We get it. You hear Ibiza, you think drunk, obnoxious 25-year olds descending upon the island like a plague of locusts, getting high on Molly and clubbing all night to thumping EDM. But there’s so much more to this Spanish paradise. A far more relaxed and tranquil side to life in Ibiza, far from the madding crowd, with great food, nature, and pristine beaches—where regulars from all over Europe find refuge every summer and have come to call themselves locals.
Italian native Giulia Piersanti, a designer at French label Celine and the costume designer for Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria, A Bigger Splash and the upcoming Timothee Chalamet cannibal-indie Bones and All, due to premiere at the Venice Film Festival later this year, has been vacationing in the north side of Ibiza for years. She spilled the beans (a little begrudgingly) on all her favorite, under the radar, locals spots.
LAY OF THE LAND
SAN ANTONIO
“This is where you’re going to find a lot more tourists and the club-going crowd.”
NORTHERN IBIZA
“The more chill, rustic and serene part of the island, for a more laid back, locals vibe.”
SAN JOAN VILLAGE AND SAN CARLOS
“Filled with great flea markets and some of the best, more secluded beaches on the island, where you won’t be inundated with large crowds or a lot of tourists.”
WHERE TO STAY
LOS ENAMORADOS
“Built right in the port, for a very authentic stay. It’s got charm and a unique decor, while the concept shop is great for fun finds and souvenirs. Only a few rooms available, and just be aware that it’s adults only, they don’t allow kids.”
Ctra. Véna de Portinatx, 103 / 07810 / Illes Balears/ 34.971.33.75.49
SIX SENSES
“This hotel just opened about a year and a half ago. It’s very luxe but done in good taste.”
Carrer Camí de sa Torre, 71 / 07810 San Juan Bautista / Illes Balears / 34.871.00.88.75
WHERE TO EAT
LA PALOMA
“Family and kid-friendly, with a beautiful garden and some great Italian fusion food. La Paloma has a very serene, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home.”
Carrer Can Pou, 4 / 07812 Sant Llorenç de Balàfia / Illes Balears/ 34.971.32.55.43
PICADELI
“This is the first place I stop at on my way home from the airport whenever I come to Ibiza. I always get the freshly made gazpacho and hummus, and then take it home and stock my fridge up with it. It’s delicious!”
Can Serreta, local 2/ 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera / Illes Balears/ 34.971.19.71.21
BAR ANITA
A great bar in San Carlos. It has a big wall full of mail boxes. In the ’60s and ’70s hippies would get their mail sent there.”
Lugar Barri San Carlos / 07850 Sant Carles de Peralta / Balearic Islands/ 34.971.33.50.90
EL CHIRINGUITO
“A little slice of paradise, right on the beach. Sublime fish with the freshest ingredients. Be aware, there’s only a few tables available on any night as they only have a few tables right there on the sand.”
07810 Portinatx / Balearic Islands/ 34.679.67.05.59
LA LUNA NELL’ORTO
“Built out of an old finca with a beautiful patio, sitting atop of a hill in San Miquel, between the old town and the port and built under a church. Delicious cuisine.”
Carretera del Puerto / 07815 / Illes Balears/ 34.971.33.45.99
BEACHES
CALA BENIRRÁS
“Serene and beautiful with good little restaurants right on the beach. Enjoy some local fried fish caught fresh, go swimming, or even rent a boat. Love the bongos at sunset.”
CALA XUCLAR
“A very small intimate beach, with a great little romantic restaurant El Chiringuito.”
AGUAS BLANCAS
“A very long stretch of beach, with absolutely gorgeous azure water.”
ACTIVITIES
BOHEMIAN BOAT CHARTERS
“Rent a traditional Spanish boat to explore the island and get to the beaches you can only reach by sea.”
bohemianboatcharters.com / 34.661.257.249 / info@bohemianboatcharters.com
IBIZA HORSE VALLEY
“You can experience the north side of Ibiza on horseback. You can even take horses right onto the beach. Good for riders of all levels.”
Lloc Can Batista, S/N / 07810 / Sant Joan de Labritja / Illes Balears / 34.680.62.49.11
THE SAN JOAN FLEA MARKET
“A super cute and diverse flea market where you can buy produce, as well as anything from crystals to vintage clothing.”
Carrer de sa Cala, 1 / 07810 / Sant Joan de Labritja / Illes Balears
MERCAT VELL
“In the old town of Ibiza, by the marina, take a stroll through this charming little piazza in front of the entrance to Dalt Villa. You can buy local produce at Viejo Mercado, get a juice or eat breakfast at the famous Croissant Show.”
Plaça de la Constitució, 18 / 07800 / Eivissa / Illes Balears
FORMENTERA
“Hop over to this amazing tiny island off Ibiza’s south coast and spend a day or two relaxing on the beaches of Playa de See Illetes or Call des Mort.”
SHOPS
LA GALERIA ELEFANTE
“Men’s and Women’s local finds – from clothing to housewares.”
Carr. de San Miquel, Km 3.2 / 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera / Balearic Islands / 34.971.19.70.17
ES CUCONS LA TIENDA
“Great for rustic, minimal pieces for the house.”
Plaza de la Iglesia, nº7 / 07814 / Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera / Balearic Islands / 34.971.19.77.56
MON CHATEAU EN ESPAGNE
“Gorgeous vintage furniture.”
Lugar Venda de Labritja, 4 / 07810 / Sant Joan de Labritja / Balearic Islands / 34.651.03.41.14
Editor’s Note: Some of the activities, hotels, and restaurants listed on our website may be currently closed due to Covid health restrictions. We urge you to check before visiting and to exercise caution and follow CDC guidelines if traveling or visiting any of our recommendations.
