Nestled on Ibiza’s east coast, Santa Eulalia charms with its relaxed vibe, sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Staying in one of our villas in Santa Eulalia lets you enjoy this peaceful yet vibrant town at your own pace, between Mediterranean beauty, local traditions, and fine dining.
Hugging the east coast of Ibiza, some 12 km 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 seemingly unruffled by the island's reputation as a dance music hotspot, instead going about their daily life in a relaxed, 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 evokes the carefree, pastoral, and occasionally mystical image of Ibiza that captured the hearts of hippies in the early 70s.
Today, a pretty villa in Santa Eulalia it is the perfect spot for families or couples looking for a peaceful Ibiza getaway. Relaxed without being sleepy, the third-largest town on the island is ideal for soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun and enjoying the simple pleasures of the Balearics at your own pace. To plan your visit, find out the best time to go to Ibiza.
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 customs and traditions, blending with the local folklore.
Originally settled by the Phoenicians in the 7th Century BC, this commercial outpost—closer to Algiers than Barcelona—and salt-rich island was later utilized by the Romans. Vestiges of their rule are still visible in the aqueduct of Argamassa, which runs to the coast. The Moors also left their mark, introducing expertise in olive oil production, as well as water mills, hydraulics, and irrigation channels that characterize the agricultural land today.
In the 13th Century, the King of Aragon and the Catalans took the islands, establishing a fairly settled population that remained relatively undisturbed until the late 20th Century, when hippies and later holidaymakers arrived. Throughout all this, fascinating folk tales and myths have been preserved.
Our favorite involves Els Fameliars, supernatural farmhands. Legend has it that on the night of San Juan (23rd June), under an old bridge just outside Santa Eulalia, a special plant blooms briefly. If caught and placed in a black bottle, three months later a tiny impish creature emerges, demanding “Feina o menjar!” (work or food). Provide work, and it labors tirelessly; neglect it, and it will eat everything in sight—a quirky and magical tradition of the town.
Strange folklore aside, Santa Eulalia today offers plenty of cultural and natural delights. The hippy market of Punta Arabí in Es Canár is a must-visit for all kinds of trinkets and exotic garments.
The town itself, inside a natural harbour, features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, including the recently opened Casa Zobel, specializing in contemporary abstract art.
Santa Eulalia has its own thin, sandy beach, with a palm-fringed promenade and shallow waters, ideal for children and less confident swimmers. The town's smoke-free environment and abundance of ice cream make it perfect for young families. For a quieter beach day, Cala Llonga offers long sandy stretches and crystalline waters. Traveling north, you'll pass Playa de s’Argamassa, lively Es Canár, and idyllic bays like Cala Mastella, Cala Nova, and Cala Llenya—perfect for a day spent on soft sand listening to gentle waves.
The 16th-century Puig de Missa church is a landmark not to miss. Its whitewashed walls and fortified architecture once offered refuge from pirate attacks. Today, its grounds, 50 meters above sea level, provide 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.
At Villanovo, we offer a carefully curated selection of luxury villas in Ibiza designed for comfort, style, and unforgettable views. Our villas feature private pools, modern interiors, spacious gardens, and direct access to some of Ibiza’s most stunning beaches. Locations include villa in Santa Eulalia, Cala Llonga, Es Canár, and nearby idyllic coves, providing guests with both serenity and easy access to local attractions such as boutiques, marinas, golf courses, and cultural sites.
Our concierge service ensures every stay is seamless, from arranging house staff in your villa, private chefs, yoga sessions, and water sports to booking boat trips, tickets for local events, or even car hire. Whether you seek a quiet retreat or an active island adventure, Villanovo Ibiza guarantees a personalised experience to make your holiday truly unforgettable.
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