Our recommended self drive island tour takes you from Ibiza Town to Santa Eulalia, through the green and peaceful North and back down through Santa Gertrudis.
It should take most of the day in a hire car, depending on how much you wish to see. Remember to take your camera, swimming costume and your biggest smile.
Ibiza Town - Santa Eulalia
Set off mid morning from Ibiza Town, towards Santa Eulalia. Take the old main road (turn off to Jesús) which leads past the Golf course and Cala Llonga to Santa Eulalia. Park the car near the beach and go for a stroll along the promenade. Ice-creams at Miretti's are a favourite option.
Santa Eulalia - San Carlos
It is only a 6 minute drive further to the pretty village San Carlos - one of the communications centres of the North. You can either stop for a coffee in Anita's Bar (very popular meeting place for Hippies in days gone by) or one of the other 'tipic' restaurants. Take out your camera and do a bit of exploring. The church is very picturesque.
San Carlos - Aguas Blancas
Driving North out of San Carlos, take the first left and continue until you see signposts for Aguas Blancas beach. Best to leave the car parked near the road and walk down to the beach on foot. Rugged cliffs, a small strip of clean white sand and clear shallow waters, perfect for bathing, beautiful for photographs. Be advised - very popular with nudists.
Aguas Blancas - Cala San Vicente
This fantastic road is one of the few on the island which follow the coastline, giving spectacular sea views.
Cala San Vicente - San Juan - San Miguel
Follow the road further as it undulates between the green and peaceful hills of the North. Hardly a house in sight, guaranteed no hotels! You will be amazed at the green and lush countryside.
The villages of San Juan and San Miguel are typical Ibicenco villages. San Miguel in particular is built on a hill, with the church at the very top. In times of danger from marauding pirates, the villagers would rush to the church and barricade the doors.
On Thursday evenings there is a lively craft market and much traditional folk dancing in the church courtyard at San Miguel.
San Miguel - Santa Gertrudis
Your final stop before arriving back in Ibiza is in Santa Gertrudis - the geographical centre of the island. This is a very quaint little village with a charming main square ('plaza'). Here you should stop for some 'jamon serrano'. This cured ham is a speciality of the island, and there is no finer place to enjoy it than the Bar Costa, which serves the tastiest 'Bocadillos' (sandwiches) on the island. Do go inside the bar, which serves as a gallery for the most amazing art.
