Ibiza’s Can’t Miss Emblematic Buildings

My only trip to the Baleares Islands has been to party mecca Ibiza, and island with seemingly more sheep than residents, more discos than churches. But there’s more to this ancient islands past the nightclubs and party offers.

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One can find a lot of interesting buildings and medieval constructions to visit if a decision to take a trip to the island is made. Based mostly in monuments and emblematic constructions, Ibiza’s architecture brings us some of the most impressive buildings in Spain. In fact, the historic city is one of Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage City, thanks to its medieval constructions and Phoenician origins.

There’s a wealth of information about some of these buildings on Ibiza’s Official Tourism Site, and also you can check out some of their recommendations for visiting the island.

The Dalt Vila Walls

Located in the city of Ibiza to protect it from attacks in the past, these amazing walls, built in the XVI century and declared a World Heritage area by the UNESCO, is an attraction that no tourist should ever miss. The walled area, with a heptagonal form, has a defensive bastion in every one of its angles.

The Puig de Missa

Located in the town of Santa Eularia des Riu, this church-cum-fortress of the XVI/XVII century is located in the hill nearby the town, therefore placing it in the perfect spot to prevent pirate attacks and refuge the townsfolk from their pillages, safe in the top of the hill.

Aside from the church, the town of Santa Eularia, known for its historic district formed by white houses and pleasant streets, is quaint and full of artisan shops that will prove very interesting for those who love anything medieval.

Des Savinar Tower

Located in the Hort Cove Natural Reserve, near the town of San Antonio, this impressive tower was completed in 1756. Originally intended to be an artillery tower, it never housed cannons, so it’s use was limited to a watch tower. With views of the Es Vedra and Es Vedranell rock, and a height of 200 meters above the sea level, the tower brings us a lovely vista of the sea, and sunsets deserving to be on the best postcards.

The beaches in Ibiza

Due to the large distance between the Hort Cove and the town of San Antonio, we need to rent a car in order to move around the cove and to the natural reserve. We can also make the most of our trip and enjoy the cove, where we will find a beach with thin sand and crystalline waters.

The Ibiza Cathedral

The Ibiza cathedral, built above an old arabian temple, is the shining jewel of the old town. With a beautiful Gothic style, this cathedral finished its construction in the XVIII century, and we can find important medieval art pieces in its interior, like the Saint Gregory altarpiece, or a collection of golden silver from the XIV century. Like many other churches in Ibiza, it has an special tower built as a refuge for the townsfolk from pirates.

Aside from these magnificent constructions, in Ibiza we can find a lot of pristine beaches and fun nightlife, but for those of us who like to enjoy medieval zones and old buildings will undoubtedly enjoy something other than foam parties.

Have you ever been to Ibiza?

Other posts of interest: A Tenerife Road Trip // Spain’s Architectural Sites // Autonomous Community Spotlight: Islas Baleares

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About Cat Gaa

As a beef-loving Chicago girl living amongst pigs, bullfighters, and a whole lotta canis, Cat Gaa writes about expat life in Seville, Spain. When not cavorting with adorable Spanish grandpas or struggling with Spanish prepositions, she works in higher education at an American university in Madrid and freelances with other publications, like Rough Guides and The Spain Scoop.

Comments

  1. I’ll be going to Ibiza in April. Can’t wait. Love your photos.
    Corinne recently posted..Spend Valentine’s in a Love Hotel!My Profile

  2. We were more taken by the slow living of the interior than the fast-paced San Antonio on our visit.
    Gran Canaria Local recently posted..Five fave Gran Canaria rural retreatsMy Profile

  3. I wish I’d seen some of these when I went to Ibiza, it may have made me like it a little more than I did!
    Ashley recently posted..It’s Carnaval!My Profile

  4. Melanie Murrish says:

    I visited Ibiza (San Antonio) in 1987 when I was 17 with my friends, my first holiday without parents-we partied hard but we also saw the beauty of the island. I returned with my hubby, my daughter who was 3 and my mum and step-dad in 2005, we stayed in Santa Eulària and loved it…..it was verrrry expensive, but we managed to visit Ibiza town and a bit of the interior. Lovely island that was the catalyst of my love affair with Spain. :)

  5. Ibiza and the Baleares Islands aren’t on the top of my list for places I want to see in Spain, but eventually I will get there. Reading about other things to do there than just party make it more appealing to me. Thanks, Cat!
    Mike of Mapless Mike recently posted..The First Written Spanish in San Millán de la CogollaMy Profile

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  1. […] Cat mentioned, Ibiza holds more than just night life and party drinks. It also offers plenty of grape-friendly stops as well.  There are multiple wineries boasting […]

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