Getaway to the seaside resort of Santa Eulària des Riu

The third most populous municipality on Ibiza, Santa Eulària, located to the east of the island, is a friendly seaside resort that is both lively and very pleasant. With its seafront promenade, charming historic centre and pretty beaches all around, Santa Eulària is a popular destination for families and those looking to relax by the sea without going into seclusion. With its many cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, the municipality is packed with activities, but does not have the festive excesses of Ibiza's west coast. For example, you can enjoy a stroll along the charming, child-friendly beaches, visit the fantastic Puig de Missa hill and its superb fortified church overlooking the town, or stroll through the famous hippie market of Punta Arabi, the largest on the island with its colourful stalls.

Santa Eulària des Riu

- © JosBY / Shutterstock
Ibiza

✈️ Fly to Ibiza!

Compare prices and book your plane ticket to Ibiza!
From
£38 / RT
Find my flight

What to do in Santa Eulària des Riu?

Puig de Missa Hill and the Ethnographic Museum

16th-century church in Puig de Missa, Santa Eulària des Riu

- © Ivan Smuk / Shutterstock

This is Puig de Missa's historical must-see! Perched high up in the south-west of the town, the hill of Puig de Missa served in the Middle Ages as a refuge for the inhabitants of Santa Eulària in the event of a pirate attack. It can be reached in 10 minutes via a delightful footpath leading from Carrer de Sant Jaume. The main attraction of Puig des Missa is the magnificent 16th-century fortified church. Offering superb views of the town and surrounding coastline, it features a defensive tower and impressive columns supporting its porch. Inside the church, which is immaculately white, you can admire the incredible Baroque-style gilded altar, the brilliance of which is reflected on the walls. Arguably the most beautiful church in Ibiza! Opening times: 10am-6pm.

Practical info

  • The staircase leading up to Puig des Missa is quite steep and not very suitable for people with reduced mobility.
  • There is no café or shop at Puig de Missa, so remember to take some water with you.
  • The site is particularly pleasant to visit in the morning, when the sun is not at its zenith and the heat is not too stifling. The light is also very beautiful.

Not far from Puig de Missa on the Avinguda del Pare Guash is the very interesting Museu Etnogràfic, housed in a beautifully refurbished casa pagesa (farmhouse). This small museum, with its well-designed layout, is devoted to Ibiza's rural heritage. You'll find a fine collection of everyday objects such as tools, clothes, jewellery and musical instruments. Don't miss the impressive traditional olive oil press.

⏰ Opening times: 10am-2pm and 5.30pm-8pm Monday to Saturday/11am-1.30pm-30pm on Sundays from April to September - 10am-2pm Tuesday to Saturday/11am-1.30pm-30pm on Sundays from October to March.

👛 Admission: €3 for adults/free for children.

Santa Eulària de Riu

- © JOSE RAMIRO LAGUNA / Shutterstock

Where to have a drink? Where to eat in Santa Eulària?

Santa Eulària is bursting at the seams with great places to have a drink and a bite to eat. Carrer Sant Vicent, nicknamed "the street of restaurants", is a lively pedestrian thoroughfare with a wide range of establishments, from the simplest to the most upmarket. One of our favourites is CAN COSMI, an excellent tapas bar where the famous Ibizan tostada (toasted bread rubbed with tomatoes in olive oil, a delight!) is said to have been invented. It offers very affordable menus from 7am to 1am. Tapas are priced between €5 and €9 and main courses between €10 and €20.

Can Cosmi tapas bar

- © Hans C. Schrodter / Shutterstock
  • For a juice or a delicious, fresh, healthy meal, head to passion, a pretty restaurant with a trendy decor and a terrace facing the sea.

    A family destination, Santa Eulària is not really into clubbing. To spend the evening, the CAFETERIA ROYALTY bar is an inexpensive and friendly address, ideally located between palm trees on the Passeig de s'Alamera. The food is not exceptional. Instead, opt for a good beer or cocktail.

Santa Eulària de Riu de nuit

- © lunamarina / Shutterstock

South of Santa Eulària, perched on a cliff above Cala Llonga, you'll find L'amante, one of Ibiza's most romantic restaurants. In a very trendy atmosphere, you can enjoy excellent Spanish and Italian-inspired cuisine while admiring the starry sky reflected in the sea.

Stroll along the coves to Punta Arabi.

Sunrises are particularly beautiful on the Santa Eulària des Riu coast.

- © Colin Ward / Shutterstock

The Santa Eulària coastline is particularly pretty, with its many pine-fringed sandy coves and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families. The water is clear and shallow, and the route is dotted with friendly bar-restaurants where you can enjoy a snack or a fresh fruit juice while watching the sea. The distance between Santa Eulària and Punta Arabi is 5 km (around 4 hours round trip). Fortunately, it's an easy walk, and the translucent waters of the beaches are a welcome relief if you're feeling tired or hot.

From the pretty marina of Santa, continue on to Punta De S'esglesia Vella, a beautiful rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. It is said that a chapel once stood here and that one day it suddenly collapsed just as the worshippers were leaving mass. After a 1.5 km walk, you'll reach the beautiful beach of Es Niu Blau, with its chic beach club.

View from the coast of Santa Eulària des Riu

- © LaMantarraya / Shutterstock

Then head to Cala Pada, a very pleasant beach where you can sunbathe in peace and quiet on sun loungers. There are also boat connections to Santa Eulària and the seaside resort ofEs Canar. On the way, admire the superb seafront villas dotted around the coast. If you're not too tired, continue the walk to S'Argamassa, where you can see the remains of a Roman aqueduct dating from the 1st century. Stop off in the pretty sandy bay of Cala Martina for a drink in the very pretty bohemian chiringuito, the Chirincana Beach Bar. There are live music sessions on Wednesdays and DJ sets at weekends.

© lunamarina / Shutterstock

Finish your walk at the rocky headland of Punta Arabi, a particularly photogenic spot, especially at sunrise.

The Punta Arabi hippy market:

A must-see in Ibiza, the bustling Punta Arabi hippie market is in full swing every Wednesday in high season. In this gigantic, colourful maze, which perpetuates the island's hippie culture, you'll find magnificent bohemian creations ranging from clothes to jewellery and clever cream-coloured macramé weavings. You'll be able to pick up some great gifts and a pretty accessory for strutting your stuff back to school.

There are also plenty of stalls selling local products, including olive oil, herbal teas and Iberian beauty products. Prices vary, but are generally not very cheap. When it comes to eating out, you'll be spoilt for choice with a host of different food stalls (paella, empanadas, pizzas and more...). Children can learn how to make flower crowns in the small activity centre. A great family outing!

Le Hippie Market de Punta Arabi

- © Marek Mosinski / Shutterstock

Where to sleep?

Finca Can Paci Ibiza
Booking.com

Finca Can Paci

If you want to see the mountains, you won't be disappointed!
8.8 Superb
From
£696 / night
Book
by Jude JONES
Need a hand? take a look at our guide
Ibiza
Ibiza
Latest news
Lanzarote
10 hotels with swimming pool in Lanzarote
Bruges
Enjoy a 360° view of Bruges from the top of the belfry
Budapest
The Chain Bridge, the link between Buda and Pest
Berlin
Three days to discover Berlin's charm through its street art
Read more articles
Top destinations