Iglesia Es Cubells (Es Cubells Church), Ibiza

The Es Cubells Church, located on the southern coast of Ibiza, is a striking whitewashed building perched atop dramatic seaside cliffs, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. This picturesque church has become a beloved venue for weddings, attracting couples from around the world who are drawn to its serene surroundings and traditional Ibizan charm.

Es Cubells Church was founded in 1864 by Carmelite monk Francisco Palau, originally as a small oratory. Destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, it was rebuilt in 1957 by Majorcan architect Rafael Llabrés, incorporating the old oratory into its design. Completed in 1958, the church retains the classic Ibizan style with whitewashed stone walls and fortress-like buttresses.

The church’s interior consists of a single central nave with side chapels and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Notably, it lacks an external porch, similar to the nearby church of Sant Agustí, and features distinctive lateral buttresses that provide structural support and add to its unique appearance.

Situated in the quiet village of Es Cubells, the church stands alongside a convent of the Teresian order and a small square surrounded by gardens. Its back wall faces the cliff edge, enhancing its dramatic setting and providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and contemplation.

Each year, on July 16th, the church celebrates its parish festival in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, bringing the local community together to commemorate its heritage. Today, the gleaming white Es Cubells Church continues to be a symbol of faith, history, and architectural beauty, perfectly blending with its natural surroundings and the tranquility of the Ibizan landscape.