San Antonio Stadt

Until the late 1960s, the town of San Antonio was still a quiet fishing port, with little more than the mighty fortified church—built between the 14th and 17th centuries—a few houses, and some modest accommodations along its wide sandy beach. With the tourism boom, hotels began to spring up like mushrooms, and the old town center is now barely recognizable behind the modern skyline. The new landmark of the village is the monumental Columbus Egg with the Santa María caravel at its center. It was placed in a strategic location at the roundabout by the harbor, where the roads from Ibiza Town and San José meet, to mark the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1992. The monument owes its existence to the persistent research of the Ibizan journalist Nito Verdera, who is based in San Antonio. Verdera claims that Columbus, whose origins remain unclear, spoke Catalan and was likely born on Ibiza. He has been discussing this theory with international historians for many years.

The reputation of the breathtaking sunsets, which can be admired from Ses Variades, has spread worldwide. After the Café del Mar successfully began to accompany the natural spectacle with ambient sounds, numerous other pubs have since settled around the area. To the applause of the crowds, the fiery red sun sinks into the sea.

The harbor promenade runs around the bay. To the north, in front of the lighthouse on the pier, is the quay for the ferry boats to Denia on the Spanish mainland; then follow the docks for countless small boats, the Club Náutico of San Antonio, as well as the small excursion ferries to the nearby beaches Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, and Cala Tarida, as well as the glass-bottom boats to the islands of Es Vedrà to the south and Ses Margalides to the north. On the other side of the street lies the Passeig de ses Fonts with two large fountains. The promenade continues in front of the sandy beach to the cultural center Sa Punta des Molí at the southern end. There, next to a windmill recently restored with an old water wheel, interesting art exhibitions are regularly held, and sometimes live concerts take place.

Anyone seeking a quiet, relaxing holiday will be out of place in San Antonio. The town is dedicated to loud entertainment, which is primarily sought and found by young English tourists. "Pay one, drink two" is one of the common promotional signs in front of the countless bars in the West End; there are said to be pubs where only English is spoken. During the high season in July and August, the narrow streets are packed with sunburned, partying youths who seemingly never sleep. Of course, there are also several nightclubs right at the harbor; the largest are Es Paradis Terrenal, famous for its water parties, and Eden.

Sa Forada / Buscastell

Hardly recognizable as a village, this tiny spot lies on the main road that runs from San Rafael to Santa Inés. A relatively new little church, a school, a bar, and a grocery store behind it—that's all. However, the bar is noteworthy: every fortnight, a new art exhibition opens here, and that's when the place gets busy. Otherwise, it's a nice spot where you can quietly enjoy your coffee or beer.

San Mateo (Sant Mateu d'Albarca)
Also located in the northern part of the island, in the hilly area of **Es Amunts**, which is protected by strict building regulations, lies San Mateo. The 18th-century church dominates the village. Below it, there are two restaurants, a sports field, and a few residential houses. The school is two kilometers away, and there is no longer a grocery store. In the wide valley behind the village, mainly vineyards are cultivated; two wineries (bodegas) are based in San Mateo. Every year in late autumn, a wine festival is held at the sports field, where the new wine is tasted—complete with music and dancing.

San Rafael (Sant Rafel de sa Creu)

In the interior of the island, halfway between San Antonio and Ibiza Town, lies the village of San Rafael. Since the new expressway was completed, hurried travelers speed through the tunnel, but it is worth stopping to visit the church from 1735, especially for the panoramic view over half the island down to the old town of Ibiza by the sea. A number of small restaurants with various cuisines invite you to linger, two of them are located right next to the church.

In San Rafael, three ceramic workshops have also settled, and their handcrafted products are among the best on the island (Cerámicas Es Molí, Icardi, and Can Kinoto). Further below San Rafael, heading towards Ibiza Town, two large nightclubs are located directly on the expressway: UNIVRS (formerly Privilege, before KU) and Amnesia, both of which, with their elaborate parties and international DJs, established Ibiza's reputation as the party island.

Santa Inés (Santa Agnès de Corona)

At the end of January and early February, when the almond trees are in full bloom, Santa Inés in the northern part of the island attracts day-trippers like honey attracts bees. The whole valley is a huge almond plantation. The otherwise quiet village represents Ibiza in its purest form. At the end of the road stands the old village shop *Can Cosmi*, whose family also runs the associated restaurant. Here, you'll find the best tortilla on the island—an egg omelet with potatoes, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. From the terrace, you have a peaceful view of the small 18th-century church next door.

Another restaurant and a leather shop complete the panorama. The school, the grocery store, and a few residential houses are scattered across the landscape. In Santa Inés, time seems to stand still.

A particularly beautiful hike leads from Santa Inés to the sea. The path Camí des Pla Corona starts at Can Cosmi and leads to the cliffside *Ses Balandres*, from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the small islands *Ses Margalides*. There is now also a restaurant on a small square in the pine forest.