Natural Park of Ses Salines d'Eivissa and Formentera
Recognized as World Heritage since 2001, Ses Salines Natural Park extends from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera, also encompassing the arm of the sea that separates the two islands, where the paradisiacal Espalmador is located.
Land and sea territory of unsurpassed attractiveness in which they are deployed beaches bathed in the purest turquoise, dune systems, cliffs populated by pine trees, defense towers and saline ponds. Its great natural wealth together with the heritage of the area offer another perspective of Ibiza with which each traveler creates their own experience of it.
In this second installment for the use and enjoyment of Ses Salines – here the first, from Formentera – we will focus on discovering all the charms that the park encloses in the Ibizan part, to the southeast of the island.
Here, enjoying nature goes hand in hand with relaxing in beach bars , give free rein to the imagination in Art exhibitions , taste the gastronomy of the world and have fun the most musical hotels.
Flamingos in Ses Salines.
PRELUDE TO SES SALINES NATURAL PARK
To the south of the Ibizan airport the salt flats shine, World Heritage and main source of wealth of the island until the arrival of tourism. out of them comes the acclaimed white gold that is exported to countries such as Denmark (Faroe Islands) or Portugal, and it is one of the most demanded souvenirs in the souvenir shops of Ibiza.
These salt pools occupy more than 400 hectares, constituting an important wetland for more than 200 species of birds. and being a resting place for herons, stilts, plovers and flamingos during their migrations.
Its history dates back to the times of the Phoenicians, who built the first settlement on the island and gave life to these salt fields that give their name to the protected natural park since 2001. Later, Romans and Arabs continued to use them and improving its technology by means of canals, mills and gates.
To delve into its history and that of the salt trade, it is convenient visit the Ses Salines Interpretation Center in Sant Francesc de s'Estany, a little town swinging over pink ponds, a color given by the species that inhabit them.
White gold
At the gates of Ses Salines, Playa d'en Bossa, 2.7 kilometers long, is one of the widest on the island. In it, the golden sand and warm waters combine quiet spaces with more lively ones in which the dips are accompanied by the music of beach bars like the Beachouse or The Beach by Ushuaïa.
The end of the beach is marked by the Carregador defensive tower, at Punta de Sa Mata, one of the entrances to the park through which to explore the eastern coast exploring solitary corners that give way to two of the best beaches on the island: Ses Salines and Es Cavallet.
Es Cavallet Beach, Ibiza (Balearic Islands)
A WALKING ROUTE TO ENTER THE COVES AND BEACHES OF SES SALINES
The starting point for this fabulous itinerary with the Mediterranean always present is located in front of the tiny islet of Sal Rossa and it is an ideal place to see Dalt Vila, the old walled city of Ibiza. The Carregador tower was built in a conical shape in the 16th century to protect the salt trade.
A path descends towards tiny stone coves in which to fill yourself with Ibizan authenticity. The first of these was a small port from which, until the 19th century, salt was transported.
If we continue descending, we will arrive at Es Cavallet beach, surrounded by junipers. Another way to get closer to it is to do it by car through the salt flats while we capture all the colors that those paintings of history and nature reproduce as we go.
whatever it was the first naturist beach in Ibiza in 1978, and one of the pioneers in Spain, It has parking and a clothing and accessories stall at its entrance. There are also no shortage of restaurants like La Escollera, with tables that seem to float among the Mediterranean blues.
Later is found the tower of Ses Portes, in the southernmost point of Ibiza, from where you can appreciate fabulous views of the Strait of Es Freus with Formentera in front and islets such as Illa des Porcs or Illa des Penjats (Island of the Hanged), where pirates condemned to be hanged were sent.
Ses Portes defense tower, from the 16th century, between Es Cavallet and Ses Salines
The path continues between sandstone rocks carefully carved with curious ethnic drawings and also passes through Pouet de Sa Trinxa, a small well that was used by the workers of the salt mines and by animals.
Ses Salines beach, with a family and bohemian atmosphere, will be the long-awaited break on this route. An extensive strip of sand sheltered by dunes on one side and turquoise waters on the other. Several beach bars interrupt its wildest face to add a touch of entertainment: **Sa Trinxa, Jockey Club Salinas, Beso Beach Ibiza... **
Ses Salines Beach
In Ses Salines there is also a place for art, specifically in the La Nave Foundation, located in a simple but striking stone building that was conceived as a salt warehouse. Its doors were opened as a cultural space in 2015 by the New York collector Lio Malca , bringing contemporary art closer to this natural stronghold.
Until the end of October, El Bañista, the work of Rafa Macarrón, the first artist from Madrid to be hosted by the foundation, is exhibited there. Two huge bronze sculptures await at the entrance, with a beautiful perspective of Ses Salines beach. Inside, several paintings created with oil, marker, collage or acrylic are distributed between two floors.
Next to the ship we find the small loading dock of Sa Canal, as far as a railway used to transport salt that was replaced by tractors in 1972. Strolling among the workers' houses surrounded by bougainvillea is a real delight.
Advancing along the road we arrive at the bar and restaurant Experimental Beach, a great stop for a cocktail overlooking the sea and enjoy the beautiful sunsets of the salt flats.
Continuing along the south of the coast, on the other side of the salt flats, the Sa Caleta restaurant, specializing in rice and with dishes at a more affordable price than others in the area, it welcomes the relaxed atmosphere of the last cove in the park.
Protected by a reddish wall, Sa Caleta differs from the rest of the island's coves for the colors that embrace it and for enclosing, just a few minutes' walk from its sand, remains of the military use that the area had until a few decades ago and a Phoenician site that corresponds to the first settlement of the island that took place in the year 654 BC. C., before its inhabitants moved to what we know today as the city of Ibiza.
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, it impresses, more than its size, for the foundations of its constructions and for the spectacular environment that surrounds it.
EXPERIENCES THAT GO BEYOND
At the gates of the park, on Playa d'en Bossa, we find three hotel establishments to enjoy from up close the wonders of Ses Salines: Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa , focused on families looking to have everything in the same space; Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel , with the best electronic music as a soundtrack to the sensual and sophisticated rooms it offers; Y Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza , the first of the brand that opened in Europe and that attracts with suggestive proposals such as enjoying cocktails on the beach or spaces for relaxation in which to receive a massage to the rhythm of rock vibrations.
To the beat of the music of these last two hotels, some of the best gastronomy in Ibiza rotates, distributed among more than eight restaurants. Spaces wrapped in a fun atmosphere where music unleashes continuous live shows, concerts, performances and hundreds of stories to take a little more from Ibiza.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza
Minami Japanese Restaurant stands out for its teppanyaki show cooking and an a la carte menu that brings together the best of East and West with delicious dishes like Minami-style Nikkei ceviche. The most carnivorous will find their favorite dishes in Montauk Steakhouse. And to enjoy the most aphrodisiac appetizers, The Oyster & Caviar Bar, next to the pool of the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, will be the place
There are also options for those who prefer Spanish cuisine. Tatel, with chic decoration inspired by the 20s, It is the setting to taste traditional tapas such as tortillas or croquettes. The Beach, on Playa d'en Bossa itself It is one of the best proposals for Mediterranean cuisine by the sea.
Secondly, Sublimotion by Paco Roncero is a unique culinary show that stimulates the palate and the rest of the senses merging illusions, technology and gastronomy for those who seek those experiences that go further.
To say goodbye to the night there is nothing like doing it trying one of the extravagant cocktails at The Ninth, the rooftop of Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, open to all visitors to the island, which stands before the best views of the sea and the reserve with a bang.
Among the Hard Rock Hotel services, its 'Change the Way' proposal is one of the essentials for drive a Jeep Wrangler through the best corners of the Ses Salines Natural Park and keep forever in memory those colors that have been captivating anyone who sets foot in them for centuries.