourists go to Seychelles just to visit this reserve. It is visited by about a million people a year.
On the territory of the reserve there are information Center, gift shop and cafe.
Artisan Village - very interesting place to visit, it is a very popular attraction on the island of Mahe.
There are twelve huts in the village that serve as workshops. This is where the whole process of making souvenirs takes place.
In the center of the village, old manor housed a local history museum. Old interior items (furniture, parquet, dishes) have been preserved here. Visiting the museum, you can feel the atmosphere of colonial times. Also in the museum you can learn about the history, architecture, cuisine and traditions of the island.
Well, you can watch the work of artisans in the workshop huts.
All souvenirs that can be purchased in the village are made by hand. Small models of ships, wicker baskets, straw hats are especially popular.
The islands are wonderful! And in this article you will get acquainted with some of the most interesting and unusual of them.
Socotra is an isolated island in Indian Ocean, which belongs to the country Yemen. Located about 240 kilometers east of the Horn of Africa and 380 kilometers south of the Arabian Peninsula, the island is one of the most isolated landforms in continental (i.e. non-volcanic) origin.
The island has been described as "the most alien-looking place on earth", and due to its isolation and warm, dry climate, a third of its plant life is found nowhere else on earth.
North Sentinel Island
North Sentinel Island is an island in an archipelago Andaman Islands belonging to India.
This island is notable for the indigenous peoples that live on it - the Sentinelese, one of the last remaining humans unaffected. modern civilization. Sentinelese actively reject contact with other peoples, and in some cases have been openly hostile and aggressive towards outsiders.
After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Indian government helicopters flew over the island to watch for people who responded by throwing spears and rocks in an apparent attempt to drive the car away. In 2006, two fishermen were killed by the Sentinelese after their fishing boat was taken to the area of the island and they ran aground on a coral reef.
World of travel
2510
08.05.16 12:22
Hawaii, Maldives, Caribbean - they are full of resorts, beaches, exotic fruits. But how trite it is! Golden sand, sun all year round, turquoise waves - who will you surprise with this? We will remember others - the most unusual islands in the world. Some of them are uniquely beautiful, others are mysterious, others are dangerous.
giant ghost
Hasima (or Hashima) is an island in Japan, not far from Nagasaki. Before World War II and during it, coal was mined here - thousands of Japanese and forced miners from China and Korea. When the country switched to oil as the main source of fuel, the island became empty. Several massive concrete buildings remain on it, giving Hashima the appearance of an abandoned battleship. It is also called a ghost island.
Like in a horror movie
One of the most unusual islands, terrifying, belongs to Mexico. It is filled with dolls hanging from trees. Therefore, this place is called the Island of the Dolls. Belief says that Don Julian, who lost his family, heard screams - a woman was drowning in one of the many local canals. He did not have time to save the stranger, but in nightmares he continued to hear her voice. To drive away the annoying spirit, Julian began to string dolls on branches, his example was picked up by others. So the island became a legend, and then a creepy tourist attraction.
Tom Hanks spent his "exile" here
There are many pretty uninhabited islands in the world, what made the small island of Monuriki, belonging to Fiji, famous for? It's just that the shooting of Zemeckis's adventure blockbuster "Outcast" took place here. It was on this tiny patch that the hero of Tom Hanks talked to his ball. The island is very popular with tourists.
From a special cane
The floating islands of Lake Titicaca in Peru are something special! They are artificial, woven from dry totora reeds. local tribe uros. First, a lot of rugs are made, then the mats are attached to each other with ropes. If before the representatives of the tribe lived at the expense of fishing, now they are rescued by tourists. When you walk on such a reed island, it seems that you are just swinging on a wave and are about to go to the bottom, but in fact the “carpet” is very durable.
inhospitable land
North Watch Island is one of the most isolated and most unusual islands on Earth. It is located in the Bay of Bengal, 32 km from Smith Island. Sentinel is 72 square kilometers, almost completely covered with forests (with the exception of thin coastal strips). Local residents do not want to contact anyone, they are very xenophobic and oppose any outside interference. If you approach the island by boat or helicopter, you will be attacked by a hail of arrows. Very little is known about the culture and language of this people. By the way, one of the heroes of Conan Doyle's story "The Sign of Four", a savage who shoots excellently from a pipe, was just from here.
Unearthly landscape of Socotra
The most beautiful and exotic island of our rating is rightfully the Socotra archipelago, which belongs to Yemen. The local flora and fauna are mostly endemic, you will not find amazing dragon trees anywhere else, and the “bellied” bottle trees are so funny! Add to this a strange kind of birds and an absolutely fantastic landscape. No wonder Socotra is compared with something alien, it seems that some eccentric artist fantasized her.
Uninhabited rock reserves
The island of Navassa is fought over by Haiti and the United States, which annexed it to their territories in 1857. All coastline Navasses are solid steep cliffs, so it is impossible to moor a boat to the island. In addition, this is a natural reserve, and you can get there only with special permission. From Haiti desert island separates only 48 km, and to the Guantanamo Strait - 145 km.
Howland Island is located in the Pacific Ocean north of the equator. It belongs to the USA, and once guano (litter of seabirds) was mined here in large quantities. Now it is uninhabited and is a natural reserve. During World War II, Howland was attacked by Japanese bombers - the day after the tragedy of Pearl Harbor. The island holds the secret of the disappearance of pilot Amelia Earhart without a trace. She was supposed to land here during a continental flight, but did not reach the island - her plane could have crashed into the ocean or crashed on the coastal rocks.
In the realm of the Snow Queen
Most northern airport and the northernmost church in the world, as well as one of the northernmost settlements in the Land of Longyearbyen, are located in the Svalbard archipelago belonging to Norway. Here you should be wary of the attack of polar bears, so travelers usually carry a rifle with them. It is on this island that a huge seed storage is organized - to preserve biodiversity in the event of a large-scale natural disaster.
The island of volcanic origin Bouvet is located at a distance of 2500 km southwest of South Africa. It is small (49 sq. km) and almost completely covered with a thick crust of ice, and the shores are solid sharp sheer cliffs. Bouvet was British territory, and then the authorities of the country transferred it to the jurisdiction of Norway. nature reserve, Bouvet has never been inhabited. Why did he get into our ranking of the most unusual islands in the world? Because it is considered the most remote on the planet. The nearest land (Queen Maud Land in Antarctica) is 1750 km from here.
Traveling around the world, according to creative people, is the most effective source of inspiration. And only when moving from place to place, you feel alive, and in spite of everything, full of strength, open to new ones. Today we present to you a selection of the most interesting islands peace.
1. Margarita Island in Venezuela- the second name of this amazing place is "Orchid Island", and no wonder, because there are thousands of them. But not only for the sake of some orchids travelers come to this paradise Venezuela, and also because the sun shines here all three hundred and sixty-five days a year, and the white-sand beaches, framed by beautiful palm trees, invite you to relax on them, swim in warm blue water, so that later, on cold winter days, in the snow, remember the blissful hours of your amazing vacation on the other side of the earth. Margarita Island is famous for its huge national parks, home to rare species of birds. But there are some interesting historical monuments architecture: ancient castles, powerful forts, ancient fortresses, beautiful cathedrals. V last years, this island is increasingly visited cruise ships bringing thousands of impression-hungry tourists.
2. Micholska Prevlaka Island in Montenegro- has a second name - "Island of Flowers". It is located a couple of kilometers from the popular Montenegrin resort of Tivat. Despite its small size, the island is famous throughout the country for its excellent fine-sand beaches, consisting of dozens of small ones, which, passing from one to another, go around it along the perimeter, and have a total length of one thousand two hundred meters. The island of Miholska Prevlaka is a place where the amazing variety of fauna that grows on this land is concentrated. In addition, there are a number of historical sights, the most interesting of which is the magnificent ancient monastery of the Archangel Michael.
3. Moomin Island in Finland- is located near the famous Finnish resort of Naantali, which is in the vicinity of the ancient port city of Turku. This island is a real fairy tale, which absolutely all children and many adults dream of visiting. Moomin Island represents a fictional country, from the fascinating works of Tove Jansson about Moomin, which we all read in childhood. But it is here that you can get to know these book characters personally, visit their cozy house, take a walk through the magical forest.
4. Bartolome Island in Ecuador- this island belongs to the archipelago Galapagos Islands, and is a tiny patch of land of volcanic origin, it is here that the most stunning landscapes in the region are located, and interesting animals live. But the main magnet of this island for tourists are the amazing beaches. In general, the island can be divided into two parts, on one of them there is the Pinnacle peak, from where stunning views of the surroundings and the sea surface open up. Resting in another part of the island, tourists have the opportunity to relax on the beach, go in for exciting scuba diving, surrounded by numerous sea lions, penguins, and rare green turtles that live here.
5. Atiu Island in the Cook Islands- This is a small island of volcanic origin, known to everyone as the site of the first landing of Captain James Cook, which happened here, back in 1777. Here you can enjoy the amazing nature in the bosom of magnificent nature. beach holiday, wander through the endless lush forests, visit the majestic halls of the Cave of Cancer, collect shells on beautiful beach Oneroa, snorkel in the Coral Garden lagoon, dive into the mysterious underwater caves. Atiu Island is often called the "Island of Birds", because thanks to the excellent local climate, many species of avifauna feel great here: terns, frigatebirds, alceons, mallards, musky ducks. Most of the winged inhabitants of the island live in the dense forest of Makatea.
6. Koh Kai in Thailand- This is a small island off the coast of Krabi province. No one lives here and there is not a single building, but during the day you can see a lot of boats and boats that bring tourists, relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand - the beach of Koh Kai, with magnificent white quartz sand. The water here is completely transparent, so visibility is excellent and all small underwater animals can be seen for many meters. A little further from the boat pier, there are completely deserted areas of the beach, where you can really feel like a real Robinson Crusoe.
7. Spice Island in Grenada– Spice Island or Spice Island has an absolutely amazing and unlike anything atmosphere: its air is filled with amazing aromas of exotic spices: nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, tropical fruits and fantastic flowers. The island is occupied by lush tropical forests, and in the local waters there are magnificent coral reefs, with colorful fish living in them. There are absolutely magnificent beaches, to relax on which is a pleasure. If you come here in January, you will enter the fishing tournaments, the prize for winning which is a huge cash reward. These tournaments attract desperate amateur fishermen from the North and South America, countries and islands of the Caribbean region.
8. Mljet Island in Croatia- This small island is located in the southern part of the country. It is thirty-seven kilometers long and three kilometers wide. The western part of the island of Mljet is the location of the National Park, famous for its stunning landscapes, two salt lakes, one of which even has its own "island on the island", called the island of St. Mary. On the island of Mljet there is an absolutely magnificent Benedictine monastery, dating back to the twelfth century. Every year, thousands of tourists come here. Local residents on the island of Mljet are only about a thousand people.
9. Campeche Island in Brazil - picturesque island, washed on all sides by the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, with rich flora and fauna. There are primeval dense forests here, but there are also modern trends - huge solar panels, allowing you to use the solar heat so generous here. While relaxing on this island, you can, under the guidance of experienced instructors, scuba dive to see the richest underwater world, who is very friendly to the guests, and even tries to get to know them. The island has developed interesting tourist routes, along which you will be led by the most the best guides who are in love with their work and this island. There are wonderful restaurants and cafes in which you will have a great meal after a walk full of impressions.
10. Comino Island in Malta- a small island, which is part of the Maltese archipelago, it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Comino is located between the islands of Gozo and Malta, and in terms of area it occupies only three and a half square kilometers. There is even locals, however, in the amount of three people. The island is very picturesque, with magnificent nature: the coast is heavily indented, there are many mysterious caves and mysterious grottoes. Previously, they were used by pirates, and there are legends that somewhere there, they hid their untold riches. The island has always attracted with its solitude and desertedness, a lot of very interesting personalities, for example, in the thirteenth century, the Jewish cabalist Abraham Abulafia lived here, who wrote numerous philosophical works on Comino. Now the island is quite a popular place to visit among tourists who come to rest in Malta, which, as you know, cannot boast of great beaches, and here they are, very good ones. For instance, local beach « Blue Lagoon» is great. But there are also interesting historical sights here: the Tower of St. Mary, the Roman Catholic chapel, built in the seventeenth century, the strengthening of the batteries of St. Mary. And yet, on Comino there is a Nature Reserve for the Protection of Birds.
11. Flower Island Mainau in Germany- this island is located in Baden-Württemberg, it is famous for its unusual for Germany, subtropical climate, which is why a variety of flowers and shrubs grow here almost all year round, and rare species of butterflies live. Mainau Island is hilly, it occupies forty-five hectares of area. Every year, about two million tourists come here, and no wonder: after all, there is a real paradise, fragrant with tulips, rhododendrons, roses, dahlias and other flowers of various varieties, shades and shapes that completely cover this island. There is a "Rose Garden", "Palm Park", "Dahlia Garden", "Garden of Exotic Trees". And yet, it is here that you can get acquainted with the largest collection of butterflies in Germany. This island has a beautiful baroque castle with beautiful towers and a majestic castle church. You can get to the island of Mainau by ship from the ancient German city of Meersburg.
12. Island fortress of Spinalonga in Greece- this island, located next to the island of Crete, is the remnant of land on the water surface, after a strong earthquake that flooded old City Olus. Archaeological excavations, which took place here in the sixtieth year of the twentieth century, made it possible to find traces of a highly developed ancient civilization, here they found the building of an early Christian basilica, windmills. From the middle of the fifteenth century, on an island empty after a natural cataclysm, the Venetians erected a powerful fortress that was supposed to protect Crete from pirate raids. But already at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the island was captured by the Turks, who set up their settlement here. When it was declared independent, the island of Spinalonga was turned into a leper colony, people with leprosy were brought to it, and they remained here until the end of their lives. This was the case until 1955. And today, tourists are brought to this island for interesting excursions according to local historical places.
13. Koh Si Chang in Thailand- it is located in the Gulf of Thailand, so tourists often come here for a few days, vacationing in the famous Thai resort of Pattaya. On Ko Si Chang, you can both have a great rest on the magnificent sandy beaches with soft white sand, ride motorbikes, and spend a rich, from a cultural and educational point of view, vacation. The island has many very interesting sights that are definitely worth a visit. Be sure to take an excursion to the Chinese temple in the mountain caves, in one of them there is a figure of the Monkey King made of gold, in the other - the figure of the Spirit of the Cave, giving everyone who saw it good luck in their work. If you are used to outdoor activities, then conquer the three hundred steps leading to the "feet of the Buddha" - the golden imprint of the foot of the Buddha at the top. In addition, there is a nunnery on the island, partly located in caves, the second part of the monastery is located in the houses on the mountain, and from there there are stunning views of this wonderful island. Ko Si Chang has a stunning Royal Park where you can enjoy leisurely walks in the fragrant Thai nature.
14. Island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Italy- an island of architecture and philosophy in the middle. Here you will not find bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, on this, the most famous island of the Venetian lagoon, there is Cathedral seventeenth century - San Giorgio Maggiore, which was erected from 1566 to 1610, under the guidance of the architect Andrea Palladio, but, unfortunately, he died without seeing his great brainchild. The white-stone cathedral is not only the main building of the island, but also a symbol of the lagoon at the Doge's Palace, which is depicted on many souvenirs sold in Venice. The temple inside is very bright, which visually expands its space. It is decorated with magnificent paintings of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, there is an absolutely magnificent wooden crucifix, beautifully carved benches of the sixteenth and a lot of other works of art.
15. Pharaoh's Island in Jordan- This is a beautiful coral island in the Gulf of Aqaba, in ancient times converted by the famous king-commander Saladdin into a border fortress. In the twelfth century, a powerful citadel appeared on the Pharaoh, against which all plans were shattered. crusade led by English king Richard the Lionheart. The fortress is in perfect condition and today, on its territory is located interesting museum. From the tower of the citadel you can not only admire the sea surface, but also see three countries at once:, Saudi Arabia and . This island is a favorite place for visiting tourists who come to rest in Jordan. Pharaoh Island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, among which divers love to swim, watching the magnificent underwater beauties of the Red Sea. The water here is clean and clear, a pleasant turquoise color.
We talked about the most interesting, in our opinion, the islands of the world, which are famous not only for amazing beaches and natural attractions, but also for historical buildings - castles, fortresses, cathedrals and monasteries, as well as man-made parks and gardens.
