Off the coast of Mallorca lies the untouched and uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera<\/strong>. The evocative name of this island recalls dragons and seems to derive from the presence on it of indigenous lizards<\/strong> called drag\u00f2. However, some believe it is due to the shape of the island resembling a sleeping dragon. In any case, it is a great destination for an excursion during your holiday in Mallorca.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s find out more!<\/p>\n Sa Dragonera is located in the west of Mallorca<\/strong>, in front of Sant Elm, not far from Palma de Mallorca<\/a>. The island is the natural extension of the Serra de Tramuntana<\/strong><\/a>, from which it is separated by a thin stretch of sea.<\/p>\n It is 4 km long and only 700 meters wide, but the coast is very varied. To the west we find cliffs<\/strong> overlooking the sea. To the east, beaches and coves<\/strong>. Furthermore, there are numerous caves<\/strong> that in the past were a refuge for pirates, including the famous Barbarossa<\/a>.<\/p>\n In 1977 the island was occupied by a group of environmentalists<\/strong> who protested against the planned tourism projects on the island. And they won! Thus, in 1995 it became a nature reserve<\/strong> together with the islets Illot des Pantaleu and Sa Mitjana.<\/p>\n The Sa Dragonera nature reserve is home to over 361 different plant species and numerous native animals, such as the Lilford wall lizard<\/strong> (Podarcis lilfordi giglioli). Indeed, during a visit to the island you will be surrounded by hundreds of tiny lizards that will move all around you with your every step!<\/p>\n But Sa Dragonera is also home to the largest European colony of Eleonora\u2019s falcons<\/strong>, bats are the only mammals on the island, while the seabed is also full of life: particularly noteworthy are the Posidonia<\/strong> oceanica<\/strong> prairies.<\/p>\n On Sa Dragonera there are some paths that tourists can follow to explore the island. One of these leads to the top of Puig de Na Popia<\/strong>, the highest point on the island, where one of the lighthouses<\/strong> is located. While from Cap de Tramuntana, on the northern tip, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the coast of Mallorca.<\/p>\n Remember that there are no services or bars on Sa Dragonera, so bring everything you need with you.<\/p>\n You can reach Sa Dragonera with your boat or with the ferry<\/strong> that leaves regularly from the Sant Elm pier and arrives at the Cala Llado pier. At Cala Llado is a small tourist office. The park is open all year round<\/strong>. From April to September, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The rest of the year, from 10 AM to 3 PM.<\/p>\nSA DRAGONERA, THE ISLAND OF LIZARDS<\/h2>\n
THE SA DRAGONERA NATURE RESERVE<\/h3>\n
HOW TO REACH THE ISLAND<\/h2>\n
\nYou can visit the island by yourself or join guided tours<\/strong>, but if you are in a group of 10 or more, you need a written authorization to land.<\/p>\n