7 of the Best Historic Sites in Ibiza - Page 3 of 9

Ibiza’s Pirate Towers

Ever since Ibiza’s discovery by the Carthaginians over 3,000 years ago, the island’s strategic location – between mainland Spain and North Africa – made it susceptible to invasions and pirate attacks, given the high value goods transported in the nearby waters. After being under Arab rule for over 300 years, Ibiza and Formentera were recaptured by the Catalans in 1235 during the Reconquista. However, the island’s former rulers used their knowledge of the archipelago to carry out pirate attacks, raiding homes, stealing goods and animals, and capturing women and children for ransom.