Mar Menor

A stunning archipelago with a chilling past lies nestled within a sheltered saltwater lagoon, remaining largely isolated from the modern world. The Mar Menor in Spain 's Murcia Region is renowned not only for its tranquil saline waters and glorious climate, but also for its five islands, born of volcanic forces beneath the sea. These islands formed at the close of the Pliocene epoch and have since evolved into both a tourist destination and a haven for wildlife. The lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga (the sleeve), a 22 km-long sandbar varying in width from 100 to 1,200 metres. Hotels and bars now line its shores. The islets within, however, remain a protected and rarely visited environment , designated as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance and situated within a Special Protection Area for avian species. This does make reaching the islands challenging, though far from impossible. Nevertheless, you'll need to organise in advance and arrange your visit with one of the boat tour operators authorised to dock at specific locations across the island chain, reports the Express . Barón Island is the Mar Menor's largest and serves as a sanctuary of heritage and wilderness. Spanning 94 hectares, it's a Natural Reserve under the ownership of the Figueroa family. The sole means of accessing the island (apart from befriending the island-owning family and securing an invitation) is through a Flippa Boat tour. The island ascends towards its centre, where the highest peak soars 104 metres above the surrounding shoreline. Dominating the landscape is a Neo-Mudéjar-style palace and tower, constructed by the Baron of Benifayó, a 19th-century proprietor. Local folklore tells of a "haunted" Russian princess, supposedly imprisoned on the island by the Baron, whose spirit is rumoured to roam the clifftops. Though visitors are far more likely to encounter mouflons (wild sheep). The second-largest isle, Perdiguera Island, earned its name from its once-thriving partridge population and underwent a tomborization process that linked it with Espartera Island. Yet over the last hundred years, tourist access has been restricted for two key reasons. Throughout the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the island served as a bombing practice site. Many explosives failed to detonate, rendering the island exceptionally hazardous for ramblers. During the 1990s, authorities launched a bomb detection and disposal operation amid fears that recently constructed beach facilities might lure unsuspecting holidaymakers into harm's way. Nevertheless, this didn't deter visitors, and by the late 90s, excessive foot traffic was triggering substantial landslides into the sea. In 2007, local authorities mandated the closure of beach vendors. This island stands as the southernmost rocky outcrop and is a 16-hectare volcanic outcrop within the Mar Menor lagoon. The region recognises it for its delicate ecosystem, which authorities have moved to safeguard by dismantling an artificial causeway that once linked it to the mainland, according to All You Need in Murcia. Round Island ranks as the tiniest of the five and sees the fewest visitors, apart from the waterfowl population, who favour it as a nesting spot. Sujeto Island sits nearest to the shoreline in the secluded and unspoilt Cala del Pino area. The island offers little beyond plentiful thyme and lavender. Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.