Do you know the 9 lighthouses of Ibiza?
Lighthouses play a fundamental role in maritime safety by providing guidance and warning to sailors, helping them to navigate safely in the waters near the island. In Ibiza we have 9 lighthouses, each with its own history, do you know them all?
Náutica Ereso is intimately linked to the history of the lighthouses of Ibiza: our great-grandfather, Francisco Costa, was one of the lighthouse keepers of Formentera, a few years before settling permanently in the port of Ibiza and creating the first Nautica of the island, with the aim of supplying all kinds of items, spare parts and products necessary for the life of a sailor and navigator. Maybe that's why we are fascinated by lighthouses, do you know all the ones in Ibiza?
Botafoc Lighthouse: This lighthouse is located at the entrance of the port of Ibiza. It was built in 1861 and has witnessed the maritime traffic entering and leaving the port for more than a century. There are sources that say that in the past fires were lit on the top of the islet to guide sailors, which would fit with its "Botafoc", which could be translated as "Sale-fuego", which would fit with this interpretation.
Punta Grossa Lighthouse: It is currently in disuse. Although the first lighthouse keepers arrived there in mid 1868, the lighthouse was not inaugurated until September 15, 1870. Shortly after its inauguration, it was found that its location was not ideal, and a new lighthouse was finally built on the island of Tagomago.
Moscarter Lighthouse: Located at the northernmost point of the island, this lighthouse is an important landmark for navigation in the area. It was built in 1978 and offers impressive panoramic views. It has the particularity of being the lighthouse with the highest tower in the Balearic Islands, 52 meters.
Cap Blanc Lighthouse: This lighthouse is located in the southwest of the island and marks the entrance to the bay of San Antonio. Built in 1867, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Ibiza. Its origin is found in a request from the Town Council of Sant Antoni in which the need to establish a lighthouse there was exposed due to the insecurity that sailors had to enter the port. Even in spite of the existence of the Conillera lighthouse, there had been some shipwrecks of ships trying to take refuge in the port.
Tagomago Island Lighthouse: Although not on Ibiza proper, this small island off the northeast coast of Ibiza has an important lighthouse. Built in 1913, this lighthouse has guided navigators through these waters for decades. Its construction took place as a result of the poor location of the Punta Grossa lighthouse, which it was to replace. In 1967 the tower was raised to gain meters,
During the Civil War, the sailors in charge of the supply service were kidnapped and forced to transport three Republicans who wanted to flee the island to Algiers.
Cap des Moscarter Lighthouse: Located on the northern tip of the island, this lighthouse guides ships sailing near the northern coast of Ibiza. It was built in 1978 and is part of the network of lighthouses that mark the coast of the island.
Es Vedrà Island Lighthouse: Although the island of Es Vedrà lies off the southwest coast of Ibiza, this lighthouse is an important reference for navigation in the region. Built in 1958, this lighthouse helps navigators avoid the dangers around this rocky and iconic island.
In 1959, a very strong storm broke down the tower and carried away all the luminous equipment, so it was decided to build a new concrete tower with stone cladding, at a greater height to protect it from the sea. Although it was originally a beacon, in August 1971 this signal became qualified as a lighthouse, due to the transformations of its optical-luminous equipment. Today it is a solarized and telecontrolled signal.
Faro de sa Conillera: This lighthouse is located on the island of sa Conillera, west of Ibiza. Built in 1857, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the region. In addition to its signaling function, it also offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Penjats Island Lighthouse: This lighthouse is located on Penjats Island, also known as Conillera Island, located west of Ibiza. Built in 1971, this lighthouse guides navigators in the waters near this island. Its strategic location makes it an important point for maritime safety in the region.
The list of lighthouse keepers who have been part of the history of our lighthouses is very long, in an essential trade for the safety of the boats that arrived to Ibiza. Did you know all the lighthouses of the island?
