Artificial islands represent man’s dominance over water. Here are 10 of the most iconic artificial islands from different corners of the world.
Imagine a huge land rising above the sea, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, luxury resorts and residential areas. Not a continent that has existed for millions of years, but an island built by humans. It might sound like something out of a science fiction book. But artificial islands are very real and have been around for centuries.
An artificial island is a piece of land that does not occur naturally, but is created by humans, usually by expanding existing islets, combining various natural formations or building a new island from scratch in areas where there is only water.
Throughout history, these islands have served a variety of purposes. From ancient cliffs in Scotland to modern palm-shaped resorts in Dubai, man has conquered the water and used it to his advantage. In this list, we’ve gathered the world’s most iconic artificial islands. Here are the most iconic artificial islands
Burj Al Arab | Dubai
Standing tall against the vast blue skies of Dubai, Burj Al Arab is one of the most iconic symbols of modern luxury. Built on a man-made island, it is a testament not only to architectural ingenuity but also to the boundless imagination of mankind.
Many call the Burj Al Arab the world’s only ‘7-star hotel’. While this title is unofficial, one step inside and you’ll immediately understand why.
Uros Islands | Peru
At the heart of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, are the floating Uros Islands. These artificial islands have a history as deep and rich as the waters they float on.
Our Lady of the Rocks | Montenegro
In the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro lies a monumental little islet: Our Lady of the Rocks. According to legend, this man-made island was started in 1452 by sailors who discovered the symbol of the Virgin Mary and Child on a rock in the sea. The sailors promised to gradually build an islet by throwing a stone at the same spot after each successful voyage.
Today the island is home to a Roman Catholic church, also called Our Lady of the Rocks. Inside, visitors can find a rich tapestry of history, from exquisite paintings to silver votive tablets.
Kamfers | South Africa
On the outskirts of Kimberley, South Africa, lies a remarkable artificial island. Kamfers Island is characterized not by human settlement but by its feathered inhabitants. This island has become a suitable home for flamingos. In fact, not only flamingos but more than 200 species of birds have been documented to live here.
Danube Island | Austria
Imagine an island in the heart of a bustling city, with sandy beaches, vast parks and lots of activities. This is the Danube Island in Vienna. Spanning 21 kilometers, this man-made island was originally built to protect the city. Today it is an entertainment center that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Île aux Cygnes | France
Hidden in the Seine in Paris is a thin, man-made island that is often overlooked: Île aux Cygnes. Over 890 meters long, this hidden gem was created in 1827 to protect the port of Grenelle.
The most striking part of this island is undoubtedly the replica of the Statue of Liberty. This statue, gifted to the city by the Americans in 1889, is a constant reminder of the enduring bond between France and the United States.
Peberholm | Denmark
Located between Sweden and Denmark, Peberholm emerged not as a center of human activity, but as a silent guardian of nature. This engineering marvel was designed as part of the construction of the Øresund Bridge, a connection point between the bridge and the tunnel below.
THUMS Islands | California
At first glance, THUMS Islands in Long Beach, California, looks like a luxury resort with modern sculptures and cascading waterfalls. But underneath lies one of the most innovative engineering projects in the US. The islands were built in the 1960s as drilling sites for oil extraction to blend seamlessly into the aesthetics of the coastal city.
Thilafushi | Maldives
A popular honeymoon destination, the Maldives is known for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. But it is also home to Thilafushi, an island with a completely different story from the archipelago’s luxury resorts. Thilafushi was built in the 1990s as the Maldives’ landfill site. Today these islands are equipped with an industrial center, residential businesses, factories and docks.
Palm Jumeirah | Dubai
Sprawling across the azure waters of the Persian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah is a breathtaking display of Dubai’s boldness and ambition. This palm tree-shaped island is a testament to human ingenuity.