Do you want to discover new places and have seen all that Mallorca has to offer? Take a day trip to the small island of Cabrera or stay overnight and enjoy the tranquility.
The uninhabited island of Cabrera is located about 15 km from Colonia de Sant Jordi in southern Mallorca and the boat ride takes about 40 minutes. There are several boat companies including Marcabrera which starts from Colonia San Jordi and an excursion of 6 hours costs about 50 euros. If you want to go there with your own boat, you have to ask for a permit to navigate there.
The archipelago consists of 18 islands and you can enjoy the beautiful nature untouched by developments and tourism, a great variety of plants and species and last but not least: a marine life that impresses due to the well-preserved sea. In 1991, Cabrera became part of a protected marine reserve and there are no houses or hotels here except for the old, simple military quarters with space for 12 people. If you want to spend the night here, you should make the reservation well in advance because it is very popular. The natural park in which Cabrera is included is considered to have one of the best-preserved seabeds in all of Spain.
What is now a peaceful, beautiful place hides a dark story. During the Spanish War of Independence in the 19th century, Cabrera served as a prison for French prisoners. Anyone looking for a prison here will not find it, because the whole island served a prison.
What to see on La Cabrera?
Cabrera Castle
When you get off the boat, the first thing you see is the impressive castle that was built in the 15th century to defend the island from pirates. During the time when Napoleon’s soldiers were prisoners on the island, the castle functioned as a simple hospital. Later during epidemics, it has also been used as a quarantine hospital. Nowadays, the castle is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular views of the bay. Before reaching the castle, you will find the small cemetery where former residents are buried.
The port
The port of La Cabrera has historically held an important position as it is one of the most protected in the Balearic Islands. The port was where ships took refuge during their voyages on the Mediterranean to and from Italy, among other places.
Cabrera Museum
Here you can learn more about the island and its history. There is a botanical garden where a complete selection of plants on the island is displayed.
Archaeological remains
To reach the archeological site, follow the signs from the harbor along the bay. There are three points of interest: the old fish sauce factory (garum), the Byzantine burial sites and the French prisoners’ stone houses.
Beaches and snorkeling
The crystal clear water invites you to go snorkeling and you do not have to swim far out to see fish in all possible sizes and colors. There are two beaches, Sa Plageta and Playa S´Empalmador. The first is about 15 minutes from the port and the second one 10 minutes more by foot. Playa S´Empalmador is the best beach for snorkeling. You can see squid, starfish and fish of all sizes. On the island you can see the typical little Mallorcan lizard everywhere.
Monument to the French soldiers
The remains of the dead French prisoners on the island have been buried here. There are also remnants of the simple stone houses that the French built to survive.
The Blue Cave
With the clear bottom, the sea gets a dreamy blue color that gives the cave its name. Especially when the sun is going down and reaching the inside of the cave and filling it with light. Bring your snorkel and enjoy the spectacle of the sea. A dip in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean is the perfect end to the day.
Remember that Cabrera is a protected nature park and treat the island with care during your visit. Use the marked paths and bring your own garbage bag to take your rubbish back as there are no garbage cans on the island.
Johanna Andersson
Team Assistant @ BO Mallorca
