Stroll around Sant Joan de Labritja and swim in the wild northern coves

Far from the noise and fury of the discos in the south of the island, the village of Sant-Joan de Labritja, the main town in the north of the island, is the guardian of Ibizan authenticity. Inheriting a spirit of 'peace and love' and ecology since the arrival of the hippies in the 60s, Sant-Joan de Labritja is committed to responsible tourism, focused on nature and well-being, the antithesis of the oversized seafront hotels and mega-clubs for which Ibiza is famous. Clubbers be warned: the atmosphere in the Sant Joan region is more yoga and organic farming than foam parties! The village mayor has even opposed plans to build a gigantic club in his municipality. Thanks to this sober, eco-tourist mindset, you can discover the authentic charm of Sant Joan, as well as superb coves of wild beauty where it's not unusual to be alone when the summer season is in full swing.

Sant-Joan de Labritja, Ibiza

- © Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock
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The village of Sant-Joan de Labritja

Sant-Joan de Labritja, Ibiza

- © Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock

The peaceful village of Sant-Joan de Labritja, with its charming narrow streets lined with flower-filled cottages, is not overflowing with places to visit (with the exception of the Església de Sant-Joan, an 18th-century building in warm colours), but it does have a rural, bohemian atmosphere. Over the years, Sant-Joan's peaceful atmosphere has made it a haven for artists and writers of all nationalities. Don't miss the fantastic farmers' market that takes place in the village every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, where you can stock up on local produce and handicrafts. Music and conviviality are the order of the day!

Sant-Joan is the ideal base for exploring the wild north of Ibiza. Grab a bite to eat at the GIRI CAFE, a delightful café-restaurant with rustic charm and a lovely hidden garden. Here you can enjoy original, sunny dishes made with local, sustainably grown produce. Everything is beautiful and incredibly tasty!

Giri Café in Sant-Joan de Labritja

- © Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock

Discovering the north of Ibiza

The north of the island, with its many isolated coves, offers a wild landscape that runs counter to the busy, urbanised resorts of Ibiza. The ideal way to discover these natural treasures is off the beaten track. However, caution is advised. The roads, sometimes on cliff faces, are often in poor condition and full of ruts. Here is a small but non-exhaustive selection of places to visit.

Xarraca Cove, Ibiza

- © lunamarina / Shutterstock
Cala Benniràs :

Sunset at Cala Benirràs, Ibiza

- © schaef71 / Shutterstock

The quintessential hippie experience in Ibiza! Benirràs is a small bay nestled between wooded cliffs, accessible via two winding roads that cut through dense pine forests. In the middle of the water, the strange islet of Cap Bernat faces the beach. Many beliefs are associated with this rock, known as "the finger of God". Some believe it to be a sleeping sphinx, while others see it as yet another manifestation of Tanit, the island's protective goddess. The place is particularly magical at dusk. As well as the magnificent evening light reflecting off the water, drummers gather here almost every evening (especially on Sundays) to greet the setting sun. Dancing to the sound of the drums in front of this magnificent natural spectacle is an unforgettable experience.

Percussionists in Cala Benirràs, Ibiza

- © Helena GARCIA HUERTAS / Shutterstock

Beware, this event attracts a lot of people, so come early to make sure you can park in the car park. Benirras has two bars and restaurants. The beach also hosts an attractive craft market (every weekend in July and August).

Cova de Can Marça

Cova de Can Marça, Ibiza

- © Hans C. Schrodter / Shutterstock

Another supernatural site made in Ibiza! Not far from Benirras beach, on the heights of Port San Miguel, lies one of the island's most remarkable caves! A former smugglers' den, the Cova des Can Marça was used by bandits in the Middle Ages to hide their ill-gotten gains. Although you're unlikely to come across the remains of a forgotten treasure, this cave, rediscovered by a Belgian speleologist in the 1970s, is well worth a visit. The view from the top of the cliffs over the islets of Murada and Ferradura is spectacular in itself, and there's something enchanting about a visit to Can Marça, with its well-crafted sound and light effects that enhance the interweaving of stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours lasting 40 minutes are available in several languages.

Opening times: 1 May to 31 October: 10.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 8pm. Tours every 30 minutes. From 1 November to 30 April: 11am to 5.30pm. Visits every 45 minutes.

**Price: **Adults: €10.50/Children aged 4 to 12: €6.50.

Portinatx lighthouse :

Portinatx lighthouse:

At 52 metres high, this is the largest lighthouse in the entire Balearic archipelago. Its striped silhouette stands out majestically against the Mediterranean, and on a clear day you can see the south coast of Mallorca. To discover the Portinatx lighthouse, leave from the Platja Es Port (car park nearby) and follow a signposted path that will take you through some superb wild landscapes, between steep cliffs and rocky coves. Allow 1 hour for the round trip.

Portinatx Lighthouse, Ibiza

- © antonio2foto / Shutterstock
Cala d'En Serra:

In this small bay 2.5 km from Portinatx, populated only by fishermen's huts, you'll feel like you're living a daydream. Crystal-clear water, sublime views of the cliffs. You can swim to a second deserted cove, to enjoy a moment of solitude under the Ibizan sun. It's reached via a bumpy coastal road, but offers breathtaking sea views.

Cala d’En Serra, IbizaCala d’En Serra, Ibiza

- © Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock

Cala Xuclar :

A real favourite! Just 2.5 km from Portinatx, at the mouth of a steep track, lies the dazzling beach of Cala Xuclar, a veritable paradise for lovers of tranquillity. The incredibly clear water is perfect for spotting fish, so don't forget to bring your snorkelling gear. In this simply idyllic setting, the very cute Xiringuito Xuclar serves tasty, high-quality fish dishes. Book 2 days in advance (607 233019). Opening times: 10am-10pm from June to September and 10am-7pm from October to May.

Xuclar Cove, Ibiza

- © lunamarina / Shutterstock
by Editorial Team
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