This part of the island has a clandestine quality. While the perfect snorkelling conditions and postcard-worthy sunsets make it a summertime hotspot, it’s still a relatively unexplored territory that’s set away from the touristy buzz of Ibiza’s southern stretches. When the winter months roll in, there’s peaceful seclusion across these northern plains. January and February sees the valleys surrounding Santa Agnès come to life with blossoming almond trees; there’s a festival celebrating the villages’ patron saint on 21st January, as well as an annual full moon walk to explore the blooming groves.
The rugged landscape makes for a hiker’s paradise, spanning rich pine forests, cliff tops overlooking the sea and agricultural red-soil landscapes surrounding Sant Agnès and Sant Mateu. Along these walks, there’s plenty of history to uncover, from the Bronze Age caves at Sa Cova de Vi to the channels in the Es Broll de Buscastell nature reserve. If North West Ibiza’s rural appeal wasn’t enough, there’s an abundance of dining spots and vineyards to explore.
Es Tragon can be found in a rustic finca just outside San Antoni de Portmany. Their menu, crafted by Chef Álvaro Sanz Clavijo, is an imaginative twist on traditional Ibicencan flavours, showcasing the best-in-season alongside expertly paired wines.
In the village of San Antonio, Oku Ibiza’s menu encompasses pan-Asian and South American flavours, inspired by Executive Chef Mark Vaessen’s global travels. Expect detailed presentation and a fine-tuned understanding of flavour and texture, alongside excellently-paired wine and sake.
Nestled at the foot of Puig de Missa in the village of Sant Miguel de Balansat, La Luna Nell’Orto is a picture of rural charm. Perfect for intimate dining, enjoy their fresh pasta under the boughs of old fig trees.
Known as one of Ibiza’s best sunset spots, La Torre is set high in the rugged western clifftops. With a Mediterranean kitchen that’s open from breakfast to dinner, views towards Illa Conillera are breathtaking no matter the time of day.
In the hills of San Antonio lies one of the island’s most romantic dining spots. Housed in an ancient chapel, Sa Capella has been a jewel in Ibiza’s culinary crown for decades, with a lantern-lit courtyard, stone archways and stained glass windows setting the atmosphere for a rustic menu by famed local chef, Martin Vazquez.
If North West Ibiza’s rural appeal wasn’t enough, there’s an abundance of dining spots and vineyards to explore.
Notorious for the Sunday night drumming sessions that have taken place since the 1990s, this northwestern beach is a mainstay for the island’s bohemian set. Like something out of a postcard, Benirràs’ sheltered bay makes the perfect anchorage for boats. Confident swimmers can make their way to the rock known as el dedo de Dios, standing boldly against the azure waters.
Surrounded by pine forest, this protected cove boasts crystalline turquoise waters and soothing sands. It’s a quieter offering away from the bustle of nearby San Antonio, with a beachside restaurant serving traditional Ibicencan cuisine.
Just minutes from San Antonio, this easygoing beach is all pale sands and clear waters. When it gets busy during the summer season, take the coastal path that leads round to the smaller bay of Cala Gracioneta. Its well-loved chiringuito boasts an exquisite sea-to-fork menu.
Having spent decades producing organic wine in Argentina, Dieter Meier and his family found comparable conditions for cultivation in Ibiza. In 2015, they set up Ojo de Ibiza near the village of Sant Mateu d’Albarca to capture the natural beauty of the island. Gather friends for a tasting session and find your next favourite bottle.
Attached to the coveted restaurant in Sant Mateu, this clothing and lifestyle boutique champions sustainability and craftsmanship. Before dining, take a look through their collection; the focus is on locally-produced, small batch pieces that celebrate high quality design.
Ibiza’s ancient churches combine architectural tradition and cultural history. From Sant Antoni to Sant Mateau, Sant Agnès and Sant Rafel, some of the buildings date back to the 14th century – distinctive with their gleaming whitewashed façades.
Located between Buscastell and Sant Antoni, this organic winery has been in production since the 1990s. Offering private tours of their vineyards, you’ll learn about the history of Ibicencan wine and liqueur making before a dedicated tasting session.
From the Pla de Corona in Sant Agnès, you can climb to the clifftop archeological site commonly known as ‘The Gates of Heaven’, which include remains of a 12th century Moorish finca. Sunset views are breathtaking here, stretching out across the sea to the iconic Ses Margalides islands.
For those who want the sunrise to mark the start of their day rather than the end of their night, the north-east offers opportunity for relaxation and a more authentically Ibizan side of island life.
Iconic beaches with breathtaking sunsets; trendy restaurants that set the scene for high-octane summer nights; ancient architectural and ecological landmarks. This is South West Ibiza.
