There are some places so tiny that a crumb would cover them on a map. That is most definitely the case when it comes to the absolutely minute Isla de Alborán – also known as Alboran Island – which is perfectly placed between the coast of Spain and Africa.
The minute island off the Spanish city of Almería’s coastline – which is just 600 by 250 metres of volcanic rock and has just 11 residents – has a history that is shrouded in mystery.
The most famous thing about the island is the small sea, within the Mediterranean, that surrounds it: the Alborán Sea.
Deario De Cadiz – a Spanish media outlet – explains more. It said: “Of some of its most historic moments, not even testimonies have been preserved.
“Nor does official history provide much information on the matter.
“Of course, its status as an uninhabited island greatly reduces the episodic chronicle of what has happened there over the ages.”
Historical accounts say its first conqueror was the Tunisian corsair Mustafa Ben Yusuf el Magmuz ed Din, known as Al Borani.
He established a base of operations there – which were basically for raids to conquer other ships and there is even a legend that his tomb may be there. The island has been under Spanish sovereignty since 1540.
Deario De Cadiz added: “Alborán is, today, a great unknown to the whole world, but above all to the people of Almería, a population among which the percentage of those who have visited it is minimal.
“An island in the middle of the Mediterranean that administratively belongs to Almería, but of which this province takes absolutely no advantage.”
When it comes to significance the island’s importance is increased as it belongs to Almería – a city that links Europe with Africa and is of great signifiance for international trade.
Spanish publication Larazon explains more. It said: “With a very important maritime commercial importance, it has always been a bridge between Europe and Africa, as its coast is only 200 kilometres from the African continent.
“Historically, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors took control of the city, leaving a legacy that can still be seen in its streets and museums.”
Currently the island is inhabited by a detachment of the Spanish Navy and has some buildings in addition to a lighthouse and includes a a heliport, a small cemetery and a port.
The area, due to its richness in biodiversity, is protected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as a marine and fishing reserve since 1997.
In addition, the island has been declared as a place of special protection for birds.
