From France to Thailand, transient tidal islands are a source of wonder for travellers, disappearing and appearing again seemingly by magic. Visit these one-of-a-kind destinations to witness this enchanting phenomenon.
1. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the rocky islet of Saint-Michel in Normandy is a must-see.
If you are planning to visit this medieval-style towering structure, be sure to do so at low tide – as the tide comes in it, it is surrounded by water and becomes an island.
For many years, it was difficult to reach Saint-Michel not just due to the tides but also quicksand the tides left left behind when they went out again.
A 3,000-foot causeway connecting the island and the mainland was eventually built to help travellers visit this old pilgrimage centre, resulting in higher sandbanks between the islet and the coast.
2. The Holy Island, England
Visiting The Holy Island just a few kilometres off the Northumberland coast is like being transported to another world.
The island is cut off from the public twice a day during the high tides, and both the island and the quaint village nearby are steeped in history.
Travellers can amble around the 12th century Lindisfarne Priory, the ruins of which include the famous ‘rainbow bridge’, which spirals into the sky alongside the ruins of a tower.
Holy Island remains a place of pilgrimage to this day and is the end point of one of Scotland’s Great Trails, the St Cuthbert’s Way.
3. White Island, Philippines
Appearing to materialise from the water when the tide is low, the White Island in Camiguin is definitely one to add to your bucket list.
This stark, uninhabited beach gets its name due to its bright white sand and the fact that there are no structure or trees of any kind on its shores, meaning it looks like a blank white beach.
It is located roughly 10 minutes by boat from the coast of Mambajao.
Its enchanting shores are complimented by the green sea grass that grows around it and the island appears in the shape of a boomerang except during high tide.
4. Ko Nang Yuan, Thailand
This tiny group of islands in the gulf of Thailand just 15 minutes from Kho Tao is home to some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world.
Unfortunately you’ll want to keep your visit to strictly during low tide as the currents in the area are known to be very strong and the sandy beach is separated into three when the tide rises.
At low tide visitors can easily travel between the three main parts of the island on foot and experience the charm of each.
The best way to reach the island is on a taxi boat from Sairee Beach and no visit to the island is complete without checking out the view from the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint.
5. Worm’s Head, Wales
Named centuries ago by vikings, this island’s title derives from the vikings’ word for “dragon”, “wurm”, due to its serpentine features.
Worm’s Head is connected to the mainland by a two-mile-long causeway which slips beneath the waves at high tide.
The island is famous for having trapped a young boy named Dylan Thomas some years ago and there are many natural wonders to behold on its shores, including caves and blowholes.
Its most popular feature is the jagged natural stone bridge affectionately known as “Devil’s Bridge” there, which connects the “head” of the snakelike island with the “body”.
Picture: Facebook
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