The watchtowers that tell the story of Ibiza’s culture and history can be visited at various points of the island. Some of these towers are adjacent to Ibiza’s best-known beaches and form part of the coastal defence system set up by the Spanish Crown from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Their architecture takes us back in time, revealing how the communications systems worked between the tower guardians and the population when they had to warn the Ibizan people of imminent danger. The Torre des Carregador can be found at the southern end of Platja d’en Bossa, one of the most popular beaches for both tourists and residents. It was built in the 16th century to safeguard the workers of the salt pans who were constantly at the mercy of pirate attacks. This tower is one of the oldest on the island, and with its high its arched ceilings it was able to provide shelter for up to 200 people.
There is another watch tower, the Torre de ses Portes, in the Ses Salines natural park between the beaches of Ses Salines and Es Vavallet, which is one of the tallest of its kind, and which was also built to defend the populace from pirate assaults. Built in the 17th century at the point where the island of Ibiza is closest to Formentera, it protected the Ses Salines salt pans as well as the Es Freus passage between the two islands.
The Torre d’en Valls, another of the island’s defences, was built in the 18th century, although it was rebuilt in 1982 following an explosion. It can be reached by car, or on foot from Pou des Lleó which provides a chance to enjoy the Ibizan countryside on the way. Visiting the tower provides not only the chance to admire its history and architecture but also spectacular views of the island of Tagomago. This building is also known as the Torre de Sant Carles named after this Ibizan parish.
The Torre de Portinatx, in Sant Joan de Labritja, is an 18th century fortress equipped with canons and other artillery to detect and fight the enemy. It is a simple two storey building with a door in the upper floor, reached by rope ladder.
The Torre des Savinar was built 200 metres above sea level near Cala d’Hort beach and provides views of the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell. This tower is one of the best look out points with amazing vistas, and despite being armed with canons, it was used solely as a watch tower.
The Torre d’en Rovira is set between Platges de Comte and Cala Bassa. It was built in the 18th century and was manned by two watch keepers who were constantly on the lookout for pirate attacks. The islets of Sa Conillera, S’Espartar, S’Illa des Bosc and Ses Bledes, as well as Bahía de Portmany can all be seen from the tower. It is also known as the Torre de Comte because of its location.
Finally, the Torre des Molar is one of the most beautiful towers in Ibiza set on a cliff top 95 metres above sea level between Punta de Sa Creu and Port de Sant Miquel. As this tower, also known as Torre de Balansat, is at the top of a mountain and can only be reached after a long climb, ending in some very steep steps. From its base there are amazing views of S’Illa des Bosc, S’Illa Murada, Port de Sant Miquel and the Benirràs coast.
Discovering these watch towers at any time of year is one way of discovering the island’s most interesting history and enjoying nature the surrounding countryside.