Being an island, Ibiza's maritime heritage is extremely important and eminently worth preserving for posterity. One method of doing this is to educate local kids in the best way possible – taking them out of school for a week by sailing the seas round the coast.
Since 1996 the 'Week of the Sea' programme organised by San Antonio's Nautical Club, La Caixa bank and local schools has given 4500 children the opportunity to learn about the biology and environment of the seas – birds, plant, fish and so on.
Ses Margalides
The kids actually live and sleep on a traditional sailing boat – this year an 18th century schooner built in St. Petersburg, the Sadko – whilst the visit places like Ses Margalides, Cala Conta and Conejera Island. They also get to visit the still working fishing port of San Antonio which still maintains its roots in the face of mass tourist development.
What a great idea to keep young people both entertained and educated. No wonder most of them profess it to be one of the most exciting things they've ever done in their young lives!