... Wonder Island, Wonder Island
Living on it is easy and simple ...
Do you remember this children's song about the miracle island?
But the truth is, when it comes to the islands, we all imagine a bright tropical paradise with a gentle surf, palm trees and a variety of all kinds of drinks. But it turns out that there are islands where the summer hardly comes, and the winter lasts for 6 months a year.
In this article we will talk about the largest islands of the Earth.
1
Greenland (2 175 600 km²)
We are going to such an island now, and it is called Greenland - the largest, coldest and most snowy island in the world.
You will not find outstanding architectural sights here, but you can see powerful glaciers, admire the northern lights, ride a harness and even go fishing, and if you are very lucky, which happens infrequently, you can even catch a shark for dinner. Fans of extreme sports and non-standard rest will love it here.
In the photo: Summer in Greenland. Taziilak city.
2
New Guinea (790,000 km²)
Until recently, the island of New Guinea, in the Pacific Ocean, was connected to Australia, but since the sea level was constantly rising, the island was separated from the continent by funny kangaroos and natives by the Torres Strait.
The diverse and amazing flora and fauna of the island is simply mesmerizing. And recently, scientists have completely discovered the "Garden of Eden" in New Guinea. Unknown birds and animals still live there, as well as unknown plants grow. On the island to our time there is an agricultural settlement of Cook.
3
Kalimantan (737,500 km²)
Kalimantan (Borneo) is a storehouse of fabulous places of wildlife, only here you can enjoy the beauty of the evergreen jungle and see the animals that live only on this island.
The island is divided into four parts: Central, Southern, Western and Eastern. It's hard to believe, but on Kalimantan there are places where a person’s foot has never stepped. And civilization still has not reached these lands. The Dayak tribes that inhabit the island have been living according to their own rules and traditions for many years and are not going to change anything in their lives, trying in this way to preserve their original culture and pass on their customs to their heirs.
4
Madagascar (587,041 km²)
Madagascar is a land of riot of colors, exotic plants and a variety of wildlife. Lemurs are especially popular because they are very friendly animals.
But did you know that Madagascar, the fourth largest island, is a leader in the production of such a fragrant spice as vanilla?
There are also some customs and traditions, a little strange for Europeans. For example, the inhabitants of Madagascar never clean the web in their home, as they consider it grace, and spiders as sacred animals.
And Madagascar is one of the largest island states in the world, a complete list of which you can find on thebiggest.ru.
5
Baffin Land (507,451 km²)
This island can rightfully be called the possessions of the Snow Queen. So huge and snowy, it impresses with its unearthly beauty and grandeur. And let it be said that Baffin Land is not at all adapted for life, and it is very difficult to survive here, Inuit - the indigenous inhabitants of the island are ready to argue with this statement. After all, despite all the difficulties they live, they have been here for almost 4 thousand years.
This place is especially valuable for climbers, and all because almost half of the island is occupied by mountains. Polar bears, walruses and seals live on the island. If you want to see them, rather pack your bags and go ahead.
6
Sumatra (425,000 km²)
Sumatra is one of the largest islands in Indonesia. Tropical paradise delights with various attractions, both natural and architectural.
If you do not know where to start your journey around Sumatra, we strongly recommend visiting Lake Toba - the largest crater lake in the world. And the village of Bukit Lavang will help you plunge into the wonderful world of wildlife. Previously, there was a center for the rehabilitation of orangutans, but now it is closed.
In the photo: Lake Maninjau, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
The cozy town of Berastagi, Nias Island, Lake Mananjau - and these are not all the attractions of Sumatra. They are waiting for you and are ready to show you all their splendor.
But it is worth noting that, despite the bright variety of nature, Sumatra is not the safest place for tourists. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides occur here very often. But if you are not timid, welcome to Sumatra.
7
United Kingdom (229,946 km²)
No, no, you heard right, Great Britain is an island that is part of the archipelago of the British Isles and is divided into three parts: England, Wales and Scotland.
It's no secret that Britain is replete with all sorts of attractions of different times and even eras. A large number of medieval castles, cozy chapels, historical museums, modern exhibitions and other architectural buildings attract tourists from all over the globe. What is Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Tower.
But, in addition to architecture, the island is rich in natural monuments: the legendary Loch Ness Lake, the centuries-old Stonehenge and the enchanting Giants Road will delight the most demanding tourist.
8
Honshu (227,414 km²)
This Japanese island ranks seventh among the highest islands in the world and the first in the number of volcanoes. Mountains and volcanoes occupy almost the entire territory of Honshu: both active and extinct. Here is the national treasure of Japan - the legendary Fujiyama volcano, which is still active.
The capital of Japan - Tokyo and the legendary Hiroshima, which survived the nuclear attack, are also located on the island. When traveling in Japan, be sure to include Honshu Island in your route, because there is something to see here.
For every traveler, there is surely something interesting. The entire coast of the Pacific Ocean burns with the lights of provincial cities and villages, walking along the streets of which you can enjoy the ancient culture and get acquainted with Japanese architecture. Shirakawa, Gokayama, Kanazawa and other cities of Honshu Island await you at any time of the year.
9
Victoria (217,291 km²)
Victoria is another snowy and cold island on our list. Due to the harsh climate and the lack of fertile soil, the island is almost not populated, only about 1,700 people live on it. And you will not find architectural monuments here.
The frosty climate and eternal snows do not contribute to attracting tourists to these parts. Therefore, on the island, except for permanent residents, you can see except that scientists and meteorologists.
10
Ellesmere (196,236 km²)
Ellesmere is an integral part of the Queen Elizabeth Islands, and it is named after the English poet and civilian of the 19th century Earl of Ellesmere. Due to permafrost and the lack of sufficient sunlight, there are almost no plants here, and the representatives of the animal world can be counted on the fingers: polar bears, musk ox, walruses and seals - this is probably the whole list.
Do not expect to sunbathe here, and you can not take a swimsuit either, it definitely will not come in handy, but a warm sweater will be just the way. This place cannot be called hot, almost half of the island is covered by glaciers.
And if you want to know about the coldest places in Russia, then follow this link.
11
Sulawesi (174,600 km²)
Indonesia's largest island - the handsome Sulawesi is translated as "iron island" and is surrounded on all sides by the water element, namely the Sulawesi sea, Banda sea and the Makassar Strait.
An interesting feature of this island is the existence of the active volcano Ambang on its territory. The last eruption was in 1845, and when the next happens it is unknown, one can only hope that soon.
Sulawesi also surprises with its flora and fauna, among which is anoa buffalo. This type of buffalo has long been threatened with extinction and is listed in the Red Book, but this does not stop hunter-poachers. Also on the island there is a very interesting wild pig babirussa.
12
South Island (150,737 km²)
New Zealand also boasts a large and beautiful island, which is located on its territory and it is called - South Island.
South Island is adjacent to the southern Alps, among which the snow-capped Mount Cook flaunts. And the beautiful and vibrant Kea parrots that inhabit the island make it also very interesting for tourists.
13
Java (132,000 km²)
The giant giant Indonesian island with the beautiful name Java is also worthy of a place on our list. After all, it is not only large, but also culturally developed and beautiful. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located on this island, which is also the largest Indonesian city.
Java is famous for its volcanoes, there are 120 of them, 30 of which spew lava in our days. One third of the territory of Java is occupied by impenetrable jungle, which is filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna. And here is the largest river in the country called Solo.
And gardens that may soon be destroyed by volcanic eruptions, read on thebiggest.ru in this article.
14
North Island (114,050 km²)
Another major island of New Zealand is second only in area, but the first in economic and industrial development is called North Island. It is on it that the capital of the country is located - the city of Wellington, as well as volcanoes, the famous long New Zealand river Uykato and the largest lake on the island of Taupo.
The island is also rich in attractions, including the village of Russell, Christ Church and the Baring Head lighthouse.
15
Newfoundland (108,860 km²)
The beautiful island of Newfoundland is located off the coast of North America and belongs to the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. Even the name speaks for itself, because if we translate the word Newfoundland from English, we will hear “the land that we found” or “newfound land”.
The island is very beautiful and decorated with vibrant local plants. It is more suitable for "ecotourists" and lovers of fishing. After all, only on this miraculous island can you see places untouched by man. And these landscapes simply fascinate and delight.
16
Cuba (105,007 km²)
“Cuba is far away, Cuba is far, Cuba is near” - the whole Soviet Union sang this song, dreaming of visiting a miracle country. But such a mysterious and controversial island of Cuba is one of the largest islands in the world. It is located in the north of the Caribbean.
“Liberty Island” - as it is also called, is famous for minerals, including oil and gas, as well as sultry heat, rain and gusty winds. If you are in Cuba, be sure to visit the Castillo de San Pedro Fortress and the Havana Military History Park.
17
Luzon (104,688 km²)
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is home to the country's capital city of Manila, which consists of as many as 17 districts and it can rightfully be called a whole metropolis. But modern technology will not be able to overshadow the golden beaches of the island, because progress here is not at all important.
The island will be appreciated by lovers of nature, silence and tranquility, here your soul will find peace and tranquility, and your body will gain strength and energy.
18
Iceland (102,828 km²)
At first glance, it might seem that Iceland is an impregnable and even inhospitable island. But, despite the abundance of glaciers and snow, the climate here is very mild, and in summer, when the temperature reaches + 20 ° C, it is very comfortable here.
It is noteworthy that in Iceland there are no polar nights, since the whole island lies south of the Polar Pole. Iceland has a huge number of hot springs, thanks to which, in the homes of Icelanders it is always warm and cozy.
Some of Iceland's attractions include the Botanical Garden, the National Museum and the Reykjavik Art Gallery. According to the popular site most-beauty.ru Iceland is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
19
Mindanao (94,630 km²)
Mindanao - this is where a real paradise for vacationers: the sea, the sun, the beach, attractions. All this is in large quantities. But enjoying all this beauty, it will not be amiss to remember the precautionary measures: boil water and not enter the forbidden territory - these are the main rules of stay in Mindanao.
And if you still want to know Mindanao better, buy tickets to the national park, here you will see endangered species of birds and animals.
Conclusion
Only love and the ability to travel make a person absolutely happy, so travel and fill your life with bright colors.
Article author: Lidia Rudia