Have you ever dreamed of completely switching off from the daily rush and retreating to a remote place, far from everything and everyone? If this sounds like you, there's a destination that's perfect for you: the most isolated city on the planet. Set on a volcanic island, Tristan da Cunha, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is a small settlement with fewer than 300 inhabitants, scattered in the heart of the southern Atlantic Ocean.
How to reach Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
Reaching this remote location is no small feat. The city lies over 2,000 km from the island of Saint Helena and nearly 3,000 km from Cape Town. If you're wondering just how hard it is to get there, the answer is simple: it takes six days by sea to reach this volcanic island, which offers refuge to those seeking a genuine escape from the world.
What the world's most isolated city has to offer
Despite the distance, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas attracts a number of visitors every year, drawn by its uniqueness. The attractions, however, are limited: two churches, a pub, a golf course, a museum and a local craft centre. Simple as it is, the city manages to offer a truly unique experience thanks to its timeless atmosphere and the breathtaking volcanic scenery surrounding it.
The residents of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas are descendants of a handful of British settlers who arrived here in the early 1800s, with the aim of defending the area from French ambitions. Although the island was evacuated in 1860 due to a volcanic eruption, the inhabitants chose to return, drawn back by their isolated homeland.
How to plan your trip
Before setting off, you need to send a request by email to the island's administrator, providing details such as age, nationality, reason for the visit and type of accommodation required. You must also have medical insurance covering any emergency transfers to Cape Town, since the island has just one doctor.
Would you visit the most remote place on the planet too? Once you arrive in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, you might discover that true richness sometimes lies in simplicity and isolation.
Happy travels from the editorial team at Una gita fuoriporta!