A mesmerizing cluster of islands with a dark history is nestled in a calm saltwater lagoon, secluded from the modern world. The Mar Menor in Spain’s Murcia Region is famous for its serene saline waters, pleasant climate, and five islands formed by volcanic activity. These islands, emerging towards the end of the Pliocene era, have transformed into a popular tourist spot and a sanctuary for various wildlife species.
Shielded from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a sandy strip spanning 22 kilometers, the Mar Menor now features hotels and bars lining its coastline. However, the inner islets remain untouched and safeguarded as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance, located within a Special Protection Area for bird species.
Accessing these islands can be challenging but not impossible. Interested visitors must plan ahead and coordinate their visit with authorized boat tour operators who can dock at specific spots across the island chain. Barón Island, the largest in Mar Menor, is a heritage and nature sanctuary spanning 94 hectares and owned by the Figueroa family.
The only way to reach Barón Island, besides securing an invitation from the family, is through a Flippa Boat tour. The island rises towards its center, with the highest point reaching 104 meters above the surrounding coastline. A Neo-Mudéjar-style palace and tower dominate the landscape, built by the Baron of Benifayó in the 19th century, giving rise to local legends of a haunted Russian princess.
Perdiguera Island, the second-largest, earned its name due to its partridge population and underwent a tomborization process connecting it with Espartera Island. Restricted tourist access over the last century was due to its role as a bombing practice site during the Spanish Civil War, posing risks from unexploded ordnance. Authorities took action in the 1990s to ensure visitor safety and preserve its delicate ecosystem by dismantling a causeway linking it to the mainland.
Round Island, the smallest of the five, is a secluded spot mainly frequented by waterfowl for nesting. Sujeto Island, located near the shoreline in the Cala del Pino area, offers little beyond abundant thyme and lavender.
For travelers from the UK looking to explore the island chain, Murcia airport is the closest entry point to Mar Menor. Flights are available from Birmingham for £13, from Manchester for £18, and from London Stansted for £19 in March.