Cabrera, Balearic Islands

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Cabrera (Latin: Capraia) is one of the minor Balearic Islands belonging to Spain, just south of Majorca, in the Mediterranean Sea, at approximately 39° 9' N, 3° E.

It is the largest of a small archipelago of islands and islets, including (from south to north) the Estells de Fora, L'Imperial, Cabrera itself, Illa de ses Bledes, Na Redona, Conillera, L'Esponja, Na Plana, Illot Pla, Na Pobra, and Na Foradada.

Cabrera was used as a reclusion camp for French prisoners during the Napoleonic wars. From the 9000 prisoners sent to Cabrera, only 3600 survived.

Cabrera is administratively grouped with Mallorca, belonging to the municipality of Palma de Mallorca.

The whole archipelago is a national park of Spain (Parque Nacional del Archipiélago de Cabrera). Cabrera is a cruising destination, and boats may anchor in the island's natural harbour*, though some areas of the coast are prohibited due to ecological sensitivity. Hiking is available, and there is a tourist information office, a museum, and a 14th-century castle as well as a gift shop and cafe. The park covers 100 km² (13 km² land). The park attracts few visitors due to its remote nature and had a permanent population well below 100.

See List of Spanish national parks.

Boats are forbidden from anchoring anywhere around the island due to the fragile marine life that exists there, many species survive there that are found rarely around the balearics, such as Dolphins and Sea Snails, diving is strictly prohibited and a licence must be sought from the government in advance for a one day pass. Due to this fact excursions to the island are a rare event and are treasured by the diving community.