Cabrera Island sits just off the southern tip of Mallorca, offering an untouched natural escape for anyone who needs a break from the usual crowds.
My day trip to this uninhabited national park gave me the chance to dive into crystal clear waters, hike peaceful trails, and see a side of the Balearic Islands that most people never experience.
The boat ride from Colonia Sant Jordi felt like a step back in time. Mallorca’s busy streets faded away behind me, and I started to relax.
I spent the day exploring Cabrera’s wild shoreline, snorkeling above bright fish, and wandering paths where rugged hills meet the sea. When I landed on the island, I didn’t see any hotels or cars—just birds overhead and the sound of waves.
Swimming in the famous Blue Cave while sunlight painted the water was a highlight I’ll never forget.
If you’re searching for quiet beaches, rich history, and a close look at Mallorca’s natural beauty, Cabrera is a must-visit. Want a simple way to reconnect with nature and escape the rush? This national park is the perfect day trip.
Planning Your Ultimate Day Trip to Cabrera
Getting to Cabrera takes a bit of planning, from ferry schedules to packing the right gear. Timing matters—not just for logistics, but for catching the best weather and quietest trails.
Securing Ferry Tickets and Travel Logistics
To reach Cabrera, I caught a ferry from Colonia de Sant Jordi, a port town on Mallorca’s southeast coast. These ferries fill up quickly, especially in summer.
Booking tickets online ahead of time works best. It saves time and lets me pick my preferred departure.
Most tours and boats leave in the morning and come back by late afternoon. Expect to spend about 6–7 hours on the island.
Some ferries are run by private companies that offer guided tours, while others just provide transport. The round-trip price usually comes to €35–€50 per adult.
Kids, local residents, and groups sometimes get discounts, so it’s worth checking before buying.
I also needed a government-issued permit since Cabrera is a protected national park. Permits are usually included if you book through an official operator, but I always double-check at the time of purchase.
Parking at Colonia de Sant Jordi is limited. If you’re driving, arrive early.
Essential Items to Pack for the Adventure
Packing the right things made a big difference during my visit. Cabrera has no shops or restaurants, so I brought enough food and water for the whole day.
Here’s what I packed:
- At least 2 liters of water
- Sandwiches, snacks, or fruit
- Swimsuit and light towel for swimming
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses and protective clothing for the sun
- Comfortable walking sandals
- Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Small bag for trash
Phones and cameras are a must for the amazing views. Charging stations are rare, so I kept a power bank in my bag.
Shade is limited by the shore, so an extra shirt or a light cover-up helped when the sun got intense.
Best Time to Visit Cabrera National Park
I’ve found late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) to be the best times to visit. The weather feels warm but not overwhelming, and the island stays peaceful.
July and August bring the hottest and busiest days. The water is perfect for swimming, but quiet moments get harder to find.
By catching the first ferry, I managed to snag quieter trails and empty coves.
Lightning storms and rough sailing sometimes close the park in winter or early spring. I check the park’s website and my ferry company for last-minute weather alerts before leaving.
No matter the season, I bring a windbreaker and layered clothing for breezy boat rides.
Discovering Cabrera’s Untouched Beauty
Cabrera Island feels worlds away from Mallorca’s busy beaches. The national park’s remote coves, clear waters, and wild landscapes turned my day trip into a private adventure.
Exploring Breathtaking Coves and Beaches
When I arrived by boat, Cabrera’s coastline greeted me with small, sheltered inlets and quiet beaches edged by rocky cliffs. The sand is clean and pale, flanked by low plants and the occasional pine.
Unlike crowded resort beaches, Cabrera’s coves—like Sa Platgeta—were almost empty early in the day. I set down my towel, listened to the breeze, and watched seabirds fly past.
If you like calm spots to swim or sunbathe, the peace here stands out. There’s no hotel noise, just the sound of nature.
Finding a shady spot under a tree to rest or having lunch on the sand adds to the feeling that this island is untouched.
Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Waters
The first time I looked underwater near Cabrera, the world opened up and changed instantly. Visibility is incredible—sometimes over 30 meters.
I watched schools of colorful fish glide by, while sea grass swayed beneath me. Cabrera’s status as a protected marine reserve really shows.
I joined a guided snorkeling session from the boat. Masks and fins made it easy to float above rocky reefs and look for octopus or silver bream.
Some tours stop at the famous Blue Cave, where sunlight turns the water a glowing blue.
Even for beginners, the calm sea makes snorkeling safe and fun. The best spots are a short swim from shore, so I didn’t have to go far to see plenty of life.
Snorkeling Essentials:
- Waterproof camera for underwater shots
- Coral-safe sunscreen
- Lightweight towel
- Water shoes for rocky entry points
Hiking Trails With Panoramic Views
Cabrera has a network of marked walking trails, so you can see different parts of the island at your own pace. I picked a trail to the old castle, which sits on a hill above the small harbor.
The climb took about 20 minutes.
Highlights of the hike:
- Sweeping views of the Mediterranean
- Wildflowers blooming along the path
- The historic fortress with signs telling its story
Higher up, the view was stunning. I could see the bright blue coves below and neighboring islets off in the distance.
Walking along these quiet paths, surrounded by nothing but wind and the scent of herbs, I felt far away from city noise.
Hiking isn’t hard here, but it can get hot. I kept water and a hat handy.
Each trail gave me a new angle on the island’s raw beauty.
The Fascinating History of Cabrera Island
Cabrera Island’s past is rich and layered, shaped by ancient settlers, wartime struggles, and a haunting fortress. Exploring its history made my visit feel like stepping through different eras in just one afternoon.
From Ancient Mariners to Prisoners of War
The earliest traces of people on Cabrera go back to the Talayotic Period, as far as 1300 BC. I pictured ancient mariners landing on the rocky shores, using the island as a stopover in the Mediterranean.
Over centuries, Cabrera became a refuge and lookout point for sailors, traders, and even pirates seeking shelter.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Cabrera’s story took a tragic turn. The island served as a prison camp for thousands of French soldiers between 1809 and 1814.
Conditions were harsh, and many prisoners did not survive. Walking the paths today, it’s hard not to think about the hardships and resilience of those held captive here.
Visiting the Iconic Castell de Cabrera
The Castell de Cabrera, perched above the harbor, stands as the island’s most striking historic landmark. Built in the 14th century, this stone fortress once guarded Cabrera against pirate attacks from the sea.
I climbed its winding steps and felt the cool touch of ancient stones beneath my hands.
From the top, the view across the coastline took my breath away. The castle isn’t just a relic—it’s a silent witness to centuries of drama and defense.
Visitors today can roam its towers and imagine life as a lookout, watching for sails on the horizon, just as people did for hundreds of years.
Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters
Cabrera surprised me with its quiet wildness, from birds gliding above my head to colorful fish flashing beneath the clear water. The island’s unique ecosystem delivers a sense of discovery with every step and swim.
Birdwatching in a National Sanctuary
As soon as I set foot on Cabrera, I noticed birds everywhere. The island is a bird sanctuary famous for its large colonies of seabirds.
Huge flocks of Audouin’s gulls and Balearic shearwaters circled the cliffs, their cries echoing across the water.
I found a shaded spot near a small bay and pulled out my binoculars. Looking up, I spotted ospreys soaring high above—these rare birds of prey nest on Cabrera’s rugged cliffs.
I also watched warblers and swifts darting through low trees searching for insects.
Birdwatchers will enjoy bringing a simple bird list or spotting guide. The island has marked trails, and some lead to prime viewing points.
Sunrise or early evening gives you the best chance to see both the most common and most elusive feathered visitors.
Here’s a quick list of some birds commonly seen on Cabrera:
| Bird Species | Where to See | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Audouin’s Gull | Cliffs and Shore | Near Threatened |
| Osprey | Rocky Cliffs | Least Concern |
| Balearic Shearwater | Coastal Waters | Critically Endangered |
| Eleonora’s Falcon | Coastal Forests | Least Concern |
Diverse Marine Life Beneath the Surface
Jumping into Cabrera’s water felt like entering a hidden world. The island’s marine reserve bans fishing, so sea life thrives.
I brought a snorkel and mask, swam just off the main dock, and was greeted by shoals of colorful damselfish, octopuses sliding between rocks, and the occasional sea bream flashing silver in the sun.
Visibility is excellent, making it easy to spot life even without diving skills. I recommend swimming near the rocky outcrops, where I saw starfish clinging to stones and even a shy moray eel poking its head out of a crevice.
If snorkeling isn’t your thing, glass-bottom boat tours circle Cabrera and offer glimpses of life below. Keep an eye out for groupers, rays, and sometimes even dolphins if you’re lucky during the boat ride.
Rare Flora Unique to the Archipelago
Away from the water, Cabrera’s plant life tells another story. The isolation of the archipelago means some species only grow here and nowhere else.
Walking the main trail, I noticed low-lying wildflowers, aromatic thyme, and a scrubby bush with soft, silver-green leaves—the Cabrera milk-vetch.
Botanists visit just to see such rare plants that have adapted to the harsh sun and salty winds.
In spring, the hills burst with color from endemic species like the Balearic St. John’s-wort. I followed a short signposted nature walk and learned that more than 20 plants here are considered threatened in the wild.
If you love plants or photography, spend some time exploring the trail signs and quiet hollows. Each step brought a new detail, making Cabrera feel both fragile and vibrant under the bright Mediterranean sky.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tips for a Responsible and Memorable Visit
On Cabrera, every action matters. Following simple guidelines and making eco-friendly choices help keep the park beautiful for visitors and wildlife alike.
Navigating Park Regulations and Conservation Rules
When I got to Cabrera, the first thing that hit me was just how untouched everything felt. Strict rules really help preserve that vibe.
Before I even set foot off the boat, I double-checked what was allowed and what definitely wasn’t. Only a few trails are actually open for hiking, and the rest stay closed off to protect the plants.
Swimming? That’s only okay in marked areas. They do this to keep nesting birds and marine life safe. You can’t even take home a seashell or a cool rock—collecting anything is off-limits.
Fires and camping? Not happening. If you litter, you’re not just getting a dirty look—it’s a big fine. Rangers walk the park, chatting with visitors and keeping an eye on things.
All these rules might seem a bit much at first, but honestly, they make it possible for everyone to enjoy Cabrera’s rare peace without messing it up.
Sustainable Practices to Protect Cabrera’s Wonders
I always try to pack light. I bring a reusable water bottle and snacks with as little packaging as possible.
I skip single-use plastics so I don’t leave extra waste behind. Cabrera doesn’t have shops or bins, so I carry all my trash back out.
I stick to marked trails to help protect the soil. Honestly, it’s tempting to wander, but I know staying on the path keeps things from eroding too fast.
I never feed the wildlife. Even a little crumb can mess up their diet.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, but I go for reef-safe formulas so the water stays clean for fish and corals.
When I swim or snorkel, I watch my step and avoid touching seagrass or sea creatures. It’s actually pretty easy, and those small choices add up.
If we all do our part, Cabrera can stay wild and beautiful for whoever comes next.
