SEASONS GREETINGS

Once more I would like to wish you all the best for this Christmas, and this time through this picture that you can see at the first floor of Saint Rafael church at the center of Ibiza, (esglesia de Sant Rafel), where is held once a month an anglican church service. This picture is featuring the Nativity on Ibiza, (left side, salinas with the flamingos and at right a windmill, the cave is a ibicencan house, and pine trees, the shepherds are ibicencos with the typical costumes.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

...and see you next year.

SALT PONDS FROM THE AIR

LAS SALINAS FROM THE AIR

The Ibiza salt ponds are the main part of the Natural Park of Ses Salines of Ibiza. Extended over an area of ​​approximately 2,800 acres. Seeing the salt ponds from the ground level, has nothing to do with those, who are lucky to see them from the air, because at this point we deployed a colorful visual landscape, reminiscent of a color palette of a painter. This place is chosen by a large majority of birds during their migrations. Some ponds may be visited regularly by many flamingos that spend time here before moving to Africa.

The ponds vary in color from one to other, through tone colors pink, yellow, green, blue and ocher. The ponds are surrounded by green vegetation mountains and the sea. The result of the evaporation of water from these ponds is obviously the salt that appears in some ponds, the salt will be collected and transported by boat to the Iberian Peninsula or to some other european destinations..

it can happen that some cloud greets us before landing at the nearby airport, today we were lucky and we have gone over this impressive and colorfully place and this is not usual to take this air route. In the image below we see a piece of beach, specifically the "es cavallet beach". Also see the top of the same photograph, where is easy to see the Ibiza airport very close to the salt ponds.

There were the Carthaginians who began to exploit these salt ponds which also still in use today, is therefore the oldest company on the island. Had much impact and importance during the Roman period of the island. Today it is one of the most spectacular scenery on the island, but at ground level the beauty is different from the one we enjoyed from the sky.

PUNIC NECROPOLIS OF "PUIG DES MOLINS"

NECRÓPOLIS PÚNICA DE PUIG DES MOLINS

The old Ebusus was founded by Carthage in 654 BC and the small hill next to Dalt Vila is perhaps the oldest history test on the island, which is also an interestingly proof that life and death are linked. This mountain was the great necropolis and the hill next to the other was where the life was, but with a fragile border that connects the death and the life, the Phoenicians and Carthaginians lived with both.

It was in the seventh century b.C. when it began to be a cemetery. A spectacular set of hypogea and a series of caves which were accessed through openings in the rock, leading to the place where they were buried Carthaginian contemporaries and was used until Roman times of the island.

These archaeological sites were looted in the past, which made very difficult the study of archaeologists. Although it appears that in Ibiza (unlike Cádiz) the offerings were not of great value, but rather as jewelry, offerings to the dead were simply mud vases and other items made ​​of clay.  

The number of graves in this place is estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 but many are yet to be discovered, of which 340 are visible already. The importance of this place is reflected in the title that gave the UNESCO as a "World Heritage" to Ibiza in 1999, but before, in 1977 it was classified as "cultural interest site".

The influence of the Carthaginians gods was powerful. The ancient island name of Ibosim or Ebusus would come to say that Ibiza was the island of Bes (Egyptian god who came here through the Carthaginians) is often depicted with musical objects, chubby, carefree and even with very big head ... sympathetic buffoon and even something as sexual icon. In contrast, the goddess Tanit was the Lady of Ibiza, and much more complex .... The cult of Tanit had two faces. The friendly one that have to do with the moon, fertility, life and happiness, love goddess and protector of Ibiza, but also with a dark side, as she was also goddess of darkness, hell, health and death and thus was protective of the deads. Perhaps thats was why was so inevitable that death in Ibiza was so present as it is in this place "Puig des molins". And as it´s said, the death is part of life.

THE ROMAN ROAD IN FORMENTERA

"SA PUJADA" DE FORMENTERA

Among the islanders is known as "Sa Pujada" the Roman road that in remote times was the only access to the top of the Mola in Formentera. A natural espace in the woods by a historic road on the island of Formentera and with views that will amaze us.

The road does not have too much difficulty, actually is a slope through thick forest during a while and after when it becomes no so thick, lets us see a breathtaking view of the island. It is ideal for an overcast day where we can not enjoy the beach (eg.).

During this way we will see the cliffs on different heights, due the road is always passing near the coast, and in some scraps the way is on a quite considerable height. We're going down to the tourist area of ​​Es Calo. This road in antiquity was much larger than the scrap that remains today of this ancient road.

In December 1993 this road was declared " Bien de interés cultural" (merit of cultural interest) on category of monument.

During our walk we can see amazing things as an old well which dates from 1889. The wells are a constant in this island, where the rain water is a treasure. As a curiosity it is noteworthy that as decor has a plate with the name of Formentera but the picture belongs to a woman with the tipical attire of "Mallorca".

Once at Es Calo if the weather is with us we can take a dip, although the particular day I did not accompany me in the route,. So once reach the sea I was prepared to go back to the top again, although is more complicated, so this time I have to climb up the hill. Anyway I really recommend this route, as contact with nature is assured and the stunning views can be enjoyed from this path.

SNORKEL IN CALA CONTA

SNORKELING IN COMPTE BEACH

There are not many places with the waters so clear as the ones we see in this area. It´s a pleasure to enjoy the islets from inside the water. these islets gives an unusual landscape to this beach. In the image above we see the islet of S'illa des Bosc, which is located directly across from these shores and that if the currents allow us it can be reached by swimming.

Their sandy areas are quite breathtaking, and sometimes get the feeling that never end, and as we can see in the images the visibility inside water is realy clear in this area, much larger than in other areas of the island, this is due the plant "posidonea" which exists in big amount into this area. The posidonea area combines with other great sandy areas into the sea.

Once we are inside the sea, the water provides to our eyes a blue and white setting. These colors of waters and sands are really beautiful and seem the Caribbean at the Mediterranean. All the frequent readers, who often visit my blog (which I appreciate) know my passion for these beaches, the only thing that I can complain is the large number of people who visit in high season this place, something absolutely normal, because this place is so nice that many people want to enjoy of it.

As they get used to us, the fishes will be coming to us ....

As we see in these images the beauty of the beaches of compte is not only in its landscape outside the sea, but also inside.

CALA LLENTRISCA

CALA LLENTRISCA

It´s true that Ibiza now in August is crowded. It is obviously high season. But still are places where we still can find, much as a handful of people, or even less, far of the big crowds, who comes to the Island to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the island. One of these hidden places is Cala Llentrisca.

But to get this we have to roam a long dust lane, from the top of a mountain to the bottom to reach this beach, and certainly we can not drive till here. Some parts of the way, are through some trails that are a bit hard, but because the high temperatures, one can feel harder than it is, anyway it´s also a nice place to visit in winter and much easy.

When we reach here the quiteness is assured, so we find here only some few locals, and some tourists seeking the hidden corners of the island. There also some people who access it by boat, due it is much easier to get here by boat, than to walk.

The boathouses are present throughout the width of the beach, and these tiny buildings is where the local fishermen protect their small boats.

Here there are not modern buildings, restaurants or hotels all around this area, and that is why the forest almost touches the sea. In this cove we find sections with white sand and small pebbles in others, but always with a clear water that allows us to see the bottom.

Who enjoy beach clubs with restaurants, bars and music, this is definetly not their place. On the contrary who enjoys tranquility and nature contact, they will find a place to relax far of the urban places. Here we may live with the few fishermen if they go to sea, and see how they pick up and drop the fishing gear on the beach or in a boat.

This cove is surrounded by a rocky amphitheater that stands behind us and that will protects us from the western wind.

The boats stranded on the sand, give it a color that contrasts with the green of the forest nearby, or the blue or turquoise sea. Definitely a place to enjoy nature.

accessing or leave this place is through a long path that awaits us, but we will be gratified with stunning views of several nearby places. One impressive view is the one to the stunning islets of Es Vedra and Vedranell, that we can glimpse through the woods several times. This is one of the many corners, of the hidden Ibiza..

TANIT THE CARTHAGINIAN GODDESS

TANIT GODDESS

GODDESS OF IBIZA

From the V century a.c. when the Carthaginians brought the cult of the goddess tanit to Ibiza, this image has become a symbol and icon of the island. Unfortunately during many years has been kept in a museum and bolted closed and now finally after many years has reopened the doors, so it can visited it again, in the Archaeological Museum des Puig des Molins in Ibiza Town . Ibiza is not the only place that worshiped this goddess but also in a wide area Mediterranean and North Africa, especially in Tunisia (from the then powerful Carthage came the Carthaginians to Ibiza), Lebanon, Sardinia, Sicily (which is where it´s believe this image came from) or even in the current Spanish east coast. Tanit was the goddess of love, fertility, death, prosperity, harvest and the moon, and she was the most important divinity for the Carthaginians. Also paid him bloody offerings as firstborn children when things were not going well, in rituals held in the cave is Cuieram (north of the island, where were found numerous representations of this goddess) when the ancient people believed that their goddess was angry. The cult became obsolete with time, but recovered when the hippies came to the island on the 50´s and 60´s. In fact this image has become an icon of the island.

DRAGON OF IBIZA

GECKKONIDAE IN IBIZA

Any visitor or inhabitant of a house in the countryside of Ibiza may be surprised to see how the inhabitants of the island, are living among these small animals a bit "weird" or "ugly" but very friendly, although very fearful . If you run into any of them, at first sight can cause rejection due the strange appearance, but they are completely harmless. In Ibiza the locals call them "dragons"

These are newts exemplars of the kind "Tarentola mauritanica" inhabiting the Mediterranean basin, where the original habitat is southern Europe and northern Africa. Ibiza is no exception and it is common to see many of them, especially at dusk when they hunt insects, and it is for this reason that locals appreciate much these animals. They´re also very often in the trunks of carob and olive trees, and of course on the white walls both outside and inside the houses of Ibiza. It´s said that´s bad luck harm them or kill them, as well like some animals like swallows or lizards. During winter it is quite difficult to spot them, due they usually hibernate, although on sunny days they can be seen some..

GOING DOWN SES BALANDRES

BAJANDO POR "SES BALANDRES"

It is certainly one of the most impressive sites of the island, though little known (thankfully). A place which is located almost 200 meters above sea level, you can go down the road, but be aware you´ll encounter difficulty, especially if you are not friend of heights.

This time, it was a day in early June with the place decorated by intense local flora unusual the rest of the year, but in winter is a place where there are many ferns, due the high humidity, though in summer is much drier. Thus, one of the best times to visit the place would be between March and July, although any time of year worth a visit.

The first difficulty is not really serious, and incorporates a wooden staircase that obviously if there were no access would not be possible. Although not seen in the images, we are between two huge walls of rock, which would delight for intrepid climbers.

Some minutes ago, the flora was invading the landscape, but the pines now are joining us at this site till almost the bottom of the precipice. Meanwhile if you look back we see the ladder by which we went down, far in the distance with the impressive background of rock wall.

Between the branches of the green pines, we can see the blue sea. The pines and sea views offer us delicious sites, as we approach the sea through the small path. On this tour the rush or short time, would be bad company...

The pines are disappearing when we go down to the sea that from half height appears to us in a turquoise color and so clear that we can see the bottom. Below are places that are suitable for swimming. Of course forget about beach bars, lifeguards or anything that usually exists in a conventional beach. Here nature and silence are the only fellow hikers.

This route is not suitable for everyone. If some people do not want to go down, should not be insisted, however if you have managed to get to a point and you want to wait for the rest of the people back, meanwhile you can be enjoying amazing views over the sea and the landscape over cliffs that offers this place until the others will come back.

At one point of the hike, a rope is a impressive help, maybe it's the most delicate moment of the route, and each one must decide whether to continue or stay up. In the picture you can see the verticality of the wall that has some holes to put the tip of your foot while people go down clutching the rope.

In any case always at this point before the rope, the landscape changes and a kind of horizontal rock drawing, is traced on the wall of the precipice, forming a curious line drawing.

Not much flora we find it here, and pines have vanished, they are left upstairs with the people who was not be able to come down here.

Once we arrived at this place for a swim (depending on the time or day chosen), we can have a break to enjoy the stunning cliffs from down here. It's time to rest and recuperate and also prepare to go up again. Here we can see the dock houses (see next entry) that are in this place and they are the reason for the ropes and ladders to facilitate the descent of the few fishermen that come here, from the small village of Santa Agnes de Corona.