Cabrera National Park

Cabrera National Park is in Mallorca Island in Spain. Cabrera National Park protects a small archipelago of islands and islets about 10 km south of Mallorca, combining terrestrial and marine environments. Declared a maritime-terrestrial national park in 1991 and greatly enlarged in 2019, it preserves some of the western Mediterranean’s least disturbed island ecosystems.

Its clear waters contain extensive Posidonia oceanica meadows and exceptional marine biodiversity, while the rocky islands shelter seabird colonies and endemic plants. The park is also a Natura 2000 site, a Special Protection Area for birds, and a Mediterranean marine protected area.

Cabrera’s human history includes a Byzantine monastic community, a castle built against pirates, and the tragic imprisonment of thousands of French soldiers after the Battle of Bailén in the early 19th century.

• Balearic island government website (Govern de les Illes Balears).  (updated Oct 2026)
• Spanish government website.  (updated Oct 2026)

• Visitor_centers
  • 39.316012.996991 Ses Salines Visitor center (Centro de visitantes Ses Salines), C/Gabriel Roca Colónia de Sant Jordi (Mallorca island). Services offered: Guided excursions on Cabrera Gran, Underwater interpretation activity, Marine route, Kayak route.  (updated Oct 2026)

Cabrera was visited by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs. A Byzantine monastery existed by the 6th century, mentioned by Pope Gregory the Great in 603.

In the 14th century, a castle was built above the harbour to defend Mallorca from Berber pirate raids. The island’s most tragic episode came between 1809 and 1814, when around 9,000 French prisoners from the Battle of Bailén were confined there; only about 3,600 survived.

A monument erected in 1847 commemorates them. Later, Cabrera was used for fishing and military purposes before becoming Spain’s first maritime-terrestrial national park in 1991

Cabrera’s landscape combines 19 limestone islands and islets with rugged cliffs, hidden coves, caves, and exceptionally clear Mediterranean waters. The Blue Cave (Cova Blava) and its luminous Blue Lagoon are among the park’s most striking natural features.

Cabrera’s flora includes more than 500 vascular plants, with around 20 Balearic endemics and the island-endemic Rubia angustifolia subsp. cespitosa. Mediterranean garrigue vegetation features wild olive, mastic, juniper, rosemary, and Aleppo pine.

The islands host major colonies of Scopoli’s shearwater, European storm petrel, and Audouin’s gull, while the Balearic lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) is a notable reptile. The clear waters protect extensive Posidonia oceanica meadows, over 200 fish species, and diverse invertebrates.

Cabrera has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, with mild, relatively dry winters and hot, dry summers. Average annual temperature is around 17–18°C, while rainfall is low—roughly 334–407 mm a year—and falls mainly in autumn.

Wind and salt spray strongly shape the islands’ exposed landscape. Spring and early autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit; summer offers clear seas but can be very hot.

To sail your own boat to Cabrera island a permit is required. See Fees and permits

As it is an archipelago consisting of 18 islands and islets, Cabrera can only be reached by boat; the nearest ports are Colonia Sant Jordi, La Rápita, and S’Estanyol. By road, it is a one-hour drive from Palma de Mallorca, passing through the towns of Llucmajor and Campos.

• 39.31642.996041 Excursions a Cabrera, Carrer Dofí, 13, Colònia de Sant Jordi, ☏ +34 971 649 034, info@excursionsacabrera.es. from €45 to €69.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 39.315082.997712 Mar Cabrera, Paseo Marítimo (Stand), Colònia de Sant Jordi, ☏ +34 971 656 403, info@marcabrera.com. 08:00 - 22:00.  (updated Oct 2026)

To sail your own boat to Cabrera island a permit is required.

The permits can be obtained online in: Bookings National Park of Cabrera

In this site you can book: the shelter of the park , Sail in the park, Mooring buoys for overnight stays or a diving permit.

While on land you have to walk along the dirt tracks.

Please note that mooring out of designated areas is forbiden.

Disembarking is permitted only at the piers: the main pier at the Port and the Cas Pagès pier, next to Sa Platgeta. If you arrive on a private vessel, you must moor at one of the harbor buoys and then use a tender to reach either of the two piers (there is a designated area for tenders at the main pier).

• 39.150872.932493 Es port mooring area. Day mooring area.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 39.146872.92714 Es Caló des Forn. Day mooring area.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 39.147622.931935 s'Espalmador bay. Night mooring area.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 39.145032.961246 L'Olla bay. Day mooring area.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 39.13962.941661 Es Celler etnographic museum (Museo etnográfico-histórico Es Celler). Interpretive center: opening hours vary based on demand and time of yearServices offered: permanent exhibition, guided tours. Other activities: visit to the adjacent botanical garden, environmental education programs.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 39.145362.937452 C'as Pagés hall (Sala de Usos múltiples C'as Pagés). Ethnographic interpretive center and screening room. Services offered: Audiovisual screenings  (updated Oct 2026)

Guided tours with National Park staff are free of charge, but you must reserve a spot. Check availability at tourist office while in Mallorca island.

• The Ensiola Lighthouse: The excursion to the Ensiola lighthouse is highly rewarding, despite the challenge posed by the steep elevation changes. The initial ascent leads from S'Espalmador to Coll Roig, where the garriga (Mediterranean scrubland) becomes increasingly dense. At the top of the pass, there is a small pine grove. Once across the pass, you are met with a much more arid and inhospitable landscape. Upon reaching the lighthouse, the view over the sea and the southern part of Cabrera stretches out toward the horizon.

• Na Picamosques: This route involves an ascent to the highest point on the island of Cabrera (172 m), offering spectacular views of the harbor, Cap de Llebeig, and the Ensiola lighthouse.

• Serra des Canal de ses Figueres: This is a circular route through a high-altitude area, offering a wonderful panoramic view of the southern and eastern parts of the archipelago. Points of interest include the main bay, the Ensiola lighthouse, Els Estells, the pebble beach (codolar) of L'Imperial, and La Miranda (or Bellamirada), among others. The route provides a good sense of the island's scale, as both sides of the path remain visible throughout the journey.

• The Castle: This excursion—short but featuring a steep climb—is the most popular among visitors arriving on Cabrera. From the top of the castle, on clear days, one can see the entire Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, stretching from Sa Dragonera to Puig Tomir and the mountains of Artà. From the main pier, begin the route along the path that leads to "sa Platgeta." After about 50 meters, turn left onto a wide track that will take you directly to the castle—you cannot miss it.

• The seabed of Cabrera Harbor: To take part in this underwater excursion, you must contact the park’s Interpretation Service at the main harbor. It is only available during the summer months and is limited to small groups, due to safety requirements and the equipment available to the service. Approximate duration: 1.5 hours. Participants must know how to swim and have some experience with snorkeling (using a mask and snorkel). Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

• Ses Sitges: To go on this excursion, visit the information office at Cabrera Harbor to request a guide and check the schedule, which may vary depending on the time of year and guide availability. This excursion takes you through one of the least-visited areas of Cabrera. It is a circular route that starts at the harbor and skirts the Bay of Santa Maria—one of the park’s most significant marine reserves—passing through a wooded area. Here, you can learn about the various traditional land uses on the island throughout its history, all while enjoying a peaceful and welcoming landscape.

• La Miranda: The ascent to La Miranda (also known as Na Bellamirada) is one of the classic excursions on Cabrera. After a steep ascent—once past the houses of Sa Font or Can Feliu—you will reach one of the best vantage points on the island. Its name alludes to the expansive, beautiful views over the harbor, as well as the northern and eastern parts of Cabrera. This route begins at the port of Cabrera. Upon reaching Sa Platgeta, follow the track located behind it, which leads into the island's interior.

• The museum, the garden, and the monuments to the French: This route explores the past and traditional ways of life—some of which persisted well into the 20th century. You will pass by abandoned cultivated fields, the monument to the French prisoners, the botanical garden, the wine cellar (now converted into an ethnographic museum), and the houses and vegetable garden of Can Feliu.

• Archaeological site: The archaeological area containing three points of interest—Byzantine-era burials, fish-salting vats, and structures from the French soldiers' encampment—is known as Pla de ses Figueres. Spanning approximately 10 hectares, it encompasses the area around Sa Platgeta, Cas Pagès, and the meteorological station. To reach it, follow the track that starts at the port and skirts the entire bay. It is a short walk, taking about 15 minutes.

• 39.316512.997331 Aventura IB., c/ Gabriel Roca, 24 , Colònia de Sant Jordi, ☏ +34 673 334 003.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 39.151372.934121 Sa Cantina.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 39.143982.937522 Pla de ses Figueres. Cash only . Note there aren't ATMs on the island of Cabrera.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 39.146192.937371 National Park of Cabrera shelter. book on-line  (updated Oct 2026)

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