San Mateo (Sant Mateu in Catalan) is a tiny, picturesque village located in the northwest of the island, around 10 km from Santa Gertrudis. If you want to see the 'real' Ibiza, far from its touristic side, then you will enjoy exploring the village and its attractive surroundings.
The village itself consists of scattered houses, a church, a very cheap bar in the village hall and two restaurants with large terraces. Dating back to the late 1700s, the church - with its characteristic enclosed porches - is an excellent example of traditional construction in that era.
A road takes you right around the valley, an opportunity for a walk followed by a rewarding drink or meal in one of the aforementioned restaurants. A popular hike is also down to the sea at Cala d'Albarca, where a stunning natural bridge formation is a photo hotspot.
Wine festival
The distinctive reddish soil that characterises its rural surroundings is some of the most fertile on Ibiza. This has led it to become the island's winemaking zone. Every year, in December, the village holds its wine festival, known locally as the Festa des Vi Pagès, celebrating the traditional local practice of making wine at home that continues to this day.
Organised by the village's neighbours' association, the San Mateo wine festival is visited by people from all over the island. The event includes free sampling of up to 100 different wines, tasty local delicacies such as the sausages sobrassada and butifarra, music, dancing, kids' activities, and a warm, festive atmosphere.
Local fiesta
Further festivities occur each year in the weeks around 21 September, when this charming village - Sant Mateu d'Albarca to give it its full name in Catalan - celebrates its patron saint.
Among the events, there is a popular procession that starts from the church and walks around the village, traditional dances, live music and DJs, and kids activities. Visitors also get the chance to sample typical local handmade produce.
Accommodation
You won't find big hotels in this area, but there are some very special rural hotels and private holiday villas on the way to nearby village Santa Agnès.
