Flora & fauna

The Columbretes Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Castellón, host unique flora and fauna. The flora is adapted to harsh conditions with high salinity and an arid climate. Notable plants include the endemic Lobularia maritima ssp. columbretensis and Medicago citrina, along with Suaeda vera and Crithmum maritimum. The fauna includes endemic insects such as the beetles Alphasida bonacherai and Tentyria pazi, and the snail Xerocrassa molinae. The most notable species is the endemic lizard. The islands are also an important breeding ground for seabirds like Audouin’s gull and Eleonora’s falcon.