Archipelago of the Inner Hebrides small islands. Where are the Hebrides? Excursion to the islands of Bili Bili, Yambomba and some islands of the Satisfied People Archipelago

The Hebrides consist of more than 500 islands and islets, of which only a hundred are inhabited. Once upon a time, in ancient times, a significant piece of land broke off from the mainland, which, under the influence of water and winds, was fragmented into many large and small islands. This is how the Hebridean archipelago arose.

All its islands are divided by two bays (Little Minch and North Minch) and the inner Hebrides Sea into two long chains of land fragments called the Inner (located closer to the Scottish coast) and Outer Hebrides, average annual temperature where it rarely exceeds +10+12°С.

The total area of ​​the Hebrides is about 7.2 thousand sq. km, of which just over 1.5 thousand sq. km are occupied by lakes. Such a vast expanse of water on pieces of land, combined with the Atlantic waters washing the coast of the Hebrides, contributed to the formation of a special climate here, in which constant fog and frequent rains have all the power. The weather here is incredibly changeable, and within half an hour the clear sky can be covered with clouds, and the approaching shore of the island visible on the horizon can easily disappear into the foggy darkness.

"Edge of the Earth" in a foggy haze

Increased humidity also contributed to the formation of particularly impressive landscapes of the islands, where lakes alternate with marshy meadows and peat bogs, and coastal cliffs, blown by winds and polished for centuries ocean waters, differ bizarre shapes and outlines.

In addition, on many inhabited islands The Hebrides, fragments of the past, tower majestic giants - ancient castles. Surrounded by the foggy haze that often appears over the islands of this archipelago, they acquire a special mystical aura, and one cannot help but think that there really is a place for dragons and knights from ancient Scottish legends.

Picturesque rocky landscapes, impressive sunsets over the Atlantic, violent storms - all this attracts the attention of photographers and artists to the Hebrides, who draw inspiration from these harsh northern beauties, and travelers who want to visit ... “the edge of the earth”, because that’s what these places are often called .

It would seem that the mainland and the Scottish coast are not so far away, but, being on those islands of the archipelago, where the human foot does not set foot very often, and the inaccessible rocky shores have retained their pristine natural charm, you can’t help but think that this is indeed the notorious mythical land of the earth.

"Scottish Stonehenge"

Each island of the Hebrides is a separate pearl with its own special landscape, interesting story, unique sights and... secrets. There are also more than enough mysteries for researchers on the islands that witnessed the Ice Age.

When it comes to Scotland, people most often remember the mysterious (which has never found reliable evidence) monster of a glorious lake and numerous Scottish distilleries, and a little less often the analogue of the English Stonehenge - the unique megalithic complex of the village of Callanish, located on the most famous island of the Outer Hebrides - Lewis.

Inside the circle formed by 13 vertical stone pillars (each about 3.5 m high), there is a majestic block of stone 5 m high. This is exactly what the “Scottish Stonehenge” looks like, which, according to historians, is older than its predecessor. grandiose British “brother”, and no less mysterious Egyptian pyramids.

Ancient legends say that pagans who did not want to accept Christianity were converted into stone pillars, but scientists are inclined to believe that the emergence of a circle of stone pillars is associated with the veneration of the cult of the Moon. In addition, on this island there are several smaller similar places of worship and many mounds, the secrets of which have probably sunk into oblivion forever along with the peoples who created them.

The diversity of landscapes of the Hebrides

Many of the Hebrides Islands offer incredible scenery. Cape Trotternish on the Isle of Skye (the largest in the Inner Hebrides) is striking with basalt rock formations that rise above the bay.

Reminds me of a stormy volcanic activity, which took place here in ancient times, and the impressive pillars of the island of Staffa, taken together with Fingal's Cave located there under the auspices of UNESCO back in 1968. In contrast to these harsh landscapes, you can visit the Isle of Harris, famous for its beautiful golden sand.

Fun leisure time in the Hebrides

Surprisingly, some islands (for example, Tiri), despite the abundance of rocks and cliffs near them, are chosen by connoisseurs, because the winds constantly blowing here create stunning waves, ideal for honing surfing skills to the level of ideal ones in rather difficult conditions.

The Cuillins Peak on the Isle of Skye is also a haven for extreme sports enthusiasts, which attracts mountaineering enthusiasts, and history buffs are advised to visit Dunvegan Castle, located here and belonging to the once glorious MacLeod clan - one of the most famous in the vast Hebrides.

Romantic charm is present here in the mystical aura, in numerous legends, and in the surrounding picturesque landscapes. Therefore, even despite the seeming inaccessibility and severity of the Hebrides, it is difficult not to be influenced by their magical charm and not to fall in love with these impressively multifaceted Scotland from the first.

Vanuatu is a country in Melanesia, located on the New Hebrides archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.

Vanuatu has no land borders and shares territorial waters with Solomon Islands they are 170 km away, New Caledonia (a French overseas territory) is 230 km away and the Fiji Islands, which are located 800 km from Vanuatu. Vanuatu also borders the Australian economic zone. The Hebrides are separated from the Green Continent by 1,780 km.

The colony of New Hybrids gained independence in the 1980s, and before that it had been under joint Anglo-French rule for 100 years.
Vanuatu occupies 83 islands volcanic origin, and they are all inhabited.

How to get to Vanuatu

In the capital of Vanutatu, Port Vila, is located international Airport, this is where flights from Auckland land ( New Zealand), Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne (Australia), Noumea ( New Caledonia), Nadi (Fiji).

Thus, you will have to fly from Moscow to Vanuatu with at least two transfers, usually via Dubai or Singapore. From the capital, the local airline delivers tourists to all surrounding islands.

Vanuatu is also included in the round-the-world program sea ​​cruises and Oceania cruises, most of which start and finish in Sydney.

Do you need a visa to visit Vanuatu?

Russians do not need a visa to visit Vanuatu, but, for example, Ukrainian citizens can get a 30-day visa right at the airport for a small fee.

Attractions and entertainment in Vanuatu

Today Vanuatu popular resort for Australian and New Zealand tourists, as well as for lovers of sea cruises. The New Hebrides are perfect place for diving, sea fishing, spa holidays, and also for weddings. In addition, Vanuatu has four gorgeous golf courses and many wild rivers for rafting and kayaking, the islands of Efate and Molecule are especially popular among lovers of river rapids.
Vanuatu attracts, of course, first of all with its extraordinary nature.

The most beautiful place The archipelago is considered to be the Bay of Male on the island of Efate,

On Maewo Island, tourists are shown hot springs.

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island, is famous for the state's only national park, Big Bay, and the beautiful Champagne Beach.

Tanna Island is famous not only for its local residents“ate” Cook, and then worshiped American planes as Gods, but also active volcano Yasur, the most accessible place to visit in the New Hebrides.

Fauna of Vanuatu

The flora and fauna of Vanuatu is also rich in delights. Epi Island's Lamen Bay is home to the rarest marine mammal, the dugong, the only living relative of the Steller's cow.

On Aneityum there is a sea turtle reserve, and on Ambrym there is a forest of tree ferns and a bay with tiger sharks.

Eromanga Island attracts tourists with centawood sandalwood trees and cowrie shellfish, whose shells have long been used instead of money in Siberia, Africa, China, and New Guinea. And very exotic animals - saltwater crocodiles can be found on the island of Vanua Lava at the mouths of the Selva and Tahiti rivers.

History buffs will surely love the capital of Port Vila, which has a charming colonial-style French Quarter, Chinatown and a picturesque old cemetery.

And on the northernmost island of the Huey archipelago, it is worth visiting the Yeyenvu caves, famous for their rock paintings.
Of particular interest is the culture of the Vanuatu aborigines, which, of course, is better to get acquainted with in specially designated places, since some local tribes still do not disdain cannibalism.

Folk villages there are on the islands of Ambrym (the local population is famous for their witchcraft talents), Tanna, Malekula (the natives of this island make the most unusual and exquisite souvenirs).

And in April-May, Pentecost Island invites tourists to watch ancient bungee jumping (headless jumping) and, year-round, to see mysterious sand patterns comparable to the Nazca hieroglyphs.

Along the west coast of Scotland there are inaccessible Hebrides, which seem cold and inhospitable. However, travelers find a special romance in them and fall in love with a distant land famous for its picturesque landscapes. Even in ancient times, the archipelago with fickle sea elements was mentioned in the works of the Romans and Greeks.

From time immemorial, people defying fate tried to survive in harsh conditions, and the Vikings and Celtic tribes, the English and the Scots dreamed of taking over the land, much of which was rocky or marshy.

Some facts about the archipelago

The archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean, has received the unofficial name “miniature Scotland” for its variety of unique attractions. Conventionally, it is divided into two groups - the Outer and Inner Hebrides. While the former are separated by the Little Minch Strait and compactly huddle to the north-west of the autonomous region, the latter are located off the coast of a state that is part of Great Britain.

The Hebrides, consisting of approximately 500 small islands (no more than a hundred are inhabited), are a real kingdom of chilly wind and powerful waves. Once upon a time, a gigantic piece of land broke off from the mainland, breaking into many parts. This is how the Hebridean archipelago with an area of ​​7.2 thousand km 2 appeared. More than 1.5 thousand km 2 are occupied by lakes, thanks to which a special climate has been formed with frequent rains and fogs coming from the west.

As tourists note, the weather here is extremely changeable: within an hour the clear sky is covered with gray clouds, and the Hebrides, which are a continuation mountain ranges Scotland, hiding in a milky veil. And the calming sea waves of a transparent blue hue are immediately replaced by terrifying giant lead-colored shafts.

Ancient monuments of Scotland

It is impossible not to mention the important role of the archipelago not only in the formation, but also in the preservation of Scottish culture. Here you can get acquainted with ancient monuments, of great interest to vacationers. On those islands that are inhabited, there are majestic castles that have survived to descendants from past eras. In the mysterious gray haze they acquire a mysterious halo, and it seems as if ancient Scottish legends about valiant knights who fought dragons come to life here.

Unique island of Staffa with caves and basalt columns

Staffa Island is one of the most interesting places Hebrides Islands in Scotland. Tourists who have visited this unusual place admit that their hearts sank when they saw the fantastic landscapes. Stone basalt columns, giving the area a mystical charm, and numerous underground kingdoms attract guests admiring the wonder of nature.

The most famous is Fingal's Cave with excellent acoustics, for which it is nicknamed "singing". The sounds of the surf, which are reflected under its arches, spread everywhere, and experts compare it to a majestic cathedral. The miraculous sights have been under the protection of UNESCO since 1968.

Secrets and riddles

The Hebrides, formed back in the Ice Age, is a place where humans rarely set foot, and each pearl of the archipelago boasts both an interesting history and unique attractions. As scientists say, there are plenty of local mysteries here, and the unusual megalithic complex located on the island of Outer Hybrids is proof of this.

Isle of Lewis and Scottish "Stonehenge"

An analogue of the English Stonehenge, older than it, is located in the village of Callanish (Lewis Island). In 1981, an archaeological expedition excavated a stone circle covered with a thick layer of peat, which received the same name. Inside thirteen vertical blocks, just over three meters high, cleared of soil, there is a huge slab. Experts believe that the mysterious circle was erected by adherents of the cult of the Moon about five thousand years ago.

It is known that until the 19th century, local residents gathered at the stone guards on a certain day and performed mysterious rituals. It is curious that behind the cobblestones there are smaller blocks, and from above you can see the outlines of a Celtic cross, the ends of which are directed to the four cardinal directions. Unfortunately, there is no information about the builders of the most impressive place on the archipelago. The only thing that is not questioned is their engineering skill, which made it possible to create a real miracle that raises many questions among modern scientists.

In addition, on the territory there are other mystical structures made of stone, as well as burial mounds, the secrets of the appearance of which have sunk into oblivion along with those who erected them. Megaliths found by scientists indicate the activity of primitive man in the Neolithic - New Stone Age. Eight years ago, another structure was discovered, so far poorly studied by archaeologists, who suggested that it was ritual.

Isle of Harris

The Outer Hebrides, forming one of the 32 regions of the country, includes the isle of Harris, on sandy beaches which tourists love to relax.

Harris and Lewis are the same large island, which is divided into two parts by a narrow isthmus. Wonderful corner with beautiful scenery it is considered the heart of Scotland. The north of the island is made up of peat bogs, while the south with stunning beaches is chosen by vacationers.

Isle of Skye

The Quirang mountain range, located in the north of large island Skye (Inner Hebrides archipelago) resembles a place, fantastic landscapes transport you to Magic world, far from reality. Its main attraction is the rocky Cape Trotternish, which delights with basalt blocks rising above the water surface.

Tourists who appreciate the beauty of steep cliffs, majestic mountain peaks, powerful cliffs, it seems that they are in a real fairy tale. Only Mother Nature created it, like the most famous rock, which with its protrusions resembles an old man who gazes intently into the distance.

Northern Rhone Island

A secluded spot in the North Atlantic is so isolated from everyone else that it is often forgotten to be painted. geographical map Great Britain. Many centuries ago, Christian hermits chose the island as their refuge; later Scandinavian peoples lived on it, capturing the Hebrides.

In the 8th century, an Irish bishop settled here, who was later recognized as Saint Ronan. Ronan built the chapel - the oldest Christian building in Scotland that has survived to this day. Curious visitors to the miniature island can crawl into a half-submerged structure made of earth and see the ascetic decoration, shedding light on how hermits lived on the Rhone a thousand years ago.