In the 18th century, a transcription error by cartographer Vicente Tofiño de San Miguel changed the name to Mouro Island.

[3] In February 2014, a spectacular photograph of a wave crashing over the lighthouse appeared in newspapers around the world, including on the cover of the International New York Times.

Plants found on the island include heath (Erica vagans), gorse (ulex), broom (genisteae) and the eagle fern (Pteridium aquilinum).

Mouro Island is an important habitat for seabirds, particularly European storm petrels and herring gulls.

[5] An annual swim and scuba diving event is held around Mouro Island to mark World Oceans Day each June.