50 kilometers off the coast of Castellón is one of the most spectacular nature reserves in the Mediterranean. Les Illes Columbretes is an archipelago formed by a series of islets of volcanic origin grouped under four names: Illa Grossa, la Ferrera, la Foradada and el Carallot. In total, 19 hectares of great ecological value for the Mediterranean.
Its settlement in the sea, at a depth of 80 meters, has allowed a great diversity of marine species that are a delight for the eyes of visitors. And, as it is a marine reserve, the hand of man and his action is quite limited.
The area could have a large amount of hidden oil and there are several companies that have approached the local and regional government to start prospecting, but so far strong opposition has won the game.
This group of islands was declared a natural park in 1988 and a reserve in 1994. Previously, the history of the area had always been linked to fishermen, smugglers, pirates and large quantities of snakes that populated the area.
In fact, in the 19th century, a fire was set in the area to get rid of the reptiles.
How to visit the Columbretes Islands
The Illa Grossa, the only visitable islet of the Columbretes archipelago, maintains a regulated access system that limits the arrival of visitors and requires a guided visit, according to the Department of Environment of the Generalitat Valenciana.
Located about 50 kilometers off the coast of Castellón, the island requires between two and three hours of navigation to reach.
Access can be made by boat -prior radio contact with the surveillance service and without using anchors, as there are mooring buoys- or through excursions organized by authorized companies.
The entrance to land is free, although the tour is conditioned by schedules and daily and monthly quotas, depending on the study of the carrying capacity of the space. The visit is always in the company of the Nature Reserve staff.
Among the rules, it is forbidden to eat, smoke or walk around the island on your own. Access is also prohibited during the months of December, January and February.
Currently, you can only visit Grossa Island with a daily maximum of 80 people.
If you dare to do so, you should know that here you will find native vegetation such as the margalló palm tree, up to 10 species of endemic insects or reptiles such as the lizard Podarcis atrata. In the sea there is red coral, algae such as Laminaria redriguezi, as well as fish such as grouper, sea bass or sea turtles.