The smallest island in the world. The smallest inhabited islands

The smallest built-up island in the world is Bishop's Rock, which is located in the southwest of Great Britain, in the Scilly Archipelago. This particular island is considered (as decided by the Guinness Book of Records) the tiniest inhabited island on the planet. In general, the only thing that is available on this island is a lighthouse. This creates an island lighthouse with a height of 50 meters. For clarity, this is like a fifteen-story building. The size of the island is 16x6 meters.

The construction of a lighthouse began on this rock in 1851; construction was completed by 1858.

The smallest island on Earth - Bishop Rock

The first attempt to build a lighthouse on the island was made in 1847. But construction work could not withstand the pressure of local aggressive waves. A second attempt was made four years later and graduated in 1858. Engineer J. Walker, who created the project for construction, used huge granite blocks (almost 3 thousand tons of granite slabs were imported back then, and today there are approximately 6 thousand tons). In 1881, the architect J. Douglas decided to strengthen the lighthouse and build fortifications around it. And it so happened that the new lighthouse completely absorbed the previous one (a lighthouse in a lighthouse). In the fifties of the twentieth century, electricity was installed at the lighthouse. And in 1976, a Helipad. The lighthouse on Bishop can boast that it is not only the most difficult to build, but also the most resource-intensive lighthouse in the entire history of mankind. Probably due to this fact, a very similar beacon appeared in VKontakte gifts of the Russian Federation, however, due to the fact that gifts sometimes change and are updated, it is not in the current list.

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All the waters surrounding the Isles of Scilly are, not without reason, considered the most dangerous in all British seas. There are many references to shipwrecks in these places. One of the most tragic was the collapse of an entire squadron, which was under the control of Admiral Cloudesley in 1707. In that terrible shipwreck on the ships “Romney”, “Eagle”, “Association” more than two thousand sailors died.

The Isles of Scilly are located on one of the busiest shipping routes in all of northern Europe.

Since ancient times, these islands have been the site of constant shipwrecks. When the winds begin to blow from the West, gigantic waves of the ocean, scattering across three thousand miles of the Atlantic, crash against this outpost with incredible fury. These waves are amazingly powerful. George Bailey, who was captain of the Trinity House Pilot and Lighthouse Corporation, wrote in his diaries: “In the winter of 1861, the foggy bell of Bishop's Lighthouse in the Isles of Scilly, which is attached with a cast bracket four inches thick, more than a hundred feet above the survey of the largest channel, carried away by the waves. Gigantic waves threw their foaming crests to a height exceeding the level of the lantern. At one moment, opening, the cast bracket was pulled out, like a carrot from the soil: the bell fell down onto the rock and broke into pieces. It weighed a quarter of a ton."

By the mid-nineteenth century, the issue of frequent shipwrecks on the shores of Scilly and Wolf Rock was so serious that it was discussed in the British Parliament, which forced the state's pilotage and lighthouse corporation, Trinity House, to build on the westernmost part of the island, on Bishop Island. -Rock, lighthouse. This was a disaster for the local population.

But still, a lighthouse was built on Bishop Rock Island. It represented a true engineering triumph of the Victorian era.

Entrance to the lighthouse. Bishop's Rock is the smallest island on Earth

If you are lucky enough to be in the Silia archipelago, then visiting Bishop is not a problem. Boats and even helicopters are available to travelers. The lighthouse consists of ten floors, but only four are open to the public. If you like storms, you will definitely like it here.

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A large number of tiny continents constantly appear in the ocean, but not all of them remain “afloat”; they simply sink back into the abyss of the water. But there are also those that become inhabited, that is, populated by people. Surely many people don’t know what the smallest island in the world is and where it is located. This will be discussed in this article.

Bishop Rock

This piece of land rightfully received the title of the tiniest island. 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 only a lighthouse stands on it - nothing else fits on the rock, it is not intended for habitation. The height (including the structure) reaches 52 meters. The main task of a lighthouse is to signal nearby sailing ships about the location of a tiny piece of land and not allow them to run aground.

Bishop Rock is the smallest of the Thousand Islands. Famous rich history. There were many shipwrecks near its shores. However, throughout the history of its existence, the lighthouse has repeatedly saved ships from destruction. The building was founded in the 19th century (1847). The builders had difficulty installing the lighthouse; powerful waves and strong winds, who simply demolished the structure. As a result, the lighthouse was built from durable stone, iron beams and granite blocks. Already in 1858 the building illuminated

Tiny inhabited island of Dunbar Rock

Another one of the world's tiny sites. The smallest island, 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. Many times this piece of land has been resold, today mysterious land A white three-story hotel was built, 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

Nomadic Continent Sable

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

This is a real cemetery in the middle. Only about five hundred disasters have been documented. After the installation of service beacons, the tragedies stopped. Today, this “ship devourer” is home to a small group of people who protect the local flora from destruction. However, the island does not shine with rich vegetation; trees have difficulty taking root on it.

Residential island Caye Caulker

Available on our planet the most beautiful corners, where you feel like a real Robinson. Tourists consider Cay Caulker 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 big cities. An abundance of unusual vegetation combined with blue sea makes this place truly fabulous.

St. Simons Island

Located in the Atlantic. Lively small resort village in the middle deep ocean. 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.

Natural heritage of Croatia - the small island of Visovac

An ancient piece of land on which the temples of Our Lady of Visovac and Mother of Mercy were built, is located in the middle picturesque river Krka. Of course, this is not the smallest island on earth, but definitely the most beautiful and religious. Outside natural heritage Republic there is a lake teeming with trout. Tall cypress trees grow along the entire perimeter of the site, protecting the island from 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. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to see the smallest island in the bottomless ocean; it is simply impossible to get to it. But there are also those that, thanks to man, have become real public property and small resorts that bring in enormous profits. Moreover, the names of some of them are associated with ancient legends and tales.

Each island lives an original 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, extraordinary landscape created by nature itself, and cleanest beaches. Surely none of us would refuse to visit this amazing place, feel the pristine flavor and plunge into a sea of ​​pleasure.

How many islands are there in the world? This is perhaps 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, number of inhabitants and other factors. Each of them has its own history, and some even have 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 square meters. m. It is so small that throughout 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 keepers at the lighthouse who had to live next to the ever-raging sea elements. Today, Bishop Rock is very popular among tourists; boat excursions are held to the ancient lighthouse and extreme sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to live there for a period of one to three weeks.

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

Tiberina (Isola Tiberina)

A small island, which is shaped like a ship that has run 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 don’t 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 ancient bridges, Fabrizio and Cesti. There are many legends and myths associated with this island, which are so intertwined with the official historical facts, that it is already difficult to figure out where is truth and where is fiction. Currently, the territory of Tiberina is home to the operating hospital of San Giovanni di Dio, better known as Fatebenefratelli, the Pierleoni fortress tower 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, near the Trastevere district 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 treasure in Dunbar Rock. It’s so good that so far no one has been able to find this mysterious treasure. Apparently, this is why Bey was resold so often. Today, on the island, whose area does not exceed half a hectare, a three-story 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 watch clear water for rich fauna and flora.

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

“Just Room Enough Island”

This particular island is the smallest inhabited island in the world, but not officially, like Bishop Rock, but in fact. Its area is only 306 square meters. m. But this was enough for the American Sizeland family, who purchased it in 1950 to plant a tree there and build a cottage with a veranda. Just Room Enough Island is one of the Thousand Islands archipelago located on the St. Lawrence River along the Canada-US border. In total, the archipelago consists of 1864 islands, the sizes of which range from 100 square meters. km to plots of land about 0.1 sq. m.

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

Fula

One of the Shetland Islands and the most remote island from all inhabited Britain. Fula is located 32 km west of the neighboring island. But despite this, more than 30 people currently live on the island. They are all like one big, friendly family. Most of them make their living from fishing, sheep farming and tourism. Fula Island is very attractive for tourists, but not everyone risks visiting it due to frequent storms. In case of bad weather, you simply cannot leave there. And locals say this is one of the reasons they love living on the island. They are not even embarrassed by the fact that for groceries and medical care you need to travel by boat or fly across the ocean. 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 Shetland. Or 12 hour ferry crossing from Aberdeen and Kirkwall. Then by plane or by sea from Mainland Island to Fula Island. However, it is worth considering that flights to Fula are not regular.

Pitcairn Islands

This two-mile-long inhabited island is located in the southern part Pacific Ocean. It will take a very long time to get to it. Therefore, not everyone will risk going on such a trip on their own. long journey. It is known that with the opening of the Panama Canal they call at Pitcairn 4 times a year for a few hours. cruise ships. During this time, tourists have time to explore local attractions and chat with local residents. There are currently 50 people living on Pitcairn, all of whom are descendants of the famous HMS Bounty mutineers who settled the island in 1790. Of these, only 15 people are able to work. That is why in 2014 the Pitcairn government tried to attract new settlers to the island and launched a special program for this. However, there were very few people willing to live far from world centers - only one person took the risk and applied for a visa.

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

Suwarrow Atoll

This real island treasure, which is located in the South Pacific Ocean. And if it has still not been possible to find a hidden treasure on Bay Island, then a chest with gold coins has already been dug up on this piece of land. But Suvorov Atoll is known not only for its treasures; in 1978, the first and so far only national park Cook Islands, where many nest seabirds, including turquoise parrots. The atoll is a group of coral islets, which sometimes reach only a few tens of square meters and surround two lagoons - both large and deep. The entire land area is 1.68 square meters. km. This place is very popular among divers and pearl hunters. The coral island was discovered by the Russian navigator Mikhail Lazarev, who visited here on September 17, 1814. His ship, on which he discovered this piece of land, was called “Suvorov”, and that’s why 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 received permission, independently on a rented yacht.

Mont Saint Michel

The rocky island fortress, 80 m high and about 950 m in circumference, is located in Basse-Normandy in northwestern France. Perhaps this is one of the most popular areas of land among tourists. About 3 million people visit Mont Saint-Michel every year. 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 excursion bus, rented car or high speed train from Montparnasse station.

Caye Chapel

The island resort is only two and a half miles long and is located 20 km off the coast of Belize in the western part Caribbean. Despite its small size, Caye Chapelle has private runway strip 8 villas, apartments, bars and restaurants, 18-hole golf course, large swimming pool complex and over 2 kilometers of pristine sandy beaches. Caye Chapel Resort can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests. Although everyone who can afford it has the opportunity to relax on the island alone, with their family or with their cheerful company. The standard stay includes the option of exclusive rental of the entire island for 3 days or more.

How to Get There: Via a 2-hour flight from the continental US 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 form in several ways: by separating from the earth or becoming part of solid rock ejected by an underwater volcano.

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

Bishop Rock

This is the smallest piece of land. There is one building structure. You can find the island in the county of Carnoll in the west of England. To get to it, you need to swim deep into 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.


There is only a lighthouse built on this island. Its purpose is to warn ships about the danger of landing on a reef. There is only enough room for 4 people on this piece of land. Until 1992, one worker lived here, repairing a signal building. After the lighthouse is fully automated, visitors rarely come.

You can find this group of islands on the border of the USA and Canada. An archipelago stretching 80 km along the St. Lawrence River is being formed. This includes 1864 islands. Part of them - National treasure UNESCO. There are areas of all sizes here. Some of them are inhabited by people.


Officially, only land with an area of ​​at least 1 m², which is above sea level all year round, can be considered an island. At least one tree must grow on the ground. Tourists' favorite miniature plots of land in the Thousand Islands archipelago are the following:


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


Wolf Island. This is the largest area of ​​the archipelago. Population: 1400 people;


One Room Island. It only holds one single-story house, a tree, and two benches.

Pontikonisi

This mini continent is located in Greece. You can find it in the Kanoni area. The area of ​​the territory is 1 hectare. Along the shore, Panticonisi is surrounded by a stone fence that prevents flooding during high tide. This one is popular tourist site has long been known. There are excursions to ancient monuments Greece.


The only building on the small land is the Pantokrator Monastery, built in the early 12th century. Its dilapidated walls continue to amaze tourists, and the white ornate steps along the island resemble a mouse’s tail. You can get there by ferry, which departs from Cape Kanoni 4 times a day.

A small piece of land located in mysterious place on Lake Bled in Slovenia. Besides fresh water it is surrounded by forests and mountains of the Julian Alps. This is the only natural island in the country and is considered the main attraction of the area. Tourists who come 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 by excursion group on gondolas. Ships arrive at the island's embankment. From here a stone staircase stretches to the Church of the Assumption. This place is popular among 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 were discovered on the island.

In the middle of Lake Iseo up close Northern Italy Loretto Island is located. It administratively belongs to the Siviano district. It can only be viewed from the outside, since the land has been purchased, and new owner does not welcome tourists. Sailing around it on a boat, you can see the pier, two ancient lighthouses and a neo-Gothic castle built in 1910 by Vincenzo Richieri. The territory of Loretto is planted with coniferous trees.


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

An interesting landmark of Montenegro is a miniature piece of land in the middle of the Bay of Kotor. It is located in quiet bay surrounded majestic mountains. On the territory you can see an abbey founded in the 9th century. The ancient buildings are surrounded by a stone wall. The residents of this area experienced constant tension. The island was captured and destroyed many times. In the 16th century, a Turkish pirate burned the abbey. 100 years after its 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. The works of Lovro Marinov Dobrichevich, who wrote in the 15th century, are exhibited here. The mysterious island 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 located next to the ancient city of Trakai in Lithuania. This island is located on Lake Galve. The area is considered a landmark of the city. The miniature continent holds ancient castle, which was built in the 14th century. Previously, the building was a strategic object, while Trakai was considered the center of the Main Duchy of Lithuania. Now concerts, festivals and thematic meetings take place here.


Center architectural ensemble defensive complex - the palace where Prince Vitovt lived. This building is surrounded by a massive wall, which has remained strong after centuries. You can get to the island without restrictions. You need to cross the bridge to the neighboring piece of land and go to Trakai. 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 oceans and seas belong to the state. They will move to private property, as soon as a buyer is found for them. You can buy an island in any part of 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. There are a huge number of mini islands for sale. The following areas are considered attractive for living and working:


Sweet, British Columbia. This piece of land is located in the middle of a lake in Canada. There is a residential building and a shipyard on the territory. The island is densely covered with coniferous trees.


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 island is located close to the mainland. It's catching here mobile connection. It can be reached by boat in 15 minutes from the Placencia pier.


Cockrouch Bay, Belize. The island is located next to the Barrier Reef. Coastline covered with golden sand. Mangrove trees and coconut palms grow on the territory.


Tidmarsh, Nova Scotia. This area is suitable for building your own castle. Amazing miniature lands are located near the coast of Nova Scotia. The nearest city with the necessary infrastructure is Sheet 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 piers built here, which are located on opposite sides of the land.


Staff, Ireland. This European island pristine appearance. The vegetation here grows near the shore. The crowns of majestic trees bend towards the water, creating cozy paradises. Next to it are the same small lands that the state is ready to transfer to private individuals.


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


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


Little Golding Cay, Bahamas. This landmass 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 areas are gradually being inhabited by people and turning into amazing attractions. Even the smallest lands washed by the waters of oceans and lakes have names and administrative affiliations.

Bishop Rock Bishop Rock Bishop Rock  /   / 49.87167; -6.44500(G) (I)Coordinates: 49°52′18″ n. w. 6°26′42″ W d. /  49.87167° s. w. 6.44500° W. d. / 49.87167; -6.44500(G) (I)

Not far from the island, on May 7, 1875, one of the largest British history ship accidents. Due to a navigation error, the sailing ship " Schiller» ran aground. 335 died, only 37 people survived.

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Excerpt describing Bishop Rock

- What am I thinking about? – Prince Andrei asked in surprise.
– About life, about the purpose of a person. It can't be. I thought the same thing and it saved me, you know what? Freemasonry No, don't smile. Freemasonry is not a religious, not a ritual sect, as I thought, but Freemasonry is the best, the only expression of the best, eternal sides of humanity. - And he began to explain Freemasonry to Prince Andrey, as he understood it.
He said that Freemasonry is the teaching of Christianity, freed from state and religious shackles; teachings of equality, brotherhood and love.
– Only our holy brotherhood has real meaning in life; “everything else is a dream,” said Pierre. “You understand, my friend, that outside of this union everything is full of lies and untruths, and I agree with you that an intelligent and kind person has no choice but to live out his life, like you, trying only not to interfere with others.” But assimilate our basic beliefs, join our brotherhood, give yourself to us, let us guide you, and now you will feel, as I did, part of this huge, invisible chain, the beginning of which is hidden in the heavens,” said Pierre.
Prince Andrey, silently, looking ahead, listened to Pierre's speech. Several times, unable to hear from the noise of the stroller, he repeated the unheard words from Pierre. By the special sparkle that lit up in the eyes of Prince Andrei, and by his silence, Pierre saw that his words were not in vain, that Prince Andrei would not interrupt him and would not laugh at his words.
They arrived at a flooded river, which they had to cross by ferry. While the carriage and horses were being installed, they went to the ferry.
Prince Andrei, leaning on the railing, silently looked along the flood glittering from the setting sun.
- Well, what do you think about this? - asked Pierre, - why are you silent?
- What I think? I listened to you. “It’s all true,” said Prince Andrei. “But you say: join our brotherhood, and we will show you the purpose of life and the purpose of man, and the laws that govern the world.” Who are we, people? Why do you know everything? Why am I the only one who doesn’t see what you see? You see the kingdom of goodness and truth on earth, but I don’t see it.
Pierre interrupted him. – Do you believe in a future life? - he asked.
- To the future life? – Prince Andrei repeated, but Pierre did not give him time to answer and took this repetition as a denial, especially since he knew Prince Andrei’s previous atheistic beliefs.