World's mysterious islands

World's mysterious islands

Easter Island 

One of the world's most famous archaeological sites, Easter Island is a small, hilly, now treeless island of volcanic origin some 2200 miles off the coast of Chile. Easter Island's mysterious 'Moai', giant head statues carved out of volcanic rock, draws tourists to the world's most remote inhabited island. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear? Science has put to rest some of the more bizarre theories, but questions remain.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands, situated between French Polynesia and Tonga, consist of 15 islands in the South Pacific. The locals can tell you stories about Maungapu Mountain; how the sun was captured; and the infamous Ina and the shark, which describes how Ina's quest for an ocean God determined why sharks and certain fish have specific characteristics. Be careful not to get lost in the long passageways, underground among the bones. 

Canary Islands

Lying in the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Morocco is a series of volcanic islands known as the Canary Islands. Once termed 'the Fortunate Islands' by the Romans, the Canary Islands were formed by massive volcanic forces about 30 million years ago, although the Islands' history is shrouded in mystery. Some historians claim that the legendary continent Atlantis was located here. However, through all the myths, the Canary Islands are still thought of as a Garden of Eden or Alyssum. 

Oak Island

Oak Island is a 140-acre island in Nova Scotia, Canada. The island is noted as the location of the so-called Money Pit, a site of numerous excavations to recover pirate treasure believed by many to be buried there. The pit has been explored to more than 150 feet. The treasure, if any, which was buried, is still there, protected by an ingenious booby trap that floods the pit with sea water anytime someone gets close.

Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands, off Scotland's northern coast, are well-known for their rich oral history and legends; they were once considered the home of fairies, witches, and ghosts. Here you may learn of the white nun who haunts Saint Magnus Cathedral, appearing only to those who circle it three times at night; of sailors lost at sea, stolen by a lovelorn mermaid in search of a husband; and of the island's standing stones, sleeping giants in disguise that wake on New Year's Day for a drink of water