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Spain's 13 private islands: some are for sale

Have you ever wondered who owns Spain's exclusive private islands or how much it might cost to rent these paradisiacal enclaves? Discover the world of luxury and privacy with a look at Spain's 13 private islands, where the rental rate can reach 30,000 euros per day on places like Isla Sa Ferradura. Join us on a tour of these luxurious retreats, revealing not only their breathtaking scenery but also intriguing details about their owners and associated costs.

Spain's 13 private islands: some are for sale
Categories Luxury,Lifestyle
25 Apr, 2024

Tagomago Island, Ibiza

Tagomago Island

In Spain's exclusive private islands market, Tagomago stands out as one of the most coveted jewels. Located just 1.52km from Punta d'en Valls in the northeast of Ibiza, this impressive private island of 600,000 square meters is not only a luxury retreat but also a protected area within the Natura 2000 network, ensuring its preservation as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).

Tagomago Island also features a mansion equipped with five double suites, each with its own private bathroom and stunning views of the Mediterranean, a professionally designed kitchen, spacious social areas such as a spa and gym, and an outdoor pool complemented by its own bar. Additionally, the island has an extra house to accommodate guests, making it an ideal place for both private life and high-level entertainment. If you are interested in whether Tagomago Island is for sale, you should know that the last promoter of the island, Matthias Kün (currently partnered with Norma Duval), put it up for sale for 150 million euros after 15 years at the helm of the islet. Apart from the sale, Tagomago is also a popular rental option, attracting clients willing to pay from 120,000 euros per week in low season to 170,000 euros during the peak of summer. These rates reflect not only the exclusivity of the property but also the range of personalized services available, including Michelin-starred chefs and helicopter pilots, which highlights the appeal of Tagomago in the private island rental market.

The interest in Tagomago is not limited to anonymous buyers; celebrities such as Ronaldo, Justin Bieber, and Gareth Bale have enjoyed its privacy and luxury. The island has also been the scene of exclusive events, including celebrations of well-known figures such as Borja Thyssen, underscoring its status as one of the most prestigious and exclusive destinations for those seeking an unmatched experience on a private island.

Sa Ferradura Islet, Ibiza

Sa Ferradura Island
Source: Google Maps

Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and connected to Ibiza by a small, secluded beach, Isla Sa Ferradura presents itself as an unparalleled luxury destination. This small peninsula of 3.5 hectares, located north of the Pityusic island, is known not only for its exclusivity but also for its unique and luxurious construction. Recently, in 2018, Sa Ferradura was named the Best Private Villa in the Mediterranean at the eighth edition of The Boutique Hotel Awards, a recognition that stands out among more than 300 nominees from 80 countries.

The island, owned by Russian magnate Mikhail Prokhorov, who purchased this retreat in 2016 for 22 million euros and is known for owning the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and for being a contender against Vladimir Putin in the 2012 Russian presidential elections, has undergone significant transformation under his tenure. Prokhorov carried out a reform that placed great emphasis on landscape design, further enhancing the appeal of this gem in the Bay of Sant Miquel.

With capacity for up to 12 guests in six luxurious double rooms, Isla Sa Ferradura offers an exclusive experience starting from 220,000 euros per week. The facilities include a 250 square meter oriental spa in the tropical gardens, an impressive 750 square meter rooftop terrace with sea views, two bars, and a stage for private concerts. Additionally, the property is equipped with cutting-edge technology and sustainable systems that minimize its environmental impact, such as total wastewater recovery for garden irrigation.

Celebrities such as Leo Messi and Cesc Fábregas have chosen Sa Ferradura for their vacations, enjoying the privacy and luxury services that the island offers. With a team of 22 multilingual professionals ensuring impeccable and discreet service, Sa Ferradura is not just a place to escape from everyday life, but a lifestyle of opulence and tranquility that is offered for more than 31,000 € per day.

Mayor Island or Barón Island, Murcia

Baron Island or Major Island
Baron Island in the Mar Menor, Region of Murcia. Original photo by Nanosanchez on Wikimedia Commons

Located in the Mar Menor, a unique enclave in the Province of Murcia, this 93.8-hectare island is a spectacular retreat for those looking to disconnect in a natural and tranquil environment. Known for its Neo-Mudejar style palace and its watchtower designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s, this five-story circular tower offers stunning views of the volcanic island and is available for guests. The island, which is a natural and wildlife reserve, boasts a rich variety of Mediterranean vegetation and four peaks, the highest reaching 104 meters above sea level, from where panoramic views can be enjoyed.

The small beaches surrounding its rocky coast offer protection and tranquility, while venturing into the saltwater lagoon of the Mar Menor is a great idea for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to the tower, the accommodation includes Mediterranean-style hunting lodges, painted in indigo blue and terracotta, with capacity to accommodate up to 10 adults in 7 double rooms. The tower itself features 3 bedrooms with bathrooms, 2 lounges, and a kitchenette.

The island offers options for self-catering or full board, with all meals available at an additional cost. Activities include the use of a yacht, a sailing boat, Latin sailing, equipment for windsurfing, snorkeling, rowing, and rod fishing. Additionally, guests can enjoy three championship golf courses at the nearby La Manga Golf Club. To reach Isla del Barón, visitors can fly to the nearby airports of San Javier (Murcia) or Alicante, and after a short car journey, take a 30-minute boat trip from the Los Nietos marina to the island.

The current owner, Gonzalo Quijano, is a direct descendant of José Ignacio Figueroa Mendieta, who acquired the island in 1899 from the heir of Benifayó, Baron Julio Falcó d'Adda. The story goes that the baron, an Italian, bought the island after being exiled for a duel in defense of the honor of María Victoria dal Pozzo della Cisterna. After his punishment, he was so enchanted with the place that he persuaded his friend, King Amadeo of Savoy, to buy it. Distinguished visitors such as Benito Pérez Galdós, Ava Gardner, and Juan de Borbón have enjoyed its beauty and exclusivity. The island continues to be a symbol of luxury and tradition, managed by the Figueroa family for over seven generations, with a daily rental per person of approximately 1,200 euros.

Burguillo Island, Ávila

Burguillo Island
El Burguillo Reservoir. The Sentinel Island in the background, and the Iruelas Valley Nature Reserve in the background. El Barraco, Avila. Original photo by Miguel Ángel Masegosa Martínez on Wikimedia Commons

This is the only private island that is not located in a coastal town. How is this possible? Well, simply because Isla del Burguillo is located in the province of Ávila, just an hour's drive from Madrid. It is a unique and spectacular getaway in the middle of El Burguillo Reservoir. This island, approximately one hectare in size, is not only accessible by a short boat ride of about 300 meters from a private plot on the shore but is also completely walled with granite stone 3 to 4 meters high, adding an element of privacy and exclusivity.

The castle on the island is fortified and has several doors that provide direct access to the beaches and the pier. The property offers a quiet and ideal environment to enjoy a vacation with family and friends, providing activities such as hiking, water sports, and boat rides. Additionally, the island has its own beaches that invite relaxation or enjoyment of outdoor games like ping pong.

The Castle can accommodate up to 10 people in various bedrooms and is available for rentals ranging from one to six days. Rental prices vary depending on the occupancy and duration of the stay, with rates starting from 340 €, offering flexibility for partial or exclusive occupancies of the property. If you are interested in renting Isla del Burguillo, you can check the prices and contact information on the following website: isladelburguillo.com.

Toralla Island, Vigo

Toralla island in Vigo

Isla Toralla, located in the Ria de Vigo near Playa del Vao, is a small private island of 10.6 hectares that is connected to the mainland by a 400-meter bridge. Although it is private, there are certain areas like the bridge and the beach that are public access. The island has been urbanized since the 1960s, with the construction of 30 chalets and a prominent tower, Torre Toralla. It is also believed that there are important archaeological sites beneath some of the modern constructions.

The history of the island reflects several changes in ownership over the centuries, having originally been owned by the Church until it was expropriated and sold several times. Currently, Toralla is managed by Toralla SA, a company that has held a concession since 1965 and will continue to do so for another 40 years, until 2064, unless there is a change through the purchase of rights or an agreement. César Real, president of the company, notes that there are about 300 owners on the island, who are mainly the residents of Torre Toralla and the surrounding chalets.

The island also houses facilities of the University of Vigo, contributing to its profile as a place of interest both residential and academic.

Perdiguera Island, Murcia

Isla Perdiguera, located in La Manga del Mar Menor in the municipality of San Javier, Murcia, is a prominent Protected Natural Space of 25 hectares. Although in the past it had various establishments and piers, these have been abandoned to preserve its natural environment. Currently, the island is owned by a corporation led by Tomás Fuertes, president of the food group El Pozo, although it previously belonged to the army.

This enclave, which is accessible to the public at no cost despite being private property, is not available for sale or rent. Isla Perdiguera, rich in history and natural value, has been a place of interest for its Roman archaeological sites and was highly frequented by tourists when it housed restaurants offering local dishes such as grilled sardines. The island has passed through various hands over the years and has been subject to various uses, including military practices and, more recently, tourism.

Sa Conillera, Ibiza

Sa Conillera in Ibiza

Sa Conillera, also known as Illa Conillera or Conejera, is a small islet located to the northwest of Ibiza, within the Natural Reserve des Vendrà, between the Ibizan municipalities of San Antonio and San José. Part of the Balearic archipelago in Spain, it covers approximately one square kilometer, being the largest islet that surrounds Ibiza.

This islet is characterized by its preserved natural environment and is uninhabited, housing only two dwellings and a lighthouse. Despite its appeal, it is not available for rent or sale, as it is owned by the Matutes family. The island has a fragile ecosystem, where species such as thyme and rosemary predominate, and it is a refuge for endemic fauna, including the Ibiza wall lizard and Eleonora's falcon, an endangered bird of prey.

In addition to its ecological value, Sa Conillera has a rich historical past, having served as a refuge for pirates and as the legendary birthplace of the Carthaginian general Hannibal, according to local mythology. Its lighthouse, built in 1857, remains an important navigational point in the region.

Sa Conillera continues to be a place of interest for those visiting Ibiza, offering a glimpse into the intriguing natural and historical beauty of the Balearic Islands. The management of the island focuses on preserving its natural environment, making it a popular destination for excursions and environmental studies.

S'Empalmador, Formentera

S'Empalmador Island in Formentera

S'Empalmador Island is a small Spanish gem located in the Mediterranean Sea, north of the island of Formentera, and has been part of the Salinas de Ibiza and Formentera Natural Park since 1980. This islet is approximately 2,925 meters long and 800 meters wide at its maximum, covering an area of 137 hectares.

S'Empalmador is known for its protected natural environment and its beaches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, which are particularly attractive during low tide when it is possible to walk from Formentera to the islet via the passage of Es Trocadors. However, visitors are advised to be cautious of the currents in the area.

The island has changed owners several times and, most recently in 2018, was acquired by a family from Luxembourg after having been in possession of the Cinnamond family since 1932. Despite its beauty and public accessibility, the structures on the island are limited, including a villa and the caretaker's residence. The island also has a lighthouse and a small muddy lagoon, whose use for mud baths is penalized with fines due to conservation measures.

Isla Colom, Mallorca

Isla Colom, located in the Balearic Islands archipelago and part of the Natural Reserve des Vendrà, is situated between the Ibizan municipalities of San Antonio and San José. This uninhabited one-square-kilometer island is the largest that surrounds Ibiza and stands out for its protected natural environment and stunning landscape.

Isla Colom is known for its lighthouse and two dwellings, which, like Sa Conillera, are also owned by the Matutes family. The island has a rich ecological heritage, with flora mainly consisting of Mediterranean shrubs and fauna that includes several endemic species. Although it is private property, the island is accessible through organized tours that allow visitors to explore its rich history and natural environment.

Sisargas Islands, A Coruña

Sisargas Islands in A Coruña

The Sisargas Islands, located off the town of Malpica de Bergantiños in A Coruña, form an archipelago that is a treasure on the Costa da Morte due to its rich biodiversity and legends. These islands, which are privately owned by the descendants of the Count of Altamira, offer a natural spectacle with their important fishing grounds and a variety of seabirds that use them as a nesting and migration site.

Additionally, the islands are marked by a historic lighthouse, inaugurated on June 29, 1853, that guides mariners with three flashes every fifteen seconds and is now operated remotely from the Maritime Control Tower of A Coruña. This lighthouse was one of many in Galicia that was automated around 2004, leaving the islands uninhabited.

Despite being uninhabited, the Sisargas Islands - comprising Sisarga Grande, Sisarga Chica and Malante - have attracted the attention of the Xunta de Galicia, which is seeking to incorporate them into the Illas Atlánticas Natural Park. This interest is due in part to their status as a Special Protection Area for Birds. This set of natural and cultural features makes them a growing tourist attraction, despite the fact that access is not easy.

Montaña Clara Islet, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Montaña Clara is the smallest islet of the Chinijo Archipelago, located north of Lanzarote, between La Graciosa and Alegranza. Administratively, it belongs to the municipality of Teguise in the province of Las Palmas, Canary Islands. As part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and the Los Islotes Integral Reserve, this volcanic-origin islet is notable for the light tone of its volcanic cone that dominates its landscape.

With an area of 2.7 km² and the highest point at La Mariana at 256 meters above sea level, Montaña Clara is characterized by not having been permanently inhabited. Despite its small size, the islet is a crucial refuge for various wildlife species, including the Eleonora's falcon and the cinereous shearwater. It is particularly important for the conservation of the Balearic shearwater, a species that has one of its main breeding colonies in the Canary Islands at Montaña Clara.

The islet is owned by the heirs of Mariano López Socas, who purchased the island in 1957 while serving as mayor of the municipality of Haría in Lanzarote. In 2007, the island was put up for auction with an initial price of nine million euros. Although there were attempts to negotiate for the State to take over the ownership of the island, these were unsuccessful, and the Government considered the expropriation of the island, seeking a friendly agreement with the owners.

Alegranza Islet, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Alegranza is an islet belonging to the Chinijo Archipelago, located north of Lanzarote in the Atlantic Ocean. This islet, which is part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, stands out for its protected nature, especially in bird conservation. Alegranza measures approximately 10.21 square kilometers and is known for its dominant volcanic landscape, including the Caldera de Alegranza which has a crater 1.1 kilometers in diameter and reaches a height of 289 meters.

Despite being an uninhabited place with no rental services, Alegranza attracts those interested in its biodiversity. Its lighthouse at Punta Delgada, a cultural interest point since 2002, is notable on the island. The Jordán Martinón family, originally from Lanzarote, currently owns the islet. The island is not only a refuge for fauna, especially for the cinereous shearwater, which has the highest breeding density in the Canary Islands and Spain, but also a site of interest for geological and cultural studies.