Visit Sant Josep de Sa Talaia and the beaches of southern Ibiza

The southern part of Ibiza was the first to be inhabited by the Phoenicians, who landed on the island in the 8th century BC. They settled in what is now Sa Caleta, where they built a hamlet on the cliffside. Behind a wire fence, you can see the foundations of this Poblament Fenici de Sa Caleta. The ruins are not extremely impressive, but they are well worth a visit on the way to Sa Caleta's superb beach.

Fans of church visits will be delighted. In the centre of the village of Sant-Josep stands the superb Iglesia de Sant-Josep de Talaia, built in the 13th century to meet the needs of the growing population in the surrounding countryside. Its splendid whitewashed façade and imposing bell tower make it one of Ibiza's must-see monuments. On 17 March, Saint Joseph's Day is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony throughout the village. Folk dances and fireworks are on the programme, not to be missed if you visit the island at this time of year.

In the tiny coastal village of Es Cubells, perched high on a cliff, you can admire the beautiful, typically Iberian-style church dating from 1864. Sparkling white, it offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean. The sunsets are particularly sumptuous.

The car is still the most practical way of visiting Sant-Josep and the surrounding area, but bus routes 8 and 9 will also take you easily to the village from Ibiza town and Sant-Antoni.

This small village nestling in the heart of the Ibizan countryside radiates charm and authenticity. Its lively main street is packed with shops, restaurants and lovely cafés. Special mention must go to DESTINO, an extremely friendly little tapas bar, perhaps the best on the island. Everything is delicious at very affordable prices. Remember to book in advance, as the place is very small, which makes it particularly friendly (open from 1pm to 1am, Monday to Saturday).

Opposite the church, you'll also find the unmissable Raco Verd, a delightful café-bar-restaurant where blues, jazz and flamenco concerts are regularly held. The beating heart of Sant-Josep, it's the ideal place for a drink, a snack and an evening out. (Open from 10am to 2am from March to November).

From Sant Josep, you can climb Sa Talaiassa, Ibiza's highest peak, along a 2.5 km signposted path. After walking through fragrant pinewoods, you'll be treated to an absolutely superb view of the island. You can also reach the summit by car (follow the signs from the Sant-Josep-Cala Vedella road).

Sa Caleta: just 3.5 km from the airport, this beach of golden sand surrounded by sheer red cliffs, contrasting beautifully with the azure water, is very popular in Ibiza.

If you're looking for a bit of peace and quiet, there are some lovely, more secluded pebble coves along the cliffs where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape in greater peace and quiet.

You can also hire a boat, with or without a skipper, to explore the region's beaches in complete freedom!

Ibiza is famous for the clay rocks found on many of the island's beaches. Many Ibizans practise fangotherapy, which consists of coating their body and hair with clay, reputed for its exfoliating properties. Sa Caleta, with its red clay cliffs, is a great place to indulge in this practice. All you have to do is take a little clay in your hand, moisten it and then spread it over yourself (avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes). Leave to dry for a few minutes, then rinse off in the sea. This completely free beauty treatment will leave your skin incomparably soft. Tested and approved!

The gourmet seafood restaurant of Sa Caleta is just behind the beach. The grilled fish is very good and you can try a local speciality, café caleta, a concoction made from herbs, citrus peel and brandy. Many restaurants in the south of the island offer it, but Sa Caleta is the mother house. The restaurant also boasts a delightful terrace where live music is organised in summer.

Cala Vedella: this very pretty bay of white sand, set in two arms of land, is the perfect place for families. The transparent water is shallow and you'll find shops and a paddle hire company. It's also an ideal spot for snorkelling. The beach is accessible by car, but also by bus (L26) from Sant-Josep and Ibiza town.

Cala Llentrisca: nestling between wooded hills and very little traffic, this little horseshoe-shaped bay is a real corner of paradise. It's a 10-minute walk through the pine trees from the nearest car park, 4km south-west of the village of Es Cubells. In this hidden Eden, you can gaze at the supernatural blue of the water while listening to the sound of the waves. Simply sublime!