The 10 Largest Islands of Europe

The 10 Largest Islands of Europe

From the Arctic reaches of the north to the Mediterranean in the south, Europe is home to a diverse array of islands.

1/10 Great Britain

Great Britain

Great Britain is an island located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It is the largest island in the British Isles, with an area of 209,331 km², making it the ninth-largest island in the world and the largest in Europe. Great Britain is bordered by the English Channel to the south, the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. Great Britain is made up of England, Scotland, and Wales, which are three of the four countries that comprise the United Kingdom (the fourth being Northern Ireland). The island is divided into regions, with England occupying the south-east, Wales occupying the south-west, and Scotland occupying the north-east. 

2/10 Iceland

Iceland

Iceland is an island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Arctic Circle. It is known for its dramatic natural beauty and varied geography, which includes glaciers, hot springs, geysers, and volcanic activity. Iceland is the second-largest island in Europe after the United Kingdom, with a total area of 103,125 km². Iceland is part of the Mid-Atlantic ridge, a major geological feature that runs along the center of the ocean floor. As a result, Iceland is home to active volcanoes and geothermal activity. The island also has over 200 glaciers, making it the largest glacier-covered area in Europe. 

3/10 Ireland

Ireland

Ireland is an island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island in the world. It has a total area of 84,421 km². Ireland is divided into four provinces: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. The island is surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands including the Aran Islands, Achill Island, the Blasket Islands, the Skelligs, and the Saltee Islands. It is also bordered by the Celtic Sea to the south and east, the Irish Sea to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The island of Ireland is divided into two countries, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland covers about five-sixths of the island, while Northern Ireland occupies the northeastern corner. The Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign state and a member of the European Union, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. 

4/10 Severny Island

Severny Island

Severny Island, part of the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago in the Russian Arctic, covers an area of approximately 48904 km². It is the largest island in the archipelago and ranks as the 4th largest island in the world by land area. Severny Island is characterized by its extreme cold climate, remote location, and vast ice fields, making it a largely uninhabited and desolate landmass. Its size and harsh environment have contributed to its limited human presence, primarily consisting of research stations and occasional expeditions, as it remains a challenging and isolated region in the far reaches of the Arctic.

5/10 Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen

Spitsbergen is a large Arctic island located in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located to the north of Norway. It is the largest island in the archipelago, and the largest island in the entire Arctic region. Spitsbergen is an important part of the Svalbard archipelago, as it is the only island in the group that is permanently inhabited. The island has an area of 37,673 km², which makes it the largest island in the archipelago, and the 5th largest island in Europe. The island is located in the Arctic Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers from the North Pole. 

6/10 Yuzhny Island

Yuzhny Island

Yuzhny Island, also known as South Island, is the second largest island in the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago in the Russian Arctic. It encompasses an area of approximately 33,275 km², making it the  6th largest island in Europe. Yuzhny Island, like its counterparts, experiences an extremely harsh Arctic climate, characterized by frigid temperatures and vast ice cover. This remote landmass is largely uninhabited, with human activity primarily limited to research stations and occasional expeditions, owing to its challenging and isolated location in one of the world's most inhospitable regions.

7/10 Sicily

Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, covers an area of approximately 25,711 km². It is an autonomous region of Italy and is located at the southern tip of the Italian Peninsula. Sicily's diverse landscape features stunning coastlines, rugged mountains, fertile plains, and active volcanoes, notably Mount Etna. The island has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with a blend of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and other influences.

8/10 Sardinia

Sardinia

Sardinia is an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily. It has a total area of 24,090 km². Sardinia is situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Ligurian Sea to the north, the Strait of Bonifacio to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The island is divided into four provinces: Cagliari, Sassari, Nuoro, and Ogliastra. Sardinia is characterized by its rugged coastline, mountainous interior, and unique culture. It is well known for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as its archeological sites and the Nuraghe, an ancient megalithic structure. 

9/10 Nordaustlandet

Nordaustlandet

Nordaustlandet is the second-largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean. It covers an area of approximately 14,467 km², making it the 9th largest island in the Europe by land area. Nordaustlandet is known for its extreme Arctic climate, with icy expanses, glaciers, and a harsh environment. The island is sparsely populated, primarily hosting research stations and wildlife, including polar bears and seabirds.

10/10 Cyprus

Cyprus

Cyprus, an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, covers an area of approximately 9,251 km². It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the 10th largest island in Europe. Cyprus boasts a rich history, influenced by numerous civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, which has left its mark on its culture and architecture. The island is divided into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. Cyprus is renowned for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.

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