Top tags for today
en
CREATE A POST

​Top 75 interesting facts about the country of Kiribati

1 year ago
top-75-interesting-facts-about-the-country-of-kiribati

The island state of Kiribati is located immediately in Polynesia and Micronesia. At present, the small country is successfully developing despite scarce natural resources.

 

Amazing facts about Kiribati

 

Of all the countries in the world, only Kiribati is located in all hemispheres of the planet at once - Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern. All 33 atolls belonging to the republic are scattered at a considerable distance from each other, while only 13 of them are permanently inhabited. At the same time, Christmas Island, the largest atoll in the world, accounts for about 48% of the state's total land mass.

 

 

1. Kiribati is a tiny island country located in the Western Pacific Ocean.

 

The name of the island nation of Kiribati comes from the distorted English "Gilbert Islands".

 

2. Kiribati is the only country on Earth located in all hemispheres at once - Northern and Southern, Western and Eastern.

 

3. The Republic of Kiribati in the northwest borders on the territorial waters of two states, namely the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. In the southwest and west, Kiribati has maritime boundaries with Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and Nauru.

 

4. In the southeast and south - with the waters belonging to Tokelau, the Cook Islands, as well as French Polynesia. In the northeast and north, the republic borders on the Outer Small Islands, which are part of the United States, as well as on Pacific neutral waters.

 

5. The coastal strip of Kiribati has a length of 1143 kilometers.

 

6. Little is known about how the islands of Kiribati were settled. There is an assumption that the ancestors of modern local residents moved to the Gilbert atolls in the 1st millennium AD. from eastern Melanesia. But the Phoenix and Line archipelagos remained uninhabited by the time they were discovered by the Americans and Europeans.

 

 

7. Nevertheless, on these atolls one can find traces of the presence of a person who lived here in the distant past. A similar fact allowed scientists to assume that the local population for some reason left these archipelagos. One of the most popular versions explains this by small land areas, remoteness from other islands, an arid climate and a constant shortage of fresh water. Due to all these factors, it was difficult to live on these atolls. Most likely, the people who settled the islands soon left them.

 

8. The discoverers of the archipelagos located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean are American and British expeditions. Their ships visited these places in the period from the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

 

9. Initially, the atolls were called the Gilbert Islands. It happened in 1820. The name of the islands was given by the Russian traveler and Admiral Krusenstern in honor of the British captain T. Gilberg, who discovered these lands in 1788.

 

10. The first settlers from Britain arrived on the islands in 1837. In 1892, these territories became a protectorate of England. Christmas Island joined the colony in 1919 and Phoenix became part of it in 1937.

 

11. The land area of ​​the Republic of Kiribati consists of 33 atolls. This is the name of the coral islands, which have a ring-shaped shape. This state also includes small coral islands.

 

 

12. The country of Kiribati is located on atolls, one of which, Banaba, is raised. According to the theory put forward by Charles Darwin, the formation of such formations was facilitated by the subsidence of volcanic islands and the gradual fouling of their surface with corals. This process led to the emergence of fringing reefs, and then barrier reefs. Thus, land appeared in this part of the Pacific Ocean.

 

13. The distance from the easternmost to the westernmost island of the state is 4 thousand kilometers.

 

14. In the waters of the Pacific Ocean, all these small areas of land are spread over an area exceeding 3.5 million square kilometers. According to this indicator, the country of Kiribati has the second largest exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean. But the entire land area of ​​the country does not exceed 811 square kilometers.

 

15. Although this Pacific nation has 33 atolls, only 13 of them have permanent population.

 

16. The island state of Kiribati is located immediately in Polynesia and Micronesia.

 

17. The country consists of island groups. These are the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands. The last of them, by their location, belong to the southern part of the Hawaiian Islands.

 

 

18. The Republic of Kiribati as a state appeared in 1979, having gained independence from Great Britain.

 

19. The total population of Kiribati is a little over 115 thousand people.

 

20. About 90% of the population of Kiribati are representatives of the people of the same name. Its other name is tungar.

 

21. The official language of the country is English, but few people speak it. The majority of the population speaks Kiribati.

 

22. Modern writing in Kiribati uses the letters of the Latin alphabet.

 

23. In 1983, a friendship agreement was signed between the United States and Kiribati, according to which the United States renounced claims to 14 islands, recognizing them as part of Kiribati.

 

24. Kiribati does not have its own army. The defense of the state is carried out by the armed forces of Australia and New Zealand.

 

 

25. The United States in the 20th century tested atomic bombs on two atolls belonging to Kiribati.

 

26. This island nation has a weak economy, because it is far from world markets for its products.

 

27. Agriculture dominates the country, which negatively affects the vegetation cover of the islands, which are gradually being deforested.

 

28.Overpopulation, soil erosion and lack of fresh water are considered to be the main problems of Kiribati.

 

29. The United Kingdom periodically allocates funds to the development of the education system in Kiribati, and France to the health sector.

 

30. In Kiribati there are only 2 fresh, but about 100 small salt lakes. Some of them reach a diameter of several kilometers.

 

31. Freshwater lakes can be found only on two islands of the state. This is the atoll of Christmas and Teraina (Washington).

 

32. There is not a single river in Kiribati either.

 

 

33. The highest point of Kiribati is 81 meters above sea level. It is located on the Banaba Atoll. This is quite a lot, especially when compared with the Maldives, also located on the atolls, where the highest point is at a height of less than 5 meters.

 

34. The soils on the islands of Kiribati, due to their coral origin, are very poor and highly alkaline. Most of them are porous and do not retain moisture well.

 

35. The soils of Kiribati are very low in mineral and organic matter. The only exceptions are magnesium, sodium and calcium. Phosphate soils are widespread throughout the republic.

 

36. There are also brown-red soils on the islands, formed from guano, which is the decomposed droppings of sea birds, as well as bats.

 

37. The lack of water bodies on the islands is due to their small area, low altitude, and also the porosity of the soil.

 

38. The only source of fresh water on the atolls are the so-called lenses, formed by rainwater that seeps through the soil. You can get to the moisture by digging a well.

 

39. Such lenses are the only source of fresh water in most of the atolls of Kiribati. After the rains, local residents extract moisture for themselves from the leaves of coconut palms.

 

 

40.Since 28 January 2008, the Phoenix Island Group has been the world's largest marine reserve. Its area is 410.5 thousand square kilometers.

 

41. The Kiritimati Atoll, which is part of this country, is the largest coral atoll on Earth. It accounts for about 80% of the entire landmass of this country.

 

42. Christmas Island, one of the atolls that make up Kiribati, is the largest atoll in the world. Christmas Island is home to more bird species than any other island in the world.

 

43. The relatively young geological age of the atolls, their remoteness from the continent, as well as unfavorable weather conditions, have contributed to the fact that only 83 species of native plants in Kiribati exist. And none of them is endemic.

 

44. In addition, it is believed that several species of plants were introduced to these areas by Aboriginal people. Among them are: taka pinnatifid; breadfruit of two kinds; yam; giant taro; tarot; swamp giant taro.

 

45. Plants such as the coconut palm and the roofing pandanus most likely have a dual origin. On some atolls, they were brought by man, while on others they are indigenous representatives of the flora.

 

 

46.Four plant species, namely pandanus, breadfruit, coconut and taro, played in the past and continue to play today a leading role in the nutrition of the inhabitants of this island country.

 

47. The main representatives of the marine fauna are pearl mussels, holothurians (sea cucumbers), cones, tridacna, palm thieves and lobsters. There are a lot of fish in the ocean near the islands, of which there are from 600 to 800 species.

 

48. As for fish, it has always been the main food for local residents. In coastal waters, reef perches, albuls, hanos, large-headed mullets, sultans and horse mackerels are caught. There are several varieties of sea turtles near the islands.

 

49. Rich coastal waters of Kiribati and corals.

 

50. The animal world of the atolls is rather poor. During an American scientific expedition at the beginning of the 19th century, researchers discovered here only the only representative of land mammals - the Polynesian rat. Today, the inhabitants of the islands breed pigs and poultry.

 

51. But the world of avifauna in Kiribati is very diverse. There are 75 species of birds in the country, one of which is endemic. This is a warbler bird. She lives on Christmas Island.

 

 

52. Most of the landmasses of the Phoenix and Line archipelagos host large-scale bird colonies. That is why the islands of Starbuck and Malden, as well as part of the Christmas Atoll, have been declared a zone of marine reserves.

 

53. An additional source of income for Kiribati in recent years has been the issuance of licenses to fish in the Special Economic Zone.

 

54. The bulk of the republic's population lives on the Gilbert Islands. And most of them are located on Tarawa Atoll. Here is the capital of Kiribati - the city of South Tarawa. About 50 thousand inhabitants are registered here.

 

55. In addition to the capital, the city of Kiribati, there are 9 more settlements, the number of which exceeds 1.5 thousand people. The residential areas of the capital of Kiribati are located on several small islands, interconnected by bridges and dams.

 

56. South Tarawa comprises four municipalities. Their names are Betio and Bairiki, Bikinibeu and Bonriki. All these municipalities are located on the islands of the same name, being part of the capital of the state of Kiribati. It is on their territories that all the main commercial, government and educational institutions of the country are located.

 

57. So, in Betio there is a power plant operating for the entire atoll, a Maritime Institute and a port. Interestingly, this island is almost flat and devoid of vegetation. Its entire central part is occupied by a wide strip of the Hawkins airfield. It is in this place that the sights of Kiribati are located, which are military relics of the period when the famous battle for Tarawa took place.

 

 

58. Among the monuments reminiscent of the fierce battle on Tarawa are the Memorial Chapel built in the village of Abaroko.

 

59. And also the Memorial to the Heroes of the Outpost, which commemorates the memory of 22 British servicemen killed by the Japanese in October 1942.

 

60.The most important feature of Betio are military cemeteries, which can impress anyone with their numerous rows of wooden tombstones, because on the island, which is only 3 kilometers long, more than 5.5 thousand war victims are buried.

 

61. Kiribati has two radio stations of its own, government and private.

 

62. Road signs here are often drawn by hand on suitable surfaces.

 

63. Athletes from Kiribati take part in the Olympic Games.

 

64. The average annual temperature in Kiribati ranges from +26, +32 ⁰C.

 

65. On the Caroline Atoll, located in the Line Archipelago, people are the first to celebrate the New Year (outside of Eurasia and Antarctica). This happens due to the fact that this island is the easternmost piece of land located in the 12th time zone.

 

 

66. Among the local villages there are London, Paris and others. Locals like to call their villages after European capitals.

 

67.The production of postage stamps generates significant revenue for the public treasury. Stamps are very popular among philatelists from various countries.

 

68.There are two official currencies in circulation in the country - the Australian dollar and the equivalent Kiribati dollar.

 

69. The Kiribati one dollar coin has a dodecagonal shape.

 

70.At present, the small country is developing successfully despite scarce natural resources.

 

71.Kiribati is a member of the UN.

 

72.The world's only diplomatic mission of the Republic of Kiribati is located in the Fiji Islands.

 

73. The British Consulate is usually in charge of the diplomatic affairs of Kiribati.

 

74. Kiribati is an amazing country. In addition to the natural beauty, it is also notable for the fact that 99.99% of the world's population has no idea about its existence.

 

75. Kiribati is the least visited country on the planet by tourists. Only the most desperate tourists reach the remote islands of the country of Kiribati.

 

 

Comment
Share
Copy link
Linkedin
Messenger
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Vkontakte
Telegram
Cancel
avatar
65-amusing-facts-about-saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines

Saint Vincent is a small state consisting of the island of the same name and the Grenadines - a small group of islets. The capital of Saint Vincent is Kingstown. The country is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The island itself was discovered back in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. Catholics celebrate St. Vincent's Day, and the island received the same name on this day. There are other interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

 

Interesting facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is considered an elite holiday area. This applies in particular to the island of Mustique. Here, members of the British royal family and other world celebrities come to rest. The island has many five-star hotels, entertainment venues, and beautiful beaches. Also, visitors have the opportunity to see many exotic animals and plants. Despite the high prices for goods and services, many tourists visit the island yearly. We have compiled a selection of the most amazing facts about St. Vincent.

 

 

1. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an independent state located in the Caribbean Sea. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

 

2. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the Windward Islands, south of Saint Lucia and north of Grenada. From the west, it is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and from the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

 

3. The territory of this state is 389.3 km², which is 183rd in the world.

 

4. Its territory includes the relatively large island of St. Vincent and 32 small islands (Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union, and others), which are part of the Northern Grenadines group in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, as well as Tobago reefs.

 

5. The flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a tricolor of three vertical stripes of blue, yellow, and green. In the center of the yellow stripe, 1/2 the length of the flag, three diamonds (rhombuses) are depicted in green, arranged in the Latin letter V - the first letter in the name of Vincent Island.

 

6. Christopher Columbus discovered the island of St. Vincent during his third expedition to the New World on January 28, 1498, on the day of St. Vincent, from where the name of the island came from.

 

 

7. The Carib Indians lived on the islands when the Europeans appeared. For more than two centuries, the Caribs fiercely resisted European colonization. The cannons of the Spanish coastal forts were directed inland since the Caribs posed a greater danger to the colonists than external enemies.

 

8. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the territory of St. Vincent alternately came under the control of the French or the British.

 

9. In 1719, the French began to grow coffee, tobacco, indigo, and cotton there. Enslaved Africans were brought in to work on the plantations. As a result of mixed marriages of runaway and formerly enslaved people with local Indians, a layer of "dark-skinned Caribs" (Garifs) appeared. Now, most of the population is made up of blacks and mulattos.

 

10. The British first took possession of St. Vincent in 1763, and it became a British colony under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. In 1796, the British crushed an uprising of dark-skinned Caribs and exiled more than 5,000 rebels to one of the islands off the coast of Honduras.

 

11. At the beginning of the 19th century, sugar cane plantations appeared in St. Vincent, where enslaved people worked. After the abolition of slavery in the English colonies (1834), emigrants from India and Portugal were attracted to the islands as a labor force.

 

 

12. In 1925, the first legislative council was created on the island; in 1951, universal suffrage was introduced; in 1969, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received the status of an "associated state" with the right to full internal self-government.

 

13. And the country gained complete independence on October 27, 1979, by the constitution drawn up in September 1978 in London. In the same year, 1979, the Labor Party, which won the parliamentary elections, formed a government.

 

14. In 1984, the New Democratic Party won, and its leader, James Mitchell, became Prime Minister. This party also won in 1989, 1994, and 1998.

 

On February 15, 2001, Parliament was dissolved. A month later, early parliamentary elections were held, in which the United Labor Party (ULP) won 12 seats and the New Democratic Party 3. The government was headed and formed by the leader of the ULP, Ralph Gonsalves.

 

COUNTRY COMBAT SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

 

16. The coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of a cotton flower, an emblem, and a ribbon with the text "Peace and Justice" in Latin. The symbol is based on the colonial version used from 1907 to 1979, which depicts two women in classic Roman dress, one holding a palm branch and the other with clasped hands.

 

17. St. Vincent is a mountainous island of volcanic origin; its area is 344 km². The entire central part of the main island is covered with forest.

 

18. The islands of the Grenadines archipelago are small in size; the largest are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mero, and Union. Many of the Grenadines are surrounded by coral reefs.

 

19. The central part of the island of St. Vincent is occupied by mountains covered with forests. The highest point is the active volcano Soufriere (1234 meters). There is a lake in its crater. Soufrière erupted in 1718, 1812, 1902, and 1979.

 

20. To the south of it is a chain of gradually lowering cones of extinct volcanoes. Streams run down to the sea on the steep western slopes of the mountains, forming picturesque waterfalls and turning into turbulent streams after tropical downpours.

 

21. The eastern slopes are gentler, longer, wider, and more abundant rivers flow down them. The island's beaches are covered with black volcanic sand; the exception is the white sandy beaches at the southern tip of the island.

 

22. The climate here is tropical, trade wind, and humid. There are often intense hurricanes. Average monthly temperatures range from +24 to +28° C. The dry season lasts from December to April. The average annual rainfall on the southeast coast is 1500 mm, and in the interior mountainous regions - 3750 mm. 70% of precipitation falls from May to November.

 

23. The mountains are covered in places with dense tropical rainforests and shrubs. The fauna is rich in birds: the endangered St. Vincent Amazon parrot, a rare subspecies of the red-throated hermit thrush, and others.

 

24. Coastal waters abound with fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Several forest and ornithological reserves operate on the islands for nature protection.

 

CAPITAL - CITY OF KINGSTOWN

 

25. The capital of the island of St. Vincent is Kingstown, which means “city of kings.” A little more than 40 thousand inhabitants live here.

 

26. The capital city of Kingstown is the largest in the state. Kingstown is located in the harbor on the southwestern tip of St. Vincent.

 

27. Since Kingstown was under British rule for a long time, its architecture was dominated by the colonial style.

 

28. The city has several old churches: St. Mary's, St. George's, and the Kingstown Methodist Church.

 

29. Kingstown is an important financial center where tax incentives attract many banks.

 

30. Also, it is the main economic center of the state. The rich soil of the islands allows you to grow various vegetables and fruits. Arrowroot grows here, which is added to desserts, sweet potatoes, coconuts, breadfruit, and bananas, which are the country's pride. Banana varieties such as figs and bluggo are considered especially popular.

 

31. Agriculture in the country specializes in producing bananas, coconuts, and arrowroot, starchy flour from arrowroot rhizomes. Among the local population, cassava tubers are widely used, from which choki cakes are made.

 

BOTANICAL GARDEN IN KINGSTOWN

 

32. Also, there is a Botanical Garden in Kingstown, founded more than 200 years ago in 1762. Plants from all over the world are collected here. The complex is the oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere. In its exposition, there are more than 450 species of tropical plants. In addition, there is an aviary for birds, including the endangered species of parrot - the Amazon.

 

33. The official language of the state is English. But in fact, the local population speaks Creole or Vincentian.

 

34. North of Kingstown are the ruins of Fort Charlotte, which was built in 1806 to guard the city and harbor. The Museum of the History of the Black Caribs is currently located here.

 

35. Hiking enthusiasts can walk along the nature trail Bookament-Vermont-Nature-Trail, during which the opportunity to wander through the rainforest and watch the birds.

 

36. On St. Vincent, as on other islands, there are many beautiful bays and white beaches framed by palm trees. Some of the islands are privately owned.

 

37. The combination of coral reefs and clear water is ideal for spearfishing.

 

 

38. The largest seaport is located in Kingstown. Arnos Vale International Airport is located near the capital. In addition to it, there are five more airports on the islands.

 

39. Local coins have the most diverse geometric shapes. This is because most of the locals are illiterate. This currency is expected in seven countries in the region.

 

40. There are unusual laws and traditions here. For example, do not do in St. Vincent: 1. Kick the ballot boxes. Every waste bin has its sponsor who will not like this treatment. 2. Walk without an umbrella. Generally, this is not forbidden, but the weather here is unpredictable. 3. Go to street bars. These are ordinary wooden stalls where a simple TV and music play. 4. Joking about religion. Very devout people live in St. Vincent, no matter what denomination they belong to.

 

41. Tobago Reefs is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. They are uninhabited. Stunning corals grow here, and the variety of algae and fish is impressive. This area has been given the status of a National Park. Fishing on Tobacco is prohibited, and a severe fine is imposed for garbage thrown in the wrong place.

 

42. On the archipelago islands and beaches, they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean with Johnny Depp in the title role. The filming location has long been a center for excursions and pilgrimages. It is called Jack Sparrow Valley.

 

 

43. There is no rail connection in the country. Movement is carried out mainly by cars. The total length of roads in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 1,000 kilometers. The hard coating has only a third of them. Tourists can rent a car. You can also use taxi services.

 

44. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are members of the UN and the Organization of American States. From 1958 to 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were part of the West Indies Federation. The country maintains economic ties with other states of the West Indies, being a member of the Caribbean Community and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

 

45. Oldheg Turtle Sanctuary is located on the island of Bequia. The staff of the reserve is working on the conservation of one of the rare species of turtles. Since many newborns die immediately after birth, the reserve workers, together with volunteers, collect newborn turtles and place them in a special nursery. There, young turtles learn to survive in nature on their own. Only after the young turtles can get food and take care of their safety are they released into the ocean.

 

46. ​​On the west coast of the island of St. Vincent, there are beautiful Balein waterfalls.

 

47. A particular type of acacia grows on the islands. Its pods are large, and the seeds begin to make sounds when dried. As a result, a fascinating musical instrument called “shak-shak” is obtained from huge pods.

 

 

48. The locals here live modestly, as in other developing countries. The lack of a medical and educational system and high unemployment led to the mass migration of residents to other countries.

 

49. Approximately 20% of residents experience difficulties in finding employment. It also has a meager birth rate. On average, one woman gives birth to no more than two children.

 

50. The country has banned the export of things of cultural value without accompanying documents. This also applies to corals and products from them.

 

51. Given the growing popularity of the resorts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the demand for the purchase of real estate on the islands is also growing.

 

52. However, potential buyers are faced with several protective measures introduced by the state due to the small size of the territory. So, to purchase real estate, foreign citizens are first required to obtain a special permit and pay some fees.

 

53. The most popular real estate types are villas on the coast. The cost of such villas starts from $ 200,000. Apartments are less popular, but there is also a demand for them. Most of the apartments are rented out.

 

 

54. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the perfect place for a beach holiday. All the islands have white sand beaches, and in the east of St. Vincent, you can see black sand beaches.

 

55. Although people go to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a beach holiday, you should remember the rules of conduct in public places. Outside the hotel, a bathing suit is considered unacceptable here. Moreover, you are unlikely to be allowed into a good restaurant in this form.

 

56. The islands of St. Vincent and nearby Kanukan and Bequia are where the best beaches, restaurants, and cafes are concentrated. St. Vincent is more crowded, and there is more entertainment, while on other islands, it is the other way around: there are many secluded bays and trails for hiking.

 

57. The country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is focused on elite tourism. The government is considered a fashionable resort. It has a well-developed infrastructure, beautiful nature, and excellent ecology. Tourists also have the opportunity to see many exotic animals and plants.

 

58. There are many five-star resort hotels in the country. Most of them are on the coast and have their beach and developed infrastructure.

 

59. Holidays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are considered elite. Mustique Island is a holiday destination for celebrities. Such famous people as Bill Gates, the English royal family members, and Mick Jagger spent time here. The resort area organized here is superbly equipped. Horse riding and golf courses, magnificent beaches, exotic animals, and citrus orchards - all this is on the island. The prices are appropriate.

 

 

60. Despite the high prices for goods and services, many tourists visit the island yearly.

 

61. The monetary unit of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the East Caribbean dollar. It is in circulation in 6 countries that are members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

 

62. St. Vincent and Grenadine's cuisine is based on seafood. The main recipe of many menus here is grilled fish. Shellfish, shrimp, and lobsters are used in cooking, and three to three fish, are a local delicacy. It is prepared in various ways but always with curry and spices.

 

63. In addition to seafood, fruits and vegetables are used in local cuisine: sweet potatoes, arrowroot, bananas, coconuts, and breadfruit.

 

64. Of the drinks, tea, coffee, cocoa, and various juices are common. The islands produce rum, the basis of most cocktails, and brew beer.

 

65. Elite tourism brings the bulk of the income to the local budget. Also, St. Vincent is one of the most popular offshore zones.

 

 

Comment
Share
Copy link
Linkedin
Messenger
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Vkontakte
Telegram
Cancel
50-incredible-facts-about-mauritius-a-perfect-travel-destination

The paradise island of Mauritius is a beautiful place to spend a vacation. Here you can enjoy the fantastic local atmosphere, not yet soaked through with a commercial attitude. However, holidays in Mauritius are not very cheap, not least because of the flight cost.

 

Interesting facts about Mauritius

 

Mauritius is a popular resort, but there are almost no tourists here during the rainy season. It's all because of the weather; during the rainy season, powerful hurricanes and typhoons hit the island every year, carrying tons of water and causing powerful floods.

 

 

1. Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is 900 kilometers from Madagascar.

 

2. The full name of the country is the Republic of Mauritius, because in addition to the island of the same name, Mauritius, it also includes islands such as Rodrigues, Cargados Carajos and a number of smaller islands and islets.

 

3. The total land area of ​​the republic is only 2 thousand 40 square kilometers.

 

4. Mauritius has practically no water possessions - in total they make up only 0.05% of the country's territory.

 

5. Most of the country's population lives on the main island - Mauritius.

 

6. Mauritius had a rather difficult past. This country was colonized by the Dutch, French and British.

 

7. The colonialists brought slaves from India, China and Africa to the territory of the modern state, which further influenced the population and culture of Mauritius.

 

 

8. This country received independence from the British only in 1968. And this state became a Republic in 1992.

 

9. Mauritius is the richest African country. GDP per capita is $13,703 (ranked 53rd in the world). For comparison, in Russia about 16,000 dollars.

 

10. Also, despite its small size, the Republic of Mauritius is a very densely populated country. With a total population of about 1,267,000 people, the population density here is 610 people per square kilometer. This makes the state the first in Africa in this indicator. And in the world in terms of population density, the Republic of Mauritius ranks 19th.

 

11. Although the population growth rate here is very low - it grows by an average of 1% in three years.

 

12.The country's population is mainly composed of people of Indo-Pakistani origin. They account for about 2/3 of the population. About ¼ of the country's population are Creoles (mestizos of French and African origin).

 

13. Most of the population of the country professes Hinduism. They account for about 48.5% of the population. This makes Mauritius the only African country with a Hindu majority. In addition to Hindus, about 26.3% of Catholics and about 17.3% of Muslims live here.

 

 

14.Despite the fact that English is the most spoken language in the country, there is no official language in the country. The constitution of this country only mentions that English is the official language of the government, however, in addition to English, French is allowed in the government.

 

15. English is the most common language in government circles and in business. As for the most common language, it is Creole, which is spoken by 85.6% of the country's population.

 

16.The Republic of Mauritius hosts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first object is the Aapravasi Ghat building, which became the first point of reception of labor migrants from India.

 

17. The second object is Mount Le Morne Brabant, in the caves of which the slaves who escaped from captivity found refuge.

 

18. The local currency is the Mauritian rupee, but most places will also accept US dollars.

 

19. There is one university in Mauritius. It is located in the capital city of Port Louis.

 

 

20. In the Republic of Mauritius, education is free, and higher education too. And the state sends especially gifted individuals to study abroad.

 

21. The national flag of this state consists of four equal colored stripes. Each lane has its own meaning. The red color, located at the very top, means a bloody past before the abolition of slavery and the acquisition of independence. The blue color immediately following the red is the boundless and mighty Indian Ocean that surrounds Mauritius. Yellow, the penultimate color, is the bright future of the country, and green, the last color, is the nature of the island.

 

22. Geographically belonging to Africa, Mauritius is the richest African country in terms of per capita income.

 

23. The first people to ever set foot on Mauritian soil were Europeans. The Portuguese captain who discovered Mauritius gave him the name "Sishna" in honor of one of his ships.

 

24. The original forests in Mauritius were cut down to the root. Almost all the plants that now grow on the island were once brought here by the colonists.

 

25. Mauritius does not have its own army. The people with weapons there are the police, the maritime patrol service and the police special forces. The crime rate is very low.

 

 

26. Mauritius is surrounded by the third largest coral reef in the world. It is called Saya de Malha. This is one of the best diving spots in the world. Here you can explore sunken ships, meet many species of exotic fish and admire colorful corals.

 

27. One of the local attractions is the Seven Colored Sands, dunes consisting of grains of sand of seven different colors. The spectacle is amazing.

 

28. Due to tropical downpours, floods are not uncommon here, and almost every year tropical hurricanes hit Mauritius, the speed of which exceeds 200 kilometers per hour.

 

29. All TV channels and radio stations here belong to the state.

 

30. The cuisine of Mauritius has been significantly influenced by Chinese, European and Indian cuisines. Also, French dishes are very popular on the island. Most of the traditional Mauritian dishes were created by former slaves, Indian workers and Chinese migrants in the 19th century.

 

31. The extinct Dodo bird was endemic to Mauritius, that is, this island was the only place where it lived. Even though the bird died out a long time ago, it is the national bird of the country and is even depicted on the national coat of arms.

 

 

32. Presumably, this bird became extinct due to the Dutch, who encountered it for the first time in 1598. After the Dutch settled in Mauritius, the last Dodo was seen in the 1960s.

 

33. One in five women and one in ten men in Mauritius are illiterate, unable to read and write.

 

34. About 8% of Mauritians are unemployed. An interesting fact is that the number of people below the poverty line is equal to the number of unemployed.

 

35. The climate here is very mild - there is neither suffocating heat nor severe cold. The climate on this island is maritime subtropical, with fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year. Average annual temperatures are in the region of 20 degrees Celsius in the coastal areas and in the range of 10 degrees Celsius on the high plateau. In total, the country has two seasons: hot (lasts from December to April) and cool (from June to September).

 

36. This island is home to the world's only underwater waterfall. You can watch it from a bird's eye view. The waterfall is located off the coast of Le Morne. Although in fact, this is not a waterfall, but an optical illusion that is visible only from above. Undercurrents and sand flowing from the edge of the ocean floor create the illusion of a waterfall.

 

37. Mauritius is a paradise, an island in the Indian Ocean, replete with clean beaches and green palm trees.

 

 

38. In addition to cleanliness and beautiful nature, Mauritius boasts a favorable and safe environment, as well as amazingly delicious local cuisine.

 

39. Unlike many other island nations, Mauritius is replete with rivers and streams.

 

40. Once Europeans tried to develop agriculture here, but it turned out that frequent hurricanes destroy any crops, and only sugar cane is able to withstand the onslaught of furious winds.

 

41. Sugar cane is the main crop grown on this island. Sugar cane fields occupy almost 80% of the island.

 

42. You can also find tea plantations in the highlands. Sugar and tea are the main exports of this state.

 

43. Tourism is the second largest source of income for the state. With scenic beauty and magnificent white-squeaky beaches and turquoise-clear ocean waters, Mauritius is a true tourist paradise.

 

44. Tourists from all over the world come to this island every year to sunbathe in the sun and swim in the crystal clear waters.

 

45. Despite its small size, you can admire a variety of flora and fauna on the island. There are a huge number of birds and more than 700 species of plants.

 

 

46.Here you can meet huge sea turtles, amazing pink pigeons (endemic to this island) and many other animals and birds.

 

47. Holidays in Mauritius cost a lot of money, not least because of the cost of the flight. Prices can be compared with the Seychelles or the Maldives.

 

48. Mauritius is famous for its incredibly beautiful beaches and the fact that every year more and more tourists come to the island. Every year it is visited by about a million lovers of beach holidays and water sports.

 

49. Many have heard about this wonderful island in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is the dream of all those who love white sandy beaches and blue blue seas.

 

50. Due to its small size, tourists can completely drive around the entire country of Mauritius in just a few hours. If one island seems not enough, then you can go to other islands of this amazing state.

 

 

Comment
Share
Copy link
Linkedin
Messenger
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Vkontakte
Telegram
Cancel
30-interesting-facts-about-kiribati-the-slowly-vanishing-islands

Kiribati is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest state in Oceania in terms of extent, with an area of ​​about 5,000,000 km² covered by the ocean, but the land area is only a small fragment of it, only 811 km², in the form of 32 small islets . The country has about 100,000 inhabitants who can be proud of the official title of "land of the rising sun". taking into account the conventions that set the time zone across the planet. The Republic of Kiribati is one of the first places on Earth traversed by the first rays of the Sun every morning. The time zone is 14 hours ahead of UTC - the farthest time zone in the world.



The state comprises three groups of islands - the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands and the Line Islands. The capital of the Republic of Kiribati is South Tarawa, and the island relief is of coral and volcanic origin, the maximum altitude in the area being only 80 meters. The climate is equatorial, and vegetation is represented by tropical trees and grassy plants. Coconut and pandanus forests occupy 50% of the territory.


The island state of Kiribati is located immediately in Polynesia and Micronesia. Currently, the small country is successfully developing, despite scarce natural resources. Bemorepanda collected some interesting facts:


1. The name of the island state of Kiribati comes from the distorted English "Gilbert Islands".


2. All the islands on which Kiribati is located are atolls.


3. Kiribati covers an area of ​​33 atolls.


4. The highest point in Kiribati is 81 meters above sea level. It is located on Banaba Atoll.


5. On the territory of Kiribati there are two freshwater lakes and about a hundred salt ones.


6. Kiribati is a member of the United Nations.


7. Two of the atolls of Kiribati were once used for testing atomic weapons.


8. The main problems in Kiribati are overpopulation, lack of fresh water and soil erosion.


9. The total population of Kiribati is just over one hundred thousand people.


10. About 90% of the population of Kiribati are representatives of the people of the same name. Its other name is tungaru.


11. The official language of the country is English, but very few people speak it. The majority of the population speaks the Kiribati language.


12. The writing system of Kiribati is based on the English alphabet.


13. Kiribati does not have its own army.


14. There are two official currencies in the country - the Australian dollar and the equivalent Kiribatian dollar.


15. The Kiribati one dollar coin has a dodecagonal shape.


16. Stamps issued by the country are popular with philatelists around the world and are a significant source of replenishment of the state treasury.


17. Kiribati has the second largest exclusive economic zone in the Pacific Ocean - more than three and a half million square kilometers of water space.


18. Kiribati has two radio stations - a government and a private one.


19. Kiribati is the least visited country on the planet by tourists.


20. Athletes from Kiribati take part in the Olympic Games.


21. Also, the Republic of Kiribati is unique in that it is located in all hemispheres of the Earth at once. Part of Kiribati, islands


22. Phoenix is ​​the world's largest marine reserve.


23. On one of the atolls of Kiribati there is a city called London.


24. Christmas Island, one of the Kiribati atolls, is the largest atoll in the world. He alone occupies 48 percent of the country's total land mass..


25. The Republic of Kiribati as a state appeared in 1979, having gained independence from Great Britain.


26. There is not a single river in Kiribati.


27. The only diplomatic mission in the world of the Republic of Kiribati is located on the Fiji Islands. In Russia, for example, the British consulate is in charge of Kiribati's diplomatic affairs.


28. Tarawa and others of the Gilbert group were occupied by Japan during World War II.


29. The island is slowly disappearing.


30. Most of the islands of Kiribati are low-lying coral atolls built on a submerged volcanic chain and encircled by reefs.


Comment
Share
Copy link
Linkedin
Messenger
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Vkontakte
Telegram
Cancel
top-20-seaside-places-to-stay-in-greece-in-2022

Sunny Greece is a picturesque land created by the gods for the rest of the soul and body. The islands of Kos, Santorini, the western part of Rhodes, the Halkidiki peninsula, and the eastern part of the Peloponnese are washed by the Aegean Sea. The east coast of Rhodes and the northern and southern beaches of Crete caress the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

The Ionian Sea will help you enjoy a holiday in western Crete, eastern Corfu, and the western part of the Peloponnese. Lovers of invigorating swimming will enjoy the refreshing Adriatic Sea on Corfu's western and northern shores.

 

Top places to stay in Greece 

 

From May to October, you will get an incredible relaxation on all the seas, sunbathing on the comfortable beaches and enjoying the gentle turquoise waters of the sea. Many resorts in Greece by the sea offer tourists to see the ancient attractions, immerse themselves in the dizzying atmosphere of the nightlife and enjoy the taste of the local cuisine, and you can choose where to relax.

 

1. Crete

In the necklace of the Greek islands, the legendary homeland of Zeus, Crete, stands out as the most fabulous pearl. It hosts the southernmost resorts in the country, where it enjoys almost 340 days a year of sunny weather: beautiful mountain scenery, sandy beach areas, and beautiful inns for romantic and family vacations.

 

Among the many resorts, an unforgettable holiday on the sandy shores surrounded by picturesque nature will be provided by Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion, and Hersonissos, Malia, Lassithi. If you prefer more comfort, staying in the eastern part of Crete, on Lassithi, with sandy beaches in the Gulf of Mirabella and "star" hotels, is better.

 

In the northern region, the resort of Rethymno has gained popularity with a coast dotted with a mixture of sand and pebbles, a gentle descent into the water, and a freshwater lake with its beach. There are many hotels on the first line in the city. It is pleasant to walk around, enjoying the picturesque combination of Venetian and Oriental architecture.

 

The Heraklion coast stretches along the central part. It is a lively resort for young people, with water parks and an aquarium. Moving to the west coast of Crete, you are in the most exotic resort - Chania, surrounded by lush exotic vegetation, famous for the best sandy beaches, architectural monuments, and Venetian-style mansions. Those who are just interested in spending time on the beach can safely choose Elafonisi, the red beach in Matale, the Vapay beach on Lassithi, and the wild Balos beach with luxurious white sand.

 

2. Rhodes

Rhodes will satisfy the most demanding tourists with its natural beauty, all-encompassing tourist infrastructure, and fantastic weather. There are beaches on the island for all tastes: sandy and pebble, comfortable and wild, picturesque and relaxing bays, and open to all winds.

 

All beaches are accessible. Fans of a versatile beach holiday, sightseeing, and active nightlife should choose the capital - Rhodes, located in the north. Here, on the spit, there are beaches from two nearby seas - the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, which differ in terms of water temperature and the presence of sea waves.

 

It is preferable to rest with the children, heading south, where peace reigns. A famous beach - Ellie with white sand overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and excellent infrastructure. The sandy pebble beach of Paropoul and the pebble beaches of Ixia and Ialyssos, which stretch along the rolling shores of the Aegean Sea, are suitable for extreme sports fans.

 

Several unique beaches in Kallithea, nestled in cozy little bays, are famous for their Roman hot springs. Among the Mediterranean resorts, Faliraki stands out with its clean, golden sand beaches of almost 4 kilometers, followed by Anthony Quinn Beach, located in a bay surrounded by cliffs.

 

Among the Mediterranean beaches awarded with "Blue Flags," we would like to mention Kolimbia and Afandou, the comfortable sandy beaches of Tsambika, Stegna, and Agati. In Rhodes, spending time on the beach goes well with visiting medieval forts, Byzantine and Catholic churches, museums, old Lindos with its acropolis, and visiting Rodini Park, the Butterfly Valley, and the ostrich farm.

 

3. Kos

Kos Island offers many pleasant moments, surrounded by picturesque nature and stunning beaches with resorts and attractions. Its gravel-dominated coastline is washed away by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. In the central city - Kos, the beaches are too crowded.

 

Tourists intending to combine sea bathing and sunbathing on the beach with hiking in historic sites should head to Kamari and Kefalos with their quiet sea and well-equipped beaches separated by a bay. Near Kefalos, there is a cozy sandy beach with paradise, surprising with water bubbles near the coast coming from the volcanic gases emitted.

 

Kardamena Resort, located in the southwest, has hotels with beautiful beaches and the ancient temple of Apollo. In the northern part of Kos, there are unique black sand beaches that have settled on the shores of the volcanic eruption and Lake Aliko with flamingos.

 

Psalidi, with its gravel coastline, is a favorite among windsurfing enthusiasts. The wide white sandy beach of Maskhari, with a slight slope in the sea, is perfect for families. Terma Beach, famous for its hot springs, is located 10 kilometers from the capital.

 

There are many ancient attractions on Kos - the ancient city of Paleo Pili, the castle of Animachia, the site of the Asclepius sanatorium, the old Roman Odeon, and many medieval temples.

 

4. Corfu

Immersed in greenery, Corfu is located 2 kilometers from mainland Greece in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Several resort complexes with cozy hotels and cozy pebble beaches stretch along its coast.

 

A paradise hidden among small bays and bays is called Paleokastritsa Protected, located in the northwestern part of Corfu. Here sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and diving is complemented by plenty of entertainment options.

 

No less attractive for young people in the town of Kavos, located in the southeastern part of Corfu, famous for its active nightlife. For mature tourists and families, the southern resorts of Moraitika and Mesongi could not be found better. The settlement of Lefkimi will ensure an atmosphere of solitude and tranquility.

 

The deep warm shores of the sea, the clean beaches, and the daily comfort attract families with children here. The resort towns in northeast Dasia, Bourbaki, Nissaki, and Kontokali are also in good condition. Glyfada will appeal to those who like to combine an active daytime life with evening entertainment in restaurants and entertainment venues.

 

The young audience likes to gather in the northern resort of Sidari, famous for the legendary Love Channel, in Kassiopi, Rhoda, and Acharavi, with a high level of comfort and many entertainment options. Kommeno resort is preferred with luxury hotels, villas, expensive restaurants, and nightlife entertainment for the elite tourist category. There are many unique attractions on the island - 4 cities, several medieval churches, Achilleion Palace and Pontikonissi Island.

 

5. Cassandra

In the geographical trident of Halkidiki, the Kassandra Peninsula, named in honor of the king, who was the son-in-law of Alexander the Great, stands out. It is connected to the mainland by the beautiful Nea Potidea bridge. Kassandra is only 15 kilometers wide but stretches along the Aegean coast for 50 kilometers.

 

Young people go to lively and crowded resorts with a wide range of nightlife: Eriopigu, Kallithea, and Hanioti. Tourists with children prefer to relax in Nea and Sani. A delightful bay in the village of Nea Fokia, next to the beach strip, draws near the Byzantine tower by the sea, from which the sermons of the apostle Paul were read.

 

The golf course leads to a healing spring and a chapel. The comfortable location of Nea Potidea is famous for its magnificent beaches, covered with sand and fragments of an ancient fortress. The golden sand-covered Pevkohori coast is a paradise for lovers of solitude, surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and a gentle sea.

 

For those looking for privacy, do not hesitate to stay alive in the city of Nea Moudania. The peninsula is famous for its cozy sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flags of the European Union and have water parks.

 

On the beaches of Nea Fokea, it is good to snorkel at Glarokavas, where the depth is excellent, and lovers of boat trips and yachts like it. On the golden coast of Haiti, on the shores of the fine sand, both young people and families with children like to sunbathe and swim.

 

6. Sithonia

The second peak of Poseidon's trident - the Khalidiki peninsula - was Sithonia. Conquer with stunning scenery in a combination of mountainous terrain, clean pine trees, and coastlines, washed west by the waters of Kassandra Bay, east - by Singitimos Bay. The diversity of the coast, with fishing villages, comfortable bays, picturesque harbors, and clean unobstructed beaches, makes it possible to choose a safe place to relax for lovers of independent tourism.

 

Accommodation in Sithonia will not be a problem. The most prominent tourist center is Neos Marmaras, with two stunning beach areas on both sides of the town. Spend a wonderful holiday on the beautiful coastline of Parthenonas, with luxury hotels and a 17th-century temple. In the center, it is worth visiting the resorts: Kriaritsi, Marafias, Azapiko, Kalamtiko, Tristi Paradiso, and Caracas.

 

On the opposite side is the stunning mountain village of Sykia, with lovely terraces, the towns of Vourvourou and Sarti, and the breathtaking beauty of the Panagia Bay coast. Relaxing on the sandy shores of Porto Koufo Bay will attract families with children. The azure sea and numerous taverns with seafood delicacies offer an opportunity to eliminate the daily hustle and bustle.

 

7. Athos

The Athos Peninsula, where the sacred mountain rises, is part of Halkidiki. It is known that only men can visit Athos Monastery, so a joint venture or family should come to the peninsula to settle in Ouranoupoli, the nearest resort town of Athos, with developed tourist infrastructure.

 

You can stay here at relatively affordable prices even in the city center in a hotel with a pool, a little more expensive - in an apartment. But for lovers of luxury, it is also not difficult to find a hotel with a private beach. The city's main attractions are the 14th-century Byzantine tower and the Frankish castle.

 

The coast near Mount Athos is covered with pebbles and sand. The beach areas are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of a Campsite, it is fashionable to stay at a campsite near Ouranoupoli on Komitsa Beach with bars, cafes, and shops.

 

On the peninsula of Athos is interesting the city of Stagira, where the famous philosopher Aristotle was born, whose statue is in the city park. For anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of local traditions, we recommend visiting the city of Ierissos, with the ruins of an ancient settlement and several Byzantine temples.

 

8. Amoliani

Near the Halkidiki Peninsula, there is a beautiful Amoliani, which fascinates tourists at first sight. It has become a paradise for all those who prefer a secluded vacation. The landscapes with picturesque bays and sandy beaches, surrounded by olive groves on the hills, provoke an indescribable delight and the desire to stay here for a long time.

 

The guests' comfort is created by perfectly equipped beaches and comfortable hotels, of which there are more than 40 nightclubs and taverns with excellent seafood dishes. For lovers of active entertainment, there is everything for water sports. It is undeniable that the main asset in favor of the trip is the ecologically clean sandy beaches caressed by the warm azure sea.

 

In terms of their popularity, Alykes awarded the Blue Flag, is in the lead. The golden sandy shore, surrounded by lush vegetation, with a convenient entrance to the sea, attracts families with children. For couples in love, more secluded corners of the beach are suitable: Agias Georgios, Megali Amos, Karagatsi, Zaska, Faka, Nisakia, where there are fewer people, but all the equipment for the beach, swimming, and water activities are available.

 

The small island does not have a lot of attractions. Still, a relaxed life surrounded by flowery Mediterranean nature and authentic local houses will make you feel like a natural paradise.

 

9. Thassos

The northernmost and greenest Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is covered with forests, oaks, chestnuts, and banana plantations. It has such a small surface that it is not difficult to move around it in a day. The ancient capital of Thassos has long been considered the city of Limenas, surrounded by old city walls, behind which there are many ancient shrines and altars.

 

The beach and swimming will be fun in the resort of Potos, and in the evening it is fun to relax in the entertainment facilities. Theologos mountain village, notable for the ruins of an ancient city, has a beautiful, well-kept beach, especially suitable for surfers. In the historic town of Alik, apart from the beautiful beach and nature area, the fragments of an ancient temple with inscriptions are impressive.

 

For 115 kilometers, a luxurious beach stretches along the island, where the beaches of San Antonio, Paradise, Psili Amos, Makrimos, Glymoferi, and Marble shine with shining pearls, many of which have received the international Blue Flag rating. Tourists are ready to accept more than 180 hotels at affordable prices, both for standard accommodation and through the "all-inclusive" system.

 

See here the TOP 20 white sand beaches in Greece for summer 2022.

 

10. Skiathos

Charming little sunny Skiathos, with its luxurious nature, is washed by the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea. It offers its guests a wide range of marine pleasures and entertainment. To enjoy its charms in full force, you need to spend more than a week on Skiathos. Along the 44-kilometer coastline, towns and villages with excellent resort infrastructure and areas—well-kept beaches covered with fine and delicate sand.

 

The only difficulty for tourists is choosing a beach, of which there are 60. They have crystal clear water, sandy shores, and many water activities everywhere. Tourists are advised to sunbathe and swim at Little and Big Banana, the picturesque Vromolimnos. On the secluded beaches of Nikotsara, Castro, and Lalaria, which it is impossible to reach on foot, boats leave the port every day and take everyone to town in the evening.

 

It is the ideal destination for yachts. Little Chersonesos will conquer with the romance of the fortress Burtzi and a beautiful port. Skiathos will delight you with the ruins of the medieval Castro fortress, 17th-18th-century monasteries, and excellent hotel services and entertainment facilities. Excellent transport links are a perfect opportunity to get around the most beautiful places inside and out.

 

11. Lefkada

It is part of the Ionian Archipelago. Its name, "white" in Greek, comes from the white rocks that flank the west coast. The resorts of Lefkada are buried in dense vegetation, and the comfortable bays are beautiful places, with excellent beach infrastructure, lots of entertainment, and comfortable hotels of different stars.

 

The main tourist center is the picturesque town of Lefkada, which delights guests with colorful mosaic houses. Everyone calls the main wealth of Lefkada resorts its excellent beaches, which are firmly rooted in the ranking of the best in the world. On the southeast coast is Porto Katsiki, with its purest soft sand, azure waters, and luxurious natural surroundings.

 

If you are traveling to the southwest, it is impossible not to fall in love with the cozy and secluded beach corner - of Egremni. The lovely sandy beaches of Kathisma and Nydri, surrounded by pine forests, cypresses, and olive groves, are loved by tourists who prefer a comfortable and relaxing holiday. The leisure time of the island's guests will be diversified through its historical and cultural monuments.

 

12. Cephalonia

A small sunny island in the Ionian Sea, with picturesque beaches, which has recently become a resort. The capital is Argostolion, with a population of 40,000. Nature has generously endowed the resorts of Poros, Skala, Spartia, Lassi, and Svaronata with a quiet coastline, beautiful mountains, and the purest ecology.

 

Among the most picturesque and comfortable beaches will be in the village of Assos, with a gravel coast and a sandy coast of Kaminia, with a shallow entrance to the sea, which is excellent for families with children. Well-maintained blue flag beaches: white sandy-pearl-covered Myrtos with white pebbles and white gravel Antisamos surrounded by lush hills, shallow water near the coast, which is good for the health of adults and children.

 

Fans of the taming of the waves will enjoy a stretch of miles of the coastal strip called Petani, with high cliffs, a deep transparent sea, a strong waves. Kefalonia offers guests almost 800 accommodation options in hotels with different statuses, apartments, and villas. There is an airport and in any tourist town, nightclubs, cafes and a cinema.

 

13. Ithaca

The tiny island, which became the birthplace of the legendary Odyssey, belongs to the administrative district of Kefalonia. This is a little-visited Greek resort, mainly due to the inconvenient transport connections from the mainland. But tourists visiting Ithaca notice the extraordinary charm of its comfortable bay and natural landscapes.

 

The most populous city - Vati, is considered the capital of Ithaca, so it is better to start getting to know the resorts here. The city conquers with its buildings, built in the Venetian traditions of architecture, historical monuments, and a natural harbor, the largest in the world. Holidays in Ithaca enjoy coasts mostly covered with small pebbles, clear waters, and low tourist density.

 

The comfortable Filiatro Beach, which stretches into a bay between a mountain range near Watu, is considered the best on the island. Poli Beach, located next to the Stavros settlement, is not inferior in its beauty and range of services. Wild beaches - Agios Ioannis with beautiful views, Piso Aetos - yacht and other rental boats, Gidaki and Dexa - great for snorkeling.

 

The only stretch of sand on the Mnimat coast, surrounded by olive groves, is popular with tourists and offers services. Finding accommodation in Ithaca will not be a problem. You can rent a decent room with a sea view or an apartment during the tourist season.

 

14. Zakynthos

The Ionian island of dreams attracts tourists with beautiful scenery, golden beaches, warm turquoise sea, the healing scent of emerald coniferous forests, and attractions covered with exciting legends. No wonder it has been granted the status of an international nature reserve with unique creations of nature: Navagio Bay, the Blue Caves, the addition of relict turtles, and the Axos stone park.

 

The capital - the city of Zakynthos, is notable for its historical monuments and the charming beach area of ​​nearby Kalamaki. Many comfortable hotels have recently been built on the east coast, and restaurants with traditional Mediterranean cuisine and bars have been opened.

 

The eastern towns of the island are recommended as magnificent resorts with sandy beaches: Alykes, Argassi, Vasilikos, Agios Nikolaos, Gerakas, and Laganas. The beautiful Porto Limnionas is hidden in a bay surrounded by cliffs to the west. The coastline surrounds the island for 120 kilometers, on which there are more than a hundred beaches, which stand out for their perfect cleanliness. All the beaches are lovely. Regardless of the choice of resort, you will be assured of many vivid impressions.

 

15. Tyra

The most romantic Greek island, stretching like a crescent through the waters of the Aegean Sea. On the tops of its majestic cliffs are islands of white towns with stunning Cycladic architecture and views of the volcano's warming. The unforgettable charm of the landscapes, the relaxation at sea, and the tasting of the cuisine and wine of Santorini will remain in your memory with sweet memories.

 

The compact territory of Santorini is dotted with resorts with a wide selection of hotels of various categories, excellent infrastructure, and many beaches with volcanic sand. The main resort town is the capital - Fira, which is located on rock terraces, decorated with heavenly domes of churches, streets of snow-white houses, and scaffolding (cave houses).

 

There are plenty of hotels, bars, and restaurants here. The main beach area is Kamari, with a coastline of a mixture of pebbles and dark sand and several hotels and bars that stretch along the coastline. The quiet resort of Perissa, located at the foot of Mount Mesa Vouna, is not inferior to Kamari. A comfortable tan and marine activities await you on the shores covered with volcanic sand.

 

16. Evia

They are listed as the largest islands in the Aegean Sea. There are seven municipalities with over 200 thousand inhabitants. Larger cities are located along the coast, and small settlements are located on bays, mountains, and river valleys. The mountains divide the island into north, central, and south.

 

Each of them has all the conditions for receiving tourists in hotels, private cottages, various houses at affordable prices, and loyal services. On Euboea, the beach areas stretch for 680 kilometers, located in crowded resorts and isolated bays. At sea, the bottom is covered with cracks and underwater caves. The constant wind attracts surfers.

 

However, the wind does not catch up with the big waves, and tourists who prefer passive fun can sunbathe and swim safely. The most popular resorts are located mainly on the west coast, near the mainland: Edeps, Politics, and Eretria. Among the objectives of interest are several ancient monasteries and the remains of fortifications.

 

17. Peloponnese

The country's southern peninsula is connected to the Balkans by the Isthmus of Corinth. It is divided into seven regions, where each has created a wide range of services for tourists. You can stay in a simple two-star hotel or a luxury five-star hotel in any coastal resort. Most of the beaches in the Peloponnese are sandy, remarkable for landscaping.

 

For a family vacation, it is best to head to the shores of the Achaea region, where cheap hotels or places between Kastoria and Corinth attract the magnificent bays and beaches of Loutraki and Xylokastro, and the pebbled coastline of Sykia is marked for the purity of the sea. Blue flag. " In the south, you should pay attention to Laconia for tourists who prefer secluded coastal places surrounded by cliffs. In Arcadia, there is a beautiful city Leonidion.

 

When choosing the Argolis region, you can't go wrong with Porto Heli, Plepi, and Tolo, where you will find both sandy and gravel beaches. In addition to being on the sea, the Peloponnese will impress with the monuments of the history of ancient Greece. As you rest, you will see the legendary palaces of Agamemnon, the famous Olympia with the ruins of the temple of Zeus, beautiful ancient temples, and medieval castles.

 

18. Lesbo

The third-largest Greek island has become a popular resort in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Glorified by ancient poets, he gained the ambiguous fame of a place where the cult of same-sex love flourished. The capital Lesvos is the port city of Mytilene, with two ports located in the southeast.

 

The best beach in Mytilene with hotels, sports fields, and restaurants is called Vatera. It stretches along the seafront for 8 kilometers. In the north of Lesvos, the Molyvos beach area is attractive, offering comfortable conditions for the beach, swimming, and entertainment. The beach area of ​​Petra, 5 km from Molyvos, is the best place for families with children.

 

Going west, you will find the stunningly beautiful beach area of ​​Skala Press, which has been repeatedly marked with the "Blue Flag" and the nearby hot springs. The island has a wide range of hotels and apartments. The history of the world includes the sights of Lesvos: the castle-fortress of Mytilene, the monastery of Archangel Michael, the Church of Panagia Glykofilus, and the Gulf of Calloni. The healing air of the resorts, saturated with pine aroma, will boost vivacity for the whole year.

 

19. Mykonos

The landscape consists of white windmills, white and blue streets, famous luxury villas, stunning sandy beaches, and an azure sea. In Mykonos, called Chora by the townspeople, there are many expensiVIPsVIP and luxury hotels and restaurants where you can meet celebrities from shows and movie actors.

 

Most resorts are located in the south, where there is less wind. You can spend a good holiday in Agios Iannis, Platis-Yalos, Psarou, Ornos, Azrari, Elia and Paraidaz. Nudists favor Paranga and Paradise, and Super Paradise traditionally attracts homosexuals and noisy parties.

 

Several cozy beach areas with yellow sand and clear sea are popular: Elia beach, Patis Yialos, and Super Paradise beach. People who prefer solitude should go to the coast of Agios Sostis. The marine rest is completed by visiting the tourist objectives: the Church of Our Lady of Paraportiani, the monastery of the Virgin from the 18th century, and the archeological and ethnographic museum.

 

20. Volos

The Aegean town on the Gulf of Pagasitikos has about 100,000 inhabitants. But at the same time, it is the third most important port in the country and a favorite location for tourists. Despite its industrial importance, the city has a well-developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay for many guests.

 

Walking along the embankment, you will find many attractions: various monuments and sculptures, architectural structures, a vast number of beautiful palm trees, the Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, taverns, restaurants, and cafes where you can taste Greek national cuisine or enjoy the familiar taste of traditional European dishes.

 

No matter what interests him, every tourist will find his free time among the attractions of Volos: the Brick Museum, the richest Archaeological Museum, the castle of Volos, built in the sixth century, many cathedrals, and temples. And in the vicinity of Volos, tourists will find exciting trips to the site of the ancient cities of Dimitriada and Diminios, the old European settlement Sesklos, a copy of the legendary ship "Argo," anchored forever on the outskirts of the town.

 

According to tourists, Volos is a picturesque place where you can experience Greek hospitality, immerse yourself in ancient history, enjoy the gastronomic pleasure of Greek national cuisine, and learn more about the culture of one of the oldest civilizations.

 

See here the TOP 20 white sand beaches in Greece for summer 2022.

Comment
Share
Copy link
Linkedin
Messenger
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Vkontakte
Telegram
Cancel
top-45-interesting-facts-about-kyiv

Interesting facts about Kyiv are a great opportunity to learn more about the ancient city. Kyiv has an ancient history, thanks to which you can see many of the oldest buildings here. It was here that Kievan Rus began to form, on the territory in which the Slavic peoples lived.

 

Facts you didn’t know about Kyiv

 

Kyiv is full of cozy cafes and restaurants, ancient buildings, monuments and sculptures, majestic temples, ancient streets, and beautiful parks. Each of them is associated with a lot of interesting information and interesting facts. Facts that will help you get to know the Great City on the Dnieper better. Let's get acquainted with some of them in more detail.

 

1. Starokievskaya mountain - the place "where the Russian land came from", is rightfully considered the highest of all the capital's mountains - 187 meters above sea level, 96 - above the Dnieper.

 

2. On Starokievsky Hill there is a contour of the foundation of the Church of the Tithes - the first stone church of Russia, destroyed by the Mongols of Batu. For the first time, the contours of the foundation were laid out in the 30s of the 20th century. Then, during the archaeological excavations in 2005-2010, it was removed, returning to its place only in 2015.

 

 

3. Linden on Starokievsky Hill, according to legend, was planted by Metropolitan Peter Mohyla in 1635. If so, then it is almost 400 years old, and this is one of the oldest Kyiv trees. There are myths that claim that she remembers the decline of Kievan Rus and her age is twice that.

 

4. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine, one of the largest Ukrainian collections dedicated to the history, has been living on Starokyivska Hill since 1944. This House of Muses is housed in a building originally intended for an art school; its funds include over 800,000 unique exhibits.

 

5. One of the favorite places of rest for the people of Kyiv - Landscape Alley runs on the site of the defensive ramparts of ancient Kyiv. Appeared in the early 1980s, her father is the architect Abraham Miletsky. And what views from here!

 

6. Kyiv metro station Arsenalnaya is the deepest in the world (105.5 m). And the Golden Gate is among the ten (according to other sources - twenty) most beautiful in the whole world.

 

 

7. In the Kyiv metro, in addition to more than fifty operating stations, there are also two mothballed ones: Lvovskaya Brama near Lvovskaya Square and Telichka (between Vydubychi and Slavutych).

 

8. There are two versions about the time of the emergence of Andreevsky Descent - the soul of the City of Kiya, its cultural artery connecting the Upper and Lower City. The first says that the narrow passage between the mountains Zamkova (Kiselevka) and Andreevskaya appeared in time immemorial. The second claims that it was laid in the middle of the 17th century, as a result of the actions of the Poles, who removed the hill bridge between the mountains. The height difference on the Descent is 70 m, so the first time it is better to pass it from top to bottom.

 

9. Seriously building up Andreevsky Spusk began in the 19th century, and already in the 60s of this century, brothels were “wound up” on Spusk, were far from the most intelligent contingent went. The fight against these institutions ended only by 1872 when the brothels moved to Podil.

 

 

10. One of the most famous and mystical buildings of the capital - the Castle of Richard the Lionheart - an apartment building of the early 20th century, got its name thanks to the Kyiv expert Viktor Nekrasov.

 

11. The first art vernissage of the arts, which brought together folk masters with their masterpieces, was held on Andreevsky Descent back in 1982, and gained real popularity towards the end of the 80s. Today, not so many people come as before, but still twice a year, on Kyiv Day and Independence Day, there is nowhere for an apple to fall on Spusk.

 

12. The house of writers Rolit (Bogdan Khmelnitsky, 68), built in the 1930s, has a record number of memorial plaques on its facade - 29.

 

13. The height of the sculpture "Motherland" is 62 meters (with a pedestal - of 102, one of the highest statues in the world). This huge steel figure weighs about 500 tons. Opened in 1981. There is a version that the main sculptor Vasily Borodai chose the sculptor Galina Kalchenko, who died in 1975, as the prototype of the face of the figure.

 

 

14. The highest building in the capital is the Kyiv TV Tower (385 m, by the way, higher than the Eiffel Tower). It is the tallest of the lattice structures in the world.

 

15. The tallest building in Kyiv - LCD "Klovsky" (168 m, Klovsky Spusk, 7). However, now skyscrapers are being built, which may well take away the title of “very very” from the residential complex.

 

16. The name of the second most ancient district of the City - Podil comes from the Old Slavonic word meaning lowland.

 

17. Zhytny market is the oldest operating market in Kyiv. The modern building was opened in 1980, but the marketplace has existed on this site since the time of Kievan Rus.

 

18. Cinema "Zhovten" is also among the oldest "cinema houses" in the capital. Built-in 1931, recently restored after a fire in 2014. It is interesting because it pays a lot of attention to auteurs, festivals, and arthouse cinema.

 

19. Walking along Podol, pay attention to the graceful clock tower towering on Kontraktova Square between Podolskaya RDA and the Pot-bellied Hata. This is the ex-bell tower of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine of the Greco-Sinai Monastery. Until our time, only the bell tower and the profitable house next to the monastery have survived.

 

 

20. A long time ago, everyone who got to Podol tried to take a sip of water from the Samson fountain (again, one of the oldest in the City) - according to legend, this aqua vita brought good luck. Today, "Samson" is a closed-loop fountain, and you should not drink from it under any sauce.

 

21. For a long time, the Podolsk Upper and Lower ramparts, or rather the canal (later a ditch) between them, served as a natural boundary between the fashionable and unfashionable parts of the City. Living "beyond the ditch / across the ditch" was considered terribly unprestigious. In the course, there was even a corresponding curse.

 

22. There are practically no trees on Podolskaya Sagaydachnogo Street (they were removed during the construction of the metro in the 1970s). Almost the only green giant on this highway is an oak about 27 numbers.

 

23. The length of the funicular - a transport that lifts passengers from Postal Square to St. Michael's Cathedral - is only 222 meters.

 

 

24. The length of one of the oldest streets of the City - Vladimirskaya is almost three kilometers.

 

25. Walking along Vladimirskaya street, it makes sense to look into the courtyards hidden behind the walls of houses. For example, behind the facades of houses from 7 to 11, a wooden chapel and the foundation of a temple of the 12th century are hidden in the courtyard.

 

26. The bell tower of St. Sophia Cathedral reaches an impressive 76 meters in height.

 

27. One of the most visited McDonalds in the world is located near the Kyiv Central Railway Station. Typically over 2 million hungry mouths are served here annually.

 

28. One of the culinary symbols of the capital, gourmets recommend trying the Kyiv cutlet in the restaurants Spotykach (Vladimirskaya, 16), Rebra & Kotlety (Borisoglebskaya, 8/13). Of the fast-food options, the cutlet produced by the Pot-bellied Hata chain has the best fame.

 

29. In the Shevchenko Park, located opposite the main entrance to the Red Building of the University, not only mothers with children walk, but dozens of chess players often spend many hours fighting. This is their favorite place. On the other hand, the “old” Fomin Botanical Garden adjoins the Red Building - this is already a favorite place for university students.

 

 

30. Khreshchatyk - the widest Kyiv street: 75 meters from the house to house. But it cannot boast of a length, only 1.2 km.

 

31. The construction of Khreshchatyk began only at the very end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th century. Prior to that, poor people lived here for a long time, unable to buy apartments in prestigious areas of the City.

 

32. There is a place in the capital where you can taste oysters for only 29 UAH apiece. This is the "White filling" on Khreshchatyk - One euro bar, located opposite the Central Department Store. However, be prepared for rather big queues.

 

33. Practically on Khreshchatyk (more precisely, at its intersection with Bohdan Khmelnitsky, 3-a) there is another gastronomic feature of the capital - “Kyiv perepichka”. This famous sausage baked in the dough was first born back in 1981. And despite the fact that you have to stand in a long queue for the window with the coveted "perepichka", it has been one of the most popular fast foods in Kyiv for more than 35 years.

 

34. During the entire existence of Khreshchatyk, not a single church was erected here. For service to Hermes and entertainment, hands did not reach spirituality.

 

 

35. The 16-story hotel "Ukraine" (nee - "Moscow"), located on Independence Square, has long been proud of the title of the first tallest building in Kyiv and the second in all of Ukraine (Kharkiv House of Projects won the leadership).

 

36. One of the most interesting observation platforms in Kyiv, experts call the Schekavitsky “270-degree platform”. From here, in good weather, a huge part of the capital is visible: from the Wind Mountains to Podil and the Left Bank. You can find it by walking along Olegovskaya Street between houses 42 and 44 and finding a narrow passage between the garages on the right.

 

37. The world's only monument to a garbage truck is located on the capital's Gas Pipeline Street, 2. It was installed in 2004 in honor of the 35th anniversary of Kyivspetstrans.

 

38. The most famous of Kyiv parks - Volodymyrska Gorka "in deaf, gray-haired times" bore the name of St. Michael's Hill and belonged to the monks of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. The hill became a city park in the 19th century. The people of Kyiv especially fell in love with the opening here in 1853 of a monument to Prince Vladimir.

 

 

39. The name of the administrative and political center of the City - Pechersk is derived from the word "cave".

 

40. The building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, built-in 1936-1938, was the first sign of the new republican administrative center created after the transfer of the capital from Kharkiv, and was originally intended for the NKVD of the Ukrainian SSR.

 

41. The large Lavra bell tower of one of the oldest monasteries of Kievan Rus - the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was born in 1731-1745, its height is 96.5 meters. By the way, it is tilted 62 cm in a northeasterly direction.

 

42. The main cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra - Uspensky was destroyed in 1941, and both Nazis and Soviet saboteurs were accused of this. The restored shrine was opened in 2000.

 

43. In 1990, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which is visited annually by more than a million tourists, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to the Lavra, the Ukrainian objects, it includes the Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral, the historical center of Lviv, the points of the Struve geodetic arc, the beech forests of the Carpathians, the residence of the metropolitans of Bukovina, Tauric Chersonesus, and the wooden churches of the Carpathian region.

 

 

44. The longest in Kyiv is tram route No. 12, which runs from Kontraktova Square to Pushcha-Vodytsia and was opened back in 1900 (almost 20 kilometers).

 

45. Trukhanov Island got its name in time immemorial, in honor of Tugorkhan, the father-in-law of Prince Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, who built a palace for his spouse on the island.

 

 

Comment
Share
Copy link
Linkedin
Messenger
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Vkontakte
Telegram
Cancel
You have reposted this topic!
You have canceled this repost!