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Heritage

Traditional Ibiza

The island before and beyond the clubs: a UNESCO World Heritage old town, whitewashed village churches, defence towers, markets and the patron saint fiestas that fill the local calendar.

Our list

Dalt Vila, Puig des Molins, Sa Caleta and the Posidonia meadows of Ses Salines Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture (UNESCO) UNESCO added this mixed natural and cultural site to the World Heritage List in 1999. Dalt Vila Dalt Vila (walled old town) Dalt Vila is the walled historic quarter of Ibiza Town, set on a hill above the port. Dalt Vila Portal de ses Taules Ses Taules is the main gateway into the walled enclosure of Dalt Vila. Dalt Vila Cathedral of Santa Maria de les Neus The cathedral stands at the highest point of Dalt Vila, on the site of the former main mosque. Dalt Vila Castle and Almudaina of Ibiza The Almudaina was originally the administrative and military seat of the Muslim governor. Dalt Vila Madina Yabisa Interpretation Centre The centre occupies the Casa de la Curia, opposite the Cathedral, a building from the 14th and 15th centuries that housed the law courts in the 16th century. Dalt Vila MACE, Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa Founded in 1969, it is one of the oldest contemporary art museums in Spain. Dalt Vila Diocesan Museum of Ibiza The museum sits next to the Cathedral in Dalt Vila and holds the religious heritage of the diocese. Dalt Vila Church and Convent of Santo Domingo The Dominican friars moved inside the city walls in 1587 to shelter from pirate attacks. Sa Penya Casa Broner Casa Broner is a leading example of rationalist architecture in Ibiza, designed by the German architect and artist Erwin Broner. Puig des Molins Puig des Molins Necropolis and Monographic Museum This hillside cemetery near Dalt Vila was in use from the 7th century BC until Roman times. Dalt Vila and Puig des Molins Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera (MAEF) The museum covers the history of Ibiza and Formentera from prehistory to the Christian conquest. Ibiza Town Sa Capelleta Interpretation Centre The site on Carrer de sa Capelleta preserves three distinct historical phases, from Punic to Islamic times. Sa Caleta, south coast Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta Sa Caleta was founded in the late 8th century BC and is the oldest Phoenician settlement found on Ibiza. Seabed between Ibiza and Formentera Posidonia oceanica meadows Posidonia oceanica is a flowering marine plant endemic to the Mediterranean, not an alga. South of Ibiza and north of Formentera Ses Salines Natural Park The park was declared in 2001 and stretches from southern Ibiza to northern Formentera, including a wide marine strip. Ses Salines Church of Sant Francesc de s'Estany This small church dates from the 18th century and was built as a chapel for salt pan workers. Sant Jordi de ses Salines Church of Sant Jordi de ses Salines It began in 1577 as a defensive fort with a central chapel built by farmers of the Ses Salines plain against Barbary corsairs. Jesús Church of Nostra Senyora de Jesús Franciscan friars began this church in the late 15th century and it was completed in the mid 16th century. Santa Eulària des Riu Puig de Missa and Church of Santa Eulària The fortified church on the Puig de Missa hill was built in the 16th century for worship and as a refuge from pirates. Puig de Missa Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza (Can Ros) The museum is housed in Can Ros, an 18th century farmhouse on the Puig de Missa. Puig d'en Valls Windmill of Puig d'en Valls This windmill was built in the 18th century to grind grain. Sant Miquel de Balansat Church of Sant Miquel de Balansat Set on the Puig de Sant Miquel, it is one of the oldest and largest fortress churches on the island, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Sant Antoni de Portmany Church of Sant Antoni de Portmany Its origins go back to the 14th century, and it follows the fortress church model with thick walls, a defensive tower and a flat roof. Sant Llorenç de Balàfia Balàfia hamlet Balàfia is a cluster of seven traditional farmhouses and two defence towers, protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural and historic ensemble. Southern tip of Ibiza, Ses Salines Torre de ses Portes This coastal watchtower stands between Es Cavallet and Ses Salines beaches inside the natural park. Cap des Jueu, near Cala d'Hort Torre des Savinar (Torre del Pirata) Built in the 18th century, it watched the southwest sea route from a cliff more than 200 m above the sea. Ses Salines Torre des Carregador (Sa Sal Rossa) The tower is part of Ibiza's historic coastal defence system inside the Ses Salines Natural Park. Punta de Portinatx Torre de Portinatx Completed in 1763 under engineer Juan Ballester y Zafra, it stands 45 m above the sea. Between Punta de sa Creu and Port de Sant Miquel Torre des Molar (Torre de Balansat) The tower rises on a 95 m cliff and was completed in 1763. Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera The village lies at the geographic centre of Ibiza. Sant Joan de Labritja Sant Joan de Labritja Sant Joan is the main village of the island's northern municipality, surrounded by hills and almond fields. Sant Miquel de Balansat Sant Miquel de Balansat The village is crowned by one of the oldest and largest fortress churches on Ibiza, from the 14th and 15th centuries. Sant Carles de Peralta Sant Carles de Peralta Its 18th century church has a wide porch with three arches and seven side chapels. Sant Agustí des Vedrà Sant Agustí des Vedrà This small inland village grew around an 18th century church. Santa Agnès de Corona Santa Agnès de Corona The village sits in the Corona valley in the northwest, among dry stone walled fields. Sant Josep de sa Talaia Sant Josep de sa Talaia The village church was begun in the early 18th century and has a three arched porch. Sant Llorenç de Balàfia Sant Llorenç de Balàfia The village church was begun in the 18th century and completed in the 19th century. Santa Eulària des Riu Santa Eulària des Riu The town on the east coast is overlooked by the fortified church of the Puig de Missa. Sant Rafel de sa Creu Sant Rafel de sa Creu The late 18th century church stands on a small rise with views towards Ibiza Town. Sant Mateu d'Albarca Sant Mateu d'Albarca The village lies in the Sant Mateu valley among vineyards and almond trees. Jesús Jesús The village a few kilometres from Ibiza Town is home to one of the island's oldest churches, begun by Franciscans in the late 15th century. Sant Jordi de ses Salines Sant Jordi de ses Salines The village grew around a fortified church that began as a fort with a chapel in 1577. Es Cubells Es Cubells The village church was built in 1959 on a clifftop, following the traditional Ibizan style. Sant Vicent de sa Cala Sant Vicent de sa Cala This small northeastern village has a church from the early 19th century.

What to eat

  1. Bullit de peixA fishermen's stew made with fresh rockfish such as scorpionfish or grouper, slowly cooked with potato, nora pepper, garlic and parsley. It is traditionally served in two courses: first the fish with its broth, then arroz a banda cooked in the same stock.
  2. Sofrit pagèsA hearty country dish once reserved for patron saint feasts and family celebrations. It combines lamb, free range chicken and, in the classic version, sobrassada and botifarro, cooked with potato, garlic, paprika, saffron and spices.
  3. FlaóThe signature sweet of Ibiza and Formentera, traditionally baked for Easter. A thin pastry base is filled with fresh goat and sheep cheese, eggs, sugar and mint.
  4. OrelletesThin fried pastries named for their ear like shape. The dough contains flour, egg, anise, lemon zest and a little spirit, and they are dusted with sugar.
  5. GreixoneraA thrifty dessert made from leftover ensaimadas or pastries mixed with milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and lemon. It is named after the clay dish it is baked in, and its texture sits between flan and pudding.
  6. Frita de matancesA dish linked to the traditional pig slaughter day that marked the start of winter in farmhouses. Fresh pork, sobrassada, botifarro, peppers, potato, garlic and bay leaf are fried slowly with paprika.
  7. Borrida de ratjadaA traditional stew of ray, a fish highly valued on the island. The fish cooks in a sauce of garlic, ground almond, parsley, toasted bread, potato and stock.
  8. Ensalada pagesa (country salad)Boiled local potatoes are mixed with peppers, tomato, onion and hard boiled eggs, dressed with olive oil. Its key ingredient is peix sec, fish dried in the sun using a long standing island technique.
  9. Hierbas ibicencas (Herbes eivissenques)The traditional herbal liqueur of Ibiza, usually taken after meals as a digestif. It is made by steeping local plants such as fennel, thyme, rosemary and mint in alcohol.
  10. Cafè caletaA warm drink that began among fishermen in the coves and is now shared at gatherings and celebrations. Coffee is cooked slowly with rum or brandy, sugar, cinnamon and lemon and orange peel.
  11. Vi de la Terra EivissaA geographical designation that protects wines made on Ibiza.

Markets

  1. Las Dalias marketSant Carles de Peralta Opening: Saturdays all year (10:00 to 20:00 April to October, 10:00 to 18:00 November to March); night market on Mondays and Tuesdays from June to September and on Sundays in July and August (19:00 to 00:30). A long running market with more than 200 stalls set in gardens.
  2. Punta Arabí Hippy MarketEs Canar Opening: Wednesdays from April to October. Running since 1973, it is described as the oldest and largest market on Ibiza, with several hundred stalls.
  3. Sant Jordi second hand marketSant Jordi de ses Salines Opening: Saturday mornings all year, 08:00 to 15:00. Held on a former horse racing track and popular with residents.
  4. Forada marketBuscastell, Sant Antoni de Portmany Opening: Saturdays, 10:00 to 16:00. A market focused on local and natural products.
  5. Sant Joan marketSant Joan de Labritja Opening: Sundays, 10:00 to 16:00. A craft and flea market selling local crafts, farm produce and organic food.
  6. Sant Rafel marketSant Rafel de sa Creu Opening: Thursdays from June to September, 19:00 to 23:00. An indoor craft and flea market with local crafts, farm produce and organic food.
  7. Sant Josep village marketSant Josep de sa Talaia Opening: Saturdays in summer. Held in the square in front of the church, with local produce and traditional crafts.
  8. Mercat VellLa Marina, Ibiza Town The old market in the La Marina district is known for its fresh produce.

Fiestas through the year

  • Festes de Sant Antoni (Sant Antoni de Portmany): Every year on 17 January.
  • Festes de Santa Agnès (Sant Antoni de Portmany): Every year on 28 January.
  • Festes de Santa Eulària (Santa Eulària des Riu): Every year on 12 February.
  • Festes de Sant Josep (Sant Josep de sa Talaia): Every year on 19 March.
  • Festes de Sant Vicent (Sant Joan de Labritja): Every year on 5 April.
  • Festes de Sant Jordi (Sant Josep de sa Talaia): Every year on 23 April.
  • Festes de Maig (Santa Eulària des Riu): Every year in early May (sources differ between 1 May and the first Sunday of May).
  • Fira Medieval d'Eivissa (Eivissa): Every year in May, over four days.
  • Festes de Sant Joan (Sant Joan de Labritja) (Sant Joan de Labritja): Every year on 24 June.
  • Nit de Sant Joan (Ibiza Town) (Eivissa): Every year on the night of 23 to 24 June.
  • Festes de la Mare de Déu del Carme (Es Cubells) (Sant Josep de sa Talaia): Every year on 16 July.
  • Santa Maria de les Neus (Eivissa): Every year on 5 August.
  • Sant Ciriac (Vuit d'Agost) (Eivissa): Every year on 8 August.
  • Festes de Sant Llorenç (Sant Joan de Labritja): Every year on 10 August.
  • Festes de Sant Bartomeu (Sant Antoni de Portmany): Every year on 24 August (main day of a longer summer programme).
  • Festes de Sant Agustí (Sant Josep de sa Talaia): Every year on 28 August.
  • Festes de Jesús (Santa Eulària des Riu): Every year on 8 September.
  • Festes de Sant Mateu (Sant Antoni de Portmany): Every year on 21 September.
  • Festes de Sant Miquel (Sant Joan de Labritja): Every year on 29 September.
  • Festes de Sant Francesc de s'Estany (Sant Josep de sa Talaia): Yearly parish feast in honour of Sant Francesc de Paula (official date not confirmed).
  • Festes de Sant Rafel (Sant Antoni de Portmany): Every year on 24 October.
  • Festes de Sant Carles (Santa Eulària des Riu): Every year on 4 November.
  • Festes de Santa Gertrudis (Santa Eulària des Riu): Every year on 16 November.
  • Ball pagès (traditional dance) (All municipalities): Performed at patron saint feasts and popular celebrations across the island; summer performances at Sant Miquel church.

Market days and fiesta programmes change from year to year. Check the official source before you go: ibiza.travel.

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