The Columbretes are a different wonderful islands.

The Columbretes make up the most unique archipelago of the Valencian Community and one of the small island areas of the most ecological interest in the Mediterranean. They are formed by a series of islets and escorts located 30 miles from the coast of Castellón, about 56 Km., and gathered in 4 groups, to which they are named the largest of each of their islands: L'Illa Grossa, la Ferrera, la Foradada and the Carallot.

In total, the archipelago extends along 5 nautical miles, with a total of 19 hectares emerging, of which 14 correspond to l'Illa Grossa, where the lighthouse of Columbretes is located, which is the only inhabited. The 67 meters high of the Faro mountain represents the highest altitude of the archipelago.

Located on a background about 80 meters deep, the Columbres represent the best example of vulcanism of our land, which is easily appreciated both by the materials that form them, and by their peculiar appearance. El'Illa Grossa, made up of various chained craters, and the Carallot, which, with its 32 meters high above the sea, is the geological testimony of the remains of the central fireplace of a volcano.

History

The origin of the Columbretes Islands located 48 kilometres from the province of Castellón, dates back about a couple of million years ago. Because of the great changes in the Earth's crust that occurred during that time throughout the Mediterranean coast, more specifically the entire coast of the province of Castellón.

The Columbretes Islands are made up of a set of islets. The most important are: l'Illa Grosa (Columbrete Grande), la Ferrera (Perrera), la Foradada (Horada) and el Carallot (Bergantin). His name was given to him by the Romans when he realized the great number of snakes there. They later disappeared due to a fire to end them.

Between 1856 and 1860 there was the true colonization of the Columbretes Islands, as the construction of the lighthouse was carried out to guide the ships that passed by there at night. The Columbretes Islands are a clear sample of the great geological activity the area has suffered for many years. Since, if we look carefully at the islands, we can clearly observe the presence of a large number of craters or even remains of the chimney of an extinct volcano.

Today, the Columbretes Islands have a practically tourist "use." Where people are going to observe the beautiful landscape that is presented there along with the great diversity of plant and animal species. It is also worth mentioning that they are a unique habitat throughout the Mediterranean, because of the great marine diversity that lives under its waters of species that would be difficult to find elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Besides that they are a natural refuge for them.

More information:http: / / www.visitaziascolumbretes.com /
Photographs: Archives of the Tourism of Castellón