ES AMUNTS AND TORRES D´EN LLUC

DEFENSIVE TOWERS LOST IN TIME AND NORTHERN CLIFFS

Further the previous entry (the next in this blog) regarding the tour on January 2 in the north of the island, we saw the rural Ibiza and the magnificent countryside of this island of Aubarca and Corona area. Today we look towards the sea and other impressive places we saw that day... the cliffs.

This area called "Es Amunts" (The highs) extends from Cala Salada at the west of the island to Cala de Sant Vicent at the northeast, provides a visual spectacle full of nature. Es Amunts area is not only limited to the coastal zone but also a very important part of the whole mountain area north of the island, where there are numerous valleys and streams.

One of the most characteristic sites in this area are the islets called Ses Margalides. Today we were further north and could only see one leg of those rocks with the fall of the cliff in front of us.Una de las estampas más características de esta zona es la de los islotes Ses Margalides.

SES TORRES D´EN LLUC

Although the name of "Torres d'en lluc" is concerning to some archeological remains that appears to be an ancient wall, among the fishermen is customary to refer with that name that peninsula towers rocks that abruptly appear in front of us and that can be mistaken as small islands, although its real name is Punta de ses torretes. The real Torres d'en lluc towers are other towers that are very different but very close...

The real towers d'en Lluc are lost back in time. So much that even the experts are unable to locate them back in the time. A former defensive fortification that today we can only see their remains and is considered the oldest existing building on the island. Its defensive function is also difficult to determine, although it must deal with the remnants of a larger construction including walls and towers. A historical mystery to solve and may never find the answers.

Should be note that all this entire area "Es Amunts" (The Highs) is located at least 100 meters high and in some areas reaches 400 meters, very important for this island.

The last image already belongs to another area of Es Amunts and belongs to the area of Aubarca (San Mateo d´Aubarca) viewed from the way to go to the torres den lluc. But that area is another story and another day we will talk about it...

TOUR AROUND "ES AMUNTS"

ES AMUNTS THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND

Es Amunts is the most rugged mountainous area of the island of Ibiza, located at the north side of the island. And endless lush forest and spectacular cliffs above the sea are the best known landscapes of this place, mixed with sea views and the most rural area of the island.

So we organize an excursion around Es Amunts, so we were celebrating the starting of a new year.

A part of the landscapes were very rural and countryside, offering a spectacular green, full of vegetation.

We took chance to search mushrooms, during the walk, although not lack at all of good humor all day long prevailed during the first site of the day, because the second part of the day fatigue takes hold of some if not all on us.

While walking along the paths in the forest, we saw some old buildings that were used by shepherds to keep the herd at night in case they had to sleep out in this area. At least they could have a place to spend the night down a roof.

Although we are in the north of the island, if we look from the top of mountains, the view extends to the south, and we can even see the top of the famous island of "Es Vedra" due its 382 meters above sea level.

Such a large area of forest in summer requires constant vigilance to prevent forest fires or other natural misfortune. Unfortunately as we experienced during last summer we still have some of them, those awful events affects the flora and fauna of this island.

Despite the threatening weather of the previous day, it changed to cloudless skies and the day let us enjoy a magnificent sunny day that filled the landscape on green, very green, mainly because the big amount of mediterranean pine and the island's native flora.

Another thing we can observe, is the holes on to rocks, they were used as a place were animals and herds could drink. Here we call them "es cucons"

Thanks to the cooperation of this lovely lady, we kneew we were in the right direction of our walk. The people of "Es Amunts" is really nice. This lady called Antonia is a neighbor of this place.

And here comes some of the hikers. Loli from Cadiz and Toni from Ibiza.

Carlos from Colombia
and Christina she comes from Denmark.

José and Pedro both locals from Ibiza and here below Conchi show us the two other hikers Luna and Snowy.

The way was not much difficult... and let us enjoy the nature.

In some places the great green offers great views surrounded by olive trees, specially during the afternoon is ending..

The green turns up to yellow due the sunlight.

As we continue the landscape changed a bit, offering pale colour plants that made contrast with the green carob trees.

Just before sunset the vinyeards turn into a landscape with orange colours. These plants still have no leaves, but in future will be green again

The landscape in this area turns impressive with the olive trees with gnarled trunks.

The sunsets in Ibiza are famous, but onto the sea. Today we see a different one, between olive trees. Very nice also.

The part of the cliffs in this excursion will come in another entry very soon.

Below a picture with all the excursion members, except one... That´s me.