The vessels that lead to the nearby Cabrera island depart every day from the Sant Jordi port: in the months from April to October there is one ferry a day and the travel costs is 28 euros.
The main ferry company that brings you to the island is the Excursions A Cabrera, but, especially during the high season, it is essential to book with a bit of advance if you want to have a place: the agency phone number is 971 649 034.
Reservations can be made by telephone or in person, at the information kiosk of the company, which is located at the port from which the ferries depart.
For the sea crossing, which is quiet long, it is advisable to bring a meal; however, if you can’t personally provide for the lunch, the company provides an extensive buffet at the price of 6 euros, which does not include the drinks.
However, the Cabrera island, that in Spanish it means "Lamb", is situated 18 kilometres off the coast, and in correspondence of the location of Colonia de Sant Jordi, and it is nothing more than a large piece of jagged rock covered with thick forests, no larger than 7 kilometres and long about 5 kilometers.
Around this islet were born legends that are often confused with history.
The entries are many: for example, Plinio says that the island was the Hannibal birthplace; other rumours argue that the pirates used the Island as hideout or as a place to spend the winter.
Finally, it is known that during the Napoleonic battles, the Spanish have abandoned on the Cabrera island nine thousand prisoners from the French war; then, the Spanish army has completely forgotten about them and a third of the prisoners would be dead because they were starving and because of the diseases during the forced isolation on the island; among all theses told stories this is the one closer to the historical reality.
However, today the island is a natural protected park.
The journey to Cabrera is very pretty: as already said, the ferries depart from Sant Jordi, and the trip lasts one day.
To arrive to Cabrera it takes about 60 minutes of navigation followed by a quick circumnavigation around the islet, if the weather permits so.
The island port is called Es Port, and it consists of a small inlet, where the waters are always calme, surrounded by low hills and provided with a gracious pier.
Once landed, you can walk along a path that leads to the ruins of a medieval castle, from which you have excellent views of the island and the ocean that leave you breathless; to reach the Old Fortress it takes about 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, it is forbidden to venture for most of the territory of the island, and the only solution are the guided tours.
Plus, you can visit the Cabrera museum, with free admission, which shows and tells the island history through very few archaeological finds on the territory.
During the return trip, the ship stops in Cova Blava: this is a cave that reaches 160 meters of height and it is illuminated (naturally) by a blue light…from this strange atmosphere derives its name.
During this short stop it is possible, for the passengers, to swim in those splendid waters...an experience you cannnot miss!
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