Imagine a huge open natural bay, sparklingly bright blue skies, some of the best sunsets ever, a big range of entertainments and natural beauty close to hand. Yes, this is San Antonio. Known for its appeal for the twenty somethings, San An is far more than that and is considered to be the place where the Ibiza we know today really started.
There are great restaurants, a diversity of bars from cheap and cheerful right up to the famous Sunset Strip with Café Mambo and Café del Mar. The central palm lined promenade leads to the marina where you'll see boats moored and around the bay there are countless water sports activities and boats for day tripping or for hiring.
Being one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean it's hard not to have heard about the place. You will find that accommodation is generally cheaper around here, so if you don't have the biggest budget or simply want to save for other holiday pleasures and experiences, you would do well to come here.
On offer is a diverse range of places to stay from upmarket luxury secluded hotel to the great value budget. Here we show you some of the best in the upper and the mid ranges with one top budget hotel to round it off.
UPPER RANGE
Hostal La Torre
Nestled on top of cliffs just outside San Antonio is this boutique hotel set amidst wild Ibiza vegetation. It is close to the beaches of Cala Gracio and Cala Gracionetta and is a delicious spot to watch the sun set. Rooms are modern and white with touches of natural wood; there's an onsite restaurant open all day, a hairdressing salon and a staff that will try to cater for all your needs. For peace and tranquility at the end of the day, this place is hard to beat.
Palladium Hotel Palmyra
Set in a prime location next to the promenade, this 4-star hotel is elegant and maintains a good amount of calm due to its location. It's an all-inclusive adults only deal, so its better for couples and groups who want a bit of luxury. There's a stylish buffet restaurant and a more formal a la carte one, temptingly called Heaven's Garden. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and soundproofed for a relaxing sleep. You are close to lots of action here to dip in or out.
Blau Park Aparthotel
As it says on the label, this combines the comforting services of a hotel with the independence of having your own private apartment, which comes with a decently equipped kitchenette, Wi-Fi and air-con plus they are all cleaned daily. There is a café bar and restaurant, tropical pools outside with a towel service and weekly live music sessions. You also get access to a gym a short walk away and there is table tennis and pool. All has been thought of, now you just need to book.
MID RANGE
Arenal Hotel
This hotel is right next to the beach and the bars that line the bay. Here you can make the holiday what you want: gym, squash and tennis facilities for the active days and the relaxing pool and sun-loungers for relaxing ones – there's even a pool for kids. All rooms have great views of the bay and marina and are bright and Mediterranean in style. They also have a restaurant and cafeteria, a sauna, a children's playground and daily entertainment and sports programmes.
Gran Sol Hotel
This comfortable hotel comes with all the personal service you'd expect of a family-run business. It is in a more tranquil part of San Antonio close to the Sunset Strip with a pool, sun terrace and long lawn for relaxing. Rooms are spacious with modern furnishing, air-con, Wi-Fi and a balcony or terrace. Live music is put on twice weekly; there's a restaurant and café/snack bar. The main beach is 10 minutes away and you are close to bars and clubs. What more do you need?
BUDGET
Ferrer Hostel
A good budget option is this small and economically priced hostel. Popular with young people, it's in a quieter part of town and all the San An attractions and nightlife are a short walk away. You have the use of a rooftop pool, bar and terrace of the nearby Casa Maria Apartment complex too. Rooms are simply furnished and comfortable and have either street views or of the inside patio. It's a great place to meet people and the staff get to know you by name – we are sure you'll love it.
Wherever you choose to stay, remember that we have a full selection of hotels, villas and apartments on our web page, so why not head on over now?
WORDS: Julian Heathcote
