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.

 

FISHERMEN´S HUTS OF SES BALANDRES

VARADEROS IN SES BALANDRES

After a long descent, with some difficulty, we are just at the sea shore. A clear sea invites us to take a bath. One of the things that can surprise us is the large number of fishermen's huts that we find here, after realize how difficult is to arrive here. Is not even easy for owners of small boats, where here they have their little boats as well as all fishing equipment that they need.

Some of these little houses were done long time ago, due they have their rails quite away of the sea, and just rocks from above are now in front of them, so there´s no way to the sea for the boat, but because of its no use during the last years. these rails are lost. But perhaps the dock house has other uses such as the weekend, as an atypical fireplace may indicate that may serve as a place to spend sometime and make some food, and of course enjoy swimming.

About four houses are together in a kind of large dock. Surprising side booths next to the great wall of the precipice, perhaps used to store equipment such as nets and other fishing gadgets.

The rocky area of the lower area of the precipice, makes a strong contrast with the deep blue sea, but it matches the color of rock of  "ses Margalides" islets, which are located right in front of us.

Some strong doors, denote the sea salt, which makes them look more rough and rust spreads throughout the wood.

Some booths surprised by its location. This little house is very curious because it is unusually located inland, and also stands a rocky top quite high over it.

Much closer to the sea these three houses that are in a group of houses is also curious and would not be easy construction in that time, decades ago.
In any case all the docks of this area enjoy spectacular views, an incredible blue and green color and a place that could well be something close to the paradise.

FIG TREES IN FORMENTERA

FIG TREES OF FORMENTERA

This entry is dedicated to these trees that exists in big number in both Ibiza and Formentera. But it´s in Formentera may be, due to that dry land that the size of these tree have huge dimensions and is easy to see it. Not only the size of the tree will draw to the traveler attention but also with which careful dedication of the land owners care the tree branches in order to not reach the ground, placing them props for the branches not to fall and rise above ground level.

The fig tree is a tree biblical, which already is an example of resurrection, as in winter the tree looks died, and only we can see their bare trunks during its rest, but in summer lives again, from the spring, where suddenly transforms into a green plant with its huge green leaves covering the tree and also offers its delicious fruits, the figs..

winding brunches are visible to those who will approach these trees, although not need more care than those whose owner don´t want them their branches are off the ground (so it will be much easier to be picked up the fruit), for this tree so resistant that also will offer some delicious figs and also a welcome shade in the countryside, while all around exists the burning sun of summer season, here both people and animals usually rest under the tree shadow, where often many sheeps and goats grazing on the island have their rest on midday.

Some centenarians fig trees became very popular on the island. Some of them were underpinned by over 200 braces, in this case would be the famous fig tree, of Formentera, a tree that some decades ago became a legend, and although I have searched I have not found it (yet), or maybe I've seen it and did not know it was that one; the truth is that in any of the roads of Formentera is located with authentic giants specimens of figtrees. In any case it is hard to understand how the most famous icon of Formentera are the lizards (which are beautiful and very abundant) and has put aside this tree that is a true symbol of this island.

MOTORCYCLING IN IBIZA

MOTOCROSS EN IBIZA

Despite the fame of its nightclubs and nightlife, Ibiza is increasingly popular among athletes, due some events that began with no much interest, but nowadays are increasingly more popular and international. For example, there are important sporting events on the island like Ibiza Island as the "quadriatlón Isla de Ibiza" and others, where even foreigners athletes are coming into Ibiza to participate in them, and the triathlon called "home of ferro" (iron man) which hosts the championship of Spain.

In Ibiza is also practiced sea sports, such as windsurfing, katesurf, diving .., etc.. But Ibiza is an ideal place for hiking, trekking, nordic walking and even often both road cycling as "mountain bike", but also popular motocross motorcycling as prove these images of this entry.

Due the mountainous morphology of the island, there are many paths between mountains and unpaved, which are the delight of motorcycle enthusiasts. Nothing like feeling a little speed on paths surrounded by nature and autoctonous flora such as pines and junipers around.

The back ones must stand the dust raised wheels of those ahead, producing a while charged atmosphere, while they go either up or down through the hard road full of stones.

Occasionally some members of the group prefers to stop and relax for enjoying those magnificent views that the island offers in some prime locations, leaving aside their companions with the engines noise, to enjoy for a while of the scenery with the silence in contrast to the activity of motorcycling.

BEACHES OF CALA CONTA

BEACHES OF CONTA, COMPTE OR COMTE

No way I can hide my great appreciation for this place. I´m aware that I repeat with this (albeit with new images) about this place. There are several islets that surround this beach, and in some cases (just few of them) they are reach by swimming, though not the case of the far islet Espartar.

The white sand of the beach contrasts with the green and turquoise blue sea. Any time is good to visit this beach, although in July and August they are a bit crowded. So if you are not too fond of the masses of people, you should avoid going at that time but in winter is simply a joy to go to this place, especially if the day is sunny.

From this beach we can enjoy beautiful sunsets, due it´s located at the west side of the Island. From here also we can see the distant and small archipelago of islands called "Bledes" (chard). So, this beach is surrounded by many of the most popular islets of Ibiza.

For those who don´t enjoy much the fine sand, there are also some rocky areas. When there are waves into this beach when the western wind blows is also a nice place to visit, so the waves gives an extra amount of beauty to the landscape. In summer also is a great place to practice snorkeling or for swimming.

very near there is also a small cove called Raco d'en Xic, is naturist place and there are beautiful views towards the islet of s´Espartar.

Another of the "large" islets that can be seen from the beach is the "illa des bosc" (forest island) and this one it´s accessible by swimming. I never get tired to visit this site and to walk the surroundings in winter, it´s really a privilege enjoy these spectacular sceneries.

SUNSET IN CALA D´HORT

TWILIGHT IN CALA D´HORT

Arriving the summer season, Ibiza is ready for its famous sunsets. Anyway for those who have visited the island in winter, I´m sure that they have been amazed at the sunsets on the winter months, even better in bad weather, where clouds and winds improve the beautiful sunsets.

These images are a good example of this. The stormy sea, the sky full of clouds and sun hiding down into the sea. This becomes a spectacular symphony of colors of clouds and raging sea.

All these images are taken in a relatively short time interval in one afternoon when sun going down. Even just as the sun has been hiding in the sea, different colors of the sky are changing in seconds.

For those who are now in Ibiza during April and May, it will be possible to watch unrepeatable sunsets, and have nothing to envy to the such famous midsummer sunsets. These ones now, are the bests sunsets of the year.