Isla de Isabel II

Isla de Isabel II is the principal island of the Chafarinas Islands, a small Spanish-administered archipelago in the Alboran Sea off the Moroccan coast. The island is the location of the archipelago’s administrative and military presence and forms the core of the group’s protected natural area.

The islands are important for colonial-nesting seabirds and for their relatively undisturbed coastal habitats; access is tightly controlled and visits are generally restricted to scientific or authorised parties. Because of the military presence the main island has limited visitor infrastructure and entry requires permission.

Historically the Chafarinas were occupied by Spain in the 19th century and have remained under Spanish administration since, with conservation status applied to protect bird colonies and coastal ecosystems.

Geographically the group sits in the western Alboran Sea, close to the Moroccan shore; the islands are small and rocky, with sparse vegetation and steep coastlines.

• Political and conservation status: The islands are administered by Spain despite lying close to the Moroccan coast and are designated as a protected area for seabirds and marine life.

What to See #

• Main island (Isla Isabel II): A small rocky island that forms the largest of the Chafarinas archipelago and hosts a permanent Spanish military garrison; public access is restricted.