San José

Just like Ibiza’s other municipalities, San José (or Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, in Catalan) in addition to its superb beaches, boasts a wealth of culture and heritage. The area also includes Ibiza’s most emblematic islets, and probably claim to have the most prolific offer of nightlife on the island. In this municipality, formed by the towns of Sant Jordi, Sant Francesc, Sant Agustí, Sant Josep and Es Cubells, we can also find the Ses Salines Natural Park, where we can see huge colonies of flamingoes on the salt flats.

And there’s more: San José also has two of Ibiza’s World Heritage Sites: the marine posidonia meadows and the Phoenician settlement at Sa Caleta. San José offers yet more great attractions: the islets of Es Vedrá and Es Vedranell.

Sant Josep de Sa Talaia is well worth a visit at any time of year, thanks to its extensive, non-stop programme of activities. There are always exhibitions at the Can Jeroni Cultural Centre, and at the Fira de la Sal [Salt Fair]. There are even festivals outside the tourist season, such as Sant Pepe Rock, which is held in April.

Attractions not to be missed in San José? The Ses Salines Natural Park, where visitors can enjoy the great natural biodiversity, see flamingoes and get a close-up view of the defensive towers, and relax on the beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet, with their crystal-clear waters. Also worth a visit are the Ponent islets (Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell). They form a nature reserve offering some of the island’s most emblematic picture-postcard scenes, and become even more beautiful at sunset.

Sant Josep de Sa Talaia also has a broad and appealing programme of leisure events. One of the most notable events is the Fira de la Sal [Salt Fair] held in October in Sant Jordi de Ses Salines. This is a festival lasting several days, and is held in honour of the salt industry and its workers; it features numerous exhibitions, lectures and excursions. Another noteworthy event is the long-running Sant Jordi Children and Youth Theatre Festival, which is entering its thirtieth year. It takes place in June, with theatre, clown, dance, circus and magic shows held over several days.

And throughout the year, cultural events are organised in venues such as the Can Jenori cultural centre, in the heart of the town, and Can Curt, Sant Agustí. These centres always have art exhibitions, and are invariably worth visiting.

Visitors should also be aware of the important role of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia’s nightlife in its entertainment offer. In fact, its bars and discos, where the fun goes on till dawn, are a flagship for Ibiza’s nightlife at an international level. And, of course, we must not forget the area’s beaches and the sun.