A captivating group of islands with a mysterious history lies tucked away in a protected saltwater lagoon, secluded from modern society.
Nestled in Spain’s Murcia Region, the Mar Menor is famous for its peaceful salty waters and pleasant climate, as well as its five islands formed by volcanic activity. These islands, which emerged during the Pliocene epoch, have transformed into a popular tourist destination and a sanctuary for diverse wildlife.
The lagoon is shielded from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a sandy strip stretching 22 kilometers and lined with hotels and bars. In contrast, the islands within the lagoon are conservation areas, designated as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance and part of a Special Protection Area for bird species.
Accessing the islands can be challenging but not impossible. Visitors must plan in advance and coordinate their trip with authorized boat tour operators to dock at specific points along the island chain, as reported by the Express.
Barón Island, the largest in Mar Menor, is a heritage and nature reserve spanning 94 hectares and owned by the Figueroa family. The island can only be reached via a Flippa Boat tour, leading to its central peak rising 104 meters above the surrounding coast.
The landscape is dominated by a Neo-Mudéjar-style palace and tower built by the Baron of Benifayó in the 19th century. Local legends speak of a “haunted” Russian princess allegedly imprisoned by the Baron, with stories of her spirit wandering the cliffs, although encounters with wild sheep, known as mouflons, are more common.
Perdiguera Island, the second-largest, derived its name from its abundant partridge population. Due to its history as a bombing practice site during the Spanish Civil War and the risks posed by unexploded ordnance, access for tourists has been limited in recent decades.
Round Island, the smallest of the group, is primarily frequented by waterfowl for nesting purposes, while Sujeto Island in the Cala del Pino area offers minimal attractions beyond aromatic herbs like thyme and lavender.
For travelers from the UK looking to explore the island chain, Murcia airport is the closest gateway to Mar Menor, with affordable return flights available from Birmingham, Manchester, and London Stansted.
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