- Parc Nacional Maritimoterrestre de l’Arxipèlag de Cabrera (Catalan).
- Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera (Spanish).
- Region: Islas Baleares (Palma de Mallorca).
- Declared a National Park: 1991.
- Park surface area: 90,800 hectares.
- Islands that make up the park: Estells de Fora, S’Imperial, Cabrera, Ses Bledes, Na Redona, Conillera, S’Esponja, Na Plana, Illot Pla, Na Pobra, Na Foradada.
Points of interest
The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime Terrestrial National Park includes over 90,000 hectares containing the whole of the Cabrera Archipelago and open water habitats, mainly over the Emile Baudot Escarpment which is prime habitat for many creatures, including whales, dolphins and turtles. It is located to the south of Mallorca, ten nautical miles from the port of Colonia de Sant Jordi (ses Salines).
The park is one of the largest in Spain but due to its remoteness it attracts relatively few visitors. Endangered animals such as turtles and whales come under the parks protection and rare species of fish and corals can be found in the underwater caves.
Mediterranean expeditions with the Research Institute Alnitak
For a more immersive and hands-on experience, our friends Alnitak
invite volunteers on board their 9-day open water expeditions on
board the 110-year old ship Toftevaag. On these voyages, they
regularly drop anchor in Cabrera, and spend many hours on the
water monitoring top pelagics such as turtles, cetaceans and tunas,
offering members of the public a unique experience showing how
marine conservation is conducted.
The islands are unpopulated but there are always park staff, biologists and other scientists on site. The archipelago has great natural value and the coastal landscape of Cabrera is considered to be one of the best preserved on the Spanish coast. The islands are inhabited by important colonies of seabirds and other endemic species and due to the abundance and variety of birds, the park has also been declared a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds.
The steep escarpment and deep sea corals are key habitats for
many species, and creatures such as sperm whales are regularly
sighted feeding in these waters.
Within the limits of the National Park, sport fishing is prohibited including underwater fishing. It is also forbidden to disembark, except at the main dock in the port of Cabrera.
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Booking.comFlora
Woody shrubs with leathery and small leaves predominate, forming the garrigue, a scrubland perfectly adapted to the rigors of the Mediterranean climate. There are several endemic species: Balearic Astragalus (Astragalus balearicus), Rubia angustifolia ssp. Cespitosa, Dracunculus muscivorum, Balearic hypericon (Hypericum balearicum) etc.
A full botanical list of flora present can be found here. (In Spanish)
https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parques/cabrera/visita-virtual/flora/default.aspx
Nearby activities and day trips with Get Your Guide
Fauna
This is an important stopover point on the migratory route of more than 150 species of birds both in the spring and in the autumn. Audouin’s gull (Larus audouini) and Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) are also present.
The deeper waters off the Emile Baudot escarpment, included in the
extended park, are key habitat for tunas, sharks, cetaceans and sea
turtles. Frequently sighted species are Risso’s dolphins and sperm
whales, marine mammals that dive to feed on deep sea squid.
Thisopen water ecosystem is an ideal “natural laboratory” to study these
top pelagic predators, and our friends at Alnitak have
been doing so for a few decades. (Their data was crucial in the
extension of the National Park).
A full list of species can be found here. (In Spanish)
https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/red-parques-nacionales/nuestros-parques/cabrera/visita-virtual/fauna/default.aspx
The seabed also represents a very important part of the Park, with more than 200 species of fish and numerous endemic invertebrates.
What to visit on the islands?
The following self-guided itineraries are possible:
- The castle. This is the most frequented by visitors who come to Cabrera. From the top, on clear days, you can see the entire mountain range of Tramuntana from sa Dragonera to Tomir and the mountains
from Artà on the neighboring island of Mallorca. - The fons marí in the port of Cabrera. This excursion can be done with or without a guide (summer only) but you need to be able to swim and use a snorkel. Find out more in the information centre in the port of Cabra
- The museum, botanic garden and the monument to the French. Its advisable to visit the information office in Cabra first as the opening times of each area vary quite a lot depending on the time of year.
- Archaeological trail. In sa Platgeta there is a general panel explaining the history of the area and continuing along the route each place has its own explanatory panel. The archaeological area has three main points of interest, the Byzantine necropolis, deposits of salted fish and the structures of the French soldiers’ camp (Pla de ses Figueres).
You can also take a series of guided tours. For these itineraries you should request information at the information office on the island of Cabrera. (The lighthouse of l’Enciola, Na Picamosques and the Serra des Canal de ses Figueres).
Information/Visitors Centers
Ses Salines visitor center
The Cabrera National Park interpretation center is located in Colònia de Sant Jordi. here you can get the necessary documentation for your visit to the national park and learn about the history of Cabrera.
Colònia de Sant Jordi has a marina from where daily excursions are organized to visit the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Cabrera Archipelago.
- Guided excursions around Cabrera.
- Underwater interpretation activity (limited places).
- Marine itinerary (limited places).
- Itinerary in canoe (limited places).
Address: C / Gabriel Roca s / n, corner of Plaza Es Dolç, 07638 Colónia de Sant Jordi – Illes Balears (Mallorca)
Tel. 971 656 282
Remember! If you are travelling here in your own boat you will need to get the relevent permits beforehand. Find out what you need with the port authorities. and the administration office for reservations.
In terms of wildlife, there are strict rules and navigators aren’t allowed to approach protected species such as whales, dolphins and turtles. Please do not actively seek to interact with these as this can inadvertently alter the pristine natural behaviour that is key to preserving this special ecosystem.
Information in the Port of Cabrera
Tel. 630 982 363
Tel. Reservations and permits 971 177 641
Hours: from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday
Online reservations for private boats
The Balearic islands
Find out more anout natural parks, walkning and wildlife holidays in the balearic islands here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/natural-parks-in-the-balearic-islands/
The Grazalema Guide
The best way to see all our web projects in one place is over at the Grazalema Guide.
The Grazalema Guide – Tourist Information Portal for the Sierra de Grazalema, Wildside Holidays, The town of Ronda and the Caminito del Rey.
