The “coqueras” of ses Variades

The rocky areas that are found all along the coast of Ibiza, wherever there is no accessible shore, whether sand, fine gravel or pebbles, are usually full of caves. These hollows, which we Ibicencans call cocons, accumulate the water from the splashing waves until the sun evaporates it, leaving a fine saline film on the stone. In the past, the coqueras were a common and nearby resource for families who lived near the sea, as in addition to accumulating salt, limpets, periwinkles and snails were collected next to them, which were often used to improvise rice dishes. A large expanse of coquina shells lay on the coast of ses Variades, at the foot of the steps where tourists stand to watch the sunset next to the islet of sa Conillera. These steps make up the most popular grandstand on this stretch of coast, as the elite sit on the luxurious terraces of the bars that line this stretch of the promenade, while they enjoy cocktails to the rhythm of the music of the disc jockeys who liven up the sunset.

The grandstands are like the henhouse of the Ses Variades theatre and are often so full that some tourists even end up occupying the coqueras

The grandstands are like the henhouse of the Ses Variades theatre and are often so full that some tourists even end up occupying the coqueras themselves. There they drink, sowing the rocks with metal caps and watch the fire breathers, who offer their spectacle in exchange for a few coins. Parallel to the rocks is the promenade, with a profile that meanders breaking the linearity.