White
Gold
From the Phoenicians to the Romans to the present day, salt extraction has been at the heart of island commerce.
Tucked into the southern coast of the Ibiza lies a natural wonder steeped the history of millennia – the Las Salinas salt flats. These shimmering expanses of crystalline white salt have been a vital part of Ibiza’s economy and culture since ancient times, shaping the island’s landscape and leaving an indelible mark on its heritage.
The story of Las Salinas dates back to the Phoenicians, who first recognised the potential of Ibiza’s abundant salt reserves. They established rudimentary salt pans to harvest this precious mineral, laying the foundation for what would become one of the Mediterranean’s most important salt-producing regions. Over the centuries, successive civilizations, including the Carthaginians, Romans and Moors, further developed and expanded the salt extraction techniques, turning Las Salinas into a bustling hub of commerce and trade.
During the Middle Ages, salt emerged as a valuable commodity, coveted for its ability to preserve food and season dishes. Ibiza’s salt flats flourished under the stewardship of local salt merchants, who built watchtowers and fortified walls to protect their valuable salt pans from marauding pirates and rival factions. The salt trade brought prosperity to the island, fuelling its economy and shaping its cultural identity.
In the 20th century, Las Salinas underwent modernisation, with the introduction of mechanised salt production methods. Despite these advancements, the traditional techniques of salt harvesting, which rely on the natural evaporation of seawater in shallow pools, continue to be practiced to this day, preserving the timeless charm of Ibiza’s salt flats.
Beyond its economic significance, Las Salinas holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Its otherworldly landscape, with its gleaming salt pyramids and vibrant pink hues, has inspired artists, poets and photographers for generations. The area is criss-crossed with extraordinary walking trails and edged by a fabled kilometre stretch of white sand beach. The salt flats also serve as a vital habitat for numerous species of migratory birds, including flamingos, earning recognition as a protected natural area. Today, the Las Salinas salt flats stand as a testament to Ibiza’s rich heritage and enduring legacy, a reminder of the timeless bond between mankind and the land.
