The path to Portixol

A lost beach in the wildest part of the island

The north coast of Ibiza has an impressive natural landscape, where wild urbanization has not been able to settle as much as elsewhere. An environment of impressive beauty which however risks losing its pristine charm every year.

The north coast of Ibiza

Ibiza has a thousand nuances and as small as it is, in addition to nightclubs, private parties and dream villas, it still has an incredible natural and scenic part such as the Baia Di Albarca or Sa pedrera de Cala d’Hort.

Discovering the most hidden secrets of the island is not easy. It is vitally important to have your own transport, stones and good will since some places are not easy to access.

Es Portixol

The coastline that extends from Portinax to San Antonio is made up of rugged and wild cliffs. The rock walls which reach a height of 200-300 meters overlooking the sea create an environment very different from that of the East and West coast famous for its “coves” of sand and stone which range from white limestone to the red color of the Earth. Here the coast draws bends, bays and rock flagpoles which often hide a breathtaking landscape.

Es Portixol is one of these. A bay protected and guarded by large rocks of limestone origin or agglomerations with impressive shapes and designs.

To reach it there are only two methods: by sea or through a walk of about 40 minutes. The latter enters an extensive pine forest where the path winds between curves and bends at the edge of the cliff.

Trekking

The path to Portixol starts from the urbanization of Isla Blanca. A series of typically tourist terraced houses. I park the car and prepare to embark on the journey. At the beginning an old and in bad condition asphalt accompanies me on the descent.

Apart from a few houses at the beginning, after a few minutes nature appears forcefully, decorating the street with its shrubs, brambles and pine trees interspersed every now and then with rosemary, thyme and mastic plants.

Soon an isolated and fascinating atmosphere takes hold of me. You can’t hear any noise other than a few birds and the wind blowing through the pine needles. The resulting sound relaxes me. Like a treasure hunter I enter the pine forest scrutinizing every corner in search of those details that nature gives you. A flower, a lizard warming itself in the sun, an Eleonora’s hawk taking advantage of the updrafts.

“Who would ever come here to live or work permanently?” It makes me think.

At first glance it seems that man here never thought of settling or exploiting the characteristics of the land. However, with a closer look you can glimpse stone walls built to create cultivable terraces that are no longer in use. Further on, the path opens into a clearing where even more evident signs of human intervention in the past appear. A basin for collecting water, an abandoned building complete with entrance and probably an old lime kiln.

The practice of lime extraction was well known and widespread throughout the island. With great surprise I realize that here too man has adapted to the conditions to obtain sustenance in past centuries.

The Bay

The road, continuing its descent, occasionally reveals an impressive panorama. The large cliffs rise in front of a calm sea that often dares to confront them.

Suddenly the view opens over the bay of Es Portixol. An open space surrounded by large rocks and trees that extend almost to the shore. Surrounding it are ancient fishermen’s houses which more than 100 years ago were used daily for fishing activities.

The scenery is postcard-like. The calm and crystalline water allows you to glimpse the posidonia plants. With the dark, turquoise and emerald green tones the landscape acquires a heavenly appearance.

Nature

Here the beach is made up of rounded rocks which are not very comfortable for lying on. The view in front of you, however, is truly impressive! The semicircle-shaped inlet is a corner of peace for those seeking shelter from the rough sea.

The fishermen’s houses themselves are located in strategic corners, where wind and waves are less strong. The only sea access is to the north with a passage wide enough to accommodate a catamaran or sailing ship. All around the landscape is surrounded by mighty stones and pine trees. Even at night the show is nothing short of fascinating.

Not having too many lights around, the sky fills with stars, allowing you to easily identify the Milky Way as well as the most famous constellations.

An important request for you and for those who will come

Es Portixol is probably one of the best known and most famous areas in the north of Ibiza. Those who visit this place are often impressed by the power of nature.

However, faced with such a beautiful landscape it is easy to come across somewhat unpleasant situations. Bags of rubbish, bottles, cans and plastic are often left there. To continue enjoying its natural landscape it is important to bring home not only selfies and photos but also your rubbish.

Marco Pachiega.

No AI was used to write the text and edit the photos.

Do you want to see them too? Take a look at the gallery below or if you like read another one of my adventures on Trips and other stories!