Until the 18th century, although not necessarily continuously, the coastline of the islands was a hostile environment for the establishment of permanent settlements. In fact, with a few isolated exceptions, population centres were not established near the coast until relatively recent times. Both the towns of coastal municipalities and rural settlements in the area sought the protection of inland locations. The settlement pattern on hilltops, prevalent in the municipality of Santa Margalida, is a good example of this practice.
Nevertheless, fishing led to the construction, over the centuries, of shelters for storing boats and fishing gear, as well as places where fishermen could stay or take refuge. Some examples are documented as far back as the Middle Ages.
The surviving escars are characterised by their particular simplicity in terms of structure, construction techniques and materials. They are carved into the rock and measure approximately 25 metres in length and up to 3 metres in width.
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