This nature park is situated between the Islands of Ibiza and Formentera and includes the sea channel that seperates them.
Declared an Item of World Heritage by UNESCO, the area provides a good example of the interaction between marine and coastal ecosystems. The sea reperesents 75% of the park's total area and is special because of the dense prairies of oceanic Posidonia (seagrass), an important endemic species found only in the Mediterranean.
On land, the salt flats of Las Salinas are a popular attraction on the Island of ibiza. The salt produced has been a huge export for the island for thousands of years and the revenues generated even helped to finance the completion of the walls of Dalt Vila. The protected area within the National Park includes the salt flats, beaches, wetlands, dunes and forests incorporating 1,786 hectares of land.
For bird enthusiasts the Natural Park is home to hundreds of species of birds and there are plenty of walks you can take which will reveal the beauty of this area.
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Worth knowing
Some areas have limited access to visitors. This is especially true for the pond at Espalmador island, where people used to bathe in mud, an activity that is now forbidden. There is a roped path to walk from the beach to the pond without disrupting the dunes ecosystem.
Watch out for
There is a visitor centre in San Jose where they explain the area. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and from Friday to Sunday 10:00-14:00 and 18:00-21:00, from June to September. From October to May, weekends from 10:00 to 14:00.
Visitor comments
- "This place is just beautiful. There are many different beaches from small to very big. The water is crystal clear and deep blue to turquoise. We always go in October to Formentera, then you don't have to pay for entrance and parking. During high season they charge you when you come by car. However it is worth the money." - Trip Advisor
- "It is very nice to drive around the reserve and you can see beautiful big white fields of salt. It is also possible to buy local products, such as salts with different flavours, chips, chocolate etc." - Trip Advisor
- "Popular beach, but quiet. If you want to have a day at the beach without all the noise, music and party promoters, but still be close to Ibiza - this is the place to go." - Trip Advisor
