Unmissable Ibiza
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
SAINT JOAN
One of Ibiza’s prettiest villages, Sant Joan (San Juan) combines startling scenery with plenty of rural charm. It’s a leafy place, showcasing the island’s simple architecture with shuttered windows, wrought-iron balconies and climbing plants aplenty. Sant Joan’s 18th century church is a fine example of its type, with a little bell tower, cupola and cake-icing whitewash. There’s an authentic little hippy market on Sundays.
SANT CARLES
A hippy hub during the 60s and 70s, the northern village of Sant Carles (San Carlos) is well worth a visit.
SANTA GERTRUDIS
There is a great play park for children and some fantastic restaurants. It’s great vibes here in the day for lunch and a look round the shops or in the evening for dinner and drinks and more shopping! It also has the best ice cream shop on the island where they the gelato is handmade every day. You can read more about Santa Gertrurdis here - ibizaistheanswer.com/explore/santa-gertrudis/
Dining
Los Emorados
Lovely for an early supper and sunset drinks on the terrace.
Calle de Portinatx | losenamoradosibiza.com
El Chiringuito
Very cool and hip, expensive.
Playa Es Cavallet | elchiringuitoibiza.com
Elements Ibiza
Come here for lunch whilst the children play on the beach.
Cala Benirras | elements-ibiza.com/food
Macoa Café
Vibrant Italian restaurant in the centre of the village.
Santa Gertrudis | +34 971 19 78 35
Finca la Plaza
Mediterranean restaurant with a secret garden.
Santa Gertrudis | fincalaplaza.com
Bar Costa
An iconic establishment, totally unique and reknowned for their delicious ham and cheese sandwiches!
Santa Gertrudis | facebook.com/people/Bar-Costa
Bottega il Buco
Wineshop, deli and restaurant. Seasonal menu with options to takeaway or eat in.
Santa Gertrudis | ilbuco.com/pages/bottega
Picadeli
Delicious homemade food.
Santa Gertrudis
The Giri Café, Plaza España
Located in the heart of the village, this café serves afternoon cocktails, snacks and children’s meals from 5pm (ideal if you’re on your way home from the beach) before slowly easing into the dinner service at around sunset.
San Juan Bautista | +34 971 33 34 74 | cafe.thegiri.com
Sabores Naturales, Carrer Sant Vicent
An unassuming family run restaurant serving delicious vegetarian food. The menu includes pizza, gnocchi, veggie burgers, homemade cakes and tasty smoothies. The service is laid back, but the food is good value.
Sant Joan de Labritja
Rebrots – Petit Arenal beach Portinax
We love this cute and stylish beach restaurant and the food is amazing!
San Juan | +34 971 32 06 09
Chiringuito Xucla
Gorgeous little chiringuito on the beach at Cala Xuclar near Portinax. Amazing prawns and chilled rose
San Juan | +34 97133 76 66
Chiringuito Pou Des Lleo
this is our favorite chiringuito on the island. It is a tiny shack serving fish/amazing prawns in garlic and other simple fresh food. You cannot reserve a table and it is cash only. Authentic place run by lovely people. We live in a finca behind the beach!
San Carlos Restaurante
This is a meat lovers paradise set in a lovely restaurant in San Carlos
San Carlos | sancarlosibiza.com |+ 34 971 33 50 39
Enfarinate
Take away pizzas - so good!
Six Senses
Go here if you’re after something a bit more glamorous.
Sant Joan de Labritja | sixsenses.com/en/resorts/ibiza/dining
Es Torrent
Simple but delicious seafood.
Sant Josep de sa Talaia | estorrent.net/en/
Lydia’s Smokehouse
A delicious burger place for takeaways etc if you’re tired off a boat
San Joan de Labritja | lydiassmokehouse.com
Bar Anita
For five decades this little bar has been at the heart of Sant Carles hippy culture – back when there were no mobile phones, everyone came here to make their calls. Its modest style, traditional décor, ample artwork and tasty menu make it a lovely spot for lunch.
Sant Carles | +34 971 33 50 90
Can Curreu
Set in the grounds of a tranquil finca hotel, this agro restaurant serves delicious cuisine and has a lovely candlelit outdoor dining terrace. Produce is home grown or local. Dishes might include scallops, beef tenderloin or lobster salad.
Santa Eulalia Des Ríu | +34 971 33 52 80 | cancurreu.com/restaurant
Edén Restaurant
A gastronomic experience with decadent and delicious food influenced by Asia and Africa. Take a tip from the owners and indulge in their favourite dish: two types of grilled fish and meat served on a stone of Himalayan salt.
Hacienda Na Zamena | +34 971 334 500 | hotelhacienda-ibiza.com
Balafia
Located on the road into Sant Joan, relaxed and rustic Balafia is a must for hearty food and a homely vibe. The restaurant is usually full by 8pm so it pays to get there early.
Saint Joan | +34 971 325 019 | Closed Sundays
Amante Beach Club
Ibiza’s most beautiful rural restaurant, perched on a cliff overlooking the Cala Sol D’en Serra bay. They serve Spanish and Italian cuisine, offer popular yoga and breakfast mornings, and sometimes have open air cinema nights. Their jetty and tender service allows easy arrivals by sea. Booking is essential.
Cala Sol d’en Serra | +34 971 196 176 | amanteibiza.com
Chirincana Beach Bar
This colourful beachside snack bar and restaurant only serves vegetarian food, gluten-free pizzas and salads. On Sunday, there’s raw food instead of barbecues. It has a great vibe in the evenings, and on Wednesday there’s live music at sunset.
Es Canar | +34 971 93 54 03 | chirincana-ibiza.com
Pizzeria Benirras
Perfect if you fancy a pizza on the beach followed by a swim off the rocks.
Benirras | +34 638 115 292
Aguas Blancas Beach Bar
Gazing out to sea from the sandy-floored terrace, this chilled beach bar is all about escapism. The seasonal salads are a vegetarian’s dream come true, you can quench the designated driver’s thirst with an amazing homemade lemonade, and everyone can finish up with some scrummy homemade ice cream.
Aguas Blancas | +34 648 622 865
El Bigotes
This much loved little eatery sits right on the water, in the tiny harbour just over the rocks at the far left of the beach. The vibe is super rustic, but the fresh fish is second to none. Book in advance.
Santa Eulalia del Rio | +34 650 79 76 33
Atzaro Beach Restaurant & Spa
A chill out zone with live DJs, sushi and cocktails, plus a blissful spa.
Cala Nova | +34 971 338 838 | atzaro.com
La Paloma
Italian restaurant in a beautiful setting. La Paloma café also in the day with a great garden for kids
San Lorenzo | +34 971 32 55 43
Casa L'Hasa
Natural wine bar with beautiful garden and great food open all year. DJ’s playing in the gardens on the weekends.
Taco Paco
Delicious Mexican food.
Santa Eulalia
Soul Good
Amazing little beach bar at Nui Blau beach, delicious cocktails and a great vibe.
Santa Eulalia
Shanti
Incredible Indian restaurant in Cala Llonga. This is a must visit.
Santa Eulalia | +34 971 19 65 88
La Bodega
An Ibizan institution for tapas. This is a lively place with a great atmosphere. One of our favorite tapas restaurants on the island.
Ibiza Town
Best Beaches
Try to go as early as you can as the beaches fill up and up as the day goes on. It’s lovely to spend the morning at the beach, have lunch and then leave before the hoards arrive…Benirras Beach, north west coast
A medium sized beach with rocky, grainy sand and almost unbelievably clear water – perfect for snorkelling. One of Ibiza’s most talked about beaches, as much for the atmosphere as for the scenery. Especially worth visiting at sunset, when the hippy bongo drumming extravaganza begins. The police have been trying to stop it for the last couple of years - shame... it’s one of the few free things in Ibiza and a real link to the old hippie culture. Spend the afternoon there, have a Sangria in one of the beach chiringuitos and make sure you get a good spot right in the heart of it all about half an hour before sunset. Parking is limited - if you arrive after lunchtime, expect to park along the winding road leading into the valley and walk the rest of the way (unless you get lucky).
Cala Xarraca, north coast
Almost a well kept secret, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled onto your very own private patch of Ibiza. This small beach has crystal clear water and is surrounded by lush, green forest areas and rocky pathways. You’ll also find natural mud baths in the area.
Cala Xuclar, north coast
A small, isolated bay lying between Portinatx and Cala Xarraca. The ideal place for those wanting nothing more than peace and quiet. Bring all refreshments and drinks with you. Again, great snorkelling - the nearby coastline is rocky with hidden inlets where you can find complete seclusion.
Portinatx, north coast
This haven is made up of three beaches - S’Arenal Gros, S’Arenal Petit and Playa Porto. With plenty of sand complemented by rocky areas and tranquil waters lapping shores, there really is something for everyone. There are lots of sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, bars and shops as well as pedalos and some water sports.
Cala d’en Serra, north coast
One of those special little Ibiza beaches - once discovered, never forgotten. Hidden away behind forested mountains, you can reach it by walking 10 minutes up a steep, stony path (you’ll pass the ruins of an unfinished 1970s hotel).
Cala Sant Vicent, north east coast
A long, beautiful half-moon shaped beach made up of golden sand, crystal waters and a palm tree lined promenade peppered with resort style eateries and hotels. Also home to an excellent dive centre (see p11 for details).
Aguas Blancas, north east coast
A long stretch of dark golden sand dominated by striking rocky cliffs, Aguas Blancas is a picture perfect example of Ibiza’s unspoiled north east coast. If you’re after an all-over tan, you’ve come to the right place. It’s one of Ibiza’s few ‘official’ naturist beaches, with a very cosmopolitan, open-minded atmosphere.
Pou Des Lleo, north east coast
This idyllic cove has very little shade on the beach, so be aware of the midday sun.
Cala de Boix, north east coast
Surrounded by rocky cliffs and trees, the pale, clear water is a striking contrast to the dark grey, pebbly sand. This is another great beach for snorkelling when the sea is calm and bodysurfing when the tide is up.
Cala Mastella, north east coast
This sweet little cove is one of Ibiza’s tiniest beaches. Relatively untouched and unspoiled, it retains a very special bohemian vibe.
Cala Llenya, north east coast
The smooth, sparkling turquoise water makes Cala Llenya ideal for swimmers of all levels of experience. As it’s quite shallow for a long way out, it’s also a great place for kids to play. With picnic areas beneath the pine trees and resort style beach restaurants offering something for everyone, this is the perfect place to set up camp for the entire day.
Cala Nova, north east coast
One of the only beaches in Ibiza that can actually claim to provide surfing conditions. There are several other tiny beaches in the north which will give you the feeling that you’ve made a real ‘off-the-map’ discovery once you arrive. Ditch the sunbeds and set up on the shore with a big beach blanket and a picnic… old school style.
Other favourites:
Cala San Vincente, north east coast
Salinas & Es Cavellett, south coast
Cala Jondal, south west coast
Cala Carbo, west coast
Cala Conta, west
Amazing sunsets.
Cala D’Hort, west
Overlooking Es Vedra
Cala Bassa, west
Do & See
Estudio Lanterna
Art gallery, design studio, bookshop and gardens.
Santa Gertrudis | estudio-laterna.com
Natasha Collis Shop & Studio
In the northern area known as the ‘Artisan Hills’, opposite the beautiful San Miguel church, this gem of a jewellery store is one of island’s greatest treasures, plus it has gorgeous views over the valley.
+34 971 334 654
Galeria Elefante
Decorative clothing and homewear shop.
Santa Gertrudis | lagaleriaelefante.com/
Atelier 74
Totally chic womens and childrenswear, and some wonderful homewear bits too.
Santa Gertrudis | numero74.com/
Parada
Lifestyle shop selling jewellery, decorative bits, clothing and childrens toys.
Santa Gertrudis | parada.club/
Cova de Can Marca, near Benirras Beach
These eerie underground caves were once much frequented by smugglers. Today, guides will take you on their secret route up from the boats to the top of the cliff. Visit later in the afternoon or early evening, when it’s a bit cooler. For a scenic arrival, take the right turn up the road from Benirras Beach, then wind up over the mountains to the caves.
+34 971 334 776 | covadecanmarsa.com | Open daily
Bohemian Boat Charters
Benirras Beach | bohemianboatcharters.com
Boat Charter
smartcharteribiza.com
Paddle Boarding
Luke has paddleboards and will take you out from wherever you like on the island.
paddleibiza.com
Go Karts, Carretera Santa Eulalia
Fun for all ages, this go kart track is very reasonably priced and has karts for all sizes and expertise. It’s 10 minutes north east of Ibiza Town, with lots of flags.
+34 971 31 77 44 | gokartssantaeulalia.com | Open daily
Love Pilates & Massage
They provide Pilates, massage and fitness at the studio or at your villa.
+34 633 209 227 | lovepilatesibiza.com
The Loft Pilates and Fitness studio
San Miguel | theloftibiza.com/en/home/
Charlotte Townsend Yoga
Charlotte from Wylder retreats offers private or group yoga during the summer months @char.townend | wylder.net
Ibiza Pilates
Jacky has a studio in Santa Gertrudis, where she teaches Reformer and Matwork Pilates. She can also visit your villa and teach up to 7 people with appropriate equipment.
ibizapilatesuk.com
Aguamar Water Park, south coast
This large water park has everything from slides and swimming pools to rides and restaurants – older kids love it. You’ll find it between Ibiza Town and the airport, on the left near Space nightclub. Be warned, this is a big tourist area full of hardcore Brits and the park gets very busy in peak season.
Kids Activities
Kids in Ibiza has a fabulous summer calendar of local events for children. Collated by a local mother, you’ll find painting projects, storytelling, creative workshops and medieval fairs. There is also a list of supervised activities at various beach restaurants, so you can enjoy a long lunch while your small people are occupied. If you’ve got time, log on before you go to find a comprehensive list of child-friendly restaurants, as well as children’s clothes and toy shops.
kidsinibiza.com/calendar
Bam Bu Ku for Kids
Surf machine.
bambukuibiza.com
Acrobosc Adventure park
acroboscibiza.com
Ibiza Hike Station
Discover the most incredible guided hikes on the island.
ibizahikestation.com
On the Water
Water Sports
In Portinatx, you can try diving, windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, banana boats and even good old fashioned pedalos.
Diving
There is an excellent diving school at Cala Sant Vicent, on the north east coast.
divingcenter-ibiza.com
Boat Charter
Charter one of the sexiest boats in Ibiza for water sports or a trip to some of the island’s top spots – thoroughly recommended!
+34 647 850 530 | mamboats.com
Formentara
Just south of Ibiza, Formentara is just 22km long but bursting with gorgeous beaches. Perfect for a day trip (use the ferry or charter your own boat), those azure waters are irresistible. Popular beaches include Migjorn, Illetes and Llevant – sweeping white sands lapped by the dazzling turquoise waters.
Our recommendations for Formentera:
Bartoloa at Mitjorn beach
Es Codal Forodat
Gorgeous beach front restaurant.
Mitjorn beach
Can Carlos
Amazing Italian dining user fairy lights very romantic.
Can Carlitos
Sister restaurant of Can Carlos in the port of Formentera with amazing sunset views and great food.
Macondo
Best pizza on the island of Formentera
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.