On the first Sunday in August, there was a notable improvement in traffic flow around the Cala d’Hort viewpoint thanks to the new car park provided by Sant Josep Town Council. Although some cars were still parked on the side of the road, this was significantly fewer than before the car park opened. The new car park has capacity for around 200 vehicles and had a large number of free spaces during the afternoon.
Located next to the access road to the viewpoint, the car park is part of the Town Council’s announced measures to regulate traffic in one of the municipality’s most visited areas. The council has rented the land for 8,000 euros until the end of the year and prepared it for parking by cleaning, levelling and installing signage. Waste collection points have also been installed.
Until now, it was common to see cars parked on the hard shoulder on days like Sunday, which created dangerous situations in an area with heavy pedestrian traffic. Although not all visitors have adopted it yet, the new car park has helped to reduce this practice.
As on every summer weekend, the viewpoint was busy at sunset. Dozens of people came to watch and photograph the sunset over the islet of Es Vedrà. Several of them accessed restricted areas by crossing fences or standing on the edge of the cliff. This scene is repeated frequently and poses difficulties for control and safety.
The launch of the new car park responds to repeated requests from residents and visitors who frequent this area. For years, congestion at the viewpoint entrance and environmental damage due to uncontrolled parking were an issue on the busiest days. While this measure has not solved the problem entirely, it represents a step forward in the management of public spaces.
The situation observed this Sunday shows a positive change, although it is still necessary to raise awareness among visitors and maintain adequate surveillance to prevent risky behaviour. Respect for the rules and the natural environment remains key to ensuring the conservation of the site and the safety of those who visit it.
Cala d’Hort is part of the Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera Natural Park and has protection measures in place that restrict certain activities. Local authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need to preserve the area and have warned visitors of their individual responsibility.