Although when we think of the Balearics, Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca come to mind, there are many smaller islands, most people have never heard of. Situated just off the south coast of Mallorca, the island of Cabrera is part of an archipelago of 19 islands and islets about 10 km from Cap de Ses Salines and 12 km from the port of Colonia de Sant Jordi.  The archipelago of Cabrera was classified by the Spanish National Institute for the Conservation of Nature as a nature reserve in 1991, ensuring its unspoilt beauty remains intact.
Cabrera (meaning ‘Goat’) island is just 6.5 km by 5 km (approximately four miles by three miles) and offers some worthwhile walking and hiking. The park covers an area of 10,021 ha, 1,836 of them belonging to the islands and islets and the rest to the sea. The isolation of the islets has led certain species to evolve independently from those on Mallorca or the mainland. Consequently, there are several species of fauna, flora and lizard, endemic to the archipelago.
Due to the island of Cabrera being protected, it is necessary to obtain permission should you wish to visit under your own steam on your own boat. To do this contact, ICONA (Instituto Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza), Plaza España 8, Palma de Mallorca. Permission is not usually a problem, but it is wise to ask well in advance as only fifty boats at a time are allowed to moor in the harbour on the island, which is the only legal spot to berth your boat. Alternatively boat trips are available daily from Colonia de Sant Jordi in Mallorca. The boat leaves at 9:30 a.m. and arrives back at 5:00 p.m.
A further tip is to take your own food, as there are not many facilities for the purchase of food on the island, and also remember that fishing is forbidden in many areas.
Cabrera has an interesting history and was once a haven for pirates and served as a grim prisoner-of-war camp during the Napoleonic Wars from 1799 to 1815. In 1809 after the Spanish defeated the French at the Battle of Bailén, there were thousands of French soldiers imprisoned on Cabrera. Many died of starvation as supplies only reached the prisoners sporadically. An obelisk was later erected in memory of those who perished during this dark chapter in the island’s history.

Talayots, Romans, Arabs, Christians, and pirates have all at one point set foot on Cabrera, for both commercial and defensive reasons, looking for refuge in the well sheltered port and exploiting its scarce natural resources. Despite all these visitors the population on the island of Cabrera has never been great.
The best preserved historical remain is the castle, that was built at the end of the fourteenth century to defend against plundering pirates. Another point of interest is at the bay Cala Gandulf where a beautiful cave is located, the cave, Cova Blanca possesses beautiful reflections of light in its interior.

For more information see www.parquesnaturales.com (Spanish only)