Cabrera, Nature preserve island in Balearic Islands, Spain
Cabrera is an archipelago of 19 islands and islets in the Balearic Islands that spreads across a large area of Mediterranean waters and land. The group sits southeast of Mallorca and is nearly uninhabited except for park rangers and occasional researchers.
The site was a target for piracy in the Mediterranean during the 13th century before later coming under Spanish control. During the Napoleonic Wars it served as a major prisoner camp and held a significant place in European military affairs.
Locals view the island as a sanctuary for rare seabirds and reptiles found nowhere else nearby. This understanding shapes how the few visitors who arrive here move through and respect the fragile environment.
Visiting requires a permit and can only be done through organized boat trips from Mallorca, with daily visitor numbers strictly limited. Bring plenty of water and sun protection since the islands offer little shade and consist mostly of open terrain.
Beneath the waters grow extensive seagrass meadows that represent one of the Mediterranean's most important underwater habitats. These meadows are so valuable they preserve water clarity and shelter thousands of animal species in their dense beds.
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