Nutella, Sand and Sea: Two Friends Swim from Cabrera to Mallorca

From a summer idea to an island anecdote

Some mornings in Colònia de Sant Jordi the air smells of sea, fried fish and a hint of adventure. That was how the day began when Jero Méndez de la Maza and his friend Miki Domenech decided to cover the roughly 17 kilometers between the island of Cabrera, Balearic Islands and Mallorca, an event covered in Nutella, Sand and Sea: Two Friends Swim from Cabrera to Mallorca — not by boat, but on foot through the water. No fins, no wetsuit — just swim trunks, two swimmers and an unusual provision: Nutella sandwiches.

Early start, steady rhythm

They set off at 7:30 a.m., as the sun was gently rising over the horizon and seagulls called above the channel. With an average speed of about 1:40 minutes per 100 meters the two made steady progress. Five hours and 26 minutes later they felt their way to the Platja des Port of Colònia de Sant Jordi — exhausted, smiling and with the light salt crust on their skin that's typical here.

Cocoa as fuel — and teamwork on the escort boat

Sporty tactics meet island sense: friends on a small escort boat supplied the swimmers at intervals of about 45 minutes. Bananas, isotonic drinks, energy gels — and the secret weapon that kept coming out: Nutella. That a jar of hazelnut spread causes merriment on an offshore trip is no surprise; that it doubles as a quick energy source was an unexpected side effect.

Noise on the water and a brief check

Around kilometer ten the calm of the sea mixed with uneasy excitement: the water became restless, the waves demanded more concentration, and suddenly a Guardia Civil patrol boat appeared. After a short, friendly explanation, the sea was returned to the two swimmers. Moments like that remind you how closely leisure and security concerns sit together around Mallorca — as seen in Six boats, 75 people: When the nights on the coasts grow denser — and how important clear communication is.

Jellyfish, sun and a siren greeting

Near the tiny island Conejera a patch of jellyfish crossed their path; seen, respected, they swam on — without painful encounters. The sun burned unrelentingly, their skin showed the usual summer marks, and the roar of the waves mixed with the occasional hum of the escort boat. At the end there was not the usual medal but the sound of a siren: port workers released the welcome tone and gave the arrivals a half-joking, half-reverent round of applause.

More than fun: inspiration for local sporting culture

At first glance the undertaking may sound like a crazy dare. For many locals, however, it's a gentle, almost affectionate reminder that Mallorca is also a place for unusual sporting ideas, and other examples include With Every Stroke a Message: Cardiologist Swims from Menorca to Cala Mesquida. Jero, who has previously crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, sums it up with a laugh: "Everything goes easier with Nutella." But there is also something serious behind it: team spirit, respect for the sea and awareness of safety on the water.

What remains — and what it means for Mallorca

Stories like this stick in people's minds: a Saturday morning, the lapping of boats in the harbor, children marveling at the waves, and neighbors saying they "saw those two guys with the Nutella sandwiches." For Mallorca it's more than an anecdote. It is a small contribution to local diversity: open waters as a sports field, neighbors as supporters, and an island that makes room for such original ideas. It may also encourage local clubs to coordinate more accompaniment for swimmers — safe, organized and with a little stock of chocolate for emergencies.

In the end the image remains of two friends stepping ashore laughing, gathering their things from the boat and walking home in the heat of a summer day — tired, proud and with the more or less justified belief that a jar of Nutella is sometimes the best equipment.