Where to Find Ibiza's Ancient Rock Paintings: The Hidden Cave of Ses Fontanelles

November 06, 2026

Hidden among the rugged coastal cliffs of Sant Antoni de Portmany is one of Ibiza's most unusual archaeological sites: Ses Fontanelles, a natural rock shelter containing the only known collection of rock paintings in Ibiza and Formentera.

Also known as Sa Cova des Vi, or the Cave of Wine, the site preserves the remains of ancient drawings believed to represent boats. Discovered in 1917 by French prehistorian Henri Breuil, the paintings have attracted archaeological interest for more than a century. Their precise age, however, remains uncertain, with researchers divided between an earlier Bronze Age interpretation and a more likely Punic origin.

Situated approximately 50 metres above sea level, between Sa Foradada and Cap Nunó, the cave combines archaeological significance with dramatic coastal scenery. Its paintings have deteriorated considerably, making them extremely difficult to distinguish today.

Ses Fontanelles: The Cave of the Ancient Paintings

Ses Fontanelles is a natural rock shelter formed in the limestone cliffs along Ibiza's western coast.

Its alternative name, Sa Cova des Vi, translates as the Cave of Wine. The name comes from its historical use as a place to store wine, taking advantage of the relatively cool conditions inside the rock shelter to help preserve it.

The cave's archaeological importance comes from the surviving traces of schematic paintings on its walls and ceiling. Although their condition is now very poor, the drawings are considered an exceptional part of the prehistoric and ancient heritage of the Pityusic Islands.

The French prehistorian Henri Breuil documented the paintings in 1917. Among the shapes he identified were possible representations of boats, including one with a distinctive square-shaped stern.

His original sketches and descriptions remain important references for understanding the site, particularly because the deterioration of the pigments makes it difficult to identify all the original details today.

How Old Are the Paintings?

The age of the paintings is one of the most interesting unresolved questions surrounding Ses Fontanelles.

When Henri Breuil first studied the drawings, he attributed them to the Bronze Age, approximately 1000 BC. This interpretation was subsequently repeated in several publications and tourism guides.

However, later archaeological interpretations proposed that the paintings could be Punic, placing their creation several centuries later.

The Consell d'Eivissa's archaeological heritage catalogue currently considers a Punic origin from the fourth or third century BC the most likely explanation. It nevertheless acknowledges that some researchers continue to support the Bronze Age attribution.

The Balearic Government's geotourism guide and official tourism information still refer to the earlier Bronze Age interpretation.

Consequently, there is no definitive date that can currently be assigned to the paintings. Their possible Punic origin would place them more than 2,000 years old, but this should be understood as the most likely interpretation in the Consell's archaeological record rather than a scientifically settled conclusion.

The possibility that the drawings represent ancient vessels has also attracted interest because of Ibiza's long history of maritime trade and its importance within the Phoenician-Punic world.

Damage, Deterioration and Protective Works

The conservation of Ses Fontanelles has been a concern for many years.

The paintings have suffered from natural deterioration, exposure to the coastal environment and human interference. Previous accounts of the site also identify damage associated with the construction of a road in the surrounding area during the 1960s.

In October 2024, the Socialist group at the Consell d'Eivissa raised concerns about the condition of the archaeological site, reporting problems with the protective grille and evidence of fires in the surrounding area.

In June 2025, the Consell announced a conservation intervention with a budget of €44,564.30, including VAT.

The works involved removing the old metal grille, which had deteriorated through corrosion and exposure to the marine environment, reinforcing the existing stone wall and installing a replacement protective grille.

The intervention was intended to improve the protection of the archaeological shelter and address safety concerns associated with the condition of the previous enclosure.

The paintings themselves remain extremely fragile and difficult to see.

What Can Visitors See at Ses Fontanelles Today?

Visitors should not expect to find a conventional archaeological attraction with clearly visible paintings or an accessible cave interior.

The surviving drawings are heavily deteriorated, and identifying them can be difficult without knowing where to look. Their significance lies as much in their historical interpretation and archaeological context as in what can actually be seen today.

The site is also interesting for its landscape. Its position above the Mediterranean offers views towards the rugged coastline around Cala Salada, Sa Foradada and Cap Nunó.

The surrounding cliffs, rock formations and vegetation provide a glimpse of a less developed section of Ibiza's western coastline.

Importantly, the cave is protected by a grille. Visitors should respect the enclosure and observe the site from outside rather than attempting to enter or touch the archaeological remains.

How to Reach Ses Fontanelles

Ses Fontanelles is located on the northern coastal side of Sant Antoni de Portmany, in the area between Sa Foradada and Cap Nunó.

One of the usual approaches is from the Cala Salada area, following rural tracks and walking paths through uneven terrain towards the cliffs.

The route involves slopes and sections close to exposed coastal areas. Walking times vary depending on the starting point and route chosen. Some local walking guides estimate approximately an hour each way from Cala Salada, although this should not be treated as a guaranteed journey time.

The final sections can be particularly challenging, and the route is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or those uncomfortable walking on irregular ground.

Some access tracks are uneven and can be difficult for ordinary vehicles. It is advisable to check their current condition rather than assume that the entire route is suitable for driving.

There are no visitor facilities at the archaeological site. Anyone planning to explore the surrounding area should bring sufficient water, suitable walking shoes and sun protection, and check the weather beforehand.

A seasonal bus service has previously connected Sant Antoni with Cala Salada, but its operation depends on the time of year. There is no bus stop directly beside the cave.

A Geological Landmark as Well as an Archaeological Site

Ses Fontanelles also has an interesting geological history.

The Balearic Government includes Cova des Vi in its official geotourism itinerary between Cala Salada and Puig Nunó.

According to the geological guide, the cave formed at the contact between limestone and more easily eroded marl deposits. The process of erosion gradually removed the softer material, exposing a more resistant rock surface that now forms the roof of the shelter.

The ceiling also corresponds to a geological fault surface, providing an example of how the island's underlying geological structure has helped shape its coastal landscape.

The wider itinerary includes several other geological features, such as the Quaternary formations at Cala Salada, Cretaceous fossiliferous limestone, the natural coastal bridge of Sa Foradada and Puig Nunó.

This makes the surrounding area interesting not only for archaeology but also for understanding the geological processes that have shaped Ibiza's coastline.

An Unusual Window into Ibiza's Ancient Past

Ses Fontanelles remains one of the island's most distinctive archaeological sites. Its surviving paintings are difficult to see, their precise age remains debated and access is restricted by protective measures.

Yet the discovery made by Henri Breuil in 1917 continues to raise questions about the people who inhabited or visited Ibiza in antiquity and the vessels that may have crossed the surrounding Mediterranean waters.

More than a century after its discovery, the small rock shelter remains an important part of the Pityusic Islands' heritage, combining archaeological mystery, geological interest and one of the most striking sections of Sant Antoni's coastal landscape.

POSTED BY IBIZA ONE STOP

Acquista i tuoi biglietti per Ibiza da un venditore ufficiale e fidato

Clicca qui per trovare biglietti per i migliori club, feste in barca, attività e altro ancora.

Luxury Looks for Your Ibiza Escape. Shop brand-new, authentic designer fashion from Europe’s best boutiques, with savings of up to 60% off retail at italist.

Shop Ibiza Essentials on Amazon

Browse Ibiza Merch & Prints on Etsy

365 Days of Ibiza

Experience the magic of the island beyond the season through 365 thoughtfully curated activities across beaches, nature, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife, inviting you to enjoy Ibiza at its most authentic whenever you visit.

Ibiza Clubbing & Parties