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I know I told you this already and I also wrote about Ibiza a few times on the blog. But living on the White Island for a few years has been a life changing experience. It’s not at all what you would expect – it’s not easy for a start, because most jobs are just seasonal and of course you have to learn Spanish, at least to an extent. But it was worth it – it is such a mind – blowingly beautiful place and there are so much to discover. If you go behind the beaten path of great parties and sleeping on the beach, you’ll find a lot of hidden gems to discover. Which is what I’m going to talk about in this post. And since I did work in the villa-rental scene for a while whilst living in Ibiza – I think I can share some top tips of the best Hidden Gem Villa Locations in Ibiza for The Conscious Traveller.
Renting a house or a villa in Ibiza – as good as it gets. You cannot compare the experience to even the best hotels on the island. Since you are going to spend the money on an Ibiza trip – make it really special. Trust me, there isn’t a better way and it’s a travel experience that everyone should have on their bucket list. You can find many options for rental on reputable sites like Villa Finder. They also offer concierge service to make your holiday perfect.
Portinatx
The North-Eastern tip of the White Island is the farthest you get from Eivissa (Ibiza – town) but remember, Ibiza is a small island, so it’s still only 40 minutes drive. Portinatx area has been mostly associated with the wilder side of the island: most yoga retreats decide to set up in the area because it’s wild natural beauty. It’s also perfect for families or those who want to enjoy water sports, hiking or just the pure tranquility of the island. You also get fiestas up here, mind you, just not the mega clubs like in San Antonio – I’d say it’s something completely different. This face of Ibiza is what I always preferred: hippie-ish, chilled, in harmony with nature.
These are my favourite things in the area:
Cala de’n Serra
A beautiful little beach with sparkling clear waters. This is totally not flooded by tourist – it’s only very small but it has a chiringuito and is surrounded by pines, rocks and coves. The little fishermen huts around the main cove make it look very idyllic.
San Joan de Labritja
A very pretty village, best to visit on Sundays as there is a flea and art market with local artists and traditional food. The old church worth a visit too.
Benirras
Another great beach – it’s hard to find a mediocre around here, to be fair – and its also famous about the sunset drum sessions. It has pebbly sand and shallow waters.
Es Portitxol
A very small and very secluded beach that is almost perfect round shape. It’s hard to find, so you won’t find many fellow tourists here, but you might meet with local fishermen. How to find it? From Isla Blanca take a track towards the Penyal de s’Aguila.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
The area is often mentioned as the Ibicenco heartland: indeed located right in the middle of the island. It’s one of the best places to stay, in my view – as everything is in about 20-25 minutes drive from here. Every single corner of the island. So if you want to discover more and do day trips, Santa Gertrudis is the place to be. You’ll find traditional restaurants, hiking routes and craft markets around here. Check out Bar Costa: an over 100 years old bar known for its traditional Spanish bocadillos, tapas and very colourful, now almost cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Sant Josep de Sa Talaia
Or San Jose village, located in the western corner of the Isla Blanca. The highest point of the island can be found here: Sant Josep mountain, 475 metres above sea level and it offers a spectacular view. Lot’s of famous beaches around here, as Sant Josep de Sa Talaia has 80km seashore.
These are my favourite things in the area:
Atlantis de Ibiza
Yes. But, no – not a club. Better known as Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort, it’s a spiritually charged place with natural rock pools of eroding sand stones: a natural formation carved the seawater throughout millions of years.
The Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta
A real archeological site – Ibiza really has EVERYTHING! – The Phoenicians inhabited this area around 654–650 BC, now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now a restored and preserved site of footings and dwellings.
Natural pool of Comte
A natural swimming pool fitted with a small beach carved into the rock. This is right next to the usually very crowded and famous Cala Comte, but of course this isn’t crowded normally – but a really unique sight to visit!