Among Ibiza’s many hippy and crafts markets, one stands out for the sheer quality and authenticity of the artisanry on offer: San Juan Artisan Market. Ibiza Spotlight sent out its team, eager to discover the reasons for its excellent reputation and hear about recent developments.
Comprising around 120 stalls, this market - which is held every Sunday throughout the year from 9:00 to 16:00 - is a must-see for anyone seeking top-notch, original handcrafted wares. Taking place on the picturesque square and in the winding alleys of this tiny village in the far north of the island, San Juan Artisan Market is well laid out and highly organised.
Parking is no problem at all thanks to the four large, free parking zones that are found by following the road to the other side of the village when you come from the direction of Ibiza Town. Attendants show the way to the next free spot. There’s even a fifth car park devoted to residents of the village itself. Once we’d parked up, it was just a pleasant stroll down to the market.
Our first stop was to chat with the local craft association’s president, Mar, who talked us through all the recent changes that have led to its growing popularity among both holidaymakers and residents. She pointed out the provision of special litter and recycling bags designed to ensure the market’s impact on the village is minimal and guarantee a nice experience for visitors.
In terms of organisation, they’ve left no stone unturned. The local health centre’s ambulance stands at the ready should anyone require medical assistance and the market is patrolled by very approachable security guards. Next to the entrance of the church you will find public toilets.
The first thing you notice is that the stalls are all carefully laid out with extra space between them, thus creating a more comfortable shopping experience. In keeping with its carefully curated nature, the market also offers locally produced and handmade food and drinks.
Tasty offerings we encountered included freshly squeezed lemonade and locally produced kombucha, homemade sauces you could try on the spot, delicious homemade breads and pastries as well as sushi and freshly prepared kebabs, which we enjoyed on a bench while soaking up the vibes of this intimate open-air bazaar.
Knowing it would get busy by 11:00, we made a big effort to chat to the friendly stallholders as soon as possible. Everyone was friendly and only too happy to talk about their wares.
We were particularly impressed by the range of local products on sale including 100% organic Aloe Vera products, homemade soaps, candles and perfume. Kids - and adults - loved the cute fluffy toys made from soft fur. And you will, of course, find a wide range of self-designed jewellery, fashion and accessories, as on all markets on Ibiza.
Naturally, this being Ibiza, music accompanied us on our journey around. There are artists playing live music between the stands, and the main music zone by the square plays world music that changes weekly from 13:00 onwards, once Sunday mass in the church has come to an end.
Some of our favourite stalls included one selling beautiful upcycled glass aka vitro-fusion decorative items, another that sells vintage clothing and a stall that specialises in handles, ornaments and complements for doors sourced from across the planet. And we love the opportunity given to local artists to show and sell their paintings, sculptures and other art work in their dedicated zone across the road from the square.
San Juan Artisan Market is really quite special. There’s definitely something about the way the organisers have integrated it into the village that gives it a wonderful, organic feel. Along with its uniquely artisanal character, it makes for a really enjoyable Sunday activity for the whole family.
