Islands have fascinated humans for centuries, serving as mysterious retreats, biodiversity hotspots, and unique cultural hubs. From the icy landscapes of the Arctic to tropical paradises near the equator, the world’s islands are as diverse as they are numerous.
a wonderful journey around the globe.
Why Explore Islands Alphabetically?
Organizing islands alphabetically helps in creating an accessible and structured way to learn about some of the most significant or unique islands worldwide. It also encourages curiosity about places one might not have heard of before.
“Islands are the crossroads of cultural exchange, natural wonder, and human imagination.” – Unknown
Table of Contents
A to Z Islands Table
| Letter | Island Name | Location | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Alaska’s Kodiak Island | United States, North Pacific Ocean | Largest island in Alaska, famous for Kodiak bears |
| B | Bali | Indonesia, Indian Ocean | Popular tourist destination known for beaches and culture |
| C | Cyprus | Mediterranean Sea | Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite in mythology |
| D | Dominica | Caribbean Sea | Known as the “Nature Island” for its lush rainforests |
| E | Elba | Mediterranean Sea, Italy | Napoleon’s place of exile |
| F | Fiji | South Pacific Ocean | Renowned for coral reefs and tropical climate |
| G | Greenland | North Atlantic Ocean | World’s largest island, mostly covered by ice |
| H | Hokkaido | Japan, Pacific Ocean | Known for its cold climate and natural parks |
| I | Iceland | North Atlantic Ocean | Volcanic island famous for geysers and glaciers |
| J | Java | Indonesia, Indian Ocean | Most populous island in the world |
| K | Kauai | Hawaii, United States | Known as the “Garden Isle” due to lush vegetation |
| L | Lanai | Hawaii, United States | Small Hawaiian island known for luxury resorts |
| M | Madagascar | Indian Ocean | World’s fourth largest island, rich in biodiversity |
| N | Newfoundland | Canada, North Atlantic Ocean | Famous for rugged coastline and fishing industry |
| O | Oahu | Hawaii, United States | Home to Honolulu and famous Waikiki Beach |
| P | Palawan | Philippines, South China Sea | Known for crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs |
| Q | Qeshm Island | Iran, Persian Gulf | Largest island in the Persian Gulf with unique geology |
| R | Rhodes | Greece, Aegean Sea | Famous for medieval Old Town and ancient ruins |
| S | Sicily | Italy, Mediterranean Sea | Largest Mediterranean island, home to Mount Etna |
| T | Tasmania | Australia, Southern Ocean | Known for wilderness and unique wildlife |
| U | Uist (Outer Hebrides) | Scotland, Atlantic Ocean | Known for beautiful beaches and Gaelic culture |
| V | Vancouver Island | Canada, Pacific Ocean | Renowned for forests, mountains, and coastal beauty |
| W | Whidbey Island | United States, Puget Sound | Popular for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing |
| X | Xiamen Island | China, Taiwan Strait | Developed city island with rich colonial history |
| Y | Yap | Micronesia, Western Pacific Ocean | Known for stone money and ancient culture |
| Z | Zanzibar | Tanzania, Indian Ocean | Historic trade hub with spice plantations |
Detailed Island Descriptions
A – Alaska’s Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island is the second largest island in the United States and the largest in Alaska. It is renowned for its population of Kodiak bears, a subspecies of brown bears that are among the largest predators on earth.
The island’s rugged terrain and dense forests provide a perfect habitat for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Beyond wildlife, Kodiak has a rich indigenous heritage and a thriving fishing industry. Visitors are often drawn to its remote natural beauty and opportunities for sport fishing and hiking.
B – Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island famous worldwide for its vibrant culture, spectacular beaches, and lush volcanic landscapes. It attracts millions of tourists every year seeking spiritual retreats, surfing, and cultural experiences.
The island’s Hindu temples, traditional dance performances, and artisan crafts create a unique cultural atmosphere. Bali’s economy heavily depends on tourism, and it is often called the “Island of the Gods.”
C – Cyprus
Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is known for its rich history spanning thousands of years. According to Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
Cyprus offers diverse landscapes from sandy beaches to mountainous regions. Its cultural heritage includes ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and a blend of Greek and Turkish influences.
D – Dominica
Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is a Caribbean island celebrated for its unspoiled natural environment. Dubbed the “Nature Island,” Dominica is home to lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the world’s second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake.
The island places strong emphasis on eco-tourism and has several protected areas encouraging sustainable travel and wildlife conservation.
E – Elba
Elba is a Mediterranean island off the coast of Tuscany, Italy, known historically as Napoleon Bonaparte’s place of exile in 1814. Despite its small size, Elba offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and mountainous terrain.
Today, Elba is a popular tourist destination with a blend of historical sites and natural beauty.
F – Fiji
Located in the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It is famous for its coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and warm tropical climate.
Fiji’s culture is a mix of indigenous Fijian, Indian, European, and Chinese influences. The islands are a favorite for diving, snorkeling, and luxury resorts.
G – Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island that is not a continent, covered mostly by ice sheets. It lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, making it a key location for climate research.
The indigenous Inuit population has a rich cultural legacy, and the island offers dramatic landscapes from fjords to glaciers.
H – Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, known for its cold climate, ski resorts, and natural parks. It is less urbanized than other parts of Japan, offering pristine wilderness and hot springs.
Hokkaido also hosts the indigenous Ainu people, whose culture adds to the island’s unique identity.
I – Iceland
Iceland is a volcanic island in the North Atlantic famous for its geysers, hot springs, and glaciers. Its dramatic landscapes include volcanic craters, lava fields, and waterfalls.
Despite its harsh climate, Iceland has a thriving culture, modern cities, and is a global leader in renewable energy.
J – Java
Java is Indonesia’s most populous island and an economic and cultural hub. It hosts the capital city Jakarta and numerous active volcanoes.
Java is rich in history, from ancient temples like Borobudur to colonial architecture. It plays a significant role in Indonesia’s politics and economy.
K – Kauai
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island, affectionately called the “Garden Isle” due to its lush tropical forests, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. It is less developed than other Hawaiian islands, offering tranquil beaches and pristine nature.
Kauai is a popular location for filming movies and outdoor adventures such as hiking and kayaking.
L – Lanai
Lanai is one of Hawaii’s smaller islands, known for luxury resorts and a quiet atmosphere. It was once a pineapple plantation island but has since transformed into an exclusive getaway.
The island offers rugged landscapes, secluded beaches, and hiking trails for visitors seeking peace and nature.
M – Madagascar
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located off the southeast coast of Africa. It is famous for its unique flora and fauna, with many species found nowhere else on Earth.
The island’s biodiversity includes lemurs, baobab trees, and vibrant coral reefs. Madagascar’s culture is a blend of African, Asian, and European influences.
N – Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a large island off Canada’s east coast, known for its rugged coastline, fishing villages, and maritime history. It has a distinct cultural identity, including unique music and dialects.
The island’s natural beauty includes fjords, cliffs, and abundant wildlife such as puffins and whales.
O – Oahu
Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It is famous for Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and vibrant urban life combined with natural beauty.
Oahu offers a rich mix of cultural sites, outdoor activities, and bustling markets.
P – Palawan
Palawan is a Philippine island known for stunning limestone cliffs, clear blue waters, and diverse marine life. It has been repeatedly named one of the world’s best islands for eco-tourism.
The island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
Q – Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island lies in the Persian Gulf and is the largest island in the Gulf region. It features unique geological formations, including the Valley of Stars, and a rich cultural history influenced by trade routes.
Qeshm is also an important ecological zone for migratory birds and marine species.
R – Rhodes
Rhodes is a Greek island famous for its medieval Old Town, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. It was an important cultural and military center in classical and medieval times.
The island’s history includes the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
S – Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy. It is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
The island has a rich blend of cultures, from Greek and Roman to Arab and Norman, reflected in its architecture and cuisine.
T – Tasmania
Tasmania is an island state of Australia, known for its wilderness areas, unique wildlife, and temperate climate. It features rugged mountains, dense forests, and beautiful coastlines.
The island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
U – Uist (Outer Hebrides)
Uist refers to several islands in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, including North and South Uist. These islands are known for their sandy beaches, Gaelic culture, and birdwatching opportunities.
The Outer Hebrides maintain strong traditions in language and music, attracting visitors interested in Celtic heritage.
V – Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is located off the southwestern coast of Canada. It offers a mix of urban centers like Victoria and vast wilderness including rainforests and mountains.
The island is popular for whale watching, hiking, and a vibrant arts scene.
W – Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island lies in Puget Sound, Washington State, USA. It is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and historic towns.
The island attracts visitors with its beaches, hiking trails, and cultural events.
X – Xiamen Island
Xiamen Island is a developed island city in China’s Fujian Province. It is known for colonial architecture, vibrant street food, and a gateway to nearby islands.
Xiamen serves as an economic and cultural hub with a subtropical climate.
Y – Yap
Yap is part of the Federated States of Micronesia and known for its stone money, large limestone discs used as currency. The island maintains traditional navigation and cultural practices.
Yap is a fascinating destination for those interested in Pacific Islander heritage and diving.
Z – Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It has a rich history as a trading hub, especially for spices, and a unique Swahili culture.
The island’s Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.
Conclusion
Exploring islands from A to Z reveals the incredible diversity found in island environments worldwide. Each island carries its own story — shaped by nature, culture, and history.
Whether covered in glaciers, surrounded by coral reefs, or steeped in mythology, islands remain places of fascination and discovery. This alphabetical journey encourages further exploration and appreciation of the many treasures scattered across our oceans.
“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.” – Emilia Wickstead
