Just like in other parts of Spanish territory, Ibiza has different defense towers built with stones during the 16th to 19th centuries. During this period, the island suffered from the siege of corsairs, pirates, and enemies it had earned. The pirate towers of Ibiza built on the island were of great importance in the face of any type of attack.
The pirate towers of Ibiza, also called watchtowers or defense towers, were a great help in protecting the island. Ibiza was a very important enclave in the trade routes of the Mediterranean Sea. Several civilizations besieged the island in attempts to conquer it, but not all were successful.
Stories of the pirate towers of Ibiza
The objective of these towers was to inform the island’s inhabitants of the arrival of enemy ships. With this information, the population could seek refuge in churches or fortresses and prepare for the attack. The signal was made by lighting a fire at the very top of these constructions.
Some pirate towers of Ibiza remain open for visitation, although they are privately owned. Hundreds of stories speak of the pirate towers of Ibiza. From their highest points, you can enjoy spectacular views.
Currently, there are nine watchtowers along the coast of the island. Most of them are privately owned and cannot be visited. However, you can still visit the sites where they are located and enjoy spectacular views of both the coast of Ibiza and these marvelous constructions created in centuries past.
If we include the towers in the defense line of Formentera and s’Espalmador, there are a total of 14 towers.
We will take a walk through some of the most important defense towers of Ibiza built in past centuries.
The pirate towers of Ibiza and their majesty
If you visit the island, you should not miss the opportunity to see some of the pirate towers of Ibiza. Among the watchtowers on the island, two are my favorites: Torre Es Savinar with access to the interior and views of Es Vedra, and Torre de Ses Portes on Las Salinas Beach.
Torre des Carregador de sa Sal
Esta torre fue construida en el siglo XVI y tenía como objetivo proteger las cargas de sal que partían desde aquí. Este cargamento era muy deseado por los piratas berberiscos que existían en aquella época, a veces llamados corsarios otomanos. Piratas y corsarios musulmanes acechaban los barcos que partían de la isla, actuando desde el Norte de África. Si te encuentras cerca de esta torre tendrás unas vistas espectaculares de Formentera, de Dalt Vila y de la playa d´en Bossa. Esta torre ha sido declarada como Bien de Interés Cultural en la categoría de Monumento.
Torre Des Molar
With breathtaking sea views, this is one of my favorites. Additionally, we can spot some luxurious villas where we would surely love to spend our holidays in Ibiza. The path to reach it is accessible for almost everyone, as long as we’re accustomed to walking. In terms of hiking, we can consider it to be of medium difficulty.
Torre Es Savinar
Similar to the previous one, it is also privately owned, but through a walk, you can reach it from the platform on the cliff, whose trail connects it to the road. From there, you will have the opportunity to take spectacular photos of the islet of Es Vedrá, a less frequented place than the Es Vedra viewpoint. Any time of the year is a good time to visit. In summer, it is more crowded, but on autumn evenings, the peace is a gift from heaven.
Torre de Ses Portes
his wonderful tower is located in the Ses Salines Natural Park, between the pristine beaches of Es Cavallet and Ses Salines. If you want to see it up close, all you have to do is put on some good sneakers and stroll along the coast. This beautiful route will not only allow you to enjoy this wonderful, well-preserved monument, but you will also have the opportunity to see the passage of Ses Freus.
You will see how two currents come together as if they were two different seas. Next to this tower, you will also have the opportunity to see the traditional fishermen’s huts. These were built inside the rock itself a long time ago. You can take impressive photographs of the whole place.
La torre d’en Rovira
Another interesting tower built in the past century and very well preserved is the La torre d’en Rovira. It is privately owned, so you won’t be able to visit it. However, you will have the opportunity to reach it through the hiking route that connects the beaches of Cala Comte and Cala Bassa. The latter is one of the most spectacular beaches on the island, which we have talked about in previous articles.This tower is located precisely between Bassa Cove and Comte Beach. You will have extraordinary views of the Conillera d’es Bosc and S’Espartar islands.
Are you familiar with the defense towers built on the island?
ow you have another excuse to visit the island, not only for its spectacular beaches with crystal-clear waters, its markets, its famous restaurants, or beach bars. As an alternative route, you can explore its impressive monuments or the aforementioned towers, built to defend the island from pirate attacks.
If you enjoy walking or hiking, you have two alternatives. Lose yourself on the paths in the island’s interior and sample the varied gastronomy offered by the roadside bars or restaurants. Or walk near the cliffs in search of the perfect cove to watch the Ibiza sunsets.