A tiny, scrubby island only a few miles away from Mallorca, Cabrera is presently a protected national park. The moorings for boats are free, but you have to apply for a permit to stay overnight. We were lucky to arrive after the main summer season; permits are difficult to obtain when the area is most crowded in July and August.

Ancient writer Pliny identified this island as the birthplace of Hannibal. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Spanish placed 9000 French prisoners of war here; in three years, about two-thirds of them died from disease and starvation. Many are buried on the island and a memorial was erected in their honor in 1847.

	Rugged cliffs rise alongside each side of the entrance to Cabrera. Among the bird species that nest on the island are the peregrine falcon, stone curlew, blue rock thrush, and two species of warbler. There is a colony of Eleonora's falcon and two pairs of ospreys which breed on the cliffs. The rare Andouins gull is also found here.
This castle is believed to date back to the end of the 14th century and was probably built to defend against pirates. We walked from the dinghy landing area at the park buildings up the hill to the castle. A tiny, near-dark, winding stairway leads to the flat platform overlooking the harbor. Those who aren't satisfied with that view can take a straight stairway up to the tower, which is adorned with a large Spanish flag.

These buildings appear to be for the use of the maintenance personnel on the island. The military still has a significant presence here, and visitors are warned against taking unescorted walks off of the major paths; unexploded shells are common. A small cantina near the dinghy dock sells very cold beer and soft drinks, welcomed after the long, dry climb to the castle.