Secret Spanish island that was once used as a pirate refuge – with mermaid legends and unspoilt beaches
A TINY Spanish island unknown by tourists is just 10 minutes from the mainland - and has beautiful beaches and pirate tales.
Sálvora Island is part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia in the northwest of Spain.
It was used as a pirate refuge between the 16th and 19th century, with Vikings even before that.
During this period, it was owned by the Mariño family, with the first son said to be the child of a Roman knight and mermaid who met on the island.
The island was then privately owned until 2008, so tourists weren't able to visit.
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.
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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, which was built after a shipwreck in 1921.
Visitors will also spot the Sirena de Salvora, a stature of a mermaid.
Otherwise there is an abandoned village with traditional stone houses and an old salting factory.
The main beach is Praia do Castelo Ou do Almacén, with one tourist raving about it's "crystal clear waters in a picture perfect pristine environment".
And three other beaches are found on the northern part of the island - Praia dos Bos, Praia de Lagos and Praia de Zafra.
Previous tourists who have visited have raved about the island, with one calling it "one of the jewels in Ribeira".
Boat trips to the island cost around €20pp, although daily visitors are capped at 250 a day.
Tours last around three hours, with a morning and an afternoon boat trip.
Other Spanish islands in the same area include Cíes, Ons and Cortegada.
Only allowing 2,200 tourists at day, Cíes has beaches compared to the Caribbean which was even once said to have the best beach in the world.
Cortegada is attached to the mainland by tidal causeway, with tourists only able to visit during low tide.
Ons island also has stunning beaches, and is popular with hikers.
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Everything you need to know about visiting 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 an 180-day period.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.