Route 6: La Isla
La Isla
The Island of Mazarrón, also known simply as La Isla or La Islica is located in front of Puerto de Mazarrón. Round in shape and abrupt relief (8 hectares of surface). Important colony of seabirds, especially seagulls and herons. The only existing construction is still an old mansion on the north side of the island. The island is protected within the area called Islands and Islets of the Mediterranean Coast of the Murcia Region with the category of Natural Park. In its vicinity were found two sunken Phoenician ships with all their cargo.
Emblem of the Bay of Mazarrón
The island is located about 300 meters from the current coast and in front of it, on the north face, it houses a small beach with an anchorage. In the past on this beach a necropolis or sanctuary from the Phoenician era could be located. The Phoenicians had the custom of placing these spaces near their villages and almost in front of the Island is the settlement of Punta de los Gavilanes. Also very close to there, we find remains in the Cabezo del Castellar and Punta de Nares.
Phoenician history under its waters
In its sandy bottoms covered with posidonia, Phoenician, Iberian and Roman materials have been found. But undoubtedly the greatest discovery on this beach, in Mazarrón, and one of the most important in the world, was the discovery of Phoenician ships on the beach of La Isla. So far, they are the oldest wrecks in history.