Language
Currency
Hugging the east coast of Ibiza, some 12km from Ibiza Town, lies the charming town of Santa Eulalia del Rio (Santa Eulària des Riu in Catalan). The inhabitants of this mellow township and the surrounding areas are apparently unruffled by the island's fame as a dance music hotspot, instead going about their business in their own laid-back way. Home to some of the understated gems of The White Isle, from the famous hippy market of Punta Arabí in nearby Es Canár to the picturesque views across Cala Llonga, Santa Eulalia is far closer to the carefree, pastoral (and at times mystical) image of Ibiza that so captured the hearts of the hippies who flocked to these shores at the beginning of the 70s.
Today it is the ideal spot for those looking to visit Ibiza in family or with a loved one. Relaxed without being sleepy, the third largest town in Ibiza, Santa Eulalia is an idyllic place in which to soak up the warm Mediterranean sun and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Balearics at your own pace.
We take a stroll down the quiet, pine-lined lanes and past the whitewashed houses of Ibiza's delightful Santa Eulalia.
As with the rest of Ibiza, and indeed the wider Balearic Islands, Santa Eulalia's history is one of conquest and reconquest, with different cultures bringing their own customs, expertise and traditions, which intermingled with the more bucolic local folklore and culture.
Originally settled by the Phoenicians in the 7th Century BC, this useful commercial outpost (it lies closer to Algiers than to Barcelona) and salt-rich island was later utilised by the Romans, the vestiges of whose rule can be seen in the aqueduct of Argamassa which runs to the coast. The Moors then came and went, but not before having bestowed on the local population the expertise for olive oil production, as well as water mills, hydraulics and irrigation channels, which characterises the agricultural land today.
The King of Aragon and the Catalans took the islands in the 13th Century, from which point a fairly settled population remained relatively untroubled well into the late 20th Century, when the age of globalisation led to migrating hippies and later crowds of holidaygoers flocking to this famous island and bringing with them their own cultural quirks, Throughout this all, some truly wonderful folk tales and myths have been preserved.
Our favourite involving Santa Eulalia is that of the supernatural farmhands, Els Fameliars. Legend has it that in order to obtain these apparently tireless elf-like creatures you must head to a special place just outside Santa Eulalia on the night of San Juan (23rd June). There at midnight, under the old bridge you will find a special, recently sprouted weed-like plant from which will bloom a flower that dies as quickly as it emerges. If you can catch it in time and place it in a black bottle, three months later quite the surprise awaits. Upon uncorking the bottle, you will see a puff of smoke (of course!) and out will pop a little impish fella with a big mouth and a bizarre voice, who will immediately call out for 'Feina o menjar!' (work or food). If you provide him with work he will labour ceaselessly. However, a failure to do so will lead to him munching his way through everything in sight! You've been warned!
Strange folklore aside, the Santa Eulalia of today offers plenty of other cultural and natural delights to explore when on holiday. The region is home to the wonderful hippy market of Punta Arabí in nearby Es Canár, where all manner of trinkets and exotic garments can be found. The town itself, which sits inside a natural harbour, possesses a lot of fantastic little shops, as well as restaurants and art galleries - a highlight being the recently opened Casa Zobel, which specialises in abstract, contemporary art.
The town also has its own thin, sandy beach, with a palm-fringed promenade and shallow waters, ideal for children and/or less confident swimmers. Young families will also enjoy the smoke-free environment, while the town's abundance of ice cream only broadens the appeal! However, if you wish to spend the day relaxing somewhere a little less built-up, then the beautiful bay of Cala Llonga is a great option, with its long swathes of sand, contrasting wonderfully with the crystalline sea. If you head north you will pass the panoramic views of Playa de s'Argamassa and soon find Es Canár, a livelier beach, beyond which lies the idyllic bays of Cala Mastella and Cala Nova, and the tree-flanked sandy cove of Cala Llenya: a paradise perfect for spending the day strewn out on the soft sand, listening to the tiny waves lap the shore.
The town also boasts the fascinating 16th Century Puig de Missa church, the whitewashed walls of which are perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of Santa Eulalia. The fortified architecture of the church offered refuge to townsfolk during pirate attacks, while the cannons jutting out from its walls would leave the attackers in no doubt that any attempt to raid the town's flour mills and other resources would be met with fierce resistance. Perched some 50metres above sea level, the grounds of Puig de Missa also offer spectacular panoramic views of the island.
As you may have gathered, Santa Eulalia isn't necessarily the place for those in search of wild two-day parties. It's a pleasant, quiet spot, perfect for a relaxed evening sharing a glass of wine or a cocktail with friends and loved ones, looking out over the marina. The town boasts a selection of some of the best restaurants in Ibiza, earning itself a reputation as the gastronomic hub of the island.
A leisurely wander along the beachfront promenade or through the town's main strip of Calle San Jaime will reveal plenty of spots to sit down and bask in the island-holiday airs of this charming town.
Part of the charm of the town and municipality of Santa Eulalia lies in its excellent selection of activities. The beaches offer opportunities to partake in some watersports, including kayaking, paddle-surf, and flyboarding! While golf enthusiasts can make the most of the town's location close to the only 18-hole golf course on the island.
Between Santa Eulalia and Es Canár, kids will love the Acrobosc Ibiza Climbing Park, with its platforms in trees, interconnected by a network of zip lines, rope bridges and trampolines. While parents will no doubt cherish a visit to the Ibuzkus winery.
Setting off southwards from the town, a peaceful river walk will take you past a narrow bridge and eventually to the neighbouring town of Siesta, where you can enjoy the hiking and cycling routes, or simply throw down a towel and take up the invitation inherent in the town's name.
Finally, should the self-contained charms of Santa Eulalia not appear peaceful enough for you, you can take a day trip on small ferry to the nearby island of Formentera and really get away from it all. Charter boats are available - speak to our concierge service for more details.
We at Villanovo have carefully selected some of the finest villas in the region, offering stunning vistas and designs to suit every taste and requirement.
Feel free to take a look at our selection here and start planning your next holiday in Ibiza.
10
5
5
18 (20 max.)
9
9
