One of the most impressive spots in Ibiza is the Ses Salines Natural Park, declared in 2001, located in the south of the island of Ibiza. The salt extraction activity carried out in this area for hundreds of years has shaped a peculiar landscape, a humid area where numerous birds rest and nest on their migrations. Countless ecological, scenic, historical and cultural values are concentrated in 3,000 hectares of land and 13,000 hectares of sea.
The coastline of the Natural Park is a perfect interaction between marine and coastal ecosystems. The Posidonia oceanica of the Reserve was declared World Heritage in 1999 and defined as the best conserved in the Mediterranean basin. The seabed is home to 220 different species that make up the marine community.
1. Torre de Sal Rossa o des carregador
One of the jewels of the park is this defence tower, built in the 16th century to protect the inhabitants of Ibiza from pirate attacks and to defend the salt shippers, hence its name. At its feet, you can see the typical dry dock huts where the local fishermen shelter their traditional boats, known as llaüts. If you climb up the mound behind the tower, you can enjoy fantastic views of Playa d'en Bossa. On the way back along the path, on your right, leaving the tower behind, you can visit the first salt ponds in the park.
2. Point of interest for bird watching
One of the most important attractions of the park are the birds that nest there. That's why you shouldn't miss this platform, which is very well located for bird watching and photography. The flamingo is the park's most representative bird. Between August and October, hundreds of flamingos arrive to spend the winter on the island, and many others land in the park to replenish their strength and continue their journey to warmer lands, towards the African continent. Other species can also be observed, such as the little plover, the common stilt, herons,...
3. Cap des Falcó
4. Platja des Cavallet
Another beautiful panoramic view of the park is that of the beach of es Cavallet, which you can get from the higher areas behind sa Revista. It is a natural and wild beach, very long, with very clean waters and a very valuable dune system that preserves the beach and the flora. It is ideal for a stroll along the shore and a visit to the Ses Portes tower. If you wish, you can also walk along a small path located just behind the beach, next to the ponds. Es Cavallet beach is one of the first nudist beaches in Spain.
5. Torre de Ses Portes
This two-storey, cone-shaped defence tower dates from the 16th century. It was originally built on this site, with sufficient artillery, for the defence of fishing. Next to the tower built on the islet of the islet of s'Espalmador. Over time it became an important strategic point, the sea passage between Ibiza and Formentera and the entrance to the city of Ibiza was protected from attacks by corsairs. Today, from this architectural treasure, you can enjoy fantastic views of the coast of Formentera and over the es Freus pass, which is the strait that separates the islands.
6. Sa Canal
A small village located at the end of Ses Salines. At the end of the beach there is a quay where boats load salt. In the area you can still see the rails along which a train used to run to carry this product to the wharf. Today, salt is still shipped from Sa Canal to be transported to northern European countries, which use it mainly to prevent frost on streets and roads.
7. Sant Francesc de S´Estany
This charming little village, located next to the Ses Salines road, is made up of a tiny church (not consecrated) and a few houses. The church was built in 1785 with the purpose of providing liturgical service to the workers in the salt industry. In the future, the building is planned to house the Ses Salines Natural Park Interpretation Centre. Just behind the chapel, a statue of a salt worker was placed to pay homage to all those who have contributed to the work of extracting salt. If you visit Sant Francesc de s'Estany at sunset, it is a fantastic time to watch the sun set over the ponds and the figure of the salt worker as a witness.
8. salt mountains
Salt has been extracted in this area since Phoenician times. All the peoples who have inhabited the island have exploited the salt flats for their great economic and social value. It is a real treasure for preserving food (salting) and was even used as a currency of exchange in different periods and civilisations, hence the word "salary". Nowadays, high quality salt is obtained in Ibiza, and it is even marketed as a gourmet product in multiple variants such as flor de sal (flower of salt) or granite with flowers.
9. Ses Salines
çOne of the most visited and beautiful beaches on Ibiza. It starts at Sa Punta de Ses Portes and its sandy beach stretches all the way to Sa Canal. Ses Salines is the most fashionable beach and very popular for its restaurants that set the scene. It is an open beach of considerable length, with fine sand, turquoise-coloured sea and a shallow, gently sloping seabed. Thanks to the Posidonia Oceanica meadows which have been declared a World Heritage Site. The entire coastline is surrounded by lush forests of junipers protected by the white, undulating dunes shaped by a gentle breeze that blows from sea to land. A visit not to be missed.
For more information and guided tours you can go to the official website of the Balearic Government. Activities are held periodically to visit the natural park, and you can find the calendar of activities on their website. For telephone contact you can call 971 301 460.
More info: here
