In today's article we take you on a tour of Ibiza's defence towers, defensive constructions that date back to the 16th century. The defence towers had a surveillance function (both for pirates and for other unknown vessels) and usually had battlements and machicolations for this purpose.

Ibiza's defence towers have become a very important part of the island's historical heritage, so from Ibiza Blue Line we can do nothing but recommend that you visit them. There are 7 in total, let's get to know them all!

At the end of the article you will find a map of the defence towers so that you have a quick reference of their location in our geography.

Torre d'en Rovira

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Photo credits: wikimedia.org

It is located in the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, on a cliff between the popular beaches of Cala Bassa (originally Sa Bassa) and Cala Conta (originally Platges de Comte). The Torre d'en Rovira also gives its name to the point of the cliff where it is located.

To visit the Torre d'en Rovira it takes about 20 minutes on foot, but the panoramic views of the coast and the Bay of Sant Antoni are so beautiful that it is well worth the walk. 

Torre d'en Valls

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Photo credits: visitsantaeulalia.com

Also known as Torre de Campanitx, the Torre d'en Valls is located just above the "cap Roig" (in Sant Carles), a natural environment of incredible scenic value in the north of Ibiza. From the tower itself you can enjoy a privileged view of the islet of Tagomago.

As a curiosity, if you visit the Torre d'en Valls on a day with good visibility, you can even make out the island of Mallorca. 

Torre des Carregador

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Photo credits: santjosep.net

One of Ibiza's best-preserved defence towers thanks to a restoration project by the Consell Insular (Island Council). The Torre des Carregador (also known as Torre de Sa Sal Rossa) is located at the end of Platja d'en Bossa, in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia.

The Torre des Carregador is easily accessible by car (there is a path that starts at the church in the village of Sant Francesc de s'Estany) and offers marvellous views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Torre des Molar

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Photo credits: ibiza.travel

The Torre des Molar, also known as Torre de Balansat or Torre de Sant Miquel, is located in Port de Sant Miquel, presiding over a cliff almost 100 metres above sea level.

To reach the Torre des Molar you have to go on foot as a hike, making it ideal for those who enjoy hiking. It is also possible to access this defence tower of Ibiza and enjoy the unique views from the top of the building.

Torre de Portinatx

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Photo credits: wikimedia.org

In the quiet village of Portinatx we find another defence tower. The Torre de Portinatx, which was mainly used for observation and surveillance, protected the bay and the natural harbour of this area of special interest.

Simple on its construction, the Torre de Portinatx did not have a place for cannons or other types of artillery. 

Torre de Ses Portes

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Photo credits: santjosep.net

A must-see for those who enjoy nature, as the Torre de Ses Portes is located in the heart of the Ses Salines Natural Park, in the vicinity of the beach of the same name and the idyllic Es Cavallet.

Historically, the Torre de Ses Portes has been used to protect the ponds of the salt ponds and the Es Freus pass, and it is one of the oldest defence towers on Ibiza known to exist.

Torre des Savinar

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Photo credits: wikimedia.org

We have left for last what is probably Ibiza's most visited defence tower. This is the Torre des Savinar, colloquially known as the Pirate's Tower. Its acclaimed fame is due to the unbeatable views it offers of the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell.

Access is not easy, but the route is well worth it. And there are few places like the Torre des Savinar (which rises almost 200 metres above sea level) to enjoy a magical sunset... That's where we'll leave it!

Map of Ibiza's defence towers

Save this post in your bookmarks to check the map with the location of all the defence towers of Ibiza whenever you want. And if you want a different (and spectacular!) point of view, come and rent a boat in Ibiza with us and discover them by sea!

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