IBIZA, Naturally.

Natural Park of Ses Salines

Take a trip to the south of the island and you’ll find Ibiza’s second natural park of Ses Salines. The Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera Natural Park is located between the two islands of Ibiza and Formentera, comprising the southern area of the Ibiza, the north of Formentera and the sea that separates them. Throughout history this area has seen much salt production activity and over the years this has formed a unique landscape where countless species of birds come to nest, historical and cultural landmarks create spectacular points of interest and marine life thrives. The reserve covers 3000 hectares of land and 13,000 marine hectares and the seabeds are home to 220 different species of marine sea life. If you venture to the extreme coastlines of the park, you’ll find an idyllic setting where marine and coastal eco-systems exist in delicate harmony.

Three quarters of the park is made up of marine seascapes, characterised by the existence of the oceanic Posidonia, an area of major marine ecological importance. The existence of this plant creates the supreme clarity of the area’s waters as well as serving as a protected area for a vast range of marine species. The Posidonia also plays a large part in protecting the beaches of Ibiza from wave erosion and in 1999 the site was declared well territory by UNESCO.

Back on land the nature park is home to an impressive array of plant species; in fact it includes almost all of the plant species found on the Pityusic Islands. On the island of Formentera you’ll find coastal pine and juniper groves scattered throughout the park area as well as lush vegetation surrounding lagoons, cliffs and both mobile and semi mobile dunes. It is this dramatic terrain and spectacular landscapes that keep tourists flocking to witness the beauty of the park and the nature that lies within.

Within the park, you’ll find over two hundred species of birds, with waterfowl and seabirds playing a major role. It’s a paradise for bird watchers, with flamingos, the common stork, the white jar, and the black-legged plover taking residence, along with seabirds such as the Audouin’s gull and the Balearic shearwater. Estany Pudent is home to one of the highest concentrations of black-necked grebes in Europe.

Other famous residents include the Pityusic lizard (Podarcis pityusensis), endemic to these islands and with different subspecies on the islets, with characteristics that include the whole possible range of colours from brown to blue. The lizards of Formentera are hardy creatures and live on some of the driest and harshest environments for life. The humble garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) can also be found creeping amongst the wild vegetation, as well as various species of snails and beetles, also endemic to the island.