Why you should consider Santa Eulalia for your Ibiza holiday

Adam England

Adam England

When it comes to planning a holiday to the White Isle, many people choose between the two biggest destinations of Ibiza Town and San Antoni.

The golden arc of Santa Eulalia's beach
The golden arc of Santa Eulalia's beach © Robert Harding - Alamy Stock Photo

But they shouldn't be the only Ibiza* locations on your radar. Here, we look at why you should consider the third-biggest town on the island, Santa Eulalia*. Seen as a quieter place to stay, it's smaller and more laidback than the island's two main towns with a little bit of everything for everyone.

Whether you're on a family trip, a romantic getaway, a break with friends or a solo getaway, you'll feel right at home here.

Getting to Santa Eulalia: don't miss the latest offers on escapes with Jet2holidays*.

It boasts the Balearics' only river

You probably don't associate the Balearic Islands* with rivers. In fact, there's only one across all of the islands and you'll find it in Santa Eulalia.

The Santa Eulalia del Rio begins around 15 km upstream from the town and flows to the sea.

Follow the short 3 km-route to see Pont Vell and Pont Nou, the old and new bridge respectively. Don't miss the Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza and the River Interpretation Centre Can Planetes as you go.

Delve into the hippie markets

Ibiza's well-known for its hippie markets, and the first one began five decades ago in nearby Es Cana, just under an hour's walk from the centre of Santa Eulalia. Today, there are more than 500 stalls selling a wide range of items and the atmosphere is lively with music and live performances too.

Meanwhile, the village of San Carlos, also part of the wider municipality of Santa Eulalia, is just a 20-minute bus ride from the centre.

Here, you'll find perhaps the very best market on the island, Las Dalias. Whether you want a massage, a bite to eat, some good music, or a new item of clothing, you're sure to find it here.

Visit the island's largest marina

Santa Eulalia's marina is an excellent place to go boat-spotting. Accommodating more than 750 boats, it's the island's biggest marina and the place where you'll see traditional Balearic fishing boats bobbing alongside big, bling yachts.

The entrance to Ibiza's largest marina
The entrance to Ibiza's largest marina © Ian Canham - Alamy Stock Photo

The port area is also sprinkled with restaurants and bars; seek out some fresh seafood and a glass of ice-cool white with a view.

The characterful town centre

Santa Eulalia's town centre may be small but it's vibrant and lively with locals and holidaymakers. As hotels tend to be on the outskirts, a short walk away from the centre, it remains quintessentially Balearic.

Aim for two main streets of Calle San Jaime and Calle San Vicente to immerse yourself in everything the town has to offer from shops to cafés. What's more, things are a little cheaper in Santa Eulalia when compared with the bigger resort towns.

You'll feast on fabulous food

Santa Eulalia has been referred to as the 'Food Capital of Ibiza', so it's no great surprise that you'll find plenty of options when it comes to deciding where to dine.

Forget large chains, which are more the preserve of the bigger Balearic towns. Be prepared to sample local restaurants as you walk along the coast or around the marina; you might find a new favourite.

Alternatively, head to Carrer de Sant Vicente, known as 'Restaurant Street', where you'll find everything from traditional dishes to quality international, veggie and vegan fare; you won't be disappointed.

There's a 16th-century church

The medieval fortified church of Puig de Missa was built on the site of a previous church, which was destroyed in a pirate attack. The church has the largest porch of any in Ibiza while the nave sports a stunning Baroque altarpiece.

The white-washed walls of Puig de Missa
The white-washed walls of Puig de Missa © Jose Juan Gonzalvez Sans - Dreamstime.com

But there's more than just the church to enjoy: take in the beautiful surroundings including the coast, the river and the Ibizan countryside on your stroll back down to the town.

It's easy to get around

Santa Eulalia may be the island's third-largest town but it strikes a good balance between the hustle of Ibiza Town and San Antoni and the island's smaller settlements.

It's super easy to get around on foot, helped by the fact it's also nice and flat, no surprise hills to negotiate. You'll find everything is within easy reach be it shops, hotels or the beach.

It's well-placed for day trips

Pretty Es Cana, part of the municipality of Santa Eulalia, is just east of the town. It's a short bus or taxi ride or a slightly longer walk if you fancy a change of pace and the chance for a different perspective.

Browse the Punta Arabí market in Es Cana
Browse the Punta Arabí market in Es Cana © Jorge Moya Olcina - Dreamstime.com

There are some beautiful beaches here, as well as plenty of opportunities for watersports and, of course, the oldest hippie market on the island. It's quieter than Santa Eulalia but that ensures it's the perfect destination for a chilled day trip.

Weather in Santa Eulalia

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

The above guide shows the weather in Santa Eulalia. Find out more about conditions across the island in our complete guide to the weather in Ibiza.

Ready to discover Santa Eulalia? Check out the latest deals and savings on holidays with Jet2holidays.

Jet2holidays: £50 per person off this winter & next summer

More about Santa Eulalia

Santa Eulalia by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Adam England

Adam England

Posted on Friday 23rd June 2023 in: City Europe Summer

Back to top

Explore holidays in the sun for less

More holidays

Airport parking

More parking

Airport lounges

More lounges

Related posts

Back to Travel inspiration Top ^