Rules to be observed of visitors for the co-existence with locals.
1.Dress code!
Away from beaches and swimming pools bathing suits are taboo. Even in the summer heat on a holiday island like Ibiza one should be dressed appropriately. The current fashion offers many alternatives
Never enter supermarkets, shops and restaurants in a bathing suit. Alone for the sake of hygiene.!
Traffic rules!
The alcohol limit is 0,5 % (driving ban and fine
It is forbidden to tow with a private car (fine
In a roundabout the driver using the outer lane has the right of way.
Parking on the yellow painted curb and in front of rubbish bins is forbidden (Towed away and fine).
Blue painted curbs indicate that parking fees have to be paid. Parking meters stand in the direction of arrows on the pavement.
It is not any longer allowed to park motorcycles on the sidewalk (fine).
3. 3. Smoking!
Carelessly thrown away cigarettes, lighters and matches can start fires!
Since the 1.1.2007 smoking is forbidden in many restaurants and bars. Please ask in advance before smoking.
The Pitiuses with Majorca and Minorca form the regional government unit Communitat Autònoma de les Illes Balears, which received far reaching powers like all autonomous regions of Spain from the central government in Madrid. The car registration IB derives from this. IB does not mean Ibiza - as often wrongly assumed - but stands for Illes de Balears. In the 1983 constituted 59-seat parliament of the Balearic Government in Palma de Majorca the island Majorca provides 33, Minorca 13, Ibiza 12 members and Formentera one member. To create a greater nearness to the islands'citizens three Island Councils (Consell Insular) were established. Till then there existed only one joint Island Council for the Pitiuses. Since 2007 Formentera has her own, which means there are now four councils. The Consell Insular of Ibiza is situated in Ibiza town in the Avenida España 40.
Autonomous elections take place every four years. Up to the 27th of May 2007 Jaume Matas of the Partido Popular (similar to the Conservatives in England) was president of the Balearic Islands and Pere Palau, also from the PP, was president of the Island Council of Ibiza. They lost the election to the Partido Socialista de España (PSOE). Citizens of other EU countries, who are registered with the relevant town hall, are allowed to participate in local election for their mayor.
Municipality
Town
Eivissa (Ibiza)
Ibiza-Stadt(Ciudad de Eivissa)
Ibiza, popularly called Vila, is with 45 000 inhabitants the largest town on the island and recently officially the capital. The old town comprises the town parts of La Marina, Sa Penya and Dalt Vila.
La Marina
In the harbour quarter La Marina trade and amusement are concentrated now as in earlier times. One shop lies beside the other: fashion boutiques and craft shops invite a stroll. In numerous bars and restaurants one can rest tired legs and tank new energy. In the evening the harbour mile becomes a promenade with artists, buskers and bodies on stilts trying to animate the crowd to visit a disco, all providing a colourful spectacle. During the winter months La Marina takes a rest: most shops are closed and one can watch the incoming and outgoing ships in peace and quiet over a coffee. In front of the harbour building stands the in 1906 erected obelisk to the memory of the Ibiceno corsairs who over centuries protected the Island from hostile pirates and made rich loot. Antonio Rigueur was the celebrated hero after he sunk the English sloop Felicity in 1806 with the jubilant applause of the local population watching from the town walls.
Sa Penya
The former fishermen's quarter Sa Penya rises from La Marina to the cliffs and town walls. Narrow lanes and flights of stairs crisscross the quarter, which was the poorest and still is today in some upper parts, where mainly gypsies live in un-restored buildings. In the lower Calle de La Virgen, also called Carrer de sa Mare de Deu, the nightlife goes wild in all the little bars and eccentric boutiques. Near the town wall behind the circular building of the old fish market Sa Peixateria was Lola's, the first disco of the island. Today gays prefer the nightlife of Sa Penya and are the regular customers.
Dalt Vila
Dalt Vila, the upper town, is completely surrounded by the town wall. The citizen built here well protected town palaces. The Moors had already surrounded their town with protective walls and 30 watchtowers. They divided the upper town into four quarters, which had to be conquered one after the other by possible attackers until they reached the palace and mosque on the top of the hill. Parts of this defence complex are still in good condition and partly inhabited as one can see on the Plaza de Vila. Today's impressive fortifications derive from the 16th century and are the work of the Italian Masterbuilder Giovanni Battista Calvi and his successor Jacobo Paleazo Fratín. The new artillery on board of ships, demanded a more powerful fortification. Additional seven bulwarks were integrated which made the town practically unconquerable: the Baluard de Sant Joan watches over both town gates on the harbour side, then follow clockwise the Baluard de Santa Lucia towering over the district Sa Penya, where during the summer jazz festivals take place, the Baluard de Santa Tecla below the cathedral, the Baluard de Sant Bernat, Baluard de Sant Jordi, and Baluard de Sant Jaume on the back of the castle, and finally the Baluard Portal Nou above the Western town gate of the same name. A walk around the town wall grants spectacular views over the narrow crowded houses of the lower town and the harbour, over the newly built parts and far into the countryside and the sea up to Formentera.
From La Marina one enters the upper town passing through the Portal de ses Taules which was originally called Portal del Mar. Opposite the old vegetable and fruit market Es Mercat Vell the ramp starts where the new draw-bridge from 1989 supplies a medieval flair. The headless statues positioned on the left and right are copies: the precious originals of the goddess Juno and a nameless Roman praetor are in the museum beside the cathedral. Directly behind the big town gate lies the old weapons' court with its imposing colonnades. Next we stand on the Plaza de Vila surrounded by boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants. At the end of the Plaza a short lane on the right side leads first steeply upwards and then left again steeply downwards to the second Northern town gate Puerta del Palomar, the only gate through which cars can pass, although only residents of Dalt Vila are allowed to do so. To the right above the weapans' court the Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani) is situated, which is always worth a visit.
Straight on beyond the Plaza de Vila the narrow Carrer de Santa Creu leads to the smaller Plaza del Sol and to the third and last town gate Portal Nou whose tunnel like passage gives an impression of the thickness of the town walls. Outside of the walls beside the Portal Nou lies the Parque Reina Sofia where in summer- mainly in August - many open-air concerts take place. From here it is only a stone's throw away to the Necropolis on the hill of Puig des Molins, where Carthaginians and later Romans buried their dead in subterranean tombs. The museum in the Via Romana is under reconstruction and still unfortunately closed, but some tombs on the hill can be visited. The Necropolis contains probably 4000 tombs and is regarded as one of the most important testimony worldwide to Phoenician culture.
From the Plaza del Sol a wide staircase leads further upwards. Up on the town wall one arrives at the cathedral. But many lanes lead up to the top of the hill, and we can discover many more special sights of Dalt Vila. If one turns left after passing the weapons' court and has the Plaza de Vila in the back, one reaches the Carrer Sa Carrossa, which leads to the baroque church Santa Domingo from the 17th century. It is part of the former Dominican monastery, which houses the town hall of Ibiza town since 1838. The main entrance is on the Plaza España, where the monument to the Catalan Commander Guillem de Montri stands, who defeated the Moors.
Legend tells how he achieved this. The little Capella de Sant Ciriac plays a role. We reach the chapel climbing uphill along the streets Pere Tur and Joan Roman passing the old priests' seminar, which nowadays contains luxury apartments. Under the statue of the holy Cyriacus (at the beginning of a street with the same name past an ice crème parlour) the rim of an opening in the town wall becomes visible. In old times there was supposed to be a secrete tunnel through the Arabic city wall which was only known to the family of the Emirs. In August 1235 Guillerm de Montgri camped dispirited with his army in Es Soto before the town walls which he could not conquer in spite of repeated attacks. As it happens the Emir had taken away the favourite wife of his brother. To take revenge the brother opened the secrete gate for the Christians. So in times of war beware of love affairs.
A last steep climb through the Carrer Major has to be surmounted before reaching the square in front of the cathedral. The cathedral was built between the 14th and 16th century in the plain Catalan Gothic style on the foundation of the holy mosque. She was consecrated to the Holy Mary of the Snow (Santa Maria de las Nieves) because this festive day of Maria (5th of August) lay nearest to the date of the conquest (8th of August). Both dates are opulently celebrated on Ibiza. On the left of the cathedral the Archaeological Museum was established in the building of the former administrative organ Universitat and in two adjoining chapels. On the right side of the cathedral rises the castle Es Castell giving a slightly dilapidated impression, as the money for restoration is always short. Now a new use for the former seat of the royal governor has been found: Es Castell is to become part of the government's chain of Paradors that establishes luxury hotels in historic buildings. The restoration is in progress. The view over the sea is fantastic from the bulwarks and the town wall behind the cathedral. A tunnel leads through the town wall to Es Soto where parking space is provided for tourist buses and for private cars of visitors, who want to avoid the strenuous climb through the old town.
Dalt Vila and the Necropolis on Puig des Molins are world inheritance sites of the UNESCO since December 1999.
To be able to enjoy all the sights and to avoid getting lost in the tangle of the narrow lanes of the old town the tourist office (Oficina de Turismo - in the harbour opposite the obelisk) has a town map with detailed explications in English. It is advisable to get informed of the opening hours of the museums and the cathedral; as they often change.
Damit man die Sehenswürdigkeiten in Ruhe geniessen kann und sich im Gewirr der engen Altstadtgässchen nicht verirrt, gibt es im Fremdenverkehrsbüro (Oficina de Turismo - im Hafen gegenüber dem Obelisken) einen Stadtplan mit ausführlichen Erklärungen, auch auf deutsch. Es ist ratsam, sich dort über die Öffnungszeiten der Museen und der Kathedrale zu informieren, die sich oft ändern.
The New Town
Only in 1898 Ibiza town spilled over the border ramparts of the old town quarter, which run from the town gate Puerta del Palomar to the harbour. The Teatro Pereira (Carrer Conde Rosselló) with red plush armchairs was officially opened for variety shows which women were not allowed to view. Later it was changed into a cinema, and today the Dutchman Jan Erik runs a jazz club in the former spacious Foyer where live music from midnight attracts a well supporting audience. In 1904 a memorial was solemnly dedicated in the presence of King Alfons XII on the nearby avenue of poplars in honour of the Ibicenco General Joaquín Vara de Rey i Rubió who fell in the Cuban war. The USA had declared war on Spain and with the defeat Spain lost its last overseas colony. Between 1913 and 1935 buildings were erected in Spanish colonial style around the avenue of poplars. Today the Plaza Vara de Rey is the centre of town. In the street cafés news is exchanged and many a negotiation started and finalized. Especially the Montesol, the oldest hotel of the town, lives of this past charm. Caroline of Monaco, Orson Wells and Pink Floyd sat on its chairs. But time demands its sacrifices and the growing traffic pushes the easy goers more and more to the nearby Plaza del Parque. There one is safe from the traffic, and the numerous cafés and bars have more custom.
From the Vara de Rey the new town spreads with growing rapidity. Three main arteries connect this place with the inland: the Avenida Eulalia leads along the harbour to Santa Eulalia, the Avenida Ignacio Wallis to San Antonio, the Avenida España is as a one way-street into town a connection to San José and the air port; the parallel street Isodoro Macabich leads out of town in the same direction. Here are the bus stops and the post office. In between are many small one-way streets with many shops where everything can be found from noble expensive fashion brands to the cheapest chinaware. In contrast to the old town quarters, where shops close down in winter, the new town stays full of life all year round.
Around the harbour
On a walk along the harbour quay one can admire ships of all sizes, from the small Ibicenco fishing boats, the Llaüds, to high sea yachts equipped with the newest technology. The merchant and passenger ships from the mainland still dock here in La Marina; in future they are supposed to be moved to the new harbour quay at the lighthouse of Botafoch on the opposite side of the harbour basin.
Beside the ferry quay to Formentera the yacht harbour Ibiza Nueva with the Club Nautico begins which was founded in 1925. Small boats of mainly Ibicenco owners bob on the water. After an unattractive stretch where containers are loaded, we reach the Paseo Juan Carlos I. Here first a casino was built in the 80ies, followed by numerous pubs and bars, which founded the fame of Ibiza's nightlife; e.g El Divino, Keeper etc. In the Casino one armed bandits, roulette and Black Jack await gamblers who want to try their luck. The newest plan is to enlarge this casino to the five-star-hotel Gran Hotel Sal Ibiza. In the parallel street, the Avenida 8 de Augosto, the well-known discotheque Pacha is found, which opened in 1973.
The Paseo Juan Carlos I. leads to the newer pleasure harbour Marina Botafoch where the most expensive yachts are moored. Here numerous restaurants, bars, and boutiques opened with the spectacular view on the old town.
In the last years the Paseo was extended to the century old lighthouse Far des Botafoch and to the new cruising ship quay. Today it is not visible that the road is built across two islands, the Illa Plana and the Illa Grossa. In Phoenician times a Tanit temple stood on the Illa Plana and in the Middle Ages the island served as a quarantine station in times of the pest.
Ses Feixes
Behind the roads around the harbour opposite the old town a forest of high reeds grows. There the swamp land of Ses Feixes lies. The Moors once drained this area with an integrate system of canals to plant vegetable gardens to supply the town inhabitants. Each garden had an own free standing entrance gate built like a horse shoes on its head, some of which are still standing. Today ecologists, who want to protect the historic value and the breeding space for many different species of birds, quarrel with landowners, who wish to realize the high price for town property. A stroll through Ses Feixes is most beautiful behind the Avenida 8 Augosto.
Talamanca
At the end of the Avenida 8 Agosto one stands on fine white sand in front of the bar Flotante. Behind of the Illa Grossa behind the harbour basin only few meters away of the Marina Botafoch, stretches in a bow the attractive beach of Talamanca. The shallow water is save for children. In spite of the fact that here, as on all larger beaches of the island, a whole tourist quarter with hotels, apartments, restaurants, and shops was developed. It is still considerably quieter than Ses Figueretes or Playa d'en Bossa. Part of Talamanca belongs to the municipality of Santa Eulalia, but we count it to Ibiza town, because of its nearness to town and its easy access from there (there is a bus and a water taxi to the town centre).
Behind Talamanca rises Cap Martinet, where many prominent people spent the summer in their mansions.
Ses Figueretes
Where the beach of Ses Figuerettes reaches the rocky cliffs, lies the town quarter Es Viver. There is hardly anything left of the original fishing harbour, also here tourism dominates. According to newest plans a pleasure harbour is to be built in front of the tiny Isla de las Ratas. While businessmen of Es Viver welcome the project, because it promises to revive the quarter, the residents of Ses Figueretes reject the harbour, because the boats would further pollute the small beach.
Playa d´en Bossa
Behind Es Viver begins the fine white sand of the Playa d'en Bossa, the longest beach of the island and the border to the municipality of Sant Josep. For a long time Playa d'en Bossa was regarded as the most beautiful beach of Ibiza: now the locals leave the pleasure to swim in the shallow waters behind the solid chain of hotels to the tourists, who like the bustle. The many aircrafts flying over Playa d'en Bossa to the nearby airport can be disturbing. On some sections of the beach, e.g. on the Bora Bora disco beach, the blaring music drowns out the noise of the aircrafts.
Near of the usual restaurants, bars and shops are discotheques, like the Space which causes a craze as a day disco with those who want to dance for 24 hours enjoying Ibiza's high life. Directly along side Space is Aguamar another water park a bit smaller than Aqualandia of Talamanca.
At the end of the beach at the border of the natural reserve of Ses Salines arises the watchtower of Torre de la Sal Rossa, one of the oldest on the island. In the Middle Ages guards watched out for pirates, to warn the workers in the salt works with smoke signals of impending danger.
Sant Josep de sa Talaia (San José)
Sant Josep de sa Talaia
The municipality of San José is by size the largest on the island. It covers the whole South Western part and stretches from Playa d'en Bossa, where it borders Ibiza town, to the South side of the bay of San Antonio. Two hill chains running into each other define the picture of the landscape: the Serra Grossa and the Serra de Sant Josep. The village lies at the foot of Ibiza's highest mountain, the 475m high Talaia de Sant Josep. To climb the mountain one drives a short stretch from San José in the direction Cala d´Hort / Cala Vedella; one has to take care not to miss the small sign on the left side, which indicates the road. On the mountaintop is a tower with several antennas and a rustic picnic place.
The village San José is in comparison to the main towns relatively small - with the exception of San Juan, which leads a dreamy life up high in the North. As Ibiza's tourists come mainly for the sun and the beaches to the island, there are no large hotel buildings inland. The centre of San José lies beside the main road leading from Ibiza town to San Antonio. Here are the shops, cafés, and restaurants, the town hall, and police. The attractive church was built for defence and finished in 1731. Worth seeing too is the altar piece of the Holy Saint Joseph painted by Pere Bosch of Majorca in 1735. The original was destroyed in the Spanish Civil War; on show is a reproduction from 1958. During summer folklore performances are regularly held in front of the church.
There are beautiful walks around San José, e.g. to the little chapel on the Puig d´en Serra. A soldier in gratitude for his happy return built the chapel and once per year a procession takes place (to get there from San José drive in direction of the main road to Ibiza, after the petrol station turn left in the sharp curve in the direction of Benimussa).
Further in direction of Ibiza at the junction to Sa Caleta is the Cova Santa, the Holy Cave. It is a small limestone cave detected in the 15th century. Over a long period a hermit is supposed to have miraculously survived here nourished only with the water of the cave; although the cave also served as a pirate hide out. Beside the Cova Santa there is now a discotheque with restaurant service, which is well known for its famous Flamenco-shows.
One reaches the Phoenician-Roman estate Ses Paisses de Cala d´Hort on the road between Es Cubells and Cala Vedella (watch the signs). The estate existed from the 5th century B.C. to the 8th century A.D. and was used by Phoenician, Romans and Byzantines. Well recognizable are the buildings for living and housekeeping and several burial chambers.
The old watchtower Torre des Seminar stands not far from here. It guards from its position over Cala d'Hort the South West of Ibiza. The view of the 383m high rocky island Es Vedrà opposite is breathtaking. Some compare the rock with a cathedral in the sea, others believe to recognize in it the head of a dragon and in the nearby smaller sister island Es Vedranell the tail of a dragon. Many myths are woven around Es Vedrà: at times it's the talk about apparitions of Mary, at others of Ufos. Be it magic or magnetism the rock is attractive. The practical Ibicencos use the escape-save rock as a refuge for their goats.
Sant Jordi de ses Salines
Sant Jordi was once the gate to the blooming salt industry and the living place of many of the salt workers. Today the village on the old road to the airport presents many ugly new buildings. In spite of this, it is worth a visit. In the side streets one finds a beautiful fortified church with battlements and crenels, which is one of the oldest on the island. There are horse races in the hippodrome on Sundays. On Saturday mornings a large colourful flea market unfolds in the arena.
Sant Francesc de s'Estany
Behind Sant Jordi in the direction Salinas / Sa Canal lies the tiny village San Francisco. The little white church in front of the saltpans is always worth a photo. For years there are plans to install an administration and information centre for the nature reserve in the annexes. But Ibiza's mills grind slowly. From the distance the airport greets.
Ses Salines
The 130 saltpans of the oldest industry on Ibiza extend behind San Francisco over 500 ha to the West, South, and East to the sea. In the West the hill Es Falcó and in the East the Puig des Corb Mari rise. The area has been a nature reserve since 1995. Many birds breed here among them herons and hawks. During winter hundreds of flamingos rest in front of Cap des Falcó for weeks. The saltpans are natural in origin: the water percolates through the bottom, evaporates, and leaves the salt. Phoenicians Romans, Arabs, Catalans and Castilians built more and more saltpans with basins and sluice gates to the sea for flooding, and became rich through the "white gold". Still today the salt is extracted and piled up into high mounds for drying, before being loaded into ships in Sa Canal. The largest part goes to the Netherlands and Denmark, where deep-sea fishermen use it for salting the fish.
Sa Canal und La Revista
Both small villages were built as accommodation for the administrative staff of the loading platform of the salt works. Now the houses are in private hands. La Revista on the East side of the beach Es Cavallet (see beaches of San José) leads a dreamy life. There is no longer a jetty for ships transporting salt. These now dock - but also only rarely - further to the West in Sa Canal at the end of the favoured Salinas' beach (see beaches of San José.)
Cala Vadella
Es Cubells
In the South of San José lies Es Cubells on a steep coastal cliff. The quiet village grew around the Carmelite monastery, which was founded by the mystic Francisco Palau in the 19th century. In the monastery seminars of all confessions are held, among others of Buddhist Lamas. The little church in the village with the fantastic view over the sea to Formentera is worth it.
Sant Augusti des Vedra
A church, a bar, a restaurant, a grocery store, and a gallery - San Agosti on a small hill on the road from San José to San Antonia has remained a quiet Ibicenco village where foreign newcomers have left traces. Germans founded the elementary school Can Blau, which became a music school a few years ago. Once per year San Agustí awakens to full life: the celebration of its Saint's Day is one of the most beautiful on the island.
Platja d'en Bossa
Behind Es Viver begins the fine white sand of the Playa d'en Bossa, the longest beach of the island and the border to the municipality of Sant Josep. For a long time Playa d'en Bossa was regarded as the most beautiful beach of Ibiza: now the locals leave the pleasure to swim in the shallow waters behind the solid chain of hotels to the tourists, who like the bustle. The many aircrafts flying over Playa d'en Bossa to the nearby airport can be disturbing. On some sections of the beach, e.g. on the Bora Bora disco beach, the blaring music drowns out the noise of the aircrafts.
Near of the usual restaurants, bars and shops are discotheques, like the Space which causes a craze as a day disco with those who want to dance for 24 hours enjoying Ibiza's high life. Directly along side Space is Aguamar another water park a bit smaller than Aqualandia of Talamanca.
At the end of the beach at the border of the natural reserve of Ses Salines arises the watchtower of Torre de la Sal Rossa, one of the oldest on the island. In the Middle Ages guards watched out for pirates, to warn the workers in the salt works with smoke signals of impending danger.
Sant Antoni de Portmany
Sant Antoni de Portmany
San Antonio received the by-name Portmany from the Romans, because they were impressed by the Portus magnus, the large harbour. The municipality to the North West of Ibiza combines like no other the contrasts of the island: from the tourist bustle in the harbour to the quiet villages in the valleys of the hill chain Es Amunts.
In the 60ies the town San Antonio was still a peaceful fishing harbour, that had not much more to show for itself than a powerful fortified church, built between the 14th and 17th century, a handful of houses, and some tourist accommodations on its wide sandy beach. With the tourist boom hotels sprouted like mushrooms; the old village centre can now hardly be seen behind the modern skyline. The new landmark is the monumental Egg of Columbus with the caravel Saint Mary in its middle. In 1992 at the 500-year anniversary of the discovery of America it was erected on a strategic roundabout in the harbour, where the country roads from Ibiza town and San José meet. The monument exists thanks to the stubborn research of the Ibicenco journalist Nito Verdera, who lives in San Antonio. Verdera insists that Columbus -whose decent is disputed - spoke Catalan and was probably born on Ibiza. He has discussed his thesis with international historians for many years.
The harbour promenade runs around the bay. In the North before of the lighthouse lies the quay for the ferries to Denia on the Spanish mainland; then there are moorings for countless small boats and the Club Náutico of San Antonio as well as the small excursion boats to the nearby beaches Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, and Cala Tarida and the glass-bottom boats to the islands Es Vedrà in the South and Ses Margalides in the North. On the other side of the street lies the Passeig de ses Fonts with two large fountains. The promenade continues along the sandy beach to the cultural centre Sa Punta des Moli at the Southern end. There beside a recently renovated wind mill with an old drawing wheel, regular art exhibitions of interest take place and at times live-concerts.
Those who aspire to a quiet holiday are in San Antonio in the wrong place. The town has subscribed itself to noisy amusement, especially sought by young English. "Pay one, drink two" is one of the usual advertisements in front of many bars in the West end; there are supposed to be pubs where only English is spoken. During high season the small streets are crowded with sunburnt partying youth, who seem never to sleep. Naturally there are several discotheques near the harbour; the largest is Es Paradis Terrenal, famous for its water parties, and Eden.
The breathtaking sunsets that can be admired from Ses Variades have a global reputation. The Café del Mar started successfully to underline the natural spectacle with ambient-sounds, followed by numerous other pubs that settled around here. The sun submerges glowing red into the sea under the applause of the spectator mass. But possibly the Sunset-Beach will have to move to another site, as the town hall plans to build a modern marina.
In winter, when the hotels and most of the pubs and restaurants close, the amusement quarter of San Antonio converts into a ghost town. The harbour area is then quite homely.
Sa Forada / Buscastell
This tiny village on the country road from San Rafael to Santa Inés can hardly be seen as a village; there is a newer little church, a school, a bar, behind it a grocery store and that is all. The bar however is remarkable; every fortnight a new art exhibition opens and the place is humming. All in all an attractive place, where one can enjoy a coffee or a beer.
A nice excursion is a walk in the valley Buscastel. Here the Moors once directed the water of the wild creek in a sophisticated irrigation system over the many terraced fields.
Sant Mateu d'Albarca (San Mateo)
Also in the island's North lies San Mateu in the hilly area of Es Amunts; an area well protected by strict building laws. The church from the 18th century dominates the village: there are two restaurants, a playground and few houses. The school is situated 2km away, the grocery store has closed. In the wide valley below the village mainly wine is grown. There are two Bodegas in San Mateu. Every year in late autumn a wine festival is celebrated in the sport arena with samples of the season's vintage with music and dance.
Several attractive roads lead from the valley through pine forests to the bluff cliffs of the Cala d'Albarca. This bay with its bizarre limestone cliffs cuts deeply inland. To the right snakes a steep, tiring serpentine path down to the water, where between rocks only rests of an old boat shed is visible.
Sant Rafel de sa Creu (San Rafael)
In the interior of the island halfway between San Antonio and Ibiza town lies the village of San Rafael. Since the completion of the new highway, those without time roar through the tunnel past the village. The church from 1735 deserves a visit, alone for the view over half the island to the old town of Ibiza and the sea. Several small restaurants with different cuisine await guests. Two of the restaurants lie beside the church. In San Rafael there are three ceramic workshops, whose art and craft products belong to the best on he Island (Ceramicas EsMolí, Icardi, and Can Kinoto).
From San Rafael over the highway in the direction of Ibiza town are the two big discotheques Privilege and Amnesia, which with their sumptuous parties and international DJs made Ibiza worldwide famous.
Santa Agnès de Corona (Santa Ines)
Santa Inés in the island's North attracts visitors like honey attracts bees. At the end of January beginning of February the almond trees unfold their flowering splendour. The whole valley is one large plantation of almond trees. The otherwise quiet village represents pure Ibiza. The road leads directly to the old village store Can Cosmi, where the family also runs a restaurant. Here the best tortilla of the Island is served, made of eggs, potatoes, onions, paprika, and tomatoes. The restaurant terrace offers an attractive view of the small church (18th century). Another restaurant and a leather shop round up the panorama; the school, the grocery store, and a few houses lie scattered in the landscape. In Santa Inés time seems to have stood still.
The walk from Santa Inés to the sea is beautiful. The road Cami des Pla Corona leads from Can Cosmi to the bluff cliffs of Ses Balandres with a fantastic view on the small island Ses Margalides. Recently there a restaurant in a small clearing in the pine forest opened.
Santa Eulària del Riu (Santa Eulalia)
Santa Eulària des Riu
The third harbour town of Ibiza lies on the South Eastern part of the island. It is positioned on the same latitude as San Antonio in the West. This municipality has the most fertile plains, e.g. the Morna valley, Atzaró, Arabi, and Frutera. Only in the South in direction of Ibiza town are hills. Santa Eulalia is with around 30 000 inhabitants
the population richest municipality.
The "town on the river" lived for long time from its agriculture. The Riu de Santa Eulalia with its source far in the North near San Miguel was reputed to be the only river of the Balearics. Today most of it lies dry; a sign of the severe water shortage on the island. The many water mills in the plains, where Moors farmed, are testimony to the glorious past. Behind the new road bridge leading to the town, survives an old stone bridge. According to legend it was built by the devil in one night during the Middle Ages.
A clever mayor made a pact with the devil and promised him the first soul passing the bridge. When the prince of darkness demanded his price the mayor chased a dog over the bridge. So Santa Eulalia received a bridge and the devil had to be content with the soul of a dog. From this old bridge leads an attractive promenade, where ducks waddle around, to the river mouth.
Between the sea and the hill Puig d'en Misssa the new town spreads. The Plaza España with the town hall lies to the North of the main street Calle de San Jaime. To the right of the town hall is the "restaurant street" where one restaurant lies beside the next. On the South side the Ramblas, also called Paseo de s'Alamera runs down to the sea. The wide sandy beach with its attractive promenade surrounds the whole bay. At the South West end behind the river mouth lies the tourist urbanisation La Siesta, at the North East side the promenade ends in the Marina of Santa Eulalia.
Santa Eulalia too has built many hotels and large apartment buildings along the coast. But in contrast to San Antonio a quieter family tourism dominates here. Night revellers find entertainment with live-music in the pubs of the marina.
Cala Llonga
To the South of Santa Eulalia the little bay Cala Longa cuts deeply inland between Punta Roja and Cala Librell ; as the name says (Cala Longa = long bay).The short but wide sandy beach is crowded with the guests from the hotels built into the cliffs.
Water sport is offered along with restaurants, pubs, and mini discos - the Cala Longa is a place for young holiday makers who want to be animated.
Es Canar
On the relatively small Playa des Canar and its wide sandy beach the first holiday urbanisation of the island was built. Now Es des Canar has become the biggest tourist centre of Ibiza. Many hotels, shops, bars, and restaurant make here good business. In the Club Punta Arabi at the end of the main street, each Wednesday Ibiza's oldest and largest hippie market happens: a sea of stalls, where the search for souvenirs becomes a shopping spree. Those with patience, who are not deterred by the dust and crowds, might discover among the consumer goods an original piece of art and craft.
Cala Llenya / La Joya
The last of six beaches in easy reach of San Carlos. The lovely small sandy beach looses some of her attraction with the presence of a construction ruin. The guests in the surrounding holiday urbanisation bring life to the two beach huts. From here to Santa Eulalia the whole East coast is seamlessly urbanized.
Es Figueral
A typical family beach with lots of sand and shallow water, where a club hotel settled. During high season the broad beach is completely covered with deck chairs. The few shops nearby do not create the atmosphere of a tourist urbanisation.
Siesta
Samll Village next to Santa Eulalia.
Sta. Gertrudis de Fruitera
The village Santa Gertrudis is situated in the middle of the island und turned itself in the last decades into a centre. Thirty years ago it was a small peaceful village with a clover-like fortified church (from the year 1796), a grocery store, school, and few houses. With the onset of tourism it grew accordingly; at least there is no high rise. Around the church are many bars and restaurants where no chair stays free during high season. Amongst all are peculiar little shops like the Casi Todo, where from antiquities to jumble everything is auctioned; the Origin with dress and jewellery and decoration stuff from Asia; the Claire's where the articles come from Morocco. The international flair, to which the bookshop Libro Azul contributes, is a favoured characteristic.
The many artists who settled in the surroundings, have also an impact on the place. There are three galleries in the village. The German Doris Hardt runs the Can Dafifa in a beautiful old farmhouse near the church yard, the Swiss Edi Andrist opened the Local 4 in Sa Nova Gertrudis, and a little outside on the road to Ibiza town lies Es Molí, whose owner is French.
That a fertile plain surrounds Santa Gertrudis, becomes obvious on a drive in the direction of San Miguel along the Cami des Pia Roig past the many beautiful old country estates.
Puig d´en Valls
Puig, as the place is shortly called, is already seen as a suburb of Ibiza town, although it belongs to the municipality of Santa Eulalia. Characteristic of the place are large apartment blocks. The church is relatively new. Worth a mention is the only old windmill on the hill, which stands under the protection of preservation of an ancient monument.
Roca Llisa
Behind the only golf club of the island and the noble villa development Roca Llisa lies the tiny Cala d'Olivera. The entrance is difficult to find: one drives past the golf club and turns at the beginning of the villa development to the left, until the road narrows into a path. It leads down to the sea.
S´Argamassa
Jesùs
In the Southern corner of the municipality Santa Eulalia, only 4km from Ibiza town, lies Jesús; the real name is Nuestra Senora de Jesús, which means grandmother. The church was built in her honour at the beginning of the 15th century. In the 16th century it served first the Franciscan monks, then the Dominicans as house of God until they built their own monastery in uptown Ibiza. In the church of Jesús stands the most important altar picture on the Pitiuses: in 1498 the brothers Juan Rodrigo and Francisco de Osona from Valencia depicted in late gothic style the Holy Mary and the Apostles on seven large tables.
Otherwise Jesús has not much to offer: a few bars and restaurants, few shops and many new apartment blocks. The nearness to Ibiza town caused the village to grow and increased through traffic, which mainly bothers the customers on the terrace of the old established restaurant Bonlloch.
Sant Carles de Peralta
North of Santa Eulalia lies the small village San Carlos where an attractive fortified church from the 16th century and the Bar Anita form the centre. Behind the church a new urbanisation was developed. Anita's Bar was for decades and is the meeting place of the villagers, the exchange place of news and the post office. Under the vine covered porch roof the Hierbas, an Ibicenco anis liquor made with rosemary and thyme, tastes especially good.
Neben der Kirche ist ein Gemeindesaal angebaut. Hier findet seit 1986, früher jährlich, jetzt alle zwei Jahre, im September ein Internationaler Klavierwettbewerb statt, zu dem nicht nur junge Pianisten aus ganz Europa kommen, sondern auch aus Korea, China, Russland, Argentinien etc. Die griechische Prinzessin Irene, Schwester der spanischen Königin Sofía, hat die Schirmherrschaft übernommen.
The church has a community hall, where in September since 1986 an international piano competition takes place in September, earlier annually, now biannually. Not only young pianists from Europe participate, but musicians come from as far away as Korea, China, Russia, Argentina etc. The Greek Princess Irene, sister of the Spanish Queen Sofía, took on the sponsorship.
On the Santa Eulalia road lies Las Dalias, which started as a coachman's pub, later a cellar restaurant and a small theatre were added. Since Juanito took over from his parents, a hippie market is held in the beautiful garden each Saturday during high season, it is supposed to be the best on the Island. On other days live concerts are held.
Ca Na Negreta
Small Town on main road between Ibiza and Sta. Eulalia atkm 1.5.
Sant Joan de Labritja
Sant Joan de Labritja
San Juan in the North East of the island is the smallest municipality of Ibiza, in regard of size and population. The sleepy village lies in the middle of the hill chain Es Amunts; tourist activity with large hotels developed only in the three larger sandy beaches of Port de Sant Miquel, Portinatx, and Cala Sant Vicent.
The fortified church of San Juan from the 18th century with its sharp bell tower is atypical for Ibicenco architecture. The key for the church lies in the nearby bar Vista
Alegre, which preserved the charm of old Ibiza. The whole village breathes tranquil introspection, of "let the spirit run free", which attracted the hippies from the 60ties and 70ies. The scene survived here much longer than on the rest of Ibiza: esoterics, mystics, alternative healer, astrologists, ecologists, the whole palette of alternative dropouts from civilisation offer their services. The town hall is hidden in a side street next the church square.
Sant Miquel de Balansat
The powerful fortified church of San Miguel in the North looks defiant far over the countryside. It was built in the 14th century and several times enlarged. In the later built Capella de Benirràs frescoes from the 17th century were found, which were restored with great pain by international specialists in 1994. In the churchyard folk dance performances take place on Thursdays at 6 p.m. The Cola de Balansat is the oldest folklore group of the island and performs at international festivals as well.
Below the church hill the new village spreads along the road from Santa Gertrudis. The many new buildings are architecture without inspiration.
Two pretty excursions, one down to the Port de Sant Miquel, which is since a long time no harbour, but a tourist beach. Near the water a small path leads past the small Caló des Motons up to the old watchtower Torre des Molar. The path is badly marked by blue points: reaching the Torre the spectacular view over the sea to the bay of Benirràs makes the pain worthwhile.
On the other side of the bay, a road passes behind the hotels up to the limestone cave Cova de Can Marca. Pirates, who could get to the hide out directly from their ships, used the cave, whose entrance lies only 12 meters above sea level. Their colour markings are still today visible. To make the stalactites and stalagmites more impressive the guided tour culminates with a roaring light and water spectacle accompanied with music.
Sant Vicent de sa Cala
A winding road leads from San Juan along the bed of a former wild river in Eastern direction to the sea. Halfway lies the village Sant Vicent, without doubt the smallest on the Island. The school, pub with grocery store, houses, are so widely scattered in the valley, that one stands at first lost in front of the church, which was built as the last fortified church of the island in the 19th century.
Interesting is a visit to the cave Es Culleram on Puig des Capers. Violet signposts mark the way along the main-road from Sant Vicent in direction of the bay. The view from the cave of the Cala de Sant Vicent is beautiful. In Phoenician times the cave served the priestesses as a cult site. It is divided into several natural side- and main-halls. In 1907 a great number of terracotta figures were found, all of them are now in the Archaeological Museum, among them the famous Tanit bust. A copy of the bust can be bought in every souvenir shop. In recent years the Island Council organized guided tours; ask in the tourist office.
Sant Llorenç de Balàfia
San Lorenzo lies far in the interior, although this did not hinder the pirates from invading so far inland. San Lorenzo has its by-name from the old watchtowers Balàfia, the only tower not on the coast. The few houses cluster near to the three towers, where the peasants of the fertile plain Es Pla d'Atzado took hiding at impending danger. The little fort from the Middle Ages is worth seeing, but take into consideration when visiting, that people live there.
Behind the fortified church from the 18th century lies a little nature reserve offering a picnic place with a beautiful view of the rural landscape. A school, two pubs, a few houses, and a big parking space for the tourist buses make up the rest of the village.
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