Today is March 8th. And like every year, we celebrate International Women’s Rights Day all around the world.
It goes without saying that kindness, respect for fundamental human rights, and awareness of inequalities should be part of our daily lives. So, let’s consider this day as a springboard—a chance to spark new ideas, question the world around us, and maybe even take a closer look at our history! After all, today’s world wasn’t built by men alone… And here’s the proof!
To mark this special occasion, Ferryscanner has sailed across the seas and lakes of the world to uncover islands (or should we say “her-lands”?) named after remarkable women who shaped history or inspired their namesakes.
Ready to set sail on a women’s history world tour?
Article overview:
- Saint Lucia: The Volcanic Empress of the Caribbean
- The Island of Chios: The White Goddess of the Aegean Sea
- Saint Helena: The Isolated Atalanta
- St. Anastasia: The Mysterious Island of the Black Sea
- Saint Mary’s Islet: A Croatian Gem in a Saltwater Lake
Saint Lucia: The Volcanic Empress of the Caribbean
Characterized by its two towering peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, Saint Lucia is a volcanic island in the Caribbean, sharing maritime borders with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Its volcanic landscape, home to hot springs and a unique geothermal field, has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status.
Saint Lucia’s history was forever changed by a woman not too long ago! At the 2024 Olympic Games, Julien Alfred, an athlete from Saint Lucia, won the country’s first-ever Olympic medals in any sport—bringing home gold and silver in the 100-metre sprint!
But where does the island’s name come from? Saint Lucia was named by Spanish merchants in honor of Saint Lucy of Syracuse. A key figure in the Sicilian Church, she chose to renounce her father’s inheritance and distribute it to those in need.
Not only is Saint Lucia an island, but it is also an independent nation—the only country in the world named after a woman! However, let’s not forget that its earliest inhabitants, the Arawaks and the Kalinago, originally called it Iouanalao, meaning “Island of the Iguanas.”
The Island of Chios: The White Goddess of the Aegean Sea
Chios is Greece’s fifth-largest island, located in the eastern part of the country, just a few kilometers from the Turkish coast. It will dazzle you with its crystal-clear waters, lush hills mingling with rugged rock formations, and its stunning medieval Greek architecture.
Blending history with mythology, Chios is home to ancient Byzantine fortresses and is often depicted with picturesque windmills straight out of a Mediterranean poem. Could it be this romantic atmosphere that inspired its first inhabitants to name it after a mythological goddess?
Chioné (Χιονη) means “snow” in Greek! She was the daughter of Boreas, the god of the North Wind, and the nymph Orithyia, embodying the cold, pure beauty of snow. According to legend, the island was once barren and dry—until, one day, an unexpected snowfall miraculously transformed its land into fertile ground.
Intriguing, isn’t it? Why not visit the island yourself and try to untangle the myths from reality? Ferries depart daily from Athens, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, Chios is an absolute must-visit! You’re in Athens? Check out the Piraeus-Chios route!
Saint Helena: The Isolated Atalanta
Off the west coast of Africa, some 1,600 km from Namibia’s shoreline, lies the remote and tranquil island of Saint Helena, lost in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. First discovered in 1502 by Portuguese navigator João da Nova, it is best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile.
One of the most secluded places on Earth, Saint Helena boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a rich biodiversity, largely untouched by human activity. Despite its steep cliffs and volcanic terrain, early sailors nicknamed it the Ocean’s Inn, as it provided them with fresh supplies and a brief respite before continuing their voyages.
The island, which belongs to South Africa, was named after the date João da Nova first set foot there—May 21st—the Orthodox feast day of Saint Helena. Though born into a modest family, Saint Helena rose to become a pivotal figure of the Byzantine Empire. In fact, an important imperial city was later renamed Helenopolis, near modern-day Istanbul.
She also lent her name to another small island—Sant’Elena in Venice! There, you’ll find a magnificent church built to house the empress’s relics. If you want to visit one of the islands named after Saint Helena, perhaps start with the one in Venice—slightly more accessible! If you’re in Croatia or Greece, you can even take a ferry from Umag, Poreč, Pula, Igoumenitsa, or Corfu to Venice. Take a look a the routes!
St. Anastasia: The Mysterious Island of the Black Sea
Every island has a story, but none quite like St. Anastasia. This tiny volcanic island in Bulgaria’s Burgas Bay in the Black Sea is shrouded in legends and curiosities, making it one of the most mysterious isles in Europe.
One tale tells of pirates who once attacked the island, threatening the monks of its monastery. Terrified and with no escape, the monks prayed to Saint Anastasia for help. In response, she supposedly sent a bolt of lightning that split the pirate ship in two. Its wreckage is said to still rest nearby! The island is also known for another supernatural tale—a captain who, after drinking too much, fell off a 25-meter cliff but miraculously survived, thanks to the island’s mystical powers.
St. Anastasia was named after Saint Anastasia, one of the seven virgins who served alongside Saint Mary. Of Greek origin, the name Anastasia means “Resurrection.” She was said to be a gifted healer, miracle worker, and exorcist… Now that’s something to think about!
Saint Mary’s Islet: A Croatian Gem in a Saltwater Lake
Croatia, another Mediterranean treasure, consists of a stunning peninsula and countless breathtaking islands. One of its most picturesque is Mljet, an island famous for its rugged landscapes, stunning horizons, and a beautiful national park. Just 30 km off the coast of Dubrovnik, it’s easily accessible by ferry!
You can take ferries from Split or Dubrovnik to reach this elongated island, which features several saltwater lakes. Nestled in the heart of one of these lakes—Veliko—is the tiny Saint Mary’s Islet.
Adding to the island’s romantic and mysterious allure is the magnificent Benedictine monastery of the same name. Built in the 12th century, it is an architectural masterpiece and a historical gem not to be missed! Small taxi boats run daily between the lake’s shore and the islet, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few donkeys lazily resting under the pine trees.
The islet is named after the Virgin Mary, as the monks who lived in the monastery belonged to the Abbey of Saint Mary of Pulsano (Santa Maria di Pulsano).
Let’s Get Sailing!
Ferryscanner invites you to explore these islands, each with its own unique story and character. Some are easily accessible, while others remain wild and mysterious. Yet, they all share one important common thread: their histories were shaped, in one way or another, by great women throughout the ages.
From athletes to saints, miracle workers to empresses, these islands remind us of the incredible diversity of women who have helped shape our world.
Today, we extend a special thank you to all the women whose passion and dedication have helped Ferryscanner thrive—so we can continue to help you discover even more extraordinary islands across the globe! Be sure to check out the routes we offer or download our app to know all the destinations!