Puerto de Cabrera 39:08.69N 02:55.88E

Red Skies
David Alexander
Thu 26 May 2011 08:12
Wednesday 26th May.
Having left Cala Pi we headed off for the passage
to the Islas Cabrera, which we loved last year. The islands have a protected
status for ecological research and one has to have a permit to navigate in the
surrounding waters or to stay on one of the 50 mooring buoys that they provide
free of charge in one bay on the largest island.
![]() Puerto de Cabrera (mooring buoys only - no
anchoring)
There is a castle overlooking the bay, which is
thought to date back to the 14th century and was probably built as a defence
against pirates. During the Peninsular Wars some 9000 French prisoners were
interred on the island, where nearly two thirds died of desease and
starvation.
![]() Castle overlooking Puerto de Cabrera
![]() Alison at top of castle
Apart from a few houses for research workers and
some residents, there are no facilities - just a small bar! There are just two
permitted tracks for unaccompanied tourists - one to the castle and a longer
one across the island to a lighthouse. There is, however, a resident guide
with whom one can book guided walks to other parts.
The highlight of the trip across was to see a
swordfish jump several times out of the sea. Weren't we glad we were towing the
solid dinghy and not the inflatable, as the fish's nose looked capable of
spearing anything.
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