Tristan da Cunha — The Gem of the Atlantic
A visit to the most remote inhabited island in the world.
A mass of volcanic land majestically rising from the Atlantic Ocean sits more than 1300 miles from any populated location, in any direction. It is the British territory known as Tristan da Cunha. A wisp of an island known for its isolation, unique inhabitants, exquisite landscapes, and interestingly its rare stamps.
Discovery
Portuguese explorer, Tristão da Cunha, discovered the island more than five centuries ago. The naval commander also served as an ambassador from King Manuel I of Portugal to Pope Leo X.
Tristão da Cunha discovered a group of remote islands in the south Atlantic Ocean, 1,750 miles east of South Africa. Although turbulent seas prevented a landing then, he named the main island after himself, Ilha de Tristão da Cunha, which was later anglicized to Tristan da Cunha.
