Sa Talaia

What makes Sa Talaia special

Sa Talaia, also called Sa Talaiassa, is Ibiza’s highest mountain at 475 metres. It rises in the south-west of the island, in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. ‘Talaia’ is Catalan for watchtower.

The summit is fairly flat. It’s home to television and telecommunications masts and a geodetic survey point. On a slightly lower peak, at around 460 metres, there’s a lookout hut used to watch for forest fires.

The view

On a clear day you can see across much of the island, including the bay of Sant Antoni de Portmany, ses Salines and the island of Formentera. To the west lie Es Vedrà and the illots de Ponent, which are part of a nature reserve. According to the municipality, on very clear days you can even make out the coast of mainland Spain.

Look north from the masts and you’ll also see the mountain of Cap Nonó and the coastal villages of Cala de Bou and Port des Torrent. To the south lie the bay of Porroig, Cala Jondal and Platja d’en Bossa.

Another viewpoint on the west side

From the masts, walk back to the road and take the narrow path that climbs to the right up a small hill. From there you look out over the west coast of Sant Josep, including Cala Bassa and Cala Comte. Around sunset, the sun sinks into the sea on this side.

Flight 602 memorial

On 7 January 1972, Iberia Flight 602, a Caravelle flying from Valencia to Ibiza, struck the mountain while approaching the airport in poor visibility. All 104 people on board were killed: 98 passengers and 6 crew. At the crash site, near Ses Roques Altes, there’s a chapel with an altar bearing the names of the victims. Please be respectful when you’re there.

Getting there and parking

You can drive all the way to the summit. According to the Sant Josep municipality, the road is suitable for any type of car. Leave the village of Sant Josep in the direction of Sant Antoni and take the turning for Cala Vedella. Along that road, the route to the summit is signposted on the left. Park so that the road and access to the installations stay clear.

Prefer to walk? By the church in Sant Josep, a wooden post marks the walking route to Sa Talaia. The path starts out narrow and steep. The climb is about 2.4 km long and fairly tough; allow around 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the top.

Tips for your visit

• Pick a clear day; in haze or low cloud the view is limited.
• If you’re walking, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring plenty of water; don’t count on any facilities along the way.
• Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it’s less hot.
• Combine the summit with a visit to the village of Sant Josep.