Stopping in the middle of the road and crossing paths with local sheep, contemplating the salt fields, discovering small villas that will take you to a different time in history, or discovering the island’s cultural and historical past are some of the ways you can enjoy Ibiza.
The island is well-known for its endless nights led by the world’s most famous DJs. It’s also known for its endless days of sun and refreshing baths in beaches of immeasurable beauty. But, even if you don’t believe so, there is actually more to Ibiza. There is “another” Ibiza; the more authentic, genuine and traditional Ibiza. There are many places that will allow you to discover the island’s rural side. We invite you to discover them!
Santa Eulària des Riu
To enjoy the calm, we recommend that you visit the small localities and villages located on the island’s western part, and Santa Eulària des Riu is one of them.
Despite that Santa Eulària des Riu is now a fun locality that holds a promenade filled with restaurants and shops, it is also characterized for being the only place of passage of the island’s only river course. You will find peace and calm around the riverbed and its surroundings. Fields of vegetables and fruits will open your eyes to a different world where time passes in a relative manner and where it’s only worth to focus on the small things.
Diverse fortified temples were constructed along the riverside that were used to defend the local population from the attacks of pirates and corsairs for many centuries. Sant Miquel, Sant Jordi, Sant Antoni and the Church of Santa Eulària, located on the highest point of the Puig de Missa, are amongst the most popular.
The surroundings of the Santa Eulària area, characterized by peaceful roads that swing through almond fields, are also definitely worth it.
Sant Joan de Labritja
Green forest areas, crop fields and incredible cliffs are what you will find in this municipality located on the north of the island.
It is a small, calm villa characterized by streets dotted with whitewashed houses and traditional food restaurants, where you can breathe in the warm atmosphere of back in the day, and where the feeling of “coming home” is common. Don’t miss out on its special marketplace that takes place on Sundays.
On the road that connects with the locality of Sant Llorenç de Balàfia you will come across the Interpretation Center of Es Amunts where you will find all of the information regarding the area’s best routes. Very nearby is constructed the Church of Sant Llorenç from which you can follow the path that leads you to the town of Balàfia, interesting for its historical and cultural heritage.
Sant Carles de Peralta
In this villa surrounded by almond trees, fig and carob trees, you can still take in the bohemian atmosphere of the 50s. It was during that time that European intellectuals and artists arrived on the island ready to make it their home. Ten years later the hippies, who founded several communes, followed them.
Near Cala Llenya and on the outskirts of Sant Carles you will find Es Trull de Ca n’Andreu, a 17th century estate which holds a PAYESA house that was reconverted into a museum. Within it you will be able to discover everything about rural Ibiza.
On the road to Sant Carles you will also come across diverse, practically virgin sandy areas that are hidden among beautiful cliffs. That of Ses Aigües Blanques is one of them.
Other rural towns
Another rural town which you definitely should visit is Es Cubells, located to the south of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. It stands out for its incredible cliff, fascinating views and wild beaches, such as Ses Boques or Cala Llentrisca.
In Santa Agnés de Corona, located in Sant Antoni de Portmany, you will find the most fertile area of Ibiza where, during the months of January and February, the almond trees will delight you with a magical show for your senses.
You can discover rural corners of the island both alongside the sea as well as in Ibiza’s interior localities, but all of them have been able to keep the old-school atmosphere that makes them so special. Which one is your favourite?
