Sant Josep de sa Talaia is the head of Ibiza’s largest municipality, which stretches from the salt flats in the south to the western coves. The village itself, about 20 minutes from Ibiza Town, is calm and traditional, with very little of the tourism you find on its coast.
What it’s like
At its centre stands the white parish church, completed in 1731, with a carved altarpiece dedicated to Saint Joseph. Around the church square are cafés, restaurants, shops and the town hall.
What to see and do
Sant Josep is the starting point for the climb to Sa Talaia, at 475 metres the highest point on the island. A marked path leads up from the village; allow around two and a half hours there and back. From the top, on a clear day, you can see much of Ibiza and, to the south, Formentera.
Every Saturday morning from early April to the end of October, the centre of the village hosts a market of organic food and crafts, set up to promote local produce and the island’s traditions. Around twenty stalls sell fruit and vegetables, homemade bread and pastries, alongside local artists offering paintings, ceramics, sculpture and other handmade pieces. It runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm, and it is a good excuse to start the day with breakfast in the square before heading to the beaches.
The village’s big day is 19 March, the feast of Saint Joseph. The celebrations start several days earlier, with traditional ball pagès dancing, concerts and activities for children.
Within 15 or 20 minutes’ drive are Cala d’Hort, with its views of Es Vedrà, Cala Vedella, Cala Tarida and Cala Jondal.
Getting there
Sant Josep has direct roads from both Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni: allow about 20 minutes from Ibiza Town and about 15 from Sant Antoni. Two bus lines serve the village, the T2 and the A16.
Good to know
Do the Sa Talaia walk in the cooler months or early in the morning: there is little shade on the way up.
