The Main Spanish Antarctic Base is called "Juan Carlos 1" named after the King of Spain. The Base is situated on Livingston Island near the Antarctic Peninsula. It was inaugurated in January 1988.

It is only 1.7km away from its nearest neighbour which is the Bulgarian Antarctic Base "St. Kliment Orchridski".

It is usually occupied only from 1st December to 28 February each season.

Note: The above envelope which also bears two Juan Carlos Base cachets has the cachet at lower left of the Spanish antarctic supply vessel "Hesperides". Backstamped at Christchurch 1st May, 2003, this cover appears to have been taken all the way back to Spain on board the "Hesperides".

It should also be noted that nearly all strikes of the Juan Carlos 1 postmark from this season are very poor with smudged, double or blurred prints the normal rather than the exception. We will supply the best possible so early ordering is advisable.