Murcia haunted island opens to the public
Barón Island off the coast of the Mar Menor is said to be haunted by a heartbroken Russian princess
In the heart of the Mar Menor lies the Isla del Barón, the largest in the Region of Murcia, a volcanic formation that has just been opened to the public after decades in private hands. But a visit is not for the fainthearted, as the island has a decidedly creepy past.
Spanning almost 94 hectares very close to La Manga, Barón Island belonged to Julio Falcó, baron of Benifayó, since the 19th century, hence its name. The debonair owner built a lavish neo-Mudejar palace on the site which still stands today and where he reportedly hosted luxurious private parties for Spanish high society.
Legend has it that a beautiful Russian princess attended one of these soirees and the baron fell desperately in love with her. Her parents offered her to Julio Falcó against her wishes, and the young girl was kept prisoner on the island, where she eventually died of a broken heart. More macabre versions say she was murdered.
The story goes that Mar Menor fishermen sailing close to the island can still see her ghost wandering along the cliffs, naked and desperate for rescue.
But beyond the haunting legend, the island is of immense environmental value and is home to a remarkable palmetto forest, although back in the 80s an aircraft reportedly spotted a huge herd of sheep that had been illegally imported for private hunts.
Barón Island currently belongs to the family of Ana María Navarro, widowed marchioness of Sierra Nevada, who has reached an agreement with a tourist company to organise visits to the area, which officially began on Saturday December 2, 2023.
From now on, Flippa Boat will arrange twice monthly trips to the island from La Manga. Visitors will be given two hours to explore the unique archipelago and climb to the top of one of the volcanic mountains to see the breathtaking views.
Tours cost 48 euros per person and can be booked on the official website or by calling 633 16 30 84.
Images: Felipe Ortega via Wikimedia Commons
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