Even though it rarely makes it onto most travellers’ radars, a trip to Cabrera is a must when visiting Mallorca.
Cabrera island sits just 10 nautical miles south of the largest island in the Balearics, yet it’s a world away when it comes to scenery, history and the general vibe.
Except for a handful of rotating staff who return back to Mallorca weekly, Cabrera is a completely uninhabited island.
In stark contrast to most of the Mediterranean islands that surround it, Cabrera is largely untouched. And, whether you spend just a few hours there or decide to stay longer, you’ll quickly feel at one with the magnificent nature around you.
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Why visit Cabrera Island
Cabrera is the fifth largest island in the Balearic archipelago, after the main islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.
Due to its proximity, it often gets considered as part of Mallorca, but is in fact the largest island of its own archipelago consisting of many more islands and islets.
Despite its relative anonymity, Cabrera Island is well worth a visit – even if it’s just for an afternoon. Here are just a few reasons why…
Cabrera is the only National Park in the Balearic Islands
Cabrera Island isn’t just a protected National Park – it’s the only National Park in the whole of the Balearics.
The largest in all of Spain, Cabrera Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is also one of the best-preserved coastlines in all of the Mediterranean.
Thanks to its protected status, Cabrera’s waters are a much-needed sanctuary for much of the marine life that lives in breeds in them.
You’ll have it (almost!) to yourself
During August, only 300 visitors can visit Cabrera per day. During every other month of the year, that number drops by a third to just 200.
That means that Cabrera is never crowded, making the experience even more special. From the beaches to the hiking trails, you never have to worry about escaping the crowds.
Cabrera is a hub of ecotourism
With its strict entry limits, Cabrera is at no risk of over-tourism. On the contrary, it’s a wonderful example of how popular destinations can focus on – and thrive from – ecotourism.
The Balearic Sustainable Tourism Tax that was introduced to fund projects supporting sustainable tourism in Mallorca and its neighbouring islands has benefited Cabrera too.
Projects funded so far include the restoration of Cabrera’s infrastructure, the addition of new solar panels to power the island sustainably and the restoration of Cabrera Castle, an important and intriguing historical landmark.
It’s beautiful!
As you would expect from such an island, Cabrera really is beautiful in its own unique way. With its winding landscapes and turquoise waters, it really does feel like a peaceful paradise next to the much busier island of Mallorca. It’s no wonder that locals come here to escape!
How to get to Cabrera Island
While Cabrera is just a short boat ride from Mallorca – and that’s easy enough – you’ll want to plan your visit in advance.
With limited numbers of tourists allowed on the island at any one time, boats to Cabrera can fill up fast. Unless you have your own private boat, you will need to book an organised trip.
Trips to Cabrera vary in length, from quick 3-4 hour trips to full day excursions.
If you’re choosing between the two, I would recommend maximising your time there if you can. Not only does it take a around 30-60 minutes to cross from Mallorca, but you’ll likely only visit once – so why not make the most of it?
Boat tours to Cabrera
If you want to add a day trip to Cabrera Island to your Mallorca itinerary, you’ll want to make sure you reserve a spot as soon as possible. This can be done easily online:
If you’re short on time…
This speedy tour of Cabrera Island lasts just 2.5 hours (or 3.5 hours if you choose the slightly longer option). Granted, it’s not much time at all.
But, if you don’t have much time in Mallorca and really want to squeeze in a trip to Cabrera, it will give you a taste of the island.
If you like to explore at your own pace…
You’ll have plenty of time to do just that on this full day tour of Cabrera.
Enjoy soaking up the beautiful waters that surrounded the Cabrera archipelago before taking some time to relax on one of its beautiful beaches.
If you want to learn more about Cabrera…
Why not join this half day tour with audio guide?
Available in five languages, you can choose what you can learn more about Cabrera’s important history as well as enjoying the nature that exists there today.
Things to do on Cabrera
Depending on how much time you have on the island of Cabrera, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this unique destination. Here are a few of the best ways to discover Cabrera:
Explore the hiking trails
Just like Mallorca, Cabrera has a number of hiking trails to explore (albeit not as many!).
With only four vehicles on the island, hiking is one of the best ways to explore Cabrera. Just make sure you bring sturdy footwear!
Cabrera’s hikes range from the short (but fairly steep) 1.5km hike to the castle to the longer 11km lighthouse trail.
Visit Cabrera Castle
When you arrive at Cabrera Island, one of the first things you’ll spot is the castle.
This famous landmark sits high above the port and is intricately linked to the island’s history.
The castle is currently being restored to its original plan, including colours, decorations and furniture, to bring it back to life.
Learn about Cabrera’s ethnography
Housed in an old cellar, the Museum of Cabrera tells the stories of the island’s ecology, ethnography and archaeology.
It might be hard to believe that such a small island has so much to tell, but it’s ease to lose an hour learning about people’s relationship with Cabrera over the years.
Enjoy the beach
Of course, one of the best things to do on Cabrera is to simply relax and enjoy its peaceful surroundings!
Given the limited number of visitors allowed on the island, you never have to worry about finding a spot at the beach.
You won’t have to walk far because there’s a sandy beach right by the port. However, it’s worth making the short – and scenic – walk to the main Sa Plageta beach.
Spot marine wildlife
If you love spotting local wildlife when you travel, you’re in luck because Cabrera has plenty!
With such an abundance of marine life, Cabrera is an awesome place to see some of the Mediterranean’s rarest wildlife.
More than 500 species live and breed in the National Park’s waters, including moray eels, octopuses, turtles, sperm whales and several types of dolphin.
Swim in the Blue Cave
No trip to Cabrera is complete without a stop in the famous Blue Cave.
The small cave just off the northern coast of Cabrera Island sits at up to 20m inside and, when the afternoon sun shines in, appears to be a bright blue colour (hence the name).
Many day trips to Cabrera will include a stop at the Blue Cave so you can see its vivid colours for yourself and take a dip in the inviting waters. When you book your excursion, make sure you check it’s included!