In its 154 km², Sant Josep de sa Talaia offers a whole range of natural attractions in addition to its 32 beaches and more than 80 km of coastline. Every year thousands of visitors come to the largest municipality on the island to admire the natural beauty of the inland area: its forests, mountains, fields and valleys. A natural treasure that is accompanied by a rich cultural heritage reflecting centuries of history in a place that was a melting pot of many different cultures and civilizations. It is worth taking the time to discover this natural and cultural wealth in every village, road, church and beach, in an unhurried and leisurely way. But one of the best ways to get a broader perspective, quite literally, is to take advantage of the numerous watchtowers and observation points from which, with minimum effort, you can enjoy wide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery of the lands and waters of Sant Josep. Let’s visit some of these places and see what can be observed from each one.

Sa Talaia

At 475 metres, Sa Talaia, near the town of Sant Josep, is the highest point in the municipality and on the island of Ibiza. From its summit, easily accessible by a well-marked path, visitors can enjoy splendid views of the four cardinal points of the island. However, the most spectacular views are those to be seen looking westwards, with the great bay of Sant Antoni to the right, with Cap Nonó standing out in the background, and in the centre the beautiful cluster of islands called the Illots de Ponent, which include Sa Conillera, S’Espartar and S’Illa des Bosc. And undoubtedly one of the greatest attractions of the walk to the top of Sa Talaia are the sunsets. Meanwhile, looking south, the views include the salt ponds, with the Es Codolar beach, and the large cliffs of the mountain range that separates it from Salinas beach, in the foreground. In the background, is the Freus passage, with the islet of Espalmador and the island of Formentera occupying a large stretch of the horizon.

Puig d’en Serra

This mountainous massif faces the village of Es Cubells and can be reached by a turnoff from the road linking this charming rural town with Cala d’Hort. The effort of the climb is well worth it for the exceptional views over the southern coast of the municipality, starting with the farmland that precedes the cliffs of Es Cubells and extending to coastal areas with sheer, rugged sea cliffs. There is a perfect view of Porroig Bay, the cliff overlooking Cala Jondal, the salt ponds and Es Codolar beach, which gives way to the spectacular vertical cliffs overlooking Cap des Falcó. Further on, there are the islets that separate Ibiza from Formentera, with the latter presiding over the horizon with the deep blue sea in the foreground.

Torre des Savinar

One of the most emblematic and internationally famous views of the island is the one that can be seen from this unique viewpoint full of history and mysticism. A winding path leads along the heights that border the sea in the area of Cala d’Hort to an 18th century watchtower, which is also known by the evocative name of Torre del Pirata (Pirate’s Tower). Virtually hanging over the edge of the cliff, the tower stands out against the deep blue of the sea and the spectacular backdrop of the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell. The impressive mass of Es Vedrà is the most eye-catching feature, and the tower is the perfect setting for contemplating the Mediterranean Sea and watching beautiful sunsets.

Sa Capelleta d’en Serra

From the area of Benimussa, beside the road of the same name, there is a signposted path that leads to another very special spot: Sa Capelleta d’en Serra. On the ascent, as you gain height, new horizons open up before you. After climbing the final section, with a stone staircase, you reach the area where this small chapel stands. From here, towards the south, you can see beautiful panoramic views over the green fields and undulating forests that give way to the sea. You can see the symmetry of the salt ponds in all their detail and the fine line of pebbles that separate them from the sea and form the beach of Es Codolar. You will see the Ses Portes watchtower at the end of the Salinas beach, the islets of the Es Freus sea passage and the broad silhouette of Formentera standing out on the horizon. Looking towards Sant Josep you can see the town centre and the peak of Sa Talaia. And, in all directions, the beauty of Ibiza’s countryside, where the farmland alternates with lush forests.