Dragonera

In the 1970s, an urbanisation project was proposed to transform Dragonera (Sa Dragonera) into a luxury island, complete with a hotel, port and casino. However, environmental groups successfully halted the plans, and the project was never realised. Following this, the government purchased the island and its islets, designating them as a natural park.

Today, Dragonera remains uninhabited, but remnants of its past can still be seen, including old structures like the henhouse, dovecote and small warehouses. These are now used to accommodate visitors or serve as shelters for the park rangers working on the island.

What to See in Dragonera

Once at the pier, the best way to explore the island is to wander and get lost in its beauty. However, there are four marked trails that guide you to the island's best viewpoints and points of interest.

• Faro de Tramontana: The shortest route from the port, which takes about an hour round trip, leads to the Faro de Tramontana. This elevated point offers splendid panoramic views of the Mallorca coastline from a distance.
• Faro Viejo (Faro Vell): Built in 1850, the old lighthouse of the island, known as Faro de Na Popia, struggled for years against clouds and fog, eventually falling into disrepair. Today, it stands as a charming vantage point, offering breathtaking bird's-eye views of Mallorca and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean.
• Llebeig Lighthouse: For those with enough time on the island, another option is the 3-hour round-trip path leading to the Llebeig Tower. This historic watchtower was built to protect the territory from pirate invasions.
• Punta de na Miranda: This is one of the easiest routes to take on Dragonera, offering beautiful views over Lladó Cove and the island's former cultivation areas.

Thanks to its excellent state of conservation, Dragonera is home to endemic flora and fauna, including the small "dragons" that gave the island its name, as well as various species of birds.

The steep cliffs of Dragonera Island don't feature many coves or beaches, so visitors looking to enjoy the clear waters typically gather around the small cove near the port.

How to Get to Dragonera

The only way to get to Dragonera Island is by boat. Here are the different options:

Guided Day Trip

During a day trip to Dragonera Island, there are several stops for snorkelling, allowing you to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea by jumping off the boat. You’ll also have the opportunity to savour a delightful lunch on board before docking at the island.

Ferry

During the high season, boats depart from Sant Elm every 30 minutes between 9:45 am and 2:15 pm. Outside of the high season, the schedule is much reduced, and there is no service during the winter months. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and the ticket price is € 16 (US$ 18.59), including the round trip.

It is important to note that the number of people who can enter the island each day is limited to avoid overcrowding.

An Island to Get Lost On

If you’re seeking a natural environment that remains largely unexplored and untouched by human hands, the day trip to Dragonera is the perfect choice for a day of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. However, if you’re looking for an island that’s easy to navigate with plenty of beach lounging, Dragonera may not be what you're after.