What Are Antipodes? 5 Cities and Their Surprising Counterparts

Ever heard of antipodes? Geographically speaking, antipodes are two points on Earth that are located diametrically opposite one another. Perhaps the most well-known examples are the North and South Poles, which are found at the northernmost and southernmost ends of the planet. In some cases, two cities can exist as antipodes of each other. In North America, however, many antipodes fall right in the middle of an ocean — antipodes of both New York City and Los Angeles are located in the Indian Ocean, for example. But there are rare instances where two cities do align — here are five surprising antipodal pairings.

A Coruña, Spain / Christchurch, New Zealand

A Coruña, the second-largest city in Spain’s Galicia region, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. One of the coastal city’s most historic landmarks is the Tower of Hercules — a lighthouse built under ancient Roman control during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98 to 117 CE). After centuries of geopolitical change, A Coruña ended up under Spanish control and now serves as one of the country’s chief ports. 

At the exact opposite end of the planet, you’ll find Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, with an estimated population of just over 400,000. Evidence suggests the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples as far back as 1250 CE, and it was later established as one of the first official cities in New Zealand on July 31, 1856. Today, Christchurch is home to popular landmarks such as the International Antarctic Centre. In fact, Christchurch has long been a popular departure point for Antarctic missions both by boat and by air, as many early explorers such as Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton passed through on their journeys.

La Quiaca, Argentina / Hong Kong

You couldn’t find two more polar opposites — both geographically and culturally speaking — than La Quiaca, Argentina, and Hong Kong. La Quiaca is a tiny city that sits in the northern part of Argentina, directly across the border from Villazon, Bolivia. The city receives upwards of 3,400 hours of sunlight annually, making it one of the sunniest places in Argentina. There are only just over 16,000 people living a peaceful, rural lifestyle here.

La Quiaca’s antipode is Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China and a bustling metropolis full of bright lights and towering skyscrapers. With an estimated 18,290 residents per square mile, Hong Kong is the fourth-most-densely-populated country or dependency in the world, behind Macau, Monaco, and Singapore. Hong Kong is known for its eclectic mix of history and modern culture. Popular attractions include the 112-foot-tall “Big Buddha” statue located amid the rolling mountains that surround the city and Hong Kong Disneyland, which is one of only six Disney resorts in the world.

Esmeraldas, Ecuador / Padang, Indonesia

Esmeraldas, a major seaport along the Pacific coast of Ecuador, serves as the terminus of the 313-mile-long Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline, making the city an important hub for the country’s oil industry. But Esmeraldas also attracts many tourists, who flock to the city’s beaches and oceanside resorts. The city sits to the northwest of the Cotacachi-Cayapas ecological reserve — an untouched natural expanse where you can climb along the 16,220-foot Cotacachi volcano, stroll into dense rainforests, and see Andean condors in their natural habitat.

On the other end of the world, you’ll find Padang, the capital of Indonesia’s West Sumatra province. Padang sits between the Indian Ocean and the hills of Minangkabau, offering plenty of opportunities to lie on the beach and hike through the countryside. The city is particularly popular among backpackers, and you’ll find many affordable hostels throughout its downtown. It’s also known for traditional cuisine called nasi padang, which is often served up by an all-female culinary staff, as per tradition. The dishes are typically prepared buffet-style with various meat curries, fried vegetables, rice, and an intense and complex spice profile.

Jeju Island, South Korea / Santa Vitória do Palmar, Brazil

Home to the South Korean cities of Jeju and Seogwipo, Jeju Island is located 60 miles south of the mainland. The island — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — is where you’ll find the stunning Mount Halla (or Yeongjusan Mountain, as it’s known in Korean), 6,398-foot mountain topped with a crater lake. The city of Jeju is a hub for those who work as haenyeo — skilled female divers who harvest shellfish and seaweed. Many haenyeo begin to learn the trade at a young age, with some continuing the traditional practice into their 80s.

Jeju’s antipode is Santa Vitória do Palmar, part of the southernmost municipality in Brazil and located a few miles from the Uruguayan border. While the town itself is unassuming, Santa Vitória do Palmar is known for being the site of a rare celestial event. On June 25, 1997, locals reported a bright light in the sky that was remarkable for its blue-green color and a trail of black smoke. This came to be known as the Santa Vitória do Palmar meteorite, and three fragments were discovered in 2003.

Zinder, Niger / Pago Pago, American Samoa

Today, Zinder is known for farming, particularly for producing peanuts, but long ago, the city was the capital of the powerful Sultanate of Damangaram — a Muslim dynasty that ruled the region throughout the 18th century. Zinder later became the capital of the French colony in the early 1920s, though it has been an independent municipality since 1926. Today, Zinder is home to historic mud and straw houses, as well as an extravagant landmark known as the Sultan’s Palace. Built around 1850, this colorful and historic structure is renowned for its ornate architecture, detailed carvings, and guards adorned in colorful red robes who stand a watchful eye at all times.

Far from the arid Saharan landscape of Zinder is Pago Pago, the capital of the American Samoa territory. It’s one of the few places under U.S. jurisdiction with a land-based antipode. The city was an active U.S. naval base from 1900 to 1951, and is now home to the National Park of American Samoa, which was established in 1988 as the only U.S. national park located south of the equator. While visiting Pago Pago, be sure to also stop by the popular Two Dollar Beach for some sunbathing, board a charter fishing excursion, or hike up to the summit of Mount ‘Alava for breathtaking views of the harbor.

If you’re interested in learning more about antipodes, check out this helpful website where you can explore all of the antipodes throughout the world. Let us know your favorites in the comments!