Visited
Plan to visitThe Glorioso Islands are a group of islands and rocks located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 200 km northwest of Madagascar. The islands are a French territory and are part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
The main islands are Grande Glorieuse, Île du Lys, and Île aux Crabes, and there are several smaller islets and rocks. The islands have no permanent population, but a French military detachment is stationed on Grande Glorieuse.
The Glorioso Islands are of great importance for their biodiversity. They are home to a wide variety of species, including nesting sea turtles, seabirds, and several species of land birds. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and dolphins.
The islands have a long and interesting history. They were discovered by Portuguese sailors in the early 16th century and were later claimed by France in the 19th century. The islands were used as a stopping point for ships traveling between Europe and Asia, and during World War II, they were occupied by the Japanese.
Today, the Glorioso Islands are a protected area and part of the French Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Terres Australes Françaises. Access to the islands is restricted to scientific researchers and authorized personnel only.
