Running along a long strip of coast, the resort of San Antonio Bay (Sant Antoni in Catalan) lies next to the southern part of the large natural bay from which it takes its name. Expect to see wide open views all along the waterfront of sparkling sea, small ferries and white yachts crossing the bay, small beaches lined with beach bars and people engaged in one of the many water sports on offer: it's a magical sight.
Here you will find a varied selection of holidaymakers from across Europe of all age groups. On the whole, the popular resort is very relaxed, though there is plenty on offer for everyone. In recent years San Antonio Bay has been upping its game with new stylish hotels and major upgrades to many of its restaurants and bars. This is a place on the move, though it still retains its reputation as being the island's best value resort.
The town of San Antonio across the bay is easily reached by foot, along the promenade and pathways connecting the beaches and rugged coastline. Many bus services, inexpensive taxis and regular water taxis travel between the two resorts too. A trip to one of the super-clubs is easy with the disco bus running regularly through the night.
Beaches
On this long strip of coast you will find five small beaches from start to finish, each with its own unique charm and many of them blessed with the attractive aquamarine water clarity that Ibiza's beaches are famous for.
By day and night, you will see people walking along this wild strip of coast to stop at the numerous restaurants and bars that overlook the bay - they are literally all along the seafront. Many of them open late into the night and make for lovely spots to stop on a hot summer's day or during balmy nights, when you can watch the twinkling lights illuminating the entire bay.
There is a variety of water sports on offer, from water skiing to parasailing to people surging into the air on jet packs. You are also in easy reach of a blaze of boat trips and a world of water sports on the broad main beach of nearby San Antonio.
Many of the island's most beautiful beaches are also on this side of the island with Cala Bassa, Cala Conta and Cala Tarida just a short drive or bus ride away. A wonderfully relaxing way of getting to them is by taking one of the small ferries that leave from several jetties along the bay.
Eating out
You will find a terrific mix of restaurants here, from longer established venues, quality pizzerias, grill restaurants, and a host of newer little gems. Many themed and ethnic restaurants abound, from Thai, Chinese, Indian, American style and barbecue as well as the more traditional Mediterranean style ones. A lot of the hotels in the resort also have restaurants open to the public.
The choice is very varied and we recommend that you get out of the area of the bay that you are staying in and take a walk along the long main street, until you find an eatery for you. Look out for signs that point to places on the numerous side streets too or go to one of the restaurants on the seafront and catch an amazing sunset; they are breathtaking.
Even with the recent expansion of more upmarket venues, there are still inexpensive options for eating out, with many restaurants serving big portions of food at very reasonable prices.
The bay at night
In San Antonio Bay you can catch a glorious sunset all along the bay in one of the many bars and restaurants that line it, including hotels with rooftop bars that are open to the public. It's a wonderful way to start the evening with a drink or cocktail in hand and watch the sky filled with beautiful oranges, yellows and pinks.
Along the strip, you will find plenty to keep you entertained with a wide variety of bars including themed pubs, café/bars and elegant places for cocktails as well as venues with live DJ sets. Many of the hotels along here offer evening entertainment that's open to the public too, from the art-inspired, to flamenco and many points in between. Bars on the beach tend to have slightly higher drinks prices, though lots of places offer great value drinks' prices away from the water's edge.
It's just a short trip to San Antonio where you'll find a fantastic choice of clubbing, with the hugely popular daytime venues O Beach Ibiza and Ibiza Rocks Hotel. To start the night, a visit to the San Antonio's Sunset Strip with its world famous sunset bars cannot be missed.
Later, dance the night away in the legendary clubs Es Paradis and Eden. For nightlife further afield, the disco bus will take you to all the other major super-clubs of the island with additional stops in Ibiza Town and the party resort of Playa d'en Bossa.
Accommodation
Along San Antonio Bay there is a great choice of hotels and apartments, with many located next to its beaches and rocky coastline and from where spectacular bay views can be had.
San Antonio Bay is a good choice if you want to be near the exciting nightlife of San Antonio but in more relaxed surroundings during the day.
The wide range of accommodation caters for all tastes and budgets, with a good number of excellent four star hotels, some of which have recently arrived on the scene. There also is a terrific selection of mid-range hotels and apartment complexes, with some offering excellent facilities. Smaller hotels and apartments offer great value for those on a budget.
Things to do
San Antonio Bay and the neighbouring San Antonio are a dream for all who want to do more on their holiday than just lie on the beach. Excursions with the family, exciting adrenaline kicks, fun in the water and water sports - the choice of activities is endless and boredom has no chance.
The crystal-clear waters along San Antonio Bay are very inviting for all sorts of water activities as well as lovely boat trips around the coast. Also, on land there is a wide variety of excursions and activities, such as guided trips to greener parts of the island on vespa, quad or e-bike, ideal for groups, couples and families.
Children really are spoilt for choice, with a great variety of activities within the bay itself. Choose from mini-golf, rodeo, a water park, playgrounds, pedaloes on most of the beaches and also fun inflatables, like banana boats for an exciting ride across the water. Many of the family-orientated hotels have kids' play areas too with some having dedicated programmes for little ones.
