Quiet secluded beaches, rare bird species and just a stone's throw away from Palma de Mallorca: Cabrera is a real insider tip for nature lovers and hiking fans. It is the largest island of the archipelago in the Balearic Islands and only 13 kilometres from the holiday island of Mallorca. This makes Cabrera quick and easy to reach by water. A bus transfer from Palma takes visitors first to the port in Port de Sant Jordi. From there, you can reach the island by boat in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect destination for a day trip in the famous National Park of the Balearic Islands. The island is full of unique landscapes, rare bird species and abundant nature and peaceful settings. The entire archipelago and its 19 islands are a National Park and Bird Sanctuary. But the small Balearic island has much more to offer: an ancient castle with fantastic views, the picturesque harbour with a cosy tapas bar, diving trips and mysterious seawater caves. A day on Cabrera is definitely a very special experience!
The small pearl of the Balearic Islands impresses with its secluded and quiet atmosphere. Only 20 people live here, and a maximum of just 50 people a day are allowed to visit the island. This makes the island a perfect place to escape the stress and the hustle and bustle of everyday life and simply relax. ”Goat Island” takes its name from the numerous goats that lived there until the 1950s and grazed on many of the green areas. The goats have since been relocated, however, and the flora and fauna in the nature reserve continues to recover. Cabrera is indeed very small with its 18.36 sqm, but has a lot to offer its visitors. During a visit, you can marvel at rare animal and plant species and enjoy the peace and quiet on the largely uninhabited island. The beautiful landscapes invite you to take long walks or hikes. It is so deserted, you could get the feeling you are the last person on Earth.
Two different hiking trails start from the port. One of them leads through the national park to a castle complex from the 14th century. Originally built to protect against pirates, the picturesque scenery invites you to linger and marvel at the ancient building. From the castle you also have an incredible view of the other islands of the archipelago in the Balearic Islands. The other hiking trail leads to uniquely beautiful and natural beach areas. Here you can swim undisturbed or simply enjoy the sound of the sea while listening to the songs of the native birds of the Balearic island.
The small island also has a lot to offer under water. Thanks to the zones where vessels cannot anchor throughout the national park, the water here is especially clear and the seabed is still very well preserved. The coastal areas are full of many sea creatures, and even dolphins and turtles can be observed on a snorkelling or diving trip. On a boat trip along the coast, you can also discover beautiful seawater caves such as the unique Cueva Azul.
The Cantina at the harbour is the only restaurant on the island. A stopover in the tapas bar, with its Mediterranean atmosphere, invites you to linger and dine in the fresh air. You can enjoy local specialties here like the popular Spanish tortilla as well as many other delicacies from the region, including various cheeses and fresh fish and seafood of all kinds. The Cantina offers a direct view of the open sea and, in fine weather, you can even see Mallorca. What could be better than a good meal after a beautiful excursion in one of the most beautiful spots in the Balearic Islands?
The charm and atmosphere of the island always captivates its visitors. If you find it hard to say farewell, there is also the possibility to extend your stay. An exclusive small hostel offers overnight stays, and several days in a row can be booked here in the idyllic national park during the low season. The maximum number of visitors of 50 cannot be exceeded, so booking in advance is advisable. In this way, you can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of peace and isolation a little longer before the return journey to Port de Sant Jordi, and from there, to Palma de Mallorca.
A trip to the idyllic and natural island can be easily booked online or from Mallorca before departure. There is a bus service to Port de Sant Jordi from the capital Palma. From there, a half-hour boat trip leads over the blue sea from one island to another and back to Mallorca. A day tour includes the cost of the bus transfer and the crossing. The trip is organised in advance, so that nothing stands in the way of a wonderful day on the beautiful island. When booking during the low season, you can also book one or more nights on the island, also including the transfer from the port in Port de Sant Jordi. Peace, seclusion and long walks in nature... Cabrera is a real paradise and an oasis of well-being – and not only for hiking enthusiasts!