Es Puig d’en Valls: Hill of the Mill

The parish in Santa Eulària des Riu that lies closest to Ibiza town is Es Puig d’en Valls, an old farming territory that is now a residential area. Its agrarian past lingers in the form of an old flourmill located on the crest of a hill. It makes for an interesting outing that gives you an excuse to break away your usual routine and learn a little bit more about the island’s history.

What to see in Es Puig d’en Valls

This town gives you the opportunity to visit the mill of Es Puig d’en Valls , one of the few wind-powered flourmills with all of its gears and mechanisms still intact. Its construction dates back to the end of the 18th century, with thick cylindrical walls that rise up to a height of three storeys.  You will be able to view the period machinery that powered windmills, enabling them to grind the grain that was harvested on the island until roughly the mid-20th century. The sails, the blades, and the gears have all been restored by the island government.

Another sight-seeing stop in Es Puig d’en Valls is the church of the same name, built in 1971 and inspired by Ibicenco architecture. It houses an image of Mare de Déu (Mother of God), dating back to the 17th or 18th century. On the third Sunday in May, the church celebrates its patron saint festival. Afterwards, you can walk for stretch on Es Camí des Pedrisset, an old public road that connected Es Puig d’en Valls with the Camí Vell de Sant Mateu and which conserves an excellent example of drystone walls, a traditional construction technique which has been declared a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

What to do in Es Puig d’en Valls

If you’re up for a bit of sport, either before or after your visit to the windmill, you’re perfectly positioned to take hiking route No. 9 or cycling route No. 11, as well as route No. 14 (the Great Route), which passes through Es Camí des Pedrisset and is suitable for either form of locomotion.