Not all islands have been given the stamp of approval by Mother Nature.  Some were created by man in a painstaking process to carve new frontiers out of the sea.  There’s much more than what meets the eye, so by uncovering their history they take us on a profound journey through mythology, conservancy and even luxury.  We won’t cheapen these seven man-made destinations and say they are fake, but refer to them as engineering feats that serve a greater purpose than just floating land amid bodies of water. 

Palm Islands, Dubai

Why resort to finding shade under a palm tree when you can find refuge on an island shaped out of its leaves and trunk?  In fact, not one island but two distinguished artfully constructed isles have become futuristic marvels of the world.  Comprised of Palm Jumeirah and Jebel Ali, Dubai's Palm Islands are so grand in scale as to be seen from space.  But to see the Palm Islands in their entire artificial splendor is to branch out into their profound landscapes, especially Palm Jumeirah, which is the most daring of them all.

Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, the island is decked in expensive real estate, hotels and chic shopping areas. From the trunk to the leaves to its relaxing beaches, there’s almost no way to tell Mother Nature never laid a finger on this incredible paradise.

Donauinsel, Austria

By the sizzling nightlife, cozy restaurants and scintillating waterscape surrounding Donauinsel, it’s quite hard to believe that this man-made destination was created to prevent the city of Vienna from flooding.  

Primarily known as Danube Island, Donauinsel offers just as much by way of dazzling amenities you would expect from any other island including hopping bars, sport activities as well as a beach so paradisiacal it is frequently called the “Copa Cagrana."

Ile aux Cygnes, France

Not only is Ile aux Cygnes in constant view of the Eiffel Tower, it is also the home to the replica of the Statue of Liberty. The island measures 2,789 feet long and 36 feet wide, and although this French locale is quite small, it served a greater as the protector of the port of Grenelle from the moment it was created in 1827. 

Now the island is lined with colossal trees which provide the perfect shade for a peaceful stroll or jog.  And with the French Statue of Liberty proudly displayed here, Ile aux Cygnes is every bit worthy of discovery.

Ile Notre Dame, Canada

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

With ten months dedicated to erecting Ile Notre Dame out of 15 million tons of rock, it has long become a treasured destination for every type of travel.  That’s because the island houses the Olympic Basin, which is North America’s largest artificially-inspired rowing basin. Ile Notre Dame is also a gamer’s paradise because the Montreal Casino also resides here, allowing round-the-clock gaming action.

There’s also much more to this Canadian treasure both on and off season. The island’s western end is flanked by a lake that extends to a beach offering an array of aquatic adventures. Trees and immaculate gardens also decorate the island which profoundly makes Ile Notre Dame seem more real than man-made.

Venetian Islands, Florida

If you’ve ever wondered where the rich and famous hid during the winter, you may find a handful of them baking in the brilliant sun of the Venetian Islands. Sitting in perfect harmony in the Biscayne Bay since the 1920s, San Marco Island, Rivo Alto, Di Lido, Biscayne, Belle Isle and San Marino make up the luxurious islands — but big spenders must pay top dollar to acquire the lavish taste here. 

The islands stretch from Miami to Miami beach due to the Venetian Causeway on which they are connected.  Since drawbridges and other works were added to the causeway, visitors can take a look inside of this pricy utopic destination.

Our Lady of the Rocks, Montenegro

In the midst of the sparkling Kotor Bay, a small island dominated by a church conceals a story of spirituality that begs every visitor to come and experience. In true Montenegro fashion, Our Lady of the Rocks was constructed on the basis of a myth that continues to float through the air with each passing guest. As legends tell it, a portrait of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus were discovered in the area of the island by two sailors. They vowed to build a sanctuary to commemorate the religious saints by sinking boats and adding rocks with every voyage to create the foundation of the tiny islet until it was finally assembled. 

The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is an attraction within itself, boasting an extensive collection of paintings and baroque furnishings.  Tourists and locals also continue the tradition of the sailors during the Fasinada on July 22 of every year. This celebration takes throwing a pebble into the water up a notch as the Kotor Bay is dotted with yachts that are filled with rocks, which are subsequently thrown overboard to increase the size of the island. 

Kamfers Dam, South Africa

A profound pink “S” engraved in a wetland in South Africa indicates the flamingoes have arrived.  Kamfers Dam was built as a breeding area for the bright-colored birds, and comes complete with fake nests and an electric water pump that regulates the four surrounding ponds.

Whether through word of mouth (or beak for that matter), the man-made sanctuary has become quite the hotspot for these South African feathered residents. Its population of flamingoes has drastically increased and delightfully adds color amid Kamfers Dam’s swampy backdrop.

Man does not have a monopoly on weird landmasses. Check out 10 places where Mother Nature went crazy and our guide to the 7 most bizarre beaches in the world.