Isla de Pedrosa – the Haunted Island

The haunted Isla de Pedrosa was a place of isolation. First for sailors with exotic diseases, then as a children’s sanatorium for those suffering from strange afflictions. In the later years it has been thought to be haunted by those isolated on the island that took those unwanted by the rest of society.

Off the coast of Cantabria, the Isla Pedrosa sits as a dark spot on the blue ocean. The island has become known as Isla Embrujada, or the haunted islands because of the strange things that are said to have taken place there.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

Isolated places were in old times used as a precaution to illnesses since the time of the Black Death and often deserted islands close to the ports were used to hinder any diseases from oncoming ships. These places are called lazarettos, taken from the Bible story about the man that rose from the dead. The most famous Lazaretto is perhaps the haunted Poveglia Island in Venice.

The haunted Isla de Pedrosa was a place of isolation. First for sailors with exotic diseases, then as a children’s sanatorium for those suffering from strange afflictions. In the later years it has been thought to be haunted by those isolated on the island that took those unwanted by the rest of society. — **Lazaretto**: Isla de Pedrosa was for a long time used as a lazaretto for ships that came from exotic places to quarantine and prevent bringing any illness into port.

In the 19th century, Isla de Pedrosa took on a new role as a place to house sailors and other individuals suffering from exotic diseases from 1834 to help battle the diseases like yellow fever from America for instance as well as smallpox, tuberculosis, cholera and leprosy. The isolation of the island made it an ideal location for quarantine, protecting the mainland from potential outbreaks. It is said that during this time, many tragic events occurred on the island, leaving behind a haunting presence that still lingers today.

In the first decade of the 20th century it was converted from a lazaretto into a maritime children’s sanatorium. It could house over 200 children from almost half of Spain by 1910. First and foremost it was in an effort to combat tuberculosis. It wasn’t the only illness though and it operated until 1989.

The Haunting Legends of Isla de Pedrosa

One of the most chilling aspects of Isla de Pedrosa’s history is the abundance of haunting legends that surround the island. Many locals and visitors alike have reported eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena, contributing to its reputation as a haunted place.

Among the abandoned buildings on Isla de Pedrosa, there is one that stands out as particularly haunted – the abandoned theater. This theater was once frequented by the sick individuals who were quarantined on the island, and it is said that their spirits still linger within its decaying walls.

Visitors to the theater have reported hearing disembodied voices and footsteps, as well as seeing apparitions moving across the stage. Some have even claimed to witness performances happening in the theater, despite its state of abandonment. The ghostly presence in the theater adds to the island’s eerie atmosphere, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The Bird Girls on Isla de Pedrosa

Another haunting legend of Isla de Pedrosa involves the so-called Bird Girls. These two sisters were said to have lived on the island during the time it served as a quarantine facility sometimes in the 1960s. They were born with a rare disease called progeria that made them somehow look like birds.

This appearance led superstitious people to speculate that their conditions were caused by the devil himself.

According to the legend, the Bird Girls were isolated from society and hidden away on the island and they tragically died very young, perhaps because of their affliction. Visitors to Isla de Pedrosa have reported seeing the ghostly figures of these sisters roaming the shores, their deformed bodies reminiscent of bird-like creatures. The presence of the Bird Girls adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the island’s haunted reputation.

People Experiencing Paranormal Activity

There are plenty of people that claim to have experienced something paranormal on this island. A paranormal seeker named Anita Lauda claims to have seen spirits of children coming towards them accompanied by a nurse after an Ouija board session.

Today’s Isla de Pedrosa

In present times, Isla de Pedrosa is mostly abandoned, with only a few buildings still in use. Some of these buildings now house juvenile prisoners and serve as a reintegration center. The island’s dark past and haunted reputation make it an eerie and unsettling place for those who reside there.

Despite its haunting atmosphere, Isla de Pedrosa continues to attract visitors curious about its mysterious history. People from all over the world come to explore the abandoned buildings and soak in the eerie ambiance that surrounds the island. Isla de Pedrosa serves as a reminder of the past and a testament to the power of legends and folklore.