Bigger is better: The world's 20 largest islands you need to visit
Sometimes bigger can be the best – for starters, there's more choice and more space. And so it is with islands. The world's biggest islands have some of the world's biggest coastlines: so there are more beaches to disappear to, and more bays and fjords where no one else goes.
There's more hinterland too. With some of the islands on this list, such as Greenland, and Honshu, that means bigger mountains: colossal ranges that dwarf all who stand below, offering untold adventures, or at the very least, awe-inspiring backdrops.
The world's biggest islands (Australia is an island-continent, rather than an island, so doesn't make the list) have bigger wilderness areas, from barely touched forests in destinations such as New Guinea or Madagascar, to glaciers at the ends of the Earth, in places such as Iceland, or Greenland. Then there are big islands out there we know little about.
Barely four kilometres north of Australia lies New Guinea, the world's second-biggest island, full of adventure, culture, warm seas and World War II history.
Then there's Indonesia's Bali – which was visited by 1.5 million Australians last year, making it our top international destination – and Java, the 13th biggest island on Earth, which is packed with ancient temples and barely visited beaches and national parks.
Big islands mean big opportunities: to find somewhere magical, all for yourselves.
To those who think the world has been 'done', here's a list of the world's 20 biggest islands offering untold adventures.
Greenland
Vital statistics The world's largest island, at more than 2 million square kilometres, is located north-east of Canada and north-west of Iceland.
They say 'Greenland's coastline is riddled with fjords and inlets, through which the magnificent ice sheet seeps out into the surrounding oceans … bring one of only two polar ice caps in the world directly to your doorstep.'
We say Greenland is fast becoming one of the planet's best adventure destinations for those who like it wild, with 50,000 residents among ice sheets, glaciers, fjords and polar bears. It's expensive to get around (there are no roads outside its small towns), the weather's unpredictable and the scale of the place can be overwhelming, but that's all part of the adventure.
See + do The best way to see Greenland is on a cruise, though given its size, you'll still have to decide what region you would prefer to visit. West Greenland offers charming towns such as Uummannaq and the capital, Nuuk, and a range of boat tours out of Disko Bay; the north-east offers the world's largest national park, full of wildlife and icy wilderness.
Essentials Adventurers and cruisers should come between May and September, and Northern Lights seekers in winter. Fly with Air Greenland or Iceland Air from Copenhagen or Reykjavik, or take an international cruise. See visitgreenland.com
New Guinea
Vital statistics New Guinea is the world's second-largest island. It's split into two countries, Papua New Guinea and West Papua (a province of Indonesia), and is just north of Australia
They say 'New Guinea is one of the world's most beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush forests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make [it] an increasingly popular destination.'
We say Be cautious, but don't be afraid. Avoid high-risk areas such as Port Moresby, then discover this untapped destination. There are World War II wrecks in some of the clearest ocean on Earth and culturally, New Guinea offers a window into the past: locals live off the land and sea and speak 1000 dialects.
See + do The islands off PNG and the archipelagos of West Papua, especially Raja Ampat, are home to the most biodiverse reef systems on Earth. Consider an expedition ship journey which incorporates these islands. Jungle trekking tours are available all over, especially in PNG's highlands. Surfing, fishing and diving are world-class.
Essentials Visit during the dry season, May to October. There are no direct flights to West Papua, but you can fly via Bali to Sorong or via Port Moresby. Visas are available on arrival. See papuanewguinea.travel; indonesia.travel
Madagascar
Vital statistics The fourth-biggest island on Earth, Madagascar is located 400 kilometres east of Africa.
They say 'The fauna and flora of Madagascar are outstanding riches. You will discover unique species with nearly seven types of baobabs, 19,000 plant species and more than 100,000 different species of fauna.'
We say Bring cash, credit cards are rarely accepted. Also consider a hire car and driver because the roads in Madagascar are terrible. Or, better still, visit with a tour company. The infrastructure of Madagascar is challenging (to say the least), but the attractions are worth it. It's evolved in isolation for 90 million years: 90 per cent of its fauna and flora exist nowhere else.
See + do The landscapes are mind-blowing, the creatures unique – and bizarre. See the best of it at national parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia and Isalo. And don't forget the beaches which rival ones in Mauritius, elsewhere in the Indian Pacific. Head to the north-west coast to Nosy Be, the Anjajavy Peninsula and Nosy Iranja for the best of them.
Essentials Visit during the dry season from April to November and fly via Mauritius. Visas are available on arrival. See madagascar-tourisme.com
Sumatra, Indonesia
Vital statistics The sixth-largest island on Earth, Sumatra is west of Java and south of the Malay Peninsula in Western Indonesia.
They say 'Indonesia's lush island is rich in biodiversity, culture, and stunning landscapes. Embark on an adventure in Gunung Leuser National Park … visit Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in South-East Asia … head to Mentawai, a world-renowned surfing destination.'
We say Sumatra is an island of extraordinary beauty. There are volcanoes within wild jungles where tigers, elephants and orangutans dwell. But it's all so fragile. Scientists call what's going on here 'ecocide' since more than half of Sumatra's old-growth rainforest has been lost in 30 years with those aforementioned creatures critically endangered.
See + do There's just so much. Surfers and beach lovers should go to the tiny islands off the west coast for the best waves and beach culture (the Mentawis, the Banyaks). Go trekking through wild jungle searching for orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, while Kerinci Seblat National Park offers the best chance of spotting a Sumatran tiger. The world's largest crater lake, Lake Toba, is well worth a look.
Essentials The dry season is best, between May and September. There are no direct flights from Australia so fly to Medan or Pedang (for the west coast islands) from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta or Bangkok. See
Newfoundland, Canada
Vital statistics Newfoundland, the world's 16th-biggest island, is the easternmost province of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean.
They say 'There's enough coastline … to stretch across Canada four times over. Whether you take a hike along ancient footpaths, pack a picnic and watch for whales, or head out to sea to hunt for icebergs, you'll find it all comes with an ocean view.'
We say Perhaps you know this island best from the book-cum-film, The Shipping News. It's as quirky as portrayed in both. Locals sound a little like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean, and wow, they do love a chat. Throw in wilderness, fjords and wild creatures such as moose and polar bears beside a sea of icebergs and whales, and you've got one of the most underrated, uncrowded nature escapes.
See + do Rent a car – there's a great highway network. Kayak through fjords and hike into the Earth's mantle at Gros Morne National Park. Explore the capital, St Johns, which has the highest concentration of bars per person in North America and colourful row-houses. Examine where the first Europeans lived in the Americas 400 years before Columbus at L'Anse aux Meadows.
Essentials Spring and summer are best, but avoid July; fly to one of five airports from Calgary or Toronto. See newfoundlandlabrador.com
Borneo (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei)
Vital statistics The third-biggest island, Borneo, is shared by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, Indonesia's Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei.
They say 'Borneo is a popular destination known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife with each [of the three nations that share it] offering various attractions for tourists to explore.'
We say It's been a battle between Malaysia and Indonesia as to who can destroy the most rainforest – driven by logging, mining and agricultural expansion. But while the damage is obvious, there's still so much wildness to experience, and each state or country feels totally different from the other.
See + do Indonesian Kalimantan feels the rawest. Trek to see orangutans in Tanjung Putting National Park then cool off snorkelling among reef and diverse marine life at the Derawan Archipelago. The bite-sized nation of Brunei offers a taste of Islamic culture and is mostly made up of its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Sabah and Sarawak offer everything from a walk up a 4000-metre-high mountain (Mount Kinabalu) to World War II historical sites and rainforest adventures including orangutan rehabilitation areas. And then there are the island resorts.
Honshu
Vital statistics Japan's largest island, the world's seventh-biggest, is located roughly in the middle portion of Japan.
They say 'Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. But its size and geographic diversity also mean there are hundreds of barely known spots, making getting off the beaten path easy and rewarding.'
We say There's something for every traveller. Honshu has the most populous metropolitan area on the planet (Greater Tokyo is home to 37 million people), but where Tokyo feels futuristic, much of Honshu feels like you're time travelling backwards. It's that constant shift between history and modernity that makes it fascinating. Bullet trains, travelling at up to 320km/h, transport tourists between destinations.
See + do Choose your own adventure. Skiers love the mountains that crisscross Honshu. It offers the world's deepest snow, ryokan accommodation options and onsens. Explore original fortresses such as Matsumoto Castle in Nagano and ancient villages and World Heritage religious sites in lesser-known Tohoku. The almost-4000-metre Mount Fuji is visible from Tokyo on a clear day.
Essentials Snow lovers should visit in January or February. Summer can get sweaty so consider autumn or spring though bear in mind the spring cherry blossom season is tourist-heavy. There are direct flights to Tokyo. See japan.travel/en/au
Mindanao, Philippines
Vital statistics The largest island in the Philippines and the world's 19th-biggest, Mindanao is located in the south of the country.
They say 'Mindanao offers natural beauty – beaches, mountains and waterfalls – as well as a rich cultural heritage.'
We say Long regarded as the Philippines' most volatile island, warnings advise Australians to avoid the central and western regions. But at 100,000 square kilometres, there's much to see, and it's rarely crowded with tourists, like some other parts of the Philippines. It's home to some of the country's best beaches, its tallest mountain and the country's most diverse culture.
See + do There's plenty to see in Mindanao's north-eastern region, including Siargao Island, home to some of the world's best surf breaks plus Mindanao's best beaches and beach resorts. Go white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro and swim in the Enchanted River, a sapphire-coloured saltwater lagoon, on the east coast.
Essentials Travel during the dry season from November to April. There are many airports to fly to from Manila – consider Sayak Airport on Siargao Island. See tourismphilippines.com.au
Iceland
Vital statistics The 18th-largest island on Earth is just below the Arctic Circle, between North America and Europe.
They say 'Iceland, a country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscape, is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world's most active volcanoes.'
We say Iceland gets jammed with tourists every summer, and its prices go higher each year. But it's easy to hit the road to escape the crowds in its 100,000 square kilometres, though avoid July and August. You'll discover glaciers, volcanoes and fjords with no one near them, especially if you head to the east.
See + do Iceland will be one of the best places to experience a total solar eclipse on August 12 next year; rent a car and drive along the Volcanic Way, a new 700-kilometre road trip through Iceland's southern volcanic landscape. Take a whale-watching boat trip from Husavik, Iceland's whale-watching capital, or hike among stunning waterfalls on the Waterfall Circle in the eastern highlands.
Essentials Consider the shoulder season in May and September to mid-October, or in winter for the Northern Lights. Connect to Reykjavik by air from across Europe and the UK. See visiticeland.com
Java, Indonesia
Vital statistics Java is the 13th-biggest island, located between Bali and Sumatra.
They say 'Java is the cultural heart of Indonesia, discover the vibrant energy of modern cities and the timeless charm of world-renowned cultural heritage sites.'
We say It's the world's most populated island, but it's easy to find an escape. The Australians who venture beyond Bali to Java, discover a wonderland of landscape and culture: from the world's largest Buddhist temple to blue-flamed volcanoes and the world's rarest mammals. It's probably best to avoid the packed and environmentally challenged capital, Jakarta.
See + do Visit Borobudur Temple, the world's biggest Buddhist temple, which was built in the 8th and 9th centuries; head to the south-west tip to World Heritage-listed Ujung Kulon National Park for stunning beaches and pristine coral; check out Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia's coolest culture cities and discover Hindu temples dating back to the seventh century among volcanoes on the Dieng Plateau.
Essentials Travel from May to October in the dry season; fly to Jakarta from Australia or Bali which has ferry connections to and from Java. See indonesia.travel
Big islands we know and love
Great Britain Combining England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Great Britain is the world's ninth-largest island, attracting more than 40 million visitors a year. Beyond London, consider the wild coastline of southern Wales, including the port town of Tenby, Bath's Roman history or Northern Ireland's magical northern coast, including the Giant's Causeway. See visitbritain.com
South Island, New Zealand The 12th-largest island is one of the world's most stunning alpine wildernesses. But while we know the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, it's only the beginning. Discover wine regions such as Central Otago and Marlborough, explore the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin and hike the trails of World Heritage-listed national parks. See newzealand.com
Loading
North Island, New Zealand Two spots in size below its southern neighbour, the North Island may look entirely different, but it's stacked too with natural wonders, including its isolated golden beaches and islands and its under-visited 'winterless north'. Add to that the North Island's vibrant ties of Auckland and Wellington and the proud Maori culture, and you'll see it's worth including on your itinerary. See newzealand.com
Cuba Holidaying on the 17th-largest island on Earth is like time-travelling; 1950s American cars cruise the streets of the capital, Havana, while the nation's beaches are a must. But it's no easy feat to get here. In 2021 Cuba was declared a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US State Department, meaning you'll lose your right to an ESTA to travel back to the US. You'll have to fly there through South America with LATAM, or through Canada with Air Canada. See cubatravel.cu
Ireland Scraping in at No. 20 size-wise, Ireland offers everything to everybody. A diverse landscape of coastal cliffs, beaches and that famous green, green grass is interspersed with historic castles, churches and estates as well as towns full of friendly locals keen for a chat (and a drink). Really, there's barely an inch of Ireland that won't fascinate. See ireland.com
Big islands you may not have heard of
Baffin Island, Canada The world's fifth-largest island with a population of only 13,000 is located east of Canada's mainland and offers an escape focused on adventure and wildlife viewing. In summer, when there's less ice, consider an expedition cruise to spot polar bears, beluga whales, narwhals and Baffin Island wolves. See travel.destinationcanada.com
Luzon, Philippines We know Manila is on Luzon – the world's 15th-largest island – but it is overshadowed by the Philippines' more famous islands, such as Boracay. Luzon offers everything: historic towns of Spanish colonial architecture, active volcanoes, World Heritage-listed rice terraces and stunning beaches. See tourismphilippines.com.au
Loading
Victoria Island, Canada The planet's eighth-largest island is located to the west of Baffin Island within the Arctic Archipelago (flights do run from a little further south in the North-West Territories). It isn't easy to access so the best way to see the island is on an expedition ship, though you can book outdoor activities such as fishing, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling from its main settlement, Cambridge Bay, home to 2000 locals. See travelnunavut.ca
Sulawesi, Indonesia The world's 11th-largest island is north of Bali and you can fly via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Land in the capital, Makassar, and explore its karst landscape then escape to the beaches of Pantai Bira. Fly north for biodiversity – Bunaken Marine Park is a diver's dream. See indonesia.travel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I have an overseas flight booked. What do current world events mean for my travel plans?
Are airlines responsible for notifying me if they change flight routes after a ticket has been booked? A natural consequence of rerouting a flight's course is an altered flight duration, either due to delays to control air traffic congestion or distance covered; flydubai's flights from Dubai to Moscow, for example, now route further east through Pakistan and Afghanistan instead of Iran, increasing flight time from roughly five hours to seven. Loading This means if you have booked a tight layover, you may have to rethink your itinerary – and it's worth noting that air traffic control may request a pilot follow an alternative route when the plane is already in the air. If you're flying the same airline all the way to Europe via the Middle East or elsewhere with a stop, on the same ticket, the airline should make arrangements for you to make your connection or get you on the next available flight if you miss it. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), airline conditions of carriage do not include flight time guarantees, and it should not be assumed by consumers that a plane's exact advertised schedule will be met. They are, however, generally expected to notify passengers in a timely manner of changes to the flight schedule, which includes significant route changes. 'Airlines should be proactive and truthful in telling consumers the reasons a flight is delayed or cancelled,' the ACCC says. 'They should also tell consumers what compensation they may be entitled to under both the airline's policy and the consumer guarantees.' Compensation and assistance from airlines may differ and depends on whether the delay or cancellation was within the carrier's control. Some travel insurance policies cover cancelling or rearranging flights due to natural disasters, severe weather, conflicts or terrorist incidents, though it depends on the specific policy's force majeure events clause. Some policies, for example, may only partially cover or exclude pandemics, epidemics, government-imposed travel restrictions and acts of war altogether. It's worth reviewing your product disclosure statement before travelling, and keeping this in mind when browsing cover options. What's the best source of information on travel safety for Australians? Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses Smartraveller for its official travel advisories, regularly updating each destination's risk and safety issues on the website. It's generally considered the most reliable source of safety information for Australian travellers. In 2019, Smartraveller discontinued its pre-trip registration service. Instead, Australians travelling overseas are encouraged to subscribe to travel advice updates for specific destinations, which are sent every 24 hours via email. Loading In a crisis, Smartraveller may open a registration portal for destinations affected. At present, Australian citizens and permanent residents in Israel, Iran and Occupied Palestinian Territories who want to leave are encouraged to register with Smartraveller. As of June 20, almost 3000 Australians had registered to be evacuated out of Israel and Iran, with the Australian embassy in Tehran closing and Australian Defence Force personnel sent in to assist with evacuations. 'We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now,' Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a press conference on June 20. On June 19, travel advice to Australians in Iran was to travel to borders so they can leave the country. Some Australians in Iran, however, have been critical of the federal government's response. Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories also have a do not travel alert. What should I do if disaster strikes while I'm on holiday? Those overseas who need immediate assistance from the Australian government are encouraged to contact the Consular Emergency Centre, which can be contacted 24/7 on +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world. It's also advised to search, memorise, physically write down and save in your phone the specific emergency services number for each of your travel destinations. Dialling triple zero while overseas will not connect you to local emergency services, though dialling 112 in most countries will redirect you to their local emergency services. Your basic pre-departure checklist, including the documents you need to have with you Confirm your passport's validity for at least six months from your trip's planned end date Secure the right visa for countries you're visiting and transiting through Confirm your flight and accommodation bookings, checking for any delays, changes, or what they accessibility services they offer. This may require contacting providers directly If driving overseas, check if you need an international driving permit in addition to your Australian driver's licence Get a letter from your doctor and copies of your prescription for any medication you'll be taking with you, and check it's legal and available at your destination Check what vaccinations are required for entry, and if the border requires proof you've had them Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for yourself and your belongings, checking policies cover any planned activities beyond the basics Make physical and digital copies of all of the above documents, plus flight and accommodation information, for yourself and all travellers in your party, including babies and children. Store these separately from your original documents, and consider sharing a copy of your personal and travel documents, including your itinerary with flight information, with a trusted contact at home If travelling with children who don't share your surname, you may need to bring documentation proving your relationship with them, such as birth certificates, adoption papers or custody papers Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations. Some banks, such as ING, allow you to do this in their mobile app. It's generally wise to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies What about before I fly? What should be on my pre-departure to-do list? Travel requirements and destination-specific laws and advice may change with short notice, which may change your basic pre-departure to-do list. In general, it's advised to regularly check with the embassy or consulate of your planned destinations before every trip to see if visa conditions and medical requirements have changed. It's also advised to get a basic health check at least eight weeks before departure, and get the recommended vaccinations. Some countries require proof of immunisation against certain infectious diseases before entry, and some vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, require multiple doses over multiple weeks. What do I need to know about travelling to the United States from Australia? The recent case of Australian writer Alistair Kitchen – who says he was detained and questioned for 12 hours by American border officials about his involvement in pro-Palestine activity, before being deported – has implications for Australians travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program means Australians can access a fast-tracked system to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) pass, which, when approved, allows travellers to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. When applying for your ESTA, be sure to use the official US government site, as there are many scam sites that will overcharge you for the service. Approved ESTA passes do not guarantee entry into the United States, however, and does not provide you with access to legal advice or much protection over digital devices if you're stopped at the border. Travellers also have to supply their social media handles during the ESTA application process. The application process for actual visas – B-1 for business and B-2 for recreation – is longer, with vetting including an interview at the United States consulate in Australia. It does mean that you would be likely to know you're going to be denied entry before boarding the plane, however, holding a B-1 or B-2 visa still does not guarantee you entry. Smartraveller says: 'US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law'. They have the ability to detain, question and search passengers and their belongings, including digital devices, without having to supply evidence a crime has occurred. Following incidents where individuals have reported having their phones searched at the US border, it could be worth considering deleting social media apps off your phone before your flight, ensuring it's protected with a strong password, and, for iPhone users, enabling Lockdown Mode. Loading Smartraveller advises Australians who are detained at the border to ask to call the Australian consulate or a lawyer, however, if you're detained under the United States' immigration powers and haven't been formally arrested, those authorities are not required to provide immediate access to lawyers or a phone.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Sky News AU
Sky News host Rowan Dean joins as a guest on his own show while stranded in Bali following volcano eruption
Sky News host Rowan Dean has been left stranded in Bali after a volcano erupted in Indonesia earlier in the week. Dean joined his own program on Friday as a guest from the airport as he was unable to fulfil his regular hosting duties with the volcano keeping him grounded at the popular holiday location. He was set to fly out of Bali on Wednesday after a trip but his flight was cancelled due to the volcanic eruption, leaving himself and many other Australians stranded. Rowan Dean joined fill-in host James Macpherson from Bali for Sky News Australia's program The World According to Rowan Dean. The latest episode is available to watch now, and new episodes are out every Friday, for subscribers. "I'm very, very honoured to be there on my own show with you. So thank you James. I'm in Bali because of another explosion. You've just shown the rocket exploding SpaceX. There may be a big explosion due for Iran any day now. But this particular explosion was a volcano, the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano I believe it's called," Dean said. "It decided to blow up just as we were about to board the plane a couple of nights ago. And sending all its muck up into the air there. And because of that, all the flights, I think some several thousand, 14,000 people stranded, as it were, in Bali." A volcanic eruption in Indonesia sent ashes spiralling into the sky on Tuesday night, causing mayhem for Aussies looking to head to and from Bali. Several flights to the Indonesian resort island of Bali were cancelled and the airport in Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara province was closed due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, officials said on Wednesday. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which is in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on Tuesday, spewing ash 11 km high, forcing the country's volcanology agency to raise the alert level to the highest. It erupted again on Wednesday morning, belching a 1 km high ash cloud, the agency said in a statement. Dean used the volcanic eruption as an opportunity to launch an attack on the Labor government's push for net zero. "There's plenty of volcanoes here in Indonesia, and they don't just sit around and wait for mankind to decide, as I've learned myself, there's no such thing as a schedule where the gods are concerned," he said. "The gods work to their own agenda, James, And I think we're going to see that, you know, there was one in Sicily only last week and the planet operates on its own rules, James. "The planet doesn't listen to the mere mortals, the Chris Bowens of this world, who think they can control the environment," he added in a dig towards the energy minister.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Port guide: Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. This once dull financial capital is Germany's most overlooked city but is lively, cultured, and has buzzing neighbourhoods and great dining and shopping scenes. Who goes there A-Rosa, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking are among companies that sail the Main River. Itineraries are varied, with some concentrating on the Main between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, and others sailing longer journeys onto the Rhine and Danube which are connected by the Main River and Main-Danube Canal. Cruises also run in winter during the Christmas-market season. Sail on in Your ship sails right into downtown Frankfurt, marked by the small skyscrapers of the business district. If you're heading downstream, you'll first pass Gerbermuhle set amid greenery and chestnut trees on the port side. Goethe stayed at this former summer residence of a Frankfurt banker (now a hotel) for a month in 1815 and fell in love with Marianne von Willemer, whom he immortalised in poetry. Berth rites Ships dock at several locations along Untermainkai or occasionally at Osthafen depending on the cruise line. There are no terminals, with passengers disembarking onto quays and promenades. Untermainkai is a convenient location, with the old-town centre a 20-minute walk, and lively Sachsenhausen district located just across the river. Going ashore The medieval core, almost all recreated after World War II bombing, centres on the red sandstone cathedral and buzzy Romerberg Square. The Gothic city hall is worth a squizz. Goethe House was the birthplace of Germany's most famous writer and, even if you aren't literary, is a fine showcase of middle-class, 18th-century living. If you're a fan of views, head to the observation deck atop Commerzbank Tower. Frankfurt is leafy, but the best park might be 19th-century botanical Palmengarten, which often hosts summer concerts. Save some time to plunder the shops. Pedestrian Zeil is upmarket, Hauptwache mid-range, and Goethestrasse packs in some fine antiques.
