Parc Natural de sa Dragonera

Sa Dragonera island is located South west of Mallorca, just opposite the touristic town of Sant Elm. The island is an extension of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, separated by es canal des Freu (channel), which is around 800 meters wide. The landscape is impressive, rugged and mountainous, with amazing cliffs facing the sea. The island is around 4 Km long and 1 Km wide. The first lighthouse in Mallorca was built in the highest point, Na Pòpia (353 m), in 1850. The view from that site does not leave anybody indifferent.

Sa Dragonera became a symbol of the fight for Nature conservation in Mallorca. In the 1970s, popular protests stopped a real estate project which pretended to urbanize the island, but its protection was achieved. It was declared Natural Park in 1995 and since 2006, it is included in Natura 2000 by the European Union. The Natural Park comprises other nearby small islands as well, and a wide marine reserve.

The contour of Sa Dragonera resembles a dormant dragon, and it is inhabited by a considerable amount of lizards, the endemic sub-species Podarcis lilfordi ssp. giglioli. Other endemic sub-species found in the island are Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) and Balearic warbler (Sylvia balearica). It is also outstanding the presence of Audoin's gull (Larus audouinii) and Eleanora's falcon (Falco eleonorae), with the largest population of Eleanora's falcons in the Balearics . Regarding flora, there is a high diversity, with more than 360 different species. Forest areas are rare and the vegetation is dominated by wild olive trees (Olea europaea var. sylvestris) with spurge olive (Cneorum tricoccon).

You can go to Sa Dragonera by boat. There are companies that run the journey and organise excursions as well. The journey takes about 20 minutes and the entrance to the park is by mollet des Lledó (small pier) where there is a reception centre. In des Lledó reception centre, information is provided regarding the park, and it also is the starting point of the 4 routes throughout the island. You can bathe at cala des Lledó. However, it is recommended the use of scuba shoes as the area is a small pebble beach. It is important to bear in mind that the park is completely wild, and there are no facilities of any kind.