Discover Ibiza's Traditional Sailing Heritage with Hands-On Lateen Sail Workshops in Santa Eulària

03 November 2026

Ibiza's maritime heritage is coming to life this autumn with a series of practical sailing workshops inviting residents and visitors to discover the traditional art of lateen sailing. Organised by Santa Eulària Town Hall, the initiative Descobreix la vela llatina offers the opportunity to experience navigation aboard the traditional wooden llaüt Querida Lolita, learning about an important part of the Pitiusas' seafaring history.

The programme includes up to 14 outings on weekends between 31 October and 13 December 2026, departing from Marina Santa Eulalia. Each session accommodates five participants aged over 16, offering a more personal experience guided by a specialised skipper.

Learn to Sail a Traditional Ibizan Boat

Unlike a conventional boat excursion, these workshops are designed to involve participants directly in the sailing experience.

Those taking part will discover how a traditional lateen sail works and have the opportunity to help with practical manoeuvres, including raising and adjusting the sail, changing direction and steering the llaüt, depending on the weather and sailing conditions.

Each session begins with an introduction to the history of lateen sailing, followed by explanations about the vessel, its operation and the relevant safety procedures.

The workshops are organised by the Ajuntament de Santa Eulària des Riu in collaboration with Ibiza Sailing Cutter SL, with the aim of preserving and sharing an important part of the maritime heritage of Ibiza and Formentera.

Explore Santa Eulària Bay, Tagomago and the Coast Towards Cala Llonga

The outings depart from Marina Santa Eulalia and will mainly explore the bay of Santa Eulària.

Depending on wind and sea conditions, the routes may extend towards the beautiful surroundings of Tagomago or travel south in the direction of Cala Llonga.

The experience also includes an interpretation of the coastline and its natural and historical heritage. Participants will learn about the island's historic defensive towers, traditional mills and former coastal activities.

The environmental side of the journey will introduce the importance of Posidonia seagrass meadows and the marine wildlife found around Ibiza's coastline.

Why Is Traditional Lateen Sailing Important to Ibiza?

Lateen sailing has been part of the maritime history of Ibiza and Formentera for centuries. Traditionally used to transport people and goods, this navigation technique relies on a distinctive triangular sail and specialised knowledge of wind direction, boat handling and manoeuvring.

The gradual disappearance of traditional sailing vessels and the declining number of people with practical knowledge of these techniques have raised concerns about the future transmission of this maritime heritage.

Initiatives such as Descobreix la vela llatina aim to bring this knowledge to new generations by offering direct experience rather than limiting traditional sailing to historical displays or demonstrations.

By allowing participants to handle the sails and understand how the boats operate, the workshops provide an opportunity to connect with a part of island life that shaped the relationship between local communities and the Mediterranean.

What Is Included in Each Workshop?

Each outing includes:

  • An introduction to the history of lateen sailing.

  • Safety and boat-operation explanations.

  • Practical sailing experience.

  • Interpretation of the coastal environment.

  • Educational materials.

  • Drinks.

  • A participation diploma.

  • A group photograph.

The activity is designed for participants aged over 16, with five places available on each outing.

Dates, Prices and Registration

The programme runs across weekends from 31 October to 13 December 2026, with up to 14 outings planned, subject to suitable weather conditions.

Places are initially prioritised for residents of Santa Eulària des Riu. If places remain available, residents of other municipalities in Ibiza and Formentera may also participate.

The price is €46.46 per person. In the event of adverse weather, an outing may be postponed or cancelled.

Registration is available through the initiative's online registration form published by Santa Eulària Town Hall.

Event Details

Programme: Descobreix la vela llatina

Activity: Traditional lateen-sail navigation workshops

Dates: Weekends from 31 October to 13 December 2026

Number of outings: Up to 14

Departure point: Marina Santa Eulalia, Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza

Boat: Querida Lolita

Age requirement: Over 16 years old

Places: Five participants per outing, up to 70 places in total

Price: €46.46 per person

Organiser: Ajuntament de Santa Eulària des Riu, in collaboration with Ibiza Sailing Cutter SL

Registration: Online, through the Town Hall's registration form

A special opportunity to experience Ibiza from a different perspective, learn traditional sailing skills and discover the maritime history and natural beauty of the island's eastern coastline.

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