Authenticity, outdoorsiness and tranquillity comes naturally to the North East of Ibiza. It’s the place for those who want the sunrise to mark the start of their day – adventurous types who favour hiking, horseback riding, yoga and watersports. With access to peaceful beaches, secluded coves, wooded hills and easygoing eateries, this clandestine part of the island is far from the tourist circuit; it’s a year-round home to a cohort of bohemian residents.
From San Carlos to San Juan, there are numerous villages interspersed throughout the region’s rugged plains, each bearing witness to the heritage of Ibiza with historic churches and traditional fincas. Along the perimeter, discover a wealth of soothing sands: Cala Llenya, Cala Xuclar, Cala Boix, Cala d’en Serra and Pou des Lleo are the kind of beaches that can be accessed via a dirt track, with fisherman’s huts and boats out in the early morning to catch fresh seafood. Established in the 1970s, the island’s best-known hippie markets are Punta Arabi and Las Dalias, replete with artisanal crafts, clothing and food. You won’t be short of cliff top walks either, boasting inimitable views out to sea from lighthouses and timeold towers.
Cala Nova beach is one of the island’s best spots to catch the waves, snorkel and hike; once you’re done adventuring, head up to the canopied terrace of Aiyanna. Using ingredients from their own garden, the menu changes on a monthly basis to showcase the seasons’ best produce. Early risers can join a Hatha yoga class while sunset-seekers can enjoy a cocktail at the seventies-style bar.
If you go inland to the village of Sant Joan you’ll find Sharmarkanda – an enchanting restaurant inspired by global cuisines and flavours. Their garden terrace is particularly popular with diners, with live music creating a soulful ambiance during the evening. Be sure to try their home-brewed beers alongside your meal.
Scramble down a rocky pathway and find yourself off the beaten track at Cala Xuclar. Once you’ve swam and snorkelled, enjoy lunch at the eponymous chiringuito – expect fresh catch-of-the-day and friendly service to match.
You can admire the rich pine forest and golden sands of Cala San Vicente from The Boat House, one of Ibiza’s favourite family-run eateries. Headed by Marco Dipatrizi, who previously served the Pope as the Vatican’s executive chef, culinary creativity is evident from the artfully presented platters of sushi to the homegrown sugar cane juice.
Reputedly serving the best pizza on the island, this easygoing Italian jaunt is well-loved by locals. Pizza Enfarinarte is the perfect spot to relax after you’ve explored the Las Dalias market, with an authentic desert to finish.
This seafood restaurant is something of a cult institution in Ibiza, perched at the water’s edge in Cala Mastella. Fisherman Juan Ferrer El Bigotes founded the eponymous chiringuito to share his famed bullit de peix stew with the public. There’s no menu and reservations are essential: to dine here is to revel in authenticity.
At the northernmost point of Ibiza, Los Enamorados enjoys an unbeatable position between the lighthouse and the ocean. Set in the seaside village of Portinatx, this eatery is your go-to for cocktails and flavourful tapas.
With access to peaceful beaches, secluded coves, wooded hills and easygoing eateries, this clandestine part of the island is far from the tourist circuit.
A ten-minute drive from the village of San Carlos takes you to the secluded sands of Cala Boix. Surrounded by high cliffs, there’s a real sense of privacy here. Dark sands lead to azure waters, which are popular for bodysurfing in the afternoon wind.
This tiny, uncrowded cove is soothing and transportive. The sea bed is lined with stones, granting clear waters which are fantastic for snorkelling. After swimming, enjoy a traditional bullit de peix at one of Ibiza’s most well-loved beach restaurants, El Bigotes.
Picture-perfect Cala Xarraca is surrounded by verdant pine forests and rugged cliffs; it’s a great end destination after a hike, or it’s just a five-minute drive from San Juan. Be sure to bathe in the mud caves, known for their medicinal and healing properties.
With its shallow waters and range of watersports, this northeastern beach is perfect for youngsters. Cala Llenya has plenty of picnic spots in the dappled light of pine trees, or there’s a traditional chiringuito if you’d like to try some fresh seafood after you’ve tried windsurfing.
One for the explorers, a dirt track leads down to this secluded cove near Portinatx. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while the surrounding landscapes call on hiking enthusiasts; there’s a walkable stretch running from the beach to the clifftop El Faro del Moscarter lighthouse.
From San Carlos to San Juan, there are numerous villages interspersed throughout the region’s rugged plains, each bearing witness to the heritage of Ibiza with historic churches and traditional fincas.
In the 1980s, five artisans set up stalls in San Carlos. Fast-forward to the 21st century and you can find more than 300 fashion, jewellery, art, homeware and food sellers open throughout the year. In the summer season, there’s an easygoing night market to explore.
You’ll find several bike rental spots across Ibiza’s northern towns, with popular cycle routes including the ride from Portinatx to Sant Joan.
Set up as a not-for-profit equine sanctuary and rehabilitation programme, the wellness of Ibiza Horse Valley’s animals are paramount. Nestled in a canyon within the Es Murta Natural Park, the team offers riding lessons in the mountains and nearby beaches, as well as a livery service for those looking for a place to house their horses.
A striking black and white spiral exterior catches the eye on the northern coastline. This working lighthouse is the tallest in the Balearics, standing high at 52 metres. Starting at the small cove of Es Portitxol in Portinatx, a verdant walking trail leads to this iconic landmark.
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