The Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta, on the south coast of Ibiza, is an invaluable testimony to the origins of the island and the Phoenician expansion in the western Mediterranean. This settlement, founded in the 8th century BC, represents the first township on Ibiza and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 as part of the “Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture” initiative.

A strategic trading hub

Standing on a small peninsula between the beaches of Es Codolar and Es Bol Nou, the site of Sa Caleta offered a sheltered natural harbour that was ideal for the Phoenicians’ seafaring and trading activities. This settlement served as a base for exploration and trade with other Mediterranean regions, facilitating the exchange of goods such as salt, metals and agricultural products.​

Daily life and urban organisation

Archaeological excavations have revealed an urban layout consisting of terraced dwellings, narrow alleys and small squares. Remains of ovens for baking bread, metalworking facilities for smelting silver galena and fishing equipment have been found, suggesting a diversified economy based on agriculture, fishing and metalworking.

Abandonment and legacy

Around 600 BC, the settlement was deliberately abandoned and its inhabitants moved to the bay of Ibiza, where they founded the town we know today, and called it Ebusus. This move heralded the beginning of a new stage in the island’s history, consolidating its role as a strategic point on the Mediterranean trade routes.

Interpretation Centre: a window onto the past

In April 2025, the Sa Caleta Phoenician Settlement Interpretation Centre was inaugurated in a restored former military barracks. This centre offers visitors an immersive experience through information panels, virtual recreations and a multilingual application that allows visitors to explore both the Phoenician period and the military installations of the 1940s. The project aims to disseminate and enhance the value of this remarkable historical heritage.

A must-see

The Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta is not only an archaeological site of great importance, but also a place that introduces visitors to Ibiza’s deepest roots. Its natural setting, combined with its historical and cultural richness, makes it a must-see for those who wish to understand the evolution of the island and its role in the history of the Mediterranean.

To obtain further information and plan your visit, please see the official website: www.museusacaleta.es.