Punta de Xarracó caves

What makes the Punta de Xarracó caves special

Punta de Xarracó is a rocky headland on Ibiza’s north coast, in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja. At its highest point it rises to 73 metres. Two caves lie in the cliffs around the point: Cova d’en Jaumet and Cova de Llevant.

You visit them on a coastal walk near Cala Xarraca. From the starting point at a fork in the track above Cala Xarraca, allow 1.5 to 2 hours, including breaks and photo stops. The walk itself isn’t strenuous, but at both caves you’ll cross sharp rocks and need to do a bit of scrambling.

Cova d’en Jaumet

Cova d’en Jaumet is tucked away in the cliff on the east side of Punta de Xarracó. From the starting point, keep right wherever the path forks. It comes out on a large rock platform above the sea. Inside the cave you’ll see two vaulted sections. In the sharp rock of the platform there’s a large hollow filled with water.

Cova de Llevant

For Cova de Llevant, follow a narrow path north along the coast. After about 150 metres you’ll see a large, round opening in the rocks; the cave lies beneath it. To get inside, you have to scramble down carefully. If you’d rather stay up top, you can look down on the opening from a natural stone bridge.

Punta de Xarracó

From the caves you can carry on to the highest point of the headland. Up there is a broad rocky plateau full of pits and holes, with views along the jagged north coast.

Getting there and parking

Drive to Cala Xarraca and take the turning down to the beach, where there’s a car park. To drive further, carry on uphill for about another kilometre, take the third turning on the right and follow an unsurfaced track for around 800 metres until it forks. That’s where the walk begins. About 50 metres past the fork you pass some old stone beehives.

At that third turning there’s a sign saying ‘privado’. Don’t drive down any road marked as private unless it’s clear you’re allowed to. Otherwise, park at Cala Xarraca and walk from there; that adds about 3.5 km to the round trip.

Facilities

There are no facilities along the route. At Cala Xarraca there’s a beach and a restaurant.

Tips for your visit

• Wear closed, sturdy shoes: the rock is sharp and flip-flops aren’t suitable.
• Bring enough water and something to eat.
• In summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Make sure your phone is charged and download an offline map: the route is remote.
• Don’t leave any rubbish behind, and don’t take anything from the rocks.