Monumento natural de isla de Terreros e isla Negra

The Isla de Terreros and Isla Negra Natural Monument is a small but remarkable protected area just off the coast of San Juan de los Terreros, in the municipality of Pulpí (Almería), right on the border with the Murcia region. It covers two rocky islets rising from the Mediterranean Sea, with a combined surface of just 1 hectare, protected since January 23, 2001.

What will you see on the islands?

Isla de Terreros, the larger of the two, covers 11,150 m² and reaches a maximum height of 30 meters above sea level. Isla Negra is considerably smaller, at 6,015 m², and takes the form of a steep rocky outcrop. Both islands are volcanic in origin, built from andesite and other volcanic rock, and their notably dark color — which gives Isla Negra its name — comes from abundant hornblende and magnetite in the rock.

The islets serve as an important nesting site for seabirds, including shearwaters and storm-petrels. Just as compelling is what lies beneath the surface: the seabed around both islands holds one of the best-preserved Posidonia oceanica meadows in the entire province of Almería, along with rocky platforms colonized by brown algae.

How do you get there?

The islets sit just off San Juan de los Terreros beach, close enough to shore to make them an easy sight from the coastline itself — the beach, the seafront promenade, or the nearby cliffs. Landing on the islands is prohibited, as the area is legally protected as a natural monument, but the surroundings are ideal for shore-based viewing, coastal walks, and diving or snorkeling in the waters around them, which draw divers from across the region thanks to their visibility and marine life.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through early autumn is the best window, when the water is warm, the sea is calm, and conditions for diving and birdwatching are at their best. In summer the San Juan de los Terreros coastline can get busy, so early morning or evening hours make for a quieter walk with views of the islands. In autumn and winter the sea can be rougher, but the area takes on a quieter character, and seabird watching can be just as rewarding.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk onto the islands? No — the area is protected as a natural monument, and landing on Isla de Terreros and Isla Negra is prohibited. You can still admire them from the shore, from a boat, or while diving in the surrounding waters.

What makes these islands special? Their volcanic origin — built from andesite rich in hornblende and magnetite, which gives them their dark color — combined with their role as an important seabird nesting site and the well-preserved Posidonia oceanica meadows on the seabed.

Is diving possible here? Yes, the waters around the islands are a popular diving spot in the region thanks to clear water, rocky formations, and rich marine life, including Posidonia meadows and brown algae platforms.

How big are the islands? Isla de Terreros covers 11,150 m² and rises to 30 meters above sea level, while Isla Negra covers 6,015 m² and forms a steep, rocky headland.