Ibiza Windmills

History

Windmills are a common sight on Ibiza , albeit that most of them have fallen into ruin since the arrival of more predictable motor powered pumps. Windmills aren't much use when there's no wind and can damage themselves when there's too much, whereas you simply turn on your motorized pump whenever you feel like it.

However, for a hundred years before the arrival of motorized pumps the windmill was a preferable alternative to the treadmill or horse-powered pump in the struggle to raise water from deep below this sun-scorched island.

Water is the lifeblood of the island and drought a killer, so it is fortunate that a veritable river of fresh water runs from the Pyrenees below the seabed under the Balearic islands maintaining a relatively high water table of pure water here. However, this water still has to be raised from deep below ground level.

The first windmill was built around 1880 in the Ses Salines area and in their heyday there were as many as 150 in total. These, or their remains, are mainly to be found in the flat, low-lying areas of the island such as the area between Ibiza town and the airport, around San Antonio and in the Santa Eulalia area. This is because they need a fairly constant and unhindered wind in order to turn with sufficient force to raise water from the ground. Hills and forests slow down the movement of the air too much for this to happen. In addition to this most agriculture was concentrated in the flat low-lying areas and most of the water was used in agriculture. This water was the lifeblood of the island that enabled fruit, vegetables and livestock to flourish so that the farmers enjoyed rich crops while the islanders had the benefit of a constant and varied selection of fresh produce at their colourful markets.

Continued ... Click here windmills part2