A local’s guide to Santa Gertrudis

Once you’ve refuelled, there’s plenty of culture and retail therapy to get stuck into. Galeria Tambien is a hybrid gallery and store headed by husband-and-wife duo Natalie Rich and Jorge Fernández. The pair set out to celebrate the radical creativity of modernist design and now specialise in mid-century furniture and homeware, as well as offering a fantastic exhibition room for contemporary artists. A relative newcomer to the Santa Gertrudis art scene, Parra & Romero opened a gallery here in 2022 to showcase modern artwork and host children’s workshops in its calming whitewashed space.

For maximalists, venture slightly out of the centre to Sluiz, a 6,000 square metre interior showroom filled with eccentric curiosities. Look out for the colourful cows that signpost the entrance. From here, it’s a ten-minute drive to La Paloma, one of the island’s most-loved dining destinations. Surrounded by citrus orchards, it offers a rustic fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Back in the village itself, Can Mimosa is set in a 200-year-old farmhouse and serves similarly comforting food made with ingredients from the kitchen garden.

There’s a curational edge to The Rose, a concept boutique founded by artists and collectors Claudia Damonte and Aldo Kodac. Embrace the slower pace of island life as you peruse the array of homeware and clothing over a coffee. Next, head to Nino D’Agata Goldsmiths, a family-run jewellers that started life in Rome before setting up a permanent base in Santa Gertrudis. Trust in Nino and Barbara’s collective eye for original and bespoke pieces. Luxury brands can be found at Baron Ibiza, while Le Petit Atelier No.74 is more boho-chic, set in a centuries-old finca. If you feel the creative impulse, check out its selection of craft workshops.

After a day of shopping, Bar Costa is your go-to for tapas and cocktails with friends; the open terrace is the place to see and be seen. Sicilian-inspired small plates are the mainstay of Vivo, another friendly bar that’s perfect for evening tipples. If you want to pick up a few bottles for your own cellar or entertain at home, SOMM hosts tasting sessions and stocks a wide variety of local and international wines.

The village is certainly a foodie’s paradise, with several eateries having gained widespread recognition for gastronomic prowess. There’s the exclusive 22-seater Overall, a fine dining restaurant that changes its menu as the chefs – many of whom have worked in Michelin-star haunts – continue to play with flavour, texture and form. For something a little less experimental but still as delicious, Can Can is a love letter to Italian cuisine. Expect classic dishes made from organic produce, with a comprehensive wine list and fantastic service to match.

From old-time hippie locals to summertime holidaymakers, the area’s appeal is enduring – plus its proximity to Morna International School makes it an ideal choice for families looking to put down roots on the island. It might be small in size, but Santa Gertrudis packs a lot into its cobbled streets.