Ses Feixes

Is this where the city’s food once grew? Right here in front of us lies Ses Feixes. Ses Feixes is a remarkable wetland tucked between Ibiza Town and Talamanca beach. Don’t let its present state fool you. This expanse of reeds and waterways was once a vibrant agricultural heartland. Imagine, centuries ago, during the Moorish rule of Ibiza, this entire area teemed with life. Skilled Moorish farmers, transforming Ses Feixes into a fertile paradise. They implemented an ingenious system of canals. These canals weren’t just ditches. This complex network, spanning the entire 600,000 square meters of Ses Feixes, directed water, nourished crops, and even defined property lines. Each plot, or ‘feixa,’ had its own entrance arch, the “portal de feixa,” some of which still stand today. Picture this landscape bursting with cabbages, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, beans, and sweet potatoes. All thanks to the ingenuity of the Moors, who transformed this wetland into Ibiza’s breadbasket. Sadly, much of this intricate irrigation system lies in disrepair. However, organizations like the Ibiza Preservation Fund are working hard to protect and restore what remains of Ses Feixes. They understand that this isn’t just a wetland. It’s a living testament to Ibiza’s rich history. Next time you’re strolling along Talamanca beach, take a detour to Ses Feixes. Listen closely, and you might just hear whispers of its extraordinary past.