If you find yourself in Ibiza at the beginning of the year, this is one of the island’s most established New Year traditions to experience. On January 1st, locals make their way to Ses Salines, also known as Las Salinas, to start the year with a brief swim in the sea. It is a custom followed quietly and consistently, without formal organisation, yet widely understood across the island.

Ses Salines has long been tied to Ibiza’s identity. The nearby salt flats were once a vital source of trade, supplying salt throughout the Mediterranean, and the area remains protected today. In winter, the beach reveals a calmer character, defined by open space, soft light, and exceptionally clear water. Without the activity of the summer season, the setting feels natural and unembellished.

Throughout the late morning, people arrive individually or in small groups, greeting familiar faces before entering the water. The swim is short and deliberate. For locals, it marks a clear transition into the new year, offering a sense of reset after the festive period and a return to simple routines shaped by the sea.

Starting the year this way reflects Ibiza as it is lived year-round. Social, active, and closely tied to the sea, this tradition highlights the island’s enduring relationship with nature and community, setting a confident and grounded tone for the months ahead.