Dalt Vila

It is sad but true that when somewhere special is right on your doorstep, you never appreciate it enough.

This applies to me and Dalt Vila, the oldest and most beautiful part of Ibiza town. Catalan for  ‘high town,’ Dalt Vila was built on a raised area above the rest of the city, surrounded by thick stone defensive walls which date way back to the 12th Century.(So thick that tunnels have been carved through them to provide walkways to the old site!)

Although this treasure is a stones throw away from the center of town, I hardly ever go up so one afternoon, I decided it was time for an explore. It’s quite a climb to get up to the top but it’s absolutely worth it. Within this fortification is a maze of narrow cobbled streets with small shops, artsy corners and museums explaining the towns fascinating history. The cathedral is the most prominent aspect, standing majestically over the rest of the city. There is also a square, Placa de Vila, which is full of lively restaurants in the summer.

You could spend a long time wandering through Dalt Vila’s many alleys, enjoying its hidden treasures. However, the most stunning aspect for me are the views. From the top you can see the entire city, from Playa d’en Bossa at one end all the way to Talamanca at the other. On clear days you can even make out Ibiza’s neighbouring island Formentera.

Here are a few photos of what I saw that afternoon. With crystal clear skies and the sun starting to set, I really saw the town at its’ finest.