It is always comforting to know that Ibiza has a thousand and one paths where you can lose yourself to contemplate the sea and take long walks accompanied by exceptional scenery. In Sant Josep, in particular, we find many of these corners that invite you to disconnect, as is the case of Sa Caleta, a part of the coast that is not only ideal for a stroll, but also a unique spot to delve into the history of Ibiza and Formentera.
In the area of Sa Caleta are the remains of what was the first Phoenician settlement on the island, the first lucky ones to contemplate the fabulous views that can be seen from these cliffs and which can now be one of the most beautiful walks in Ibiza to take with you in your memory. All you have to do is let yourself fall in love with the west coast of Sant Josep.
ROUTE MAP
Difficulty: Low
Distance: 1.87 km.
Estimated time: 1'5 hrs (One way).
Recommendations: Wear sports shoes, sports clothes and water.
Es bol nou beach
Although it is known as Sa Caleta, the real beach frequented by visitors is Es Bol Nou, a sandy area located under red earth cliffs and in front of it you can see the path that leads to Punta des Jondal, a cape that separates this area from the next beach located further north, Cala Jondal. The contrast of colours here is impressive, with shallow turquoise waters and the red of the clay merging with the light sand. This is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy a swim in its calm waters and also to begin a brief stroll around this part of the island.
SA CALETA PHOENICIAN SETTLEMENT
Climbing the path that leads to the cliffs that protect es Bol Nou, we find the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta, which was built in VIII B.C. and is key to understanding the origins of the island. The site is currently protected by a fence to prevent the recovered remains from being lost, but soon we will have the Sa Caleta Interpretation Centre, currently under construction, so that it will be possible to understand the history that lies behind these ruins. A stroll around this small peninsula will give you an idea of how this civilisation lived, which in 600 BC abandoned the area without, it seems, any fighting. There are also the remains of ancient bunkers that were built here in 1940 to protect the island from possible Allied air raids during World War II, although they were never needed and were completely abandoned in the 1960s.
SA CALETA NATURAL HARBOUR
If we leave the settlement on the south side, we discover that Bol Nou is not the only bathing area, as what is really known as Sa Caleta is the small natural harbour hidden behind the small peninsula on which the settlement is located. It is also a perfect place for swimming and even snorkelling, as the rocky seabed is full of interesting details to observe behind your diving goggles. It is a perfect bay to shelter from storms and nowadays we find many fishermen's huts that enhance the seafaring beauty of the Ibizan coast. This cove was the first port where the Phoenicians disembarked centuries ago and constituted the port district of the settlement, of which there are no remains because the generations to come have continued to use it as a fishing port until the present day.
ES CODOLAR BEACH
If we continue along the coast, there will be a moment when we come across the main road, but keep close to the sea to continue savouring the beauty of the coastal cliffs, full of special spots where you can sit and enjoy nature. Follow the shore towards Es Codolar, an immense pebble beach where tranquillity reigns far from tourism. Along the way, you will find more than one fishermen's hut, a perfect place to familiarise yourself with Ibiza's seafaring tradition and also to sunbathe away from the most frequented beaches. Another place to relax in the area is sa Cova de Ses Dones, another small corner of the coast that is ideal for bathers seeking privacy and nature.
Once you reach es Codolar, you will have finished this interesting walk and if you are lucky enough to do it late in the afternoon, an unforgettable sunset awaits you at the end of the summer, the best way to end this small excursion that will show you part of the magic of the municipality of Sant Josep.
More info: here
