{"id":53188,"date":"2019-04-24T08:05:41","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T08:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.thbhotels.com\/?p=53188"},"modified":"2019-04-24T08:05:41","modified_gmt":"2019-04-24T08:05:41","slug":"cabrera-spains-largest-nature-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.thbhotels.com\/en\/cabrera-spains-largest-nature-park\/","title":{"rendered":"CABRERA: SPAIN\u2019S LARGEST NATURE PARK AND SANCTUARY"},"content":{"rendered":"

CABRERA: SPAIN\u2019S LARGEST NATURE PARK AND SANCTUARY<\/h1>\n

February saw approval for the extension of the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. In addition to the land areas, an extra 80,779 hectares of adjacent marine areas have made this Spain\u2019s largest National Park.<\/h2>\n

Now boasting a total of 90,000 hectares, the Cabrera Archipelago National Park is set to become a sanctuary for cetaceans and large migrating fish, as well as for deep coral banks.<\/h3>\n

Cabrera is made up of 19 islands and islets and has also been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds and a Site of Community Importance.<\/p>\n

A small corner of paradise on Majorca that is definitely not to be missed!<\/p>\n

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View of Cabrera from the Castle, photo by\u00a0zoeamallorca.com<\/a><\/p>\n

A BRIEF HISTORY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite its relatively small size, the Cabrera archipelago has undergone myriad changes over time. Many cultures and civilisations have settled on its coasts, seeking shelter, food and water, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Byzantines.<\/p>\n

In the 14th century a castle was built to defend the island from attacks by the Barbary pirates, which would continue well into the following centuries and have a profound impact on the history of the Balearic Islands.<\/p>\n

In 1809, the Battle of Bail\u00e9n saw the defeat of the Napoleonic troops in the Peninsula War. Some 6,000 to 9,000 prisoners of war were sent to live on the island, and a mere 3,600 would return to France five years later.<\/p>\n

In 1890, Cabrera passed into the hands of the Feliu family, who built Can Feliu and Es Celler and tried to develop the island\u2019s winemaking industry.<\/p>\n

In 1916 it was expropriated on the grounds of national defence and it was thanks to the environmental protection afforded by the army that no building work was carried out on the archipelago.<\/p>\n

Early in 1988 the Parliament of the Balearic Islands decided to start proceedings to declare Cabrera a Maritime and Terrestrial National Park. The process was finally completed in March 1991.<\/p>\n

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Cabrera Castle\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

THINGS TO DO ON CABRERA<\/strong><\/p>\n

A trip to the island is a great option for anyone holidaying on Majorca. Even if you are a local resident but have never been to Cabrera, then we strongly recommend arranging a day out to explore this stunning national park.<\/p>\n

As soon as you step off the boat in Cabrera harbour, the National Park guides will be on hand to give you all the information and advice you need for a fabulous day out. You can sign up for one of the guided tours, or simply explore the island for yourself.<\/p>\n