Ibiza
In Ibiza, you’ll forget that time exists as you relax at its coves with crystalline waters, discover its unspoilt nature areas, enjoy the unforgettable evening light and soak up the sun at one of the seafront pavement cafes.
Ibiza History
All of these activities are within easy reach to make your holiday on the island of Ibiza the relaxing experience that you’re looking for. Take a gentle stroll and discover the picturesque fishing villages, but be sure to try the fish and fresh seafood.
The towns and villages all boast typical the Ibizan architecture of white houses against the almost inevitable backdrop of the sea. Don’t forget to visit the capital, Eivissa, and see the fortified walls at Dalt Vila and the necropolis of Puis des Molins.
These and other monuments around the city, as well as the island’s biodiversity, are all UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Dalt Vila
A Phoenician-Punic settlement during ancient times, Ibiza contains within its Renaissance walls an interesting legacy from all the different cultures that populated it.
This artistic wealth is found in the monumental area of Dalt Vila, in the necropolis of Es Puig des Molins and in the archaeological site of Sa Caleta.
The beauty of the island capital is enhanced by the sands and coves at Figueretes, Es Viver and Talamanca, as well as by its the diverse marine ecosystem.
The two most noteworthy aspects of Ibiza, its biodiversity and its culture have made it worthy of being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Carthaginians founded the ancient Ibosim in the year 654 B.C. In little over a century, the place became a strategic colony in the Western Mediterranean.
Roman Ebusus, called Yabisah under Muslim rule, would be governed by the king Jaume I after it was reconquered in 1235. Continuous sieges by pirates led the city to be strengthened with walls in the 16th century.
The population is currently divided between the fishing districts of Marina and Sa Penya, as the lower part of the city is known, and Dalt Vila, an area of monuments located in the upper part of the city and declared World Heritage.
It is surrounded by well-preserved walls from Renaissance times that were commissioned by the kings Felipe II and Carlos V and were used as a model for building other fortifications in the New World.
The considerable height of its bastions affords the best views of the city and the port that is laid out at its feet.
The city inside the walls The Portal de ses Taules is the entrance to the walled area, where the Town Hall, located in the Dominican convent and the church of Santo Domingo and the chapel of Sant Salvador (located inside the Archaeological Museum in the cathedral square).
The Cathedral, built over the old Arab city walls, is a sober, Gothic structure from the 16th century and remodelled in the 18th. A gold-plated monstrance is one of the golden jewels preserved inside it. It shares the area in the cathedral square with the Episcopal Palace, a building that stands out due to its distinguished door.
Another important monument is the Castell y Almudaina, the tallest building in the city, on which the keep — of Medieval Christian origins — is worthy of note. In the historic quarter, you can visit the Archaeological Museum, a witness to the city’s rich past, thanks to a valuable collection of objects that cover 2000 years of history.
The best way to enjoy the popular architecture of Ibiza is to wander around the narrow streets of the historic quarter until you reach the port, having crossed the central Vara de Rey walkway, and walk around the port area to the Botafoc lighthouse. In addition to the fishing neighbourhood in the lower part of town, another worthwhile visit is the necropolis of Es Puig des Molins, also declared World Heritage, along with the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta. Over 3500 Punic and Phoenician graves have been found here.
The statues of the goddess Tanit and the god Bes are two of its main pieces. There are numerous terraces and restaurants on the seashore where the visitor can discover the best of Ibiza cuisine and, at night, the capital shows its most playful side with cafés, discos, “afterhours” and “disc-jockeys” starting their designer parties.
The beaches and coves of Ibiza, such as Figueretes, Es Viver or Talamanca have golden sand and seabeds that will delight scuba-diving fans, as they house a large number of native Mediterranean species, and also a wealth of sea life.
For example, the meadows of Mediterranean tapeweed that inhabit its depths are declared World Heritage.
This mixture of culture and biodiversity were key to it being declared of World Heritage. Gastronomy and the surroundings Ibiza gastronomy combines a wide range of Balearic specialities and ones that are specific to the island.
So pork product have an important place with a good example of sobrasada, a chopped meat sausage that is cured with spices. The Frità de Polp and the Bollit de Peix made from rice and fish are also typical.
For dessert, you can choose between flaó (a dish of Arabic origins made from ricotta cheese and spearmint), orelletes, puff pastry and almond cakes, or frígola from Ibiza, one of the many liqueurs produced in the Balearic Islands.
Es Canar – Ibiza
The Famous Hippy Market
Hippy markets Ibiza are for everybody to enjoy when on the white island, everyone has heard of them and how fantastic they are.
The first touristic hippy market started back 1969 in Es Cana and most are a must-see for every visitor. Punta Arabi a small pine tree forest started by young hippy’s as a meeting place to sell and exchange their artifacts.
The markets are some of the island’s top attractions for every holiday-maker and a fabulous shopping experience. Ibiza has strong artistic roots going back to the early ’60s when artisans, painters and designers flocked to the island.
Cala Portinatx
Located in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja in the north of Ibiza in Spain.
The original early tourism magic of Ibiza still lives on in Portinatx surrounded by wonderful beaches small rocky coves that lead up to the pine tree forests and countryside of Sant Joan de Labritja which is one of the most popular areas in Ibiza
Here a person can experience a small paradise consisting of three beautiful soft sandy beaches, starting with S’ Arenal Petite a small private partly shaded beach, then the largest one known as Arenal Gros.
Our beautiful beach has a very clean fine sand and is sheltered in its own little cove called ‘S’Arenal Petit’ where you can rent Sun Beds, Parasols, Chairs, Pedal Boats.
A little way around the bay you will find Water Skiing or discover the beauty of the seabed on the Glass Bottom Boat, there is also an Agua Park with slides and pools etc.
Further down the road you will find Es Porto (The Port) in a small rocky cove and beach overshadowed by the highest lighthouse in the Balearics.
Calm crystal-clear transparent waters and stunning scenery around the rocky coastline, the narrow port and small fishing boats anchored in the shallow waters.
The surrounding landscape and spectacular views help you understand why this resort was supposedly chosen as the setting for the musical motion picture ‘The Sound of Music’, because it was like ‘Paradise’.
The bay of is without doubt one of Europe’s most popular destinations for snorkelling and scuba diving, the place to be mixing with divers from around the globe who tend the qualified diving school on that both teach you to dive and rent equipment and boats.
You will often see beautiful yachts and luxury boats anchored above a seabed of fine white sand, a complete the perfect view especially as the sun sets behind rocks.
There are ferry boats that take you to the port of San Miguel to enjoy the scenery of high cliffs that drop into the deep blue Mediterranean waters below, once there you can visit the Centuries-old caves or just chill on the beach.
Take the other ferry and go in the opposite direction to Es Canar, a great day out for everyone and depending which day also experience the famous Ibiza Hippie Market.
Transport:
Island Buses, Taxis and various shops including a Chemist.
Cala Portinatx has everything on offer to make that perfect holiday destination, please browse our website and hopefully you will enjoy the experience and discover what we already know, this is a little gem to be found inside paradise!
