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This is an archipelago of 19 small islands to the south of Mallorca. It comes under the municipal administration of Palma. It can be reached by a boat, and ferries depart from Colonia de Sant Jordi. It is a day trip from Mallorca. The boat leaves at 9:30 am and arrives back on the mainland at 5:00 pm. The islands are a must see for their beauty and great display of natural wealth.
The whole archipelago comprises of The Cabrera National Park- the only national park in Mallorca and is a treasure of various species of flora and fauna. There are restrictions on anchoring of boats and special permits need to be acquired from the park authorities for the same. This is done in order to save the fragile marine ecosystem of the park.
The island has a 14th century fortress which was used in ancient times keep off pirates. It sits on a high cliff. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Bay of Palma. There is also a museum on the island. Besides a tourist information office, there is a café and a gift shop. Hiking is an option here as all around there is nothing but pristine nature. Or you could just go walking along the numerous paths here. Guided tours are the best way to explore around, as it proves to be more informative and interesting. There are also beaches, and you can go for a swim.
The island is a haven for birds of every species. On the cliffs and trees around, you will get to see a treat of various exotic and rare birds. The island also has a ZEPA classification (Bird Special Protection Zone). The species found here are Cory's shearwater, Audouin's gull, Balearic shearwater, European shag, innumerable pairs of storm petrels, and yellow-legged gull. The birds of prey include peregrine falcon and Eleonara's falcon.
In the waters surrounding the islands the rare species found underwater attract divers and marine biologists. A multihued display of corral, turtles, dolphins, sperm whales, pilot whales, the carnivorous Goby fish, fan mussels are some of the species to be found here.
The ferry on its return trip passes through the Blue Caves or Grotto. The caves are well known for their translucent blue waters. The ferry stops for a while to allow the tourists to take a dip in the waters if they wish to. Diving permissions have to be taken from the government. You will also get to see a lot of bird species here. The quay is very picturesque; the clear blue waters complement the natural beauties and add to the attraction.
http://www.parquesnaturales.com/en/
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This is a natural coastal wetland area featuring lakes and canals. It is spread over 1709 hectares. It is environmentally very important as it is the habitat for many rare bird species. Some interesting animals can also be found here.
Amongst the birds, 230 species can be found here at various times in the breeding or migration period. Among the species that nest here, coot, the cap-blau, the Suis, the avisador and sedge-warble are noteworthy. Migratory birds such s flamingoes, limicoles, ducks, herons, etc. The animal species include martens, weasels, tortoises and the calopet. The area is declared ZEPA (Bird Special Protection Zone), and a Biosphere Reserve. Also, s'Albufera is included in the Ramsar treaty for the protection of wetlands.
There is a museum which gives information on the various species of the flora and fauna that is found here. A small model of the park is also on display.
Parc Natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca
Llista de Correus E-07458
Can Picafort - MALLORCA
Tel: (+34) 971 89 22 50 Fax: (+34) 971 89 21 58
E-Mail: salbufera@oninet.es
http://www.mallorcaweb.net/salbufera
The nature park is contained on an island 4 km, over 300 hectares. It is 700 meters from the island of Mallorca, separated from this by a channel called Es Freu. Boats for the island leave the Port d'Andratx and Sant Elm and you get off at the natural port of the island: Cala Llado. Permissions need to be acquired from the islands
The ecosystem of the park remains largely undisturbed. Here you will find in abundance the brush woods of wild olive trees and rosemary. There are several bird species to be found here including herring gull, shag, Eleanor’s falcon. However, to protect the ecosystem, there are no restaurants or installations on the islands. Good accommodation facilities and a selection of good restaurants can be found in Sant Elm.
Boats from Sant Telm to:
La Margarita +34 639617545;
Bergantín +34 627966264;
Watertaxi +34 971 100 866.
www.conselldemallorca.net/dragonera/index.php
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