25 Largest Islands in the World to Visit in 2024
When you set out to discover the world’s most expansive islands, the answer is not as straightforward as you might anticipate. Size and classification weave a complex tapestry in which the definition of an island is both intriguing and debatable. The common understanding that islands are smaller than continents comes into question when considering places like Australia and Greenland, sparking a fascinating discourse on what demarcates one from the other.
Embarking on a journey through the largest islands in the world presents a remarkable opportunity for a deep dive into diverse ecosystems, rich cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Your exploration will not only take you through the vast expanses of land but also introduce you to the history and stories that these lands hold. Every island is a world unto itself, with unique offerings for the curious traveler and the scholarly explorer alike.
1. Sri Lanka’s Expanse (65,268 km²)
Venture to an enchanting realm in the Indian Ocean, the island of Sri Lanka, once hailed as Ceylon, renowned for its verdant tea gardens. Here, the main island beckons with a blend of rugged coastlines and inland plantations.
- Total Area: 65,268 km²
- Climate: Tropical; Monsoon season aside, ideal for adventure
- Attractions: Beaches, tea plantations, hiking trails
On your journey, experience the rush of the waves on extensive beaches and the serenity of verdant tea fields. Embrace the island’s spirit through hiking, rock climbing, or surfing along its diverse landscapes. Sri Lanka’s tranquil beauty captivates while its bustling, elemental forces of nature challenge the adventurous.
2. Exploring Banks Island (70,028 km²)
- Location: Northwest Territories, Canadian Arctic Archipelago
- Ranking: 5th largest in Canada, 24th globally
- Size: 250 miles in length, over 100 miles in width
- Environment: Treeless and an exceptional ecology
As you venture northwest of Victoria Island, you’ll arrive at the expansive Banks Island, a territory of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Banks Island asserts itself as a significant mass of land, being the fifth-largest in Canada. This island is famed for its treeless terrain, promising a landscape quite unlike the typical forested wilderness.
Set apart from the mainland by the Amundsen Gulf, Banks Island spans roughly 250 miles in length. The island offers a unique ecological system teeming with arctic wildlife, and you will find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of its wide-open spaces. Here, on this vast and isolated landmass, adventure whispers with the Arctic winds.
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3. Sakhalin: Russia’s Northern Enclave
Rising over 600 miles in Russia’s far east, you’ll find Sakhalin — an elongated stretch of land whose contours might remind you of a woman in repose. Imagine this: it’s so vast that it could represent a fifth of Japan’s landmass. Once under Japanese dominion, this largest Russian island transitioned to Russian hands in the late 19th century, with the southern Kuril Islands passing to Japan.
Now, a population of around 500,000 people thrives here, amidst a landscape that blends flat northern reaches with the rugged mountains in the south. As you traverse this island, the diversity from one end to the other is palpable—in both geography and the subtle cultural imprints of its complex history.
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4. The Island of Many Cultures: Hispaniola (73,929 km²)
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Hispaniola is a land of vibrant contrasts and rich history. As the second-largest island in the Greater Antilles, it encompasses an area that has been a crossroads of cultures since the days when European explorers first set foot in the New World during the 15th century.
Today, Hispaniola is a melting pot, home to two nations: the Dominican Republic, which occupies the lion’s share of the land, and Haiti, its neighbor to the west. Each country brings its own unique flavor to the island— from the Dominican Republic’s merengue and bachata rhythms to Haiti’s powerful art and French-Creole essence.
- Dominican Republic: Encompasses the eastern portion of Hispaniola.
- Haiti: Occupies the western segment of the island.
Encircled by cerulean waves, your journey here will not only introduce you to lush landscapes and mountains like the Cordillera Central but also to stories and traditions woven into the fabric of local life. As you explore this island, you’ll uncover an eclectic tapestry of indigenous Taino, Spanish, and French influences that persist to this day. Each step through bustling markets, historic sites, and natural wonders is a step through a living mosaic of civilization.
5. Hokkaido: Japan’s Northern Haven (78,719 km2)
Explore the expansive reaches of Hokkaido, which earns its place as the world’s 21st-largest island, rivaling Hispaniola in size. Known traditionally as Ezo, this isle stands as Japan’s number two in terms of landmass.
Your journey here promises cooler climes, a refreshing contrast to Japan’s summer heat. The island boasts:
- Six National Parks: Each offering a unique tapestry of biodiversity and natural wonders.
- Abundant Wildlife: A chance to encounter species thriving in their natural habitat.
- Sapporo: Not just the largest city but also the birthplace of the namesake beer, a must-try for any connoisseur.
As you venture across Hokkaido, the blend of culture and nature intertwines to create a retreat that’s truly unlike any other in the Japanese archipelago.
6. Emerald Expanse: Ireland (84,421 km²)
Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of Ireland, Europe’s third grand isle. Among its 80 neighboring islets, just 20 are home to permanent residents, highlighting Ireland’s blend of solitude and community.
Distinctly separate from Great Britain and nestled between the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St. George’s Channel, Ireland stands as the British Isles’ second-largest member. Here, the island spans over 300 miles in length, a tapestry of greenery, tradition, and myth.
Ireland’s political landscape is as varied as its terrain. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the latter being part of the United Kingdom and occupying only a fraction of the island, share this land. Yet, across any boundary, the island whispers tales of ancient folklore and invites visitors to explore a world where culture and nature entwine seamlessly.
7. Mindanao: A Vast Philippine Treasure (97,530 km²)
As you set foot on Mindanao, the Philippine archipelago’s vast expanse unfolds before you. Known as the country’s southern gem, this island is teeming with over 20 million inhabitants enveloping a wide array of natural spectacles.
- Location: Second to Luzon in size within the Philippines
- Environment: Peaks, valleys, rivers, and expansive plains
- Biodiversity: Rich habitats supporting diverse wildlife
- Adventure: Ideal for hiking enthusiasts and bird watchers
Dubbed the ‘Land of Promise,’ Mindanao’s vibrant montage of ecosystems bursts with life, from the high-altitude havens to mist-laden volcanoes still carving their stories into the land. The island’s cultural tapestry and ecological diversity indeed proclaim its promise—a bastion of nature’s splendor.
8. Iceland (101,826 km²)
At nearly the size of Kentucky, Iceland stands as Europe’s second-largest island, inviting you to its expansive landscapes teeming with natural contrasts. Imagine a land where mountainous coasts stretch over 3,000 miles, setting the scene for your next adventure.
With only ten residents per square mile, tranquility pairs with the vast open spaces, giving you the solitude you might crave. While glaciers grace 10% of Iceland’s terrain, the remaining expanse unfolds into a tapestry of lava fields, national parks, and rejuvenating hot springs, ready to be discovered by those who venture here.
9. The Splendid Expanse of Cuba (105,806 km²)
Cuba’s main island stretches across the northern Caribbean, where the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico blend with the Atlantic’s expanse. Spanning an impressive length, this island is a kaleidoscope of intricate Spanish colonial designs, inviting stretches of sand, and verdant tobacco plantations that birth the iconic Cuban cigar. Here, you’re invited to traverse a land rich in cultural heritage and natural splendor.
10. Newfoundland: A Vast Atlantic Expanse (108,860 km2)
Newfoundland greets you from the Atlantic as Canada’s most easterly point, a sprawling landmass steeped in history. Here, under the celestial theatre of the Northern Lights, the island unfolds a storied past where explorers set foot on its shores, christening it under the royal decree of King Henry VII. This storied province bifurcates into Newfoundland and Labrador, with the chilling Strait of Belle Isle drawing a line between them. Embrace the richness of this landscape, where each vista tells the tale of “New Found Land,” a name commemorating its historic discovery in the late 15th century by the seafarer John Cabot.
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11. Luzon: The Heart of the Philippines (109,965 km²)
As you traverse Luzon, you find yourself at the epicenter of the Philippines, not just geographically in its northern expanse, but also as the throbbing pulse of the nation’s economic and political life. This island, a tapestry of more than 50 million souls, is where cultural vibrancy meets natural splendor.
- Capital Cities: Manila anchors Luzon as a historic metropolis while Quezon City buzzes with its urban dynamics.
- Geography: Embrace the blend of pristine beaches, towering mountains, and lush rice fields.
- Biodiversity: Discover a realm where dramatic volcanoes punctuate the skyline.
The expansive island captivates with its contrasting landscapes—from the serene waters lapping against its shores to the commanding presence of its highland vistas. The sights you’ll encounter are as varied as the stories of the people you’ll meet, each one contributing to the rich cultural mosaic that defines Luzon.
12. New Zealand’s North Island: A Tapestry of Nature and Culture (111,583 km²)
New Zealand’s North Island, also known as Te Ika-a-Maui, offers you an exquisite montage of natural splendors and vibrant cultural scenes. The island, nestled across the serene Cook Strait from its larger southern sibling, boasts a rich tapestry that includes geothermal marvels, beaches with hues reminiscent of an artist’s palette, and stretches of pristine national parks.
With dimensions reaching 1,000 miles lengthwise and 280 miles at a breadth, this island promises diverse exploratory delights. It’s home to Wellington, the nation’s capital, and Auckland, affectionately termed the City of Sails, both cradled in the heart of New Zealand’s picturesque landscape.
13. Indonesia: Java’s Volcanic Majesty (138,794 km²)
Amidst Indonesia’s vast archipelago, your journey brings you to Java, an island woven from volcanic fabric. Though smaller than its siblings Borneo, Sumatra, and Sulawesi, Java’s pulse is felt across over half of Indonesia’s populace, making it the most densely populated island known to humanity.
Your visit to Java unveils a tapestry of landscapes, with active volcanoes like Mount Bromo offering dramatic vistas. Amid these fiery giants lie serene tea plantations, unfurling their greenery under your gaze. Java’s pride, the Borobudur Temple, stands as a testament to historical reverence, promising a cultural pilgrimage through the aged stone.
As you tread through Java, embrace its natural and cultural vitality at Ujong Kulon National Park, where biodiversity thrives, undisrupted. In Java, every path leads to discovery, be it through ecological wonders or the brushstrokes of human history.
14. New Zealand’s Southern Jewel (145,836 km2)
New Zealand’s extensive Southern Isle, often regarded as the larger sibling to its northern counterpart, offers you a wealth of natural spectacle. Here, the Southern Alps bisect the land, anchored by the towering Mount Cook, which claims the title of the highest peak on the isle and ranks as the world’s ninth most elevated island.
- Geography: Southern Alps spine; 500 miles in length
- Highest Point: Mount Cook
- Natural Attractions: Wineries, national parks, Milford Sound fjords
As you traverse the vast landscape, stretching over 500 miles, you’ll encounter the serene wineries, lush national parks, and the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound. Absorb the unhurried rhythm of life that’s a signature of the Southern Isle, where each unassuming corner reveals scenic wonders waiting to be cherished.
15. The Majestic Expanse of Sulawesi
Discover Sulawesi, an Indonesian gem, with its expansive mountainous terrain and peninsulas reaching out like a starfish in the ocean. As you journey between the Australian and Asian continents, you’re enveloped by an aquatic world; the surrounding Celebes, Banda, Java, Flores, and Molucca Seas make this haven a diver’s utopia, bursting with vibrant coral reefs. Your adventure across this uniquely shaped landmass isn’t just a geographical feat—it’s a dive into a rich, aquatic tapestry.
16. Ellesmere Island (196,236 km2)
On Ellesmere Island, you’ll traverse Canada’s northern extremes, where commanding icefields and ancient rock formations present a stark and beautiful landscape.
- Location: Nestled between the vast expanses of the Arctic Ocean and Baffin Bay.
- Geography: Dominated by craggy mountains and extensive icy plateaus.
- Historical Significance: Rock layers whisper tales from the Ice Age.
Embrace the sheer size of the Queen Elizabeth Islands’ largest member. Amidst the chill of the high latitudes, you may feel the pulse of the planet in its rawest form.
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17. Great Britain (209,331 km²)
Great Britain stands as the pinnacle of the British Isles, nestled within the robust North Atlantic, yet set apart from the European mainland by the English Channel and North Sea. The expanse of this island encompasses the distinct realms of England, Scotland, and Wales, jointly forming a crucial piece of the United Kingdom puzzle.
Over half a million years of human history are etched into Great Britain’s landscape, where the vibrant capital of London beckons as a hub of history and modern charisma. As you traverse this European giant, you’ll encounter a tapestry of cultures and the indelible mark of a globally influential heritage. Whether it’s the rolling green dales you wander or the storied streets of London where every corner heralds a historical tale, Great Britain offers a wealth of exploration for the curious traveler.
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18. Victoria’s Arctic Expanse (217,291 km²)
On your Arctic explorations, discover the vastness of Victoria Island, a cold realm named in honor of a queen. Here the whispers of history speak of Thomas Simpson, an explorer who traversed these lands in the 19th century.
Home to fewer than 2,100 souls, this island’s quiet enormity is its hallmark. Amidst its expansive tundra, the Tunnunik crater presents itself as a silent testament to a celestial visitor from eons past. Embrace the serene solitude of this northern giant and let the land’s subtle narratives unfold.
19. Japan’s Heartland: Honshu (225,800 km²)
Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, Honshu, Japan’s central island, stretches for over 800 miles—forming a core part of the nation. This island isn’t just a geographic marvel; it’s where the pulse of Japan beats the strongest. As you traverse its length, you’ll encounter a tapestry of urban and natural wonders, from the electric avenues of Tokyo to the serene heights of Mount Fuji.
- Highlights of Honshu:
- Iconic Cities: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka
- Natural Splendors: Mount Fuji, Lake Biwa
Whether you’re absorbing the vibrant cityscapes or meditating by the placid waters of Lake Biwa, Honshu offers you a unique blend of Japan’s past and future, wrapped in a panorama of diverse landscapes.
20. Sumatra’s Expanse (443,065 km2)
Nestled in the vast blue of the Indian Ocean, Sumatra extends as Indonesia’s colossal treasure, being the world’s sixth substantial island mass. Here, tectonic wonders shape land and sea, with the island resting on a merger of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates, which orchestrates the earth’s trembles and the ocean’s surges.
In this emerald realm, your senses can revel in the untouched splendors of its tropical rainforests. It’s a sanctuary for the rarest of beings, sheltering the majestic Sumatran tiger, the arboreal Sumatran orangutan, and the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros. Each step through Sumatra’s verdant landscapes weaves a tale of natural majesty and fragility.
21. Majestic Expanse of Baffin Island
Sprawling across 507,451 square kilometers, you’ll find Canada’s Baffin Island—an untamed realm of stark fjords and crystal-clear lakes, shrouded by expansive glacier-carved parks. Here, temperatures frequently plunge below freezing, averaging a brisk -8°C annually.
This natural wonder bears the name of the explorer William Baffin and lies a whisper away from the frigid Arctic Circle. As a visitor, you’re privy to awe-inspiring displays of the Northern Lights. The island’s raw beauty also hosts an elusive array of wildlife, from Arctic wolves and the formidable polar bear to the diminutive lemmings.
- Geography: Arctic Circle Proximity, Fjords, and National Parks
- Wildlife: Arctic Wolves, Polar Bears, Lemmings
- Visitor Highlight: Northern Lights Viewing
- Climate: Average Annual Temperature -8°C
As you traverse Baffin Island, you will be treading on the largest landmass within Canadian borders, where the land itself tells a story of isolation and stunning frozen vistas.
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22. Exploring Madagascar (587,041 km^2)
Positioned in the Indian Ocean’s embrace, your journey to Madagascar unlocks a unique haven for biodiversity. Here, in these lands apart from mainland Africa, you’ll cross paths with the whimsical lemurs and witness a spectacle of wildlife, where an astonishing 67% are exclusive to the island.
As an ancient isle carved from prehistoric times, Madagascar beckons with underwater wonders, boasting the world’s third most extensive coral system. Plunge into its warm, azure waters, and the Indian Ocean reveals a subaqueous utopia for divers.
23. Borneo (748,168 km²)
As the third-largest island on the globe, Borneo unfurls before you, sprawling almost double the size of Germany. This expansive land hosts a unique trifecta of national governance with Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia—most of the terrain falling under Indonesia’s jurisdiction.
Embark on a journey through Borneo’s ancient rainforest, the world’s most venerable, with a lineage stretching beyond 100 million years. Here, amidst verdant canopies, the Bornean orangutan and the Dayak fruit bat—beings found nowhere else—cling to survival, a testament to the region’s singular biodiversity. As you navigate this ecological treasure, prepare to encounter the island’s profound natural wonders and rare creatures that call it home.
24. New Guinea’s Expansive Landscape (785,753 km²)
Spanning over a breadth that exceeds any oceanic stretch you’ll likely traverse—New Guinea stands as a monument to natural grandeur. Governed jointly by Indonesia in the west and Papua New Guinea in the east, this island beholds a legacy etched deep in time, with the earliest settlers imprinting their stories over 40 millennia ago.
Hovering just below the equator, you’ll find New Guinea nestled in a marine embrace, flanked by the Torres Strait and the Arafura Sea, balanced against the Coral Sea’s cradle. Your visit beckons not just a journey across land and sea but an adventure through ancient customs amidst a treasure trove of copper and gold.
Being the largest island of the southern realm and the heart of Oceania, New Guinea invites you to navigate its massive terrain—a testament to the island’s allure that continues to captivate the essence of explorers and locals alike.
25. Greenland’s Expansive Wilderness (2,130,800 km²)
Encompassed by the mighty Atlantic and the icy Arctic, Greenland’s grandeur lands it the title of the world’s most expansive island. Under Denmark’s realm, it boasts a landscape that’s largely untouched and sparsely populated.
Housing just over 50,000 souls, your journey here divulges a world where glaciers reign supreme, second only to Antarctica’s vast icy expanse. The bustle of urban sprawl is replaced by a serene stillness, where distances between towns are bridged not by roads but by the rhythm of the sea, with fishing and the age-old practices of sealing and whaling sustaining its people.
When you visit, the Northeast Greenland National Park beckons as the planet’s largest, offering a sanctuary for the adventurous at heart.
The very essence of Greenland’s spirit lies in its unwavering identity as an island, despite its continental proportions, offering you a unique blend of cultural richness and natural splendor.
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