Isla del Rey, Chafarinas Island

Website: https://www.miteco.gob.es/ (Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition)

Admission: Access restricted (Spanish military territory); permission required

The largest of the three Spanish Chafarinas Islands, situated off the northeastern Moroccan coast in the Alboran Sea. It is a small, sparsely developed island with a permanent Spanish garrison and protected natural values.

Public access is restricted; the island is principally of interest for its seabird colonies and as a protected habitat rather than for conventional tourism. Observations of the islands are typically made from passing boats rather than through landings.

The Chafarinas Islands have been under Spanish control since the 19th century and have been used for military presence and later for conservation. Their status as Spanish territory makes them an exception along this stretch of North African coast.

Sits in the Alboran Sea off the northeastern Moroccan shoreline, administratively associated with Spain and separated from the Moroccan mainland by a short maritime distance.

• Access restrictions: Access is tightly controlled and generally limited to Spanish military personnel and authorized scientific or conservation visits, so independent tourism is not available.

Access is controlled by Spanish authorities; there is no public ferry. Scientific or official visits require permission from Spain’s Ministry of Defense and environmental agencies.

• Isla del Rey (Chafarinas) is part of the Chafarinas Islands, which are a Spanish military and nature reserve-visits are tightly controlled; check with Spain's Ministry of Defense or environmental authorities.
• Do not attempt to land without permission-enforcement is strict.
• If access is granted, bring documentation and follow guidelines to protect breeding birds.