Baron Island - Mayor Island

Isla Mayor, island traditionally known as Isla del Barón, is located  in the municipality of San Javier and has more surface area than any other island in the region, with nearly 94 hectares. This extinguished volcanic cone of round perimeter has a height of 104 meters above sea level.

 

This privately-owned island takes its name from Barón de Benifayó, who decided to buy it after spending time in prison when the island was used by the Spanish Armada to punish people. The baron later built a Neomudéjar-style palace using a design and materials similar to those utilized at Hotel Victoria in Murcia. The palace looks like a little castle, with towers, battlements, a large park and two opposite doors, one of them in front of the sea. The palace had a large library, artillery rooms, offices and rooms as well as a pier and a small house for the guard. In the 1950s, after the death of the baron, the new owners added a watchtower.

 

The island has the only forest of small palm trees in Europe and is considered a Special Bird Protected Area because of its many different types of birds.

 

Out of curiosity, you could rent the island for a week...if you have that kind of money!

See Mar Menor Islands and Open Spaces