Formigues Islands Explained

Formigues Islands
Native Name:Illes Formigues
Native Name Lang:ca
Map:Catalonia
Coordinates:41.8625°N 3.1867°W
Total Islands:16
Major Islands:Formiga Gran
Area M2:or
Area Ha:-->
Length M:-->
Width M:-->
Coastline M:-->
Country:Spain
Country Admin Divisions Title:Community
Country Admin Divisions:Catalonia
Country Admin Divisions Title 1:Municipality
Country Admin Divisions 1:Palamós and Palafrugell
Population:0

The Formigues Islands (Catalan; Valencian: Illes Formigues, Spanish; Castilian: Islas Formigues) is an archipelago consisting of 16 small islands located three miles (3miles)from the port of Palamós, Girona Province, Catalonia, Spain. They lie facing the beach of Calella and Cap Roig. A lighthouse is located on the island of Formiga Gran (41º53'N 03º11'E). The islands are sometimes covered by waves when the sea is rough. The name of the islands is derived from the Catalan word for “ant,” referring to their size.

Administratively, they are divided between the municipalities of Palamós and Palafrugell.[1]

The depths around the Formigues vary from 9m (30feet) deep to more than 45m (148feet) deep. The islands consist mostly of calcareous rock, with various caves and crags filled with rich marine vegetation, especially multicolored sea fans.

The Battle of Les Formigues took place in the islands in 1285.

The Spanish Ministry of the Natural, Rural and Marine Environment planned to declare the islands a nature reserve in 2009, prohibiting fishing in a designated area of 420 hectares.[2] However, this was halted due to budgetary concerns.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Les Illes Formigues seguiran pertanyent a Palamós i Palafrugell. Diari de Girona. 18 October 2011.
  2. News: La nueva reserva de las islas Formigues prohíbe la pesca en 420 hectáreas. Rebeca Carranco. 12 August 2009 . El Pais. 12 January 2012.
  3. Web site: L´Estat aparca la reserva de les Formigues perquè no té diners. Diari de Girona. 18 October 2011.