The West Coast of Ibiza
Interesting article describing the Ibiza west coast region.
Regions of Ibiza - The West Coast
Ibiza West Coast - The west coast of Ibiza is renowned for its magnificent beaches, many of which are tucked away in isolated coves along a rugged coastline backed by pine laden mountain slopes. Perhaps the most beautiful region of Ibiza, this coastline has a number of small friendly resorts together with the 2nd largest town on the island - Sant Antoni de Portmany (often called San Antonio or simply ‘San An’).
Sant Antoni de Portmany is second only to Ibiza Town for its night-clubs and entertainment, but like its counterpart, is an ancient town which was known to the Romans as Portus Magnus, and established due to its fine natural harbour. Despite being somewhat over developed and a little tacky, Sant Antoni still has some historic buildings such as the fourteenth century fortified church of Sant Antoni Abat, which stands on a hill in the Plaça de Església, as well as a place of worship, the church was used as a refuge for local inhabitants when threatened by Barbary pirates, the church even at one time had guns positioned on its roof.
In the south of the Bay of Portmany at Punta des Moli, is the ‘moli de sa Punta’ one of three ancient flour mills of the municipality, renovated and open to the public, who can also view the ‘sènia’, used for the extraction of underground water using a mule and the ‘trull’ used for the production of olive oil.
One of Sant Antoni’s best known landmarks is the Christopher Columbus Egg, located on a roundabout at the entrance to the town, it contains a model of the famous explorer’s ship - the Santa Maria. There are a number of excellent beaches in and around Sant Antoni de Portmany such as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta, not far north of Sant Antoni are several undeveloped beaches notably Cala Salada and Ses Fontanelles, perfect spots to get away from it all and enjoy the beautiful Ibiza weather.
To the north of Sant Antoni is the small village of Santa Agnes de Corona, an unspoilt village with a quaint little church, the village is set in a high fertile valley surrounded by almond groves.
Some lesser known but attractive coastal resorts that are well worth visiting include Cala Vedella, located at the mouth of a narrow inlet, it has a fabulous beach backed by low-rise accommodation, Cala Moli, another tiny resort bounded by steep cliffs and pine forests, also boasting a stunning beach and Port d’es Torrent where many of the rich and famous own holiday villas, this peaceful and sheltered resort is named after a stream which rises in the Sa Talaissasa, it has a superb sandy beach.
Off the western tip of Ibiza is a mysterious islet called Illa Es Vedrà, its claim to fame is that it featured in the 1958 film Bali Ha’i.
Also worth a visit is the inland town of Sant Josép de sa Talaia, a traditional Ibiza town with a laid back atmosphere and a friendy population, here you can visit the 18th century church or maybe watch a traditional Ibizan folkdance called the ‘ball pagés’ performed by men and women in elaborate costumes. Ten kilometres from Sant Josép de sa Talaia is the Punic-Roman settlement of Ses Paises de Cala Hort, site of both Punic and Roman cemeteries. Along Ibiza’s coast there are several defensive watch towers and one notable one in this region is Es Savinar (known as ‘Pirates Tower’), constructed in 1763 it stands on a slim piece of rock which rises 200 metres out of the sea facing Illa Es Vedrá.
Ibiza Links: Ibiza Guide - Ibiza Map - Ibiza Weather - Ibiza Travel Articles
Ibiza Property: Ibiza Apartment
Ibiza Golf: Ibiza Golf - Spanish Golf Courses
Ibiza Hotels: El Pinar Cala Llonga - Hotel Presidente Portinatx
Other Areas of Ibiza: Ibiza North and East
Ibiza Places: Cala Llonga - Es Cana - Ibiza Town - Portinatx - San Antonio - Santa Eulalia
Related: Balearic Islands - Mallorca - Menorca - Formentera - Builders
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