Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town

The Dalt Vila is the old town of Ibiza that dominates the skyline for miles around. The medieval castle walls are home to many narrow streets & cobbled walkways which are now home to many small traditional restaurants. The Dalt Vila is a designated World Heritage Site and at the very top is the beautiful cathedral, as well as panoramic views across much of the south of the island.

The fortified walls were built by command of King Philip II who saw Ibiza has having a key strategic location in the Mediterranean and wanted to prevent further invasion from the Berber pirates. Work stated in 1554 and was completed by 1585.

There are a number of historical sites and museums in the Dalt Vila that plot the islands colourful history  that includes occupation by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans & Muslims through to the occupation by the Conquest of Catalonia in the 13^th Century. Ibiza is still to this day historically and emotionally attached to Catalonia. Catalan is spoken widely in Ibiza.

The second weekend in May the Dalt Vila is transformed back to a medieval festival - three days of celebrating the islands medieval heritage. A great way to explore Ibiza at the very start of the summer and not a clubber in sight.