Remembering a political assassin? That’s part of the story of Cala de Sant Vicent. This beach resort village rests on Ibiza’s northeastern tip. It is part of the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja.
Cala de Sant Vicent offers a child-friendly bay. The wide sandy beach has clear shallow waters. Steep cliffs and Sa Talaia peak at 303 meters enclose the bay.
But Cala de Sant Vicent has more to offer than just a beautiful beach. The hills hold caves that tell tales of ancient history. These caves are on the Cas Rierons uplands. Bronze Age settlers inhabited them around 1600 BC. Carthaginian colonists made it a shrine around 500 BC. They worshipped deities like Reshef and Melkart. Later, the caves honored the goddess Tanit.
Rediscovered in 1907, excavations revealed votive offerings. These offerings honored the gods of the ancient world. You can view many objects in Ibiza Town’s Archaeological Museum. A cistern cut into the rock collected water for priests. Pilgrims were cleansed here before entering the shrine.
Cala de Sant Vicent holds a dark secret from the Spanish Civil War. Frenchman Raoul Villain sought refuge here. He had assassinated Jean Jaurès in Paris in 1914. Acquitted in 1919, he fled threats from militant socialists. Villain hoped to live anonymously in this remote corner of Ibiza.
In 1933, Cala de Sant Vicent was isolated and undeveloped. Villain built a house with local labor. Paul René Gauguin helped him. By August 1936, the house was nearly complete. On September 13, soldiers arrived by boat. They were part of a force securing Ibiza.
Villain feared they would steal his valuables. Despite warnings, he returned home. The officer found Villain suspicious. Villain had antagonized him by setting a crucifix on the hill. The officer confined him to his house. He considered Villain a Fascist spy.
Details are unclear. Villain ended up with a fatal bullet wound. Bombers attacked Ibiza town that afternoon. Troops tried to take Villain. He resisted. As a result, he was shot in the back.
Villain lay wounded on the sand for two days. Locals placed his body in a coffin. They draped it in a French tricolor. He was buried in the cemetery at Sant Vicent de sa Cala.
Today, Cala de Sant Vicent is more developed. You can drive along the paved road. It runs the beach from end to end. Stop at the lookout point for a beautiful view. The island of Tagomago is visible in the background.
Cala de Sant Vicent offers many services. You will find hammocks, umbrellas, and water activities. Supermarkets and souvenir shops are available. Walkways accommodate people with reduced mobility.
Enjoy Mediterranean and international cuisine. Visit restaurants like Can Gat or The Boathouse. Don’t miss the Punic Shrine of Sa Cova des Culleram. The view from there is unbeatable.
Cala de Sant Vicent is a beach with a story. It is a story of ancient worship and tragic fate. Remember this as you enjoy the sun and sand.