Imagine rolling hills carpeted with pine forest, arable land and bountiful orchards: Central Ibiza is a region of unspoilt rural beauty where seclusion comes naturally. Its rugged hiking trails and historic villages embody the timeless essence of the island, while a burgeoning, international community of creative entrepreneurs, restaurateurs and sustainable farmers have taken root here — favouring the centre’s down-to-earth character and sylvan serenity. That being said, the district is equally beloved for its easy access to the rest of the island’s beaches and larger towns.
The village of Santa Gertrudis forms the island’s welcoming heart; a cosmopolitan hub of culture, food and history, centred by an 18th-century church with a distinctive yellow tower. The San Juan Road has become known as Ibiza’s primary restaurant road, catering to vegans, meat-lovers and the culinary curious. For active types, the region is replete with walking and cycling routes, as well as a growing number of yoga studios and wellness centres. Nearby San Rafael is known for its artisanal pottery, or you can visit the various farms and vineyards that champion permaculture and farm-to-fork eating. Plus, Morna International College makes the centre a perfect base for families.
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in a neon and fairy light-lit garden. Specialising in grilled meats and Italian pasta, A Mi Manera is a vibrant fine dining experience in San Joan. Expect fresh produce from their own organically cultivated orchard.
Stone walls and greenery lend a sense of seclusion to Las Dos Lunas. The tables at this traditional Mediterranean restaurant sit under rich bougainvillaea, where you can enjoy a lovingly-made selection of Italian offerings: risotto, grilled meats and gelato.
In the picturesque village of San Lorenzo, La Paloma is a family-run restaurant surrounded by citrus orchards and their own kitchen garden. The rustic setting, homemade food and welcoming atmosphere has garnered this eatery the reputation of one of the island’s most-loved dining destinations.
Set on the long Sant Joan road, this award-winning Japanese fusion restaurant is a sensory spectacle. Nagai’s outdoor dining terrace is centred by a winding olive tree; inside, the warm glow of lantern lights makes for an intimate dining experience. Cocktails and platters of sushi are artfully presented and crafted with exciting, innovative flavours.
Exclusivity in the heart of the island. This 22-seater fine-dining restaurant has a sophisticated ambiance, with mood lighting setting the scene for experimental plates. Their menu changes regularly as the chefs – many of which have worked in Michelin-star haunts – continue to experiment with flavour, texture and form.
Positioned right in the middle of Ibiza, the pretty village of Santa Gertrudis is known as the island’s culinary capital.
For beginners and experts alike, this equine school combines traditional horsemanship with modern training techniques. There are guided trails in the day and nighttime, as well as a group tailored for children to learn to ride small ponies.
Headed by husband-and-wife duo Natalie Rich and Jorge Fernández, this gallery and showroom is an ode to mid century modern furniture and the promotion of contemporary artwork. Whether you’re there to source furniture or catch an exhibition, Galeria Tambien is an ambient space that showcases beautiful design.
Naturally, Central Ibiza’s rugged landscape is a pull for hiking enthusiasts. From fields dotted with almond and olive trees to winding woodland paths and rocky cliff tops, there are trails to explore to suit all levels of ability. The route from Santa Gertrudis to San Mateo is a particular favourite amongst residents.
Spread across 56 acres of arable land, Ibiza’s largest organic farm is located in Santa Eulalia. Committed to sustainability and nutrition, the team cultivates biodynamic vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers. You can purchase produce boxes, attend educational workshops and gatherings or book in for a farm-to-fork dinner experience.
For those seeking relaxation and self-care, the Agroturismo Atzaro’s state-of-the-art spa is set in the blooming orange groves of San Lorenzo. There’s a host of different treatments, as well as a Wellness Studio hosting yoga, pilates and meditation sessions.
A hybrid boutique, organic grocery store and workshop space, this Santa Gertrudis business embodies the bohemian soul of Central Ibiza. Set in a centuries-old finca, Le Petit Atelier No.74 is the perfect spot to source handmade homeware or try your hand at a creative class.
This organic farm shop is a Santa Getrudis mainstay. It’s well-frequented by the local community who visit throughout the week to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as Balearic cheese and salt, infused honey, fresh bread and natural wines.
Contemporary winery SOMM is your one-stop-shop for quality bottles, headed by trained local sommeliers. The team pays particular attention to the geographical and ecological origins of their wines; SOMM champions high-altitude grown grapes, for their concentrated flavour and quality.
Every Thursday during the Summer season, the winding streets of San Rafel are enlivened with market stalls showcasing a range of handmade artisanal pieces. The town is notorious for its longstanding ceramics and crafting traditions; this market is a chance to meet some of the skilled local makers and take home their inspiring artwork.
Dip into Ibicencan life with local recommendations, design inspiration and interviews with the people making waves on the White Isle.
A laid-back village at the heart of Ibiza, bohemian Santa Gertrudis is a vibrant hub of food, art, and history with a creative, international community.
Sitting proudly on Ibiza’s iconic San Juan ‘restaurant’ Road, is Nagai, a taste of Japan nestled amidst the lush, Ibicencan countryside.
