The island of Mallorca is steeped in history—based on fact and quite probably fiction. Many of these mysterious legends are dragon-themed. Read on (if you dare).
Sa Dragonera
Ancient legend says that a horde of dragons once protected the island of Mallorca. Driven from icier lands, these creatures sought warmer climes and where better to live than the Mediterranean island of Mallorca. As egg-laying beasts, their unhatched young were deposited in the seas, protected by a singular brave dragon. When they hatched, the baby dragons swam to even warmer places, leaving the one lone protector, which is said to have formed the island of Sa Dragonera. Located offshore of Sant Elm and Port d’Andratx, Sa Dragonera is a small island tracing around 3 kilometres in length, which you can visit by boat. There is a Natural Park, a protected natural reserve with diverse flora and fauna, including a much smaller version of the famed dragon—the unique Balearic lizard.
The legend of the ‘Na Coca’ dragon
It’s no secret that Mallorcans love a fiesta and Sant Sebastià, in honour of the patron saint of Palma, is no exception. Every February, during a parade of fire, fireworks and mock-terrifying demons (demonis), a large crocodile is carried through the streets breathing fire and fireworks dangerously close to the excited crowd. This represents the Na Coca dragon that reputedly lived in the city sewers in the 17th century. At night, it would creep out to feed on anyone who crossed its pass and the locals were petrified of this scaly monster. But as many old stories go, there was a hero and his name was Bartomeu Coc, a valiant knight. One night, as he walked through the streets he was confronted by the huge, bloodthirsty Drac de na Coca. But alas! The knight killed the dragon! Everyone lived happily ever after. Except, the morning dawn revealed that it was not a dragon but a crocodile, which is embalmed in the Diocesan Museum.
The Drach Caves
An hour east of Palma, Porto Cristo is home to the mighty Caves of Drach. Travel 25 metres underground to a subterranean world of lakes, caves and, of course, stalactites and stalagmites. According to legend, the pirates that once frequented the island hid their loot in these very caves. But, once again, a monstrous dragon (drach in Mallorcan) got in the way. It is said that the caves were guarded by this dragon and much of the treasure is believed to still be hidden somewhere in its dark depths. When you visit, see if you can spot any glistening gold or jewels.
We’re looking forward to seeing you this Spring at Ca’n Bonico when the weather will be warm and the skies will be blue. Just watch out for those pesky dragons.