Most of us live in apartments or private houses. We're all used to having work, schools, shops, and other amenities necessary for a normal life nearby. But what about living on an island? Yes, on a tiny patch of land half the size of Red Square, nestled in the water. No TsUM, no Pyaterochka across the street, no road itself. And what's the point of shops? Your only neighbors are, at best, silent trees and equally silent (in human language, at least) birds and animals. Not ready yet? Then let's find out what's happening on the ten smallest islands where people currently live.
1. Bjarnarey, Iceland
This island is located off the southern coast of Iceland. Its size is such that a person could easily walk the entire area in a single day. Bjarnarey doesn't boast much life—the only vegetation on the island's surface is grass, and there are no permanent animals. The island would have long been considered uninhabited if not for a lonely house shrouded in legend. The history of its construction is unknown, as is who lives there today (and what, ultimately, they eat). It is speculated that hunters, arriving by helicopter, stay there during the breeding season of shearwaters.
2. Mont Saint Michel, France
Also known as Mont Saint-Michel, this island, located on the northwest coast of France, is essentially a water fortress. The small landmass below is surrounded by walls and towers, while the central part of the island is home to houses and various buildings. The crowning glory and main attraction of Mont Saint-Michel is rightfully considered the Benedictine abbey. Beyond its spiritual and historical significance, the monastery is also a true gem of the island – as soon as the sun begins to set, Mont Saint-Michel transforms into a picturesque spot thanks to the abbey's illuminations. This amazing island, rich in cultural treasures, attracts between 1.5 and 2 million tourists annually.
3. Loreto, Italy
This beautiful place has captivated visitors for centuries with its seclusion. Loreto is a small private island and castle on Lake Iseo in northern Italy. Originally inhabited by monks, a monastery was built here in the late 5th century, which lasted for several centuries before being abandoned in the 16th century. During Cardinal Carlo Borromeo's visit to the island in 1580, a hermit named Peter was living there. In the late 15th century, it belonged to the nuns of the Monastery of Santa Chiara, and in the 16th century, it was abandoned. Now a private residence, it has become a true gem on Lake Iseo in Italy.
4. Dunbar, Honduras
As with Bjarnarey Island, the island known as Dunbar contains only one building. However, further comparisons are futile—after all, the rocky Dunbar is home to a luxurious private villa, which actually occupies the entire island. The owner of this extravagant residence eventually decided that six bedrooms were too much for him alone, so he began renting out his apartment as a hotel. Needless to say, the island hotel is in high demand and never empties—it's small, and there's always plenty of tourists and divers seeking an unusual vacation.
5. Gospa od Skrpjela, Montenegro
Another island is home to a historical and spiritual monument. This time, it's Our Lady of the Rocks, located near the town of Perast in Montenegro. On the island's surface stands the Church of the Mother of God, hand-built in 1630 as a talisman for sailors on their voyages and journeys. However, 47 years later, the church was severely damaged by an earthquake, and it only acquired its present appearance in 1722. The monastery is the only building on the island—it's truly difficult to fit anything else on the extremely narrow 3,000-square-meter plot of land.
6. St. George, Montenegro
To visit the next island on the list, we won't need to fly to another country, or even change our location. Indeed, from Our Lady of the Rocks to St. George's Island, it's so close that you could swim the distance breaststroke. It's also home to a shrine—another Benedictine abbey, though the structure is much more modest than the one on Mont Saint-Michel. Besides the church, the island's surface is covered by a small forest, creating a very picturesque landscape. However, the views must be admired from afar—the island is closed to the public.
7. Island on Lake Galvė, Lithuania
But on the island in the middle of Lake Galvė, curious tourists are most welcome. The reason for their visit is the ancient Trakai Castle, built nearly six centuries ago. Indeed, such a sight is rare these days: a genuine brick castle, as if straight out of a fairy tale, and on its own island! Besides being an architectural and historical monument in its own right, the castle also houses the Trakai Museum, illustrating all stages of the city's life and development. You can also take a boat ride around the castle island, enjoying a romantic evening and the magnificent view of the illuminated fortress.
8. Pontikonisi, Greece
A famous stretch of land in Greece also earned a place on our list. Pontikonisi is a place where people harmonize perfectly with nature. The island boasts abundant vegetation and trees, making it a true home for many birds and animals. The waters around the land are literally teeming with various species of fish. Human traces on the island are present in the form of an active monastery – the holy cloister is located right in the middle of Pontikonisi, surrounded by forest. Incidentally, the island's second name (Mouse Island) is associated with the church. The stone staircase leading to the monastery, from a distance, looks remarkably like a mouse's tail.
9. Visovac, Croatia
As you can see, in most cases, a tiny island becomes habitable thanks to literally a single building. Often, this structure is a church. Visovac in Croatia is no exception. The island is almost perfectly circular, and within it is a Franciscan monastery. The shrine is surrounded by several dozen cypresses and other trees: along with the clergy, various birds and animals share the island's life. Indeed, who else but monks could settle on such a secluded patch of land, whose coastline is only half a kilometer long (it's easy to calculate how many times a day you could walk around Visovac).
10. Wilhelmstein, Germany
One glance at Wilhelmstein Island immediately reveals where we've landed to see yet another entry in our hit parade. It's an artificial, rectangular landmass, its sides seemingly measured to the centimeter. Also striking is the austere building erected precisely in the center of the island. This is truly German precision! The island was originally built as a water fortress. A man named Duke Wilhelm of Schaumburg-Lippe planned to use it to defend his own county and built a military college here. To be fair, the idea worked (the island did manage to repel an enemy attack), but only after Wilhelm's death. Today, it houses a museum.
11. Lake Bled Island, Slovenia
Well, we've finally reached the most interesting part. What, another church in the forest? In fact, that's right – on an island in Lake Bled, there really is a St. Mary's Church with a medieval bell tower. Thousands of lovers flock here every year not only to register their relationship but also to get married, after first climbing the 99 joyful steps leading up to the church. The uniqueness of this piece of land lies in the optical illusion that accompanies its contemplation. When you look at the island from the same level, it seems as if it's simply hanging in mid-air! The visual effect is enhanced during foggy weather. That's why this island is also known as the "flying island.".
12. Southern Bass, USA
The world's smallest tourist island is located in the Ohio section of Lake Erie. Its small footprint accommodates a small brewery and winery, staffed by indigenous residents. The island's population is less than 400. Tourists come here not only to sample the local brews but also to enjoy boating on the lake and camping in the wild.
13. Cay Caulker, Belize
This island is located in the Caribbean Sea, 20 miles off the coast of Belize. It is home to the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Fewer than 1,500 people live on the island. Until the mid-19th century, Caye Caulker was uninhabited, with only occasional British ships calling to replenish water supplies or make simple repairs. But then Mexican refugees arrived, planting coconut palms and founding a fishing village with sandy paths, which has now become a very popular, albeit small, resort. An airstrip was even built on the island, though it remains vulnerable to hurricanes.
14. Saba, Lesser Antilles
In the Caribbean Sea, west of Saint Martin, lies the island of Saba, with a population of 1,200. The best time to visit is January through March. It's called the "pristine queen of the Caribbean" for its unspoiled state. It has virtually no tourist infrastructure or suitable swimming spots. However, this dormant volcano-turned-island is a popular destination for divers. It boasts a unique marine park.
15. Corvo, Azores
Among the Azores, lost in the vast Atlantic, the most secluded and tiny island is Corvo. It exudes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and its natural beauty, verdant landscapes, flowering hills, picturesque lakes, and rocky shores, captivate travelers who have ventured so far. The island's name, incidentally, translates as "Crow Island.".
The mid-Atlantic boasts a subtropical climate, making it ideal for fishing, scuba diving, exploring the island on leisurely walks, or enjoying fresh seafood almost year-round. Corvo's only village, Vila Novo do Corvo, is home to about 500 people, all of whom are very welcoming. This cozy little town features houses built of black stone, with cobbled streets winding between them. Lifestyle here is entirely pastoral, and all the locals know each other well. A long-standing tradition here is securing houses with wooden locks, crafted by local artisans. Residents still use them, emphasizing their friendliness and openness.
16. Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands
In the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Argentina, lies a group of disputed islands (the Falkland Islands for the United Kingdom and the Malvinas Islands for Argentina), the smallest of which bears the proud name of Sea Lion Island. The local waters are home to a rich fauna, including elephant seals, penguins, and killer whales. Seven local residents maintain order on the island, and it opens to tourists in early October, with the season closing in April.
17. Little St. Simons, USA
Only 25 people live and work on this island permanently, while the rest are tourists. The island is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia and is part of the Golden Isles archipelago. The island boasts pristine, clean sandy beaches and pine groves. The peak tourist season is in the spring.
18. Benguerra, Mozambique Islands
In the Mozambique archipelago, Benguerra Island is home to a national marine reserve. It is home to a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos, terns, kingfishers, egrets, and cormorants. One and a half kilometers east of the island lies a coral reef, very popular among divers vacationing in Mozambique. It boasts beautiful corals, clownfish, small sharks, groupers, and a variety of colorful coral fish. Nature has created a unique pool among the corals, known as an "aquarium," and is ideal for snorkeling.
The island's rhythm of life matches the leisurely pace of the locals, who boast a rich culture. On the northern horizon, African dhows dart across the horizon, some towing fishing nets, while others carry tourists to the coral reef.
The tropical Mozambique islands enjoy year-round summer. However, the best time to visit is during the dry, slightly cooler season from May to November, which is Mozambique's winter. However, December to January is uncomfortably hot, and February and March bring tropical downpours.
19. Yap, Micronesia
This island in the South Pacific is part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Only part of the island is open to tourists, while the rest is used for agriculture. It offers excellent scuba diving conditions.
The island has a permanent population of 1,200 people—simple, friendly, calm, and smiling, just like the other islanders. Visitors are not a burden to them, as long as their way of life and traditions are respected.
The local tribe has the hardest currency in the world—stone money. And not just small coins, but three-meter-long circles weighing several hundred kilograms. The value of each coin increased if a human was sacrificed specifically for it. For example, if the head of a family died during a foray to the island of Palau, where the "mint" was located, the value of all the "hard currency" held by his relatives increased. To this day, when walking along the stone paths in the thicket, you can see these enormous stone treasures, thickly covered in moss.
20. Madeleine, USA
Of the 22 islands of the Apostle Archipelago, only Madeleine Island is inhabited. It has a permanent population of 300. The best time to visit is from May to October. In the summer, you can even play golf, bike, or kayak, while in the winter, you can ski or snowmobile.