Islands you can "walk" come from the mainland

These are some of the most beautiful islands in the world that you can stroll to during low tide.

Monday, July 17, 2023

These are some of the most beautiful islands in the world that you can stroll to during low tide.

Eilean Tioram at the mouth of Loch Moidart, Scotland

You can set foot on the tidal island Eilean Tioram by crossing the small stone path, which appears only when the tide of Loch Moidart estuary recedes the most. Pedestrians will enjoy the beautiful view of Tioram Castle gradually opening up with each step they take. Hidden away from the ocean, this castle is now a ruin, but still a majestic setting, giving you expansive views of Loch Shiel.

Mont Saint-Michel of Normandy, France

One of the most famous and visited tidal islands in the world: Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy will not disappoint. Saint-Michel Abbey was originally built on the mainland, but high tide gradually separates the monastery from the mainland, forming a tidal island at the mouth of the Couesnon River.

Today, the island is connected to the mainland by a winding footbridge. Heading inland, along the banks of the River Couesnon, you'll find plenty of accommodations with rooms overlooking Mont Saint-Michel, like Hotel Le Relais Saint Michel.

Originally built on the mainland, Mont Saint-Michel is now a tidal island

Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, India

Located on an island off the coast of Mumbai, Haji Ali Dargah is a beautiful mosque built in 1431 by a devout merchant who wanted to dedicate his fortune before making a pilgrimage to Mecca.

A small road nearly 1 km long connects this island to the mainland and is covered by water during high tide, restricting visits to the church. Visitors can also see that Haji Ali Dargah's distinctive architecture has influenced many buildings on the mainland, including The St Regis Hotel.

Haji Ali Dargah Mosque is gorgeous no matter what time of day

Koh Nang Yuan in Koh Tao, Thailand

While some tidal islands are connected to the mainland by an artificial road, the islands of Koh Nang Yuan are connected to each other by a natural white sand road. At low tide, they look like a small piece of Koh Tao province and can be explored on foot.

At high tide, this road is covered by sea water and three isolated islands will appear. For a chance to witness this rising tide, you can stay at Monkey Flower Villas, just a 5-minute walk from the beach.

The island looks like a small piece of Koh Tao when the tide goes out

Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Japan

The small island of Enoshima is connected to the city of Fujisawa by a 600m-long bridge, but you can also walk there by a sandy path that only appears at low tide.

Thanks to its excellent location – right next to the nearest beach in Tokyo – Enoshima attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Spend a few hours exploring the island's Botanical Gardens before crossing the bridge to relax at the IZA Enoshima Guest House and Bar.