Cabrera Secret Gem

While it used to be a refuge for pirates, today it is mainly a variety of seabirds and marine animals that have found their home on Cabrera. However, more and more travelers from Mallorca are being drawn to this small island - we are talking about Cabrera, a hidden gem of the Balearic Islands.

This is Cabrera

What to expect on Cabrera

Activities on the island

Staying on Cabrera

As you travel by excursion boat towards Cabrera, you will likely notice the rocky, barren appearance of the 18 tiny islands from afar. This appearance is due to the many wild goats that, until the 1950s, ate up all the greenery on the island - hence the name Cabrera or Goat Island, as the Spanish word for goat is 'cabra'. To prevent this in the future, the goats were eventually removed from the island.

As you get closer to this small natural paradise south of Mallorca and sail into the azure bay to dock at the old natural harbor, you will see more of its beauty. Rocky hills alternate with a breathtaking array of plant life, and small coves seem perfect for taking a break away from all the lively holiday resorts. It is especially the landscape and the abundant plant and animal life that will simply enchant you. This untouched and protected island is a true paradise for nature lovers. An island paradise that brings happiness!

As you leave the boat and embark on a small sightseeing tour, you will find yourself, in an instant, far away from the stress of everyday life. With only 20 permanent residents living on the island and a maximum of 50 visitors allowed to visit daily, this is hardly surprising. The only sounds you hear are the gentle lapping of the waves and the chirping of various bird species.

For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Mallorca for a moment, the approximately 30-minute boat ride from Colònia di Sant Jordi is definitely worth taking. From Porto Petro at the popular Cala d'Or, the crossing takes about 75 minutes. It's best to bring a small picnic basket, find a quiet spot - which shouldn't be too hard here - and watch the various seabirds as they soar through the air. Simply take your time and enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of this unique national park on Cabrera - it feels as though you have this beautiful island all to yourself, as it's so quiet here. An indescribable feeling!

Anyone who finds themselves on Cabrera should not miss the few but beautiful attractions the island has to offer. Once there, there are two different, marked hiking trails that lead away from the small harbor of Porto de Cabrera. One of the trails takes you through the magnificent national park of the Cabrera Archipelago to a castle built in the 14th century, which was meant to protect the island from pirates and marauders in ancient times. The path to the castle is definitely worth it, as you have a wonderful view of the charming small harbor and the bay, as well as the surrounding 17 tiny uninhabited islands. The other hiking trail from the harbor leads to the island's idyllic beaches. These are surrounded by crystal-clear sea water and invite you for a refreshing dip-perfect after a hike.

A special highlight on Cabrera is a diving excursion, as thanks to the no-anchor zones, the water is clear and the seabed is regarded as one of the best-preserved along the entire Spanish coast. Many marine creatures have found refuge here, and with a little luck, you might even spot a sea turtle or the occasional dolphin. If you want to explore not just above but also below the water, we recommend boat trips to Cabrera's hidden coves. On such an excursion, you can admire unique sea water caves, such as the Cueva Azul.

For those wanting a little break after a long day before heading back to the neighboring island, you can do so at the Cantina by the harbor, the only establishment on all of Cabrera.

If saying goodbye to the island is as hard for you as it is for us, we recommend staying one or two nights on the island. Despite the small population, there is now a small hostel on Cabrera, the Albergue de Cabrera. For €50 to €60 per night, you can check into one of the 12 rooms from April to November and enjoy the tranquility of the island a little longer. During the high season in July and August, you can stay one night on the island, and in the low season, even up to two. We recommend inquiring about your room in advance as demand is understandably very high depending on the season.

Have you become curious now? So far, the small island has remained shielded from the large influx of visitors - and that's a good thing. One thing is clear to us: you should definitely plan a little detour to Cabrera if you are spending your vacation in Mallorca and have enough time. It is definitely worth it!