The 9am sunlight streams lazily through the window of my plane, yet the atmosphere on board is miles away from a sleepy morning. The Venga boys “We’re going to Ibiza” is playing out from the phone of someone in front of me while this is true, the reason I’m going is to experience the other side of the island. For while its unwavering reputation as a luxurious party destination is still true, there is so much beneath the surface that once you unpack it you’ll be surprised at just what comes tumbling out. My trip is to discover the area of Saint Eulalia, the third largest town of Ibiza and a municipality on the East of the island.
Santa Eulalia encompasses a range of towns and villages and is a luscious and historical part of Ibiza, where there’s beauty everywhere you look. Whitewashed villas with floor-to-ceiling glass windows perch vertiginously on the mountainside offering unwavering views of the crystal clear sea below. Waves crawl lazily up the shore where people are sunbathing, paddle boarding or relaxing in one of the many waterfront restaurants. Santa Eulalia retains an air of simple authenticity where it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It’s Ibiza to the core, offering an experience far from the classic “brits abroad” you could find.
It’s the people and the roots of a place that makes it what it is and Santa Eulalia is a fine case in point. Locals here are happy, tourists respectful and it offers a meaningful travel experience. While there is a multitude of 4 and 5-star establishments you don’t come here to just seclude yourself in your hotel and not explore. Instead, it’s somewhere where you can’t wait to experience the wonders just beyond your doorstep, returning to your hotel for a dip in the pool under the hot Spanish sun.
Where to stay in Santa Eulalia
During my stay, I reside in the W Hotel Ibiza – a beautiful and well-located 5-star hotel that opened in 2019. It’s luxurious yet not pretentious, with Ibizan charm interwoven to its core. The decor is contemporary and colourful, and in the lobby woven cushions and tapestries placed on a tiered bar seating area offer the ideal place to sip a cocktail or two and listen to live DJs. The pool is large enough without ever being overcrowded and offers plenty of plush loungers where you can while away your afternoons. There’s a gym, spa, restaurant and beautiful rooftop bar with sprawling views of the city just beyond. Rooms are spacious and inviting with retractable balcony shades meaning you can relax in the open air no matter the time of day. A smart display controls the lights and blinds, with innovative “wc” lighting guiding the way to the toilet at night without you having to either fumble through the pitch black or turn the main light on. Beds are extremely comfortable, accompanying sofas provide the perfect chill area for the day and Aromatherapy toiletries further add to the luxurious experience. It’s a hotel that really thinks of the little things and makes your experience unforgettable. Be sure to visit their rooftop bar for yoga under the rising sun and cocktails when dusk hits.
Where to eat in Santa Eulalia
Dining-wise, Santa Eulalia offers a host of options depending on your preference. In true Spanish style, we recommend eating around 9 o clock, where you can find the best atmosphere. There are places to go for ultimate luxury as well as hidden gems that are steeped in authenticity.
La’Era
La’Era – a Michelin-recommended restaurant tucked away in an old Ibiza-style hotel nestled in the woodland. With a beautiful terrace and pool and stunning views just beyond, it offers so much without being overly fussy. Sit in the open air and let the warm evening breeze tease your hair as you tuck into a range of local crisp Spanish wines, dip freshly baked bread into olive oil and try some of the most delicious and well-presented food you will find on the island.
Bar Costa
For a more traditional and casual dining experience, Bar Costa is a must. Located in Santa Gertrudis, a charming village known for its restaurants, terraces and boutiques, it offers a real family feel, where you can perch on stools outside and tuck into their salted ham sandwiches that they are famous for as well as a host of other local cured meats and cheeses. We recommend dining tapas style here, where you share the dishes between you, letting the evening pass you by.
Pou des Lleó beach
Another restaurant you need to visit is Pou des Lleó, ideal for lunch or dinner. Famous for its Paellas and the “Bullit de peix”, a typical dish from Ibiza, it is the reference restaurant for the local population to enjoy the traditional cuisine. Again, the dishes here are meant to be shared and enjoyed so be sure to leave plenty of time for a languid lunch or dinner where you sip wine and put the world to rights. It has a fantastic atmosphere and is as well suited for a family outing as a dinner with friends or a date night for two.
Maymanta Ibiza
If you’re after somewhere a little more intimate and luxurious for dinner, Maymanta Ibiza is a clear choice. A contemporary Peruvian restaurant perched on the rooftop of the Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa Hotel, expect to be delighted and awed by the impressive selection of dishes designed to share. With some of the most stunning presentation and exquisite flavours, this is a dining experience you don’t want to miss.
Estel
For a lunch overlooking the harbour, Estel needs to be on your list. The menu features an array of fresh seafood, salad and grilled meat alongside traditional dishes such as paella. A truly beautiful setting, it’s the perfect spot for relaxed, delicious dining.
Chiringuito Blue
Another beachfront eatery, Chiringuito Blue is sat right on the sands of Santa Eulalia bay. A relaxed beach restaurant you can enjoy local wines and seasonal dishes crafted from ingredients sourced from the sea and the land. The menu here emphasises fresh, organic produce and the decor is calm and welcoming. Whether you’re looking for somewhere for lunch or dinner it ticks all the boxes.
Bar Anita
Bar Anita is another spot you need to head is reputed as the original “hippie bar” of Ibiza. One of the most emblematic and old bars of the island, it used to be a post office and you can still see many of the relics on the walls. We recommend stopping here for a drink or light bite during the day to soak up the atmosphere and really get a feel for the local area.
What to do in Santa Eulalia
As well as being a real foodie destination, Santa Eulalia is packed with a host of things to do – no matter what you’re looking for. You can wander the rustic streets, pop into the many local shops and boutiques, sunbathe on the beach, head on a boat trip around the island or head on a walking tour. When visiting Santa Eulalia, some of the activities we recommend include:
A walking tour of the local area’s heritage sites
One of the best things about arriving somewhere new is scoping out the local area that you will be staying in. On our trip we take a leisurely tour with local guide Rika through the town, up a cobbled stone hill where we pass wild olive trees, stone walls and the views of Santa Eulalia laid out like a toy town below. We explore the Puig de Missa, one of the island’s fortified churches from the 16th century, before heading towards an old mill. The roof is held up by wooden beams and the air smells of damp stone. While it functions as a museum now, the mill still works and is powered by water that flows in from a drainage system outside. The tour is a really interesting way to discover your bearings and learn more about the area’s history.
A boat trip to discover the area from the sea
If you’re someone that loves the water, be sure to visit Marine Dreams Ibiza boat tours. Book in on an authentic and traditional boat where you will discover the different coves and best spots for snorkelling, stopping for lunch along the way. When the sun is shining (which is the majority of the time in Ibiza) there’s no better way to spend an afternoon.
Hire a Mini Moke
If you want to cover a bit more ground and don’t fancy taking a cab, we recommend you book something much more exciting. And that is to rent a Mini Moke. Some of the most popular cars in Ibiza in the 80s, they are great fun to navigate the island and offer a more authentic way to see the sights. Priced from £88 a day (100 euros) you can travel to the hidden gems of the area, stopping for food and drink along the way.
A visit to the hippie market
Ibiza is well known for its hippie origins and during your trip you need to make time to wander around the famous hippie market Las Dalias. Since it first opened in the 1960s it has attracted tourists from all over the world to discover the beautiful array of stalls selling artwork, handmade crafts, clothes, food and so much more. It has a really buzzing atmosphere with live music, places to stop for a snack and drink and plenty to see, do and buy!
A private liqueur-making session at Can Fluxa
If you’re looking for something different to do (for the adults!) we recommend a private liqueur-making session at Can Fluxa. Here you can wander the impressive botanical gardens, learning about the herbs that go into making the local Ibizan liqueur. You will get the chance to pick your own herbs before creating a bottle yourself to take home. It’s a really interesting experience that really immerses you in the local culture and gives you the chance to do something hands-on – while also trying one of the most delicious spirits on the island! Priced at approx 25 EUR per person it’s well worth it. Make sure to book in advance to confirm the price and ensure there is availability.
A wander around the buzzing town of Santa Gertrudis
If you love to shop or just want to soak in the atmosphere of one of Santa Eulalia’s most beautiful areas, don’t leave without visiting Santa Gertrudis. A charming village steeped in history, it has a host of boutique shops to explore, ideal for purchasing gifts to take home for others or for yourself. There are several bars and restaurants dotted along the main street too, perfect for a pit stop and to sit your shopping bags down for a while!
Santa Eulalia is a destination that defies expectations. It is Ibiza but not as you might expect. It’s beautiful, calming and somewhere that the second you arrive you just know you’re never going to want to leave. It’s safe and friendly and still retains an air of authenticity that so many destinations nowadays have sadly lost. There is so much to see and do, but also so many opportunities to relax, unwind and just lose yourself in the moment. You can dine on the most delicious food, sip crisp local wines and really make your break just what you want to. Whether heading for a dose of Autumn sun over a long weekend in October or making a full holiday of it in the summer, you’re spoilt for choice. To find out more about the area, take a look here www.visitsantaeulalia.com.
