Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park facts for kids
|
Native name:
Parc Nacional Maritimoterrestre de l’Arxipèlag de Cabrera (Catalan)
Parque nacional marítimo-terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera (Spanish) |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Geography | |
| Location | Mediterranean Sea |
| Coordinates | 39°09′N 2°57′E / 39.150°N 2.950°E |
| Archipelago | Balearic Islands |
| Total islands | 11 |
| Major islands |
|
| Area | 908 km2 (351 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 172 m (564 ft) |
| Highest point | Na Picamosques |
| Administration | |
|
Spain
|
|
| Autonomous Community | Balearic Islands |
| Province | Balearic Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Pop. density | 0 /km2 (0 /sq mi) |
The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is a special protected area in Spain. It includes the entire Cabrera Archipelago in the Balearic Islands. This park is unique because it protects both land (terrestrial) and sea (maritime) areas.
It is the largest national park in Spain. It covers about 908 square kilometers (351 square miles). Most of this area, about 89.5 square kilometers (34.5 square miles), is sea. Not many people visit the park because it is quite far away. There are no people living there permanently. However, about 100 park staff and other workers might be on the islands at any time.
The islands of Cabrera are very important for nature. They have been isolated for a long time. This means they have stayed mostly untouched. The coast of Cabrera is one of the best-preserved in Spain. It is also considered one of the best in the whole Mediterranean Sea.
Many important seabirds live here. You can also find other unique animals and plants. Because of its rich wildlife, the park is a Special Protection Area for birds. It is also part of the Natura 2000 network. This network protects important natural sites across Europe. The park is also a Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI). This means it is recognized as a key marine protected area.
Even though the islands are far away, they are part of the city of Palma de Mallorca.
History of Cabrera National Park
For many years, the Spanish Armed Forces used these islands. This happened from 1973 to 1986. Because of this, it was hard to protect the archipelago.
In 1988, something important happened. The Parliament of the Balearic Islands voted to create a national park. They sent this idea to the Spanish Parliament. Finally, a law was passed on April 29, 1991. This law officially created the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park.
Even today, the military still uses a small part of the area.
Visiting the Park
Cabrera Archipelago National Park is a special place to visit. Boats can only anchor in the main harbor. They can also anchor in one other specific area during the day. This helps protect the park's fragile environment.
Many rare animals live on Cabrera. You might see special sea snails. There is also a very unusual black lizard.
The water around the islands is full of amazing sea life. You can often see different types of cetaceans. These include sperm whales, long-finned pilot whales, dolphins, and fin whales. Sometimes, even humpback whales and orcas visit. Loggerhead turtles also swim in these waters.
Diving in the park is very controlled. You need a special license for a one-day visit. These diving trips are rare and very special for divers. You can also go hiking on the island. These tours are usually organized. You can visit the old castle and the lighthouse on your own. The park has a small visitor center. There is also a 14th-century castle and a museum. You can find a gift shop and a bar there too.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional marítimo-terrestre del Archipiélago de Cabrera para niños
- Cabrera, Balearic Islands
- List of Spanish national parks
