A SMALL Spanish island unknown to tourists is just 10 minutes from the mainland – and has beautiful beaches and pirate stories.
Sálvora Island is part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, in northwest Spain.
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It was used as a refuge for pirates between the 16th and 19th centuries, even before the Vikings.
During this period it was owned by the Mariño family, the first child being the son of a Roman knight and a mermaid who met on the island.
The island was privately owned until 2008, so tourists were unable to visit it.
However, it is now open to the public – albeit with a guided tour – and boats take around 40 minutes from the mainland, or just 10 minutes by speedboat.
No one lives on the island, but there are a number of things for visitors to explore.
The main attraction is the island’s lighthouse, built after a shipwreck in 1921.
Visitors will also be able to see the Sirena de Sálvora, a mermaid in stature.
Otherwise, there is an abandoned village with traditional stone houses and an old salting factory.
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The main beach is Praia do Castelo Ou do Almacén, with one tourist praising its “crystal clear waters in a perfect immaculate environment”.
And three other beaches are found in the northern part of the island – Praia dos Bos, Praia de Lagos and Praia de Zafra.
Previous tourists who visited praised the island, with one calling it “one of Ribeira’s jewels”.
Boat trips to the island cost around 20 euros per person, although daily visitors are limited to 250 per day.
The tours last around three hours, with boat trips in the morning and afternoon.
Other Spanish islands in the same area include Cíes, Ons and Cortegada.
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Allowing just 2,200 tourists per day, Cíes has beaches comparable to those in the Caribbean, which was once considered the best beach in the world.
Cortegada is connected to the mainland by the passage of the tides, and tourists can only visit it during low tide.
The island of Ons also has stunning beaches and is popular with walkers.
Spain has 48 inhabited islands – here’s everything you need to know about the lesser-known La Gomera.
And the Sun’s Natasha Clark visited La Palma – here’s what she thought.
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Everything you need to know to visit Spain
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Make sure your passport is stamped upon entry and exit.
- Travelers may be asked to present confirmations of hotel reservations and that they have enough cash for their stay at the border.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the United Kingdom.
- The country uses the euro, with around 10 euros equaling £8.55.
- Flights from the UK to Spain take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the destination.
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