Cabrera National Park

The small archipelago of Cabrera that lies to the south of Mallorca was declared a National Park in 1991, and covers over 900 square kilometres. Due to its isolation it is an unspoilt and wild area, rich in natural beauty. As a result, the coastal landscape of Cabrera is often considered one of the best preserved in all of the Mediterranean.

It is a privilege to enter this national park. Only one island in the chain can be accessed, and a permit is required to do so. The use of national park moorings in only two locations is compulsory. Just 50 yachts are allowed in at any one time and anchoring is strictly forbidden. Sailing around the bays is highly regulated, as well as visits ashore. It is the only place that has been on our wishlist for this season.

So to say that our time in the nature reserve was special is an understatement. We made the most of our three nights there exploring the flora and fauna. We hiked and swam and paddled and snorkelled our way around the two permitted bays. We spent our days spotting dolphins and birds of prey and octopus and sea creatures and rare lizards. We explored the small castle and museum nestled on the island. And oh, what about the stars! A neverendingness of pinholes spread across the dark sky, accompanied by the kind of quiet that wasn’t eerie, but instead deeply peaceful.

There is no permanent population on the islands, just some rangers and a few staff who come and go with the seasons. The lone cantina that sits in the harbour of Cabrera plays host to a never ending parade of characters. It would make the perfect backdrop to an indie romcom. So one evening as the children played on the shoreline in the light of the moon, and we sipped on artisan G&Ts, we mused on creative storylines and confirmed that life doesn’t get much better than this.