Staffa, a name for Pillar Island, is an island of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The Vikings gave it this name as its columnar basalt reminded them of their houses, which were built from vertically placed tree-logs. The island is entirely of volcanic origin. It lies about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) west of the Isle of Mull. The area is 33 hectares (0.13 sq mi). |
Many famous personalities visited the island after it was discovered by Sir Joseph Banks in the 18 th century. He was fascinated by the natural beauty of the basalt columns and its main sea cavern, which Banks re-named 'Fingal's Cave'. |
Among the prominent people who visited the island were Queen Victoria and Felix Mendelssohn, who later brought further fame to the island by writing the island very beautiful and gave a name to its main sea cavern during the 18th and 19th centuries. The island came to prominence in the late 18th century after a visit by Hebrides Overture opus 26. |
The "pillars" are columnar joints. These develop due to slow cooling of basalt. The fractures are produced as it accommodates contraction as it cools due to the internal crystal-structure of basalt. Although this all happened underground, it got exposed as everything around it eroded away. |
10 Stunning Wonders You Need to See Before They Disappear
The Earth is full of amazing places and wonderful species, but soon enough, we may not get the chance to see them ever again.
Who Knew That Rural South Korea Was This Beautiful?
This photographer captures South Korea in a truly ethereal, unique way. Take a look at his incredible work to be taken to a real-life fairy tale world.
Discover How Truly Stunning Our Planet Is in 22 Pictures
Our planet is full of wonderful spots. Check out how truly stunning it is in these 22 photos.
Have You Seen The 9 Best Drone Photographs of 2016 Yet?
Drone photography has taken the art of the camera to lofty heights never seen before. Every year photographers get even better, and these are the best of 2016.
Perhaps the Most Scenic Train Rides in the World...
Although there are much quicker ways of traveling, using a train is arguably much more picturesque than the others. Here are the 7 most scenic train rides.
16 Gorgeous Sights in Georgia Everyone Should See
Here are 16 sights that prove how beautiful Georgian nature is, and anyone thinking of visiting should definitely keep these in mind.
Titanic Sub: What Really Caused a 'Catastrophic' Implosion
The Titan sub tragedy has left everyone shaken. But what exactly happened to it?
The World’s Oldest Hotel Has Many Stories to Tell
Join us on a unique tour of the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan - the world's oldest hotel.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
These Are the World's Most Stunning & Famous Opera Houses
Opera houses are iconic symbols of a city's cultural & financial status. They represent the pinnacle of high society and architectural achievement. Take a look.
INTERACTIVE: Visit 11 Stunning Locations in MALTA!
The map you see before you has 11 marked locations. Click on any of these locations and you'll see their name and a beautiful video of each place
10 Terrific Attractions in the City of Gdańsk, Poland
I. Discovering what Gdansk has to offer will undoubtedly convince you not to overlook it when planning your trip to Poland or Europe.
Escape From the World to These Beautiful US Hideaways
Did you know that you can escape from the world right here in the United States? Here are 10 beautiful US hideaways to escape to.
This is How to Best Pack a Suitcase When Going Abroad
Getting ready for a trip can be a real pain, especially when it comes to packing and taking care of your clothes. Thankfully, this video is here to help!
The Ashikaga Flower Park is Truly a Sight to Behold
Only the Japanese could make a flower garden this stunning. Check it out!
Here Are the Most Important Archaeological Finds of 2023
2023 was an interesting year for archaeology.
Few Countries Compare to the Natural Beauty Chile Offers
Chile is absolutely stunning and this video proves it.
18 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites to See in Italy
Apart from well-known attractions like the Colosseum, Pompeii, Rome, Venice, and Florence, there are 18 impressive locations that showcase a captivating blend of natural landscapes and ancient architectural wonders.
10 Majestic Medieval Castles You Have to See
If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to live like royalty, all you need to do is visit one of these amazing places.
20 Reasons You Can't Say No to Visiting Turkey!
This magnificent country is full of breathtaking wonders - take a peek at these beautiful photos and be inspired!
16 Surprisingly Strange Structures From Around the World
There are a lot of beautiful buildings in the world. Today, we look at some of the most unusual ones.
Want to Get Cheap Flight Tickets? The Answer is Here…
Find the cheapest flight tickets with these trusted tips and tricks.
Indonesia is a Must See in This Vivid Video!
The beauty of indoensia in a 4k drone video
This Dutch Tulip Garden is the Most Magnificent on Earth...
Take an exclusive look at the most beautiful tulip garden on the planet - the world-famous Keukenhof - through 15 stunning photos
Welcome to Stunning Chiang Mai, Thailand
Watch the following video and get a taste of the vibrant and diverse life you can experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Nature's Canvas: 15 Awe-Inspiring Outdoor Spaces
Get ready to be mesmerized by the perfect blend of nature and human creativity in these stunning landscaping photos!
16 Wonderful Places That Come to Life in the Spring
If you love the spring, and love seeing the field full of colorful flowers, then these places will be just perfect for you,
12 Great Wineries for Fine Wine and Architecture
These wineries are spectacular! Their impressive facilities are without a doubt, a sight to behold.
The World is Full of Wonders, Here are a Fascinating Few...
From the mysterious sailing stones of death valley to red tides, ornage moons and ice circles - our world is full of these bizarre phenomena! Here are 13 of the most interesting wonders of this planet!
Two Weeks of Spanish Magic: The Recommended Itinerary
If you've always wanted to see all that Spain has to offer, this itinerary will make for a true full of opportunities to make good memories!
8 Fairytale-Like Castles That You’ve Probably Never Seen
Journey through the globe with us and see these 8 stunning palaces as if you were there right now
These Photos of Machu Picchu Are Simply Stunning
Machu Picchu is one of the few places everybody wished to visit, and these gob-smacking pictures show just why.
Check Out These Spectacular Award-Winning Drone Photos
Check out the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Drone Photo Awards.
16 Places You Are NOT Allowed to Visit!
This video lists 16 places you are never allowed to go to and why that is.
Welcome to the Most Densely Populated Island on Earth
What happens when you cram 800 people in 13,000 square meters? Apparently, heaven on earth. Welcome to Santa Cruz del Islote...
These 10 Super Island Cities Float Like Brilliant Boats
Some of the greatest cities in the world are actually like magnificent boats. They are islands of civilization and wonder floating in the world's seas.
This Travel Log Will Take You Through Egypt's Wonders
This short travelogue will take you through some of the most amazing Pharaonic sights of Egypt.
Mont Saint Michel: A Fairytale Castle Mid-Sea...
No, these aren’t scenes from Lord of the Rings though this castle looks like it was taken straight out of a childhood fairy-tale or a fantasy novel! This is a rocky tidal island Mont Saint Michel located in France.
Discover 9 Attractions in a Surprising Resort Town, Sochi
Sochi is one of the fastest developing resorts in Europe, and we invite you to get to know this destination with 9 attractions that shouldn't be missed!
6 Minutes of Magic in the City of Budapest
We invite you on a breathtaking 6-minute journey through Budapest in incredible 8K quality!
See 13 Of the Most Magical and Breathtaking Sites in Vietnam
After visiting Vietnam, a country of natural beauty, fascinating history, and authentic cultural heritage, I compiled a list of 13 must see sites!
Food Photographer of the Year: 16 Mouth-Watering Pics
Check out the yummiest pictures from the Food Photographer of the Year contest.
Tired of Touring the Same Cities? Check Out THESE Pearls!
We always consider major capitals as great destinations to visit, however there are other towns and cities that are wonderful, yet less obvious. Here are 12.
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful Isles in the World
This video will take you all around Koh Samui with the help of a drone.
12 of the Most Unusual Border Crossings in the World
Borders are usually thought of as boring, dreary places, but that thinking definitely doesn't apply to these highly unusual border crossings around the world.
10 Majestic, Ornate Temples in Thailand Worth Visiting
If you're curious to know more, we're talking about the top ten most beautiful and impressive temples hidden in Thailand!
The 10 Attractions that’ll Make You Want to Fly to Monaco
The French Riviera awaits you in a tiny but wonderful city-state which will provide you with an exceptional holiday that you would not expect in France ...