The Soul of Salt: The Story Behind Ibiza’s Ancient Salt Fields

The Soul of Salt: The Story Behind Ibiza’s Ancient Salt Fields

Long before Ibiza became a bohemian paradise and a global icon of freedom and expression, its soul was shaped by salt.

Nestled in the island’s south, the Ses Salines salt flats date back over 2,000 years. It was the Phoenicians, visionary seafarers and traders, who first recognized the region’s natural potential for salt harvesting. For them, salt wasn’t just a seasoning—it was currency, a powerful preservative, and a sacred element often called “white gold.”

The glistening pools you see today, stretching out toward the sea like giant mirrors, are still part of that ancient system. Over the centuries, control passed from Phoenicians to Romans, Moors, and Catalans—each continuing the salt tradition with their own techniques and reverence. By the 13th century, Ibiza was exporting salt across the Mediterranean, fueling trade and prosperity.

But these aren’t just relics of the past. The Ses Salines salt flats are still very much alive, producing artisanal sea salt in a slow, sustainable process that follows the rhythms of nature. From late spring to early autumn, seawater is channeled into shallow basins, where the Ibiza sun evaporates the water, leaving behind bright white salt crystals. The salt is then hand-harvested—just as it has been for centuries.

Today, the salt fields are more than a working industry—they’re a UNESCO-protected natural park, home to flamingos, rare birds, and vibrant biodiversity. They’ve also become a symbol of Ibiza’s connection to the land, its traditions, and the enduring beauty of working with nature rather than against it.

So next time you sprinkle a pinch of Ibiza sea salt on your food or spot the pink hues of the flats from your plane window, know that you’re witnessing a living piece of history—one that still nourishes the island and its people to this day.