Sant Joan
THE ISLAND IS WAITING
Driving around the isla Ibiza
from north to south from the east to west
Lets visit Sant Joan
Sant Joan
San Juan (officially 'Sant Joan de Labritja') is a town and municipality in the north of Ibiza. People come here to relax and enjoy the 'authentic Ibiza of the past'. That is probably also the reason that you can still find many hippies in the area here. San Juan is a small peaceful village where you can stroll through, it is nice to visit the hippie market on Sundays or just have a look.
Nice to know
The history of this village goes together with one of the inhabitants namely Antoni Marí, also known as Milà, who in the eighteenth century was an heir to most of the land in the area. Milà wanted to increase the population in the area and then came to the conclusion that the best way to make it attractive for the farmers to settle there was to build a chapel. This chapel was finally finished in 1720. A few years later, the Archbishop of Tarragona came up with a plan for a new church in the area. However, the residents did not want to know about this and did not want to participate in this if this church did not come on the same spot as the small chapel of Milà. Although this option was not the most attractive to the ecclesiastical authority, the new church was built next to the old chapel.
Today San Juan appears to be a quiet and sparsely populated village, but in the nineteenth century it was home to a large number of residents who were engaged in cultivating land. At the time it was one of the most densely populated places on the island. Unlike the rest of Ibiza, San Juan has suffered less from pirate attacks due to the jagged north coastline making it difficult to get ashore and the poor quality of the roads.
Hotspot
Restaurants & Bars
San Juan is not very big, but you still have a number of restaurants and bars where you can eat well.
The Giri cafe
The Giri Café is part of The Giri Residence
Tucked within the quaint village square of San Juan, behind a subtle, ancient set of double wooden doors is The Giri Café, famed for its sun drenched terrace and garden by day. It may say ‘café’ on the sign, but don’t be fooled, what goes down after dusk makes this a 'day to night' dining destination like no other.
On the outside it is not immediately noticeable, but on the inside the restaurant is a true oasis of beautiful oriental Ibiza furniture and accessories. The restaurant looks very atmospheric and immediately invites you to sit down.
The owners mainly buy items from countries. If you still want to get home inspiration, a visit to the restaurant is worth a visit for that alone!
Furthermore to the beautiful interior, you can also enjoy delicious food. You can go there for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is Mediterranean with some influences from the east. Many ingredients are freshly picked from the restaurant's adjacent vegetable garden.
A gorgeously sleek cocktail bar is the perfect place to start your evening experience, sipping an expertly made bespoke cocktail, before being guided to your candlelit table by the maître d. Carefully curated music floats over the airwaves, as the vibe is sophisticated and stylish, with the moon and soft lighting illuminating the garden creating an ultra romantic atmosphere.
Star dishes include a corvina and octopus ceviche, a lusciously tender slow roasted leg of lamb, the best selling Angus burger and a selection of crunchy vegetables enveloped in a creamy, coconut, herbaceous soup while daily ‘catch of the day’ specials reflect the best at market that day. Coffees, cocktails and exquisite desserts complete the experience.
Moreover, the restaurant also makes extensive use of real seasonal products. As a result, the menu also varies regularly, so you can try something different every time you visit the restaurant.
If you are looking for a beautiful restaurant with delicious dishes in the north of Ibiza, The Giri Café is definitely worth it!
The Giri Residence
Intimate, eclectic, exclusive and cool ,boutique hotel. The Giri Residence delivers personalised service, sophistication and style to Ibiza’s north. In the heart of the countryside.
The hotel features five bespoke suites brimming with luxury, including spa like bathrooms fitted with deep stone tubs or powerful double showerheads. Dramatic black stone floors contrast with marble mosaics, recycled wooden doors, skylights and fireplaces, all accentuated by exotic artefacts and furnishings from around the world.
The Spa Suite, hidden in the basement, boasts a plunge pool complete with wave machine, side by side stone tubs, a treatment room, plus a full-time, experienced ayurvedic therapist. This space can be reserved exclusively (also by non hotel guests) for the ultimate ‘do not disturb’ experience. Outside is a sparkling swimming pool, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, four Balinese gazebos and an outdoor living room
Embracing the concept of ‘slow food’, the in-house kitchen sources the freshest produce, organic and local where possible, to create bespoke meals to suit each guest’s individual tastes. Just metres away in the village plaza sits The Giri cafe, a breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant led by the same team, boasting the same eye for detail and warm, welcoming service, but open to one and all…
You find the Giri Residence;
Carrer de l’Alcalde Jaume Marí Roig 5, 07810 San Juan
Or check their website fore more;
La Paloma
La Paloma is an authentic Mediterranean restaurant with an Italian twist. The restaurant is located about 10 minutes drive from San Juan in the small village of San Lorenzo.The restaurant is located in an old Spanish finca and has been completely transformed into a beautiful and cozy restaurant.
The restaurant also has a beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy your food surrounded by flowers, trees, candles and lights.
The tables are beautifully and comfortably set with different types of crockery and beautiful flowers from the garden. Despite being a fairly large restaurant, it actually looks a bit small, which makes it wonderfully cozy. The entire setting gives you a complete summer hippie-like feeling. A feeling that typically belongs in Ibiza!
The children have also been thought of. In the garden of the restaurant, children can enjoy playing on the playground equipment and swings.
Not only the location is enjoyable, but also the food is very good at La Paloma Ibiza. The dishes are mainly Italian oriented. The restaurant is known for its humus. We definitely recommend starting with this as a starter.
In addition, you can also order various delicious well filled salads and meat lovers will also want for nothing. How about a delicious hamburger, for example? The pizzas and fresh bread rolls from the oven are also very tasty, but for the sweet tooth you can also enjoy the famous cakes!
One of the island’s most loved dining destinations, it boasts legions of dedicated fans from around globe in addition to staunchly loyal troops of island locals who will all be pleased to hear the news that both Paloma Café and La Paloma Restaurante are remaining open throughout the winter months, including Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Rather than go into hibernation, the desire to stay open in winter comes from the Paloma family’s wish to reconnect with islanders after the hectic summer months. That, and chef Prasuna’s enthusiasm to share her delicious winter warming recipes, it’s all in the spirit of giving something back to the island. Since the restaurant’s inception in 2004, La Paloma has gradually evolved into the island institution it is today; beginning first with the night offering an Italian based menu based around family recipes using organic and local cuisine and later on (in 2008) adding the sunny daytime garden café known for its healthy and hearty Israeli and Middle Eastern inspired cuisine. Everything that falls under the family run Paloma umbrella seems to be sprinkled with magic be it the setting, the décor, the ambience or of course, the food and it all comes straight from the heart. There are no fads or gimmicks at La Paloma. Just good honest food, served with genuine smiles and warmth in a one of a kind location.
When the days start to get chilly, the café’s interior warms up with a crackling fireplace. All the more reason to linger longer after your meal is over… After dark, the adjacent restaurant space subtly hidden by day, comes to life, transformed into a magical candlelit paradise, with warmth emanating from blazing outdoor heaters and from the roaring log fire inside. Open from Tuesday to Saturday between 7pm and 11pm, the terrace is protected by clear plastic wind breakers, meaning you can still sit amongst the colourful plants and flowers, below the bohemian hanging cane pendant lamps in classic Paloma style. It really is like something out of a fairytale, with whimsical wall murals and quirky framed illustrations, while wooden birds, hearts and cherubs dangle delicately from every available space. It’s all in the detail.
Tip
You can also use this top locatoin for your biggest day
Another tip is to order a nice bottle of local wine here. Unlike many other restaurants in Ibiza, the wine at La Paloma is actually quite affordable, the cocktails are also highly recommended!
You will find La Paloma Ibiza in the middle of Ibiza nearby Sant Joan, just north of Santa Gertrudis . The restaurant is located in the middle of the small village of San Lorenzo. The restaurant is easily accessible by car. It takes about 20 minutes from Ibiza town . If you come from Sant Antonio it will take you about 25 minutes.
Also visit the official website for more information and to make a reservation;
Elements
Elements is a restaurant / beach bar where you can enjoy delicious food with your feet in the sand. It is located on Cala Benirras Beach, known for its fantastic sunsets (complete with drumming and dancing hippies!). At Elements you can also go for just a nice cocktail, a smoothie at the juice bar, a relaxing massage or to shop at the associated boutique. Keep in mind that Elements is not located in San Juan, but it is close by.
Overnight
When you spend the night in San Juan or surroundings, you can be sure that you will relax! San Juan has a number of fine hotels and villas, which are characterized by the 'agroturismo' label. In other words, a recreation in the countryside. This is often an old country house that has been transformed into a hotel.
Agroturismo Ca Sa Vilda Marge
In the middle of the hills of Ibiza you will find the country house Ca Sa Vilda Marge. This old country house has also been transformed into a hotel with 8 hotel rooms. Un beautiful farmhouse that will conquer you immediately.
The accommodation is located in an extensive farm with more than 400 years of history. A beautiful space that combines contemporary elements with the harmony of the Ibicencan architecture.
As soon as you pass its doors you will be surrounded by a natural environment made up of some 15 hectares of field where tranquility reigns. An oasis of peace in which to disconnect from the daily transfer and enjoy the friendliest face of Ibiza.
The treatment they will give you at Ca Sa Vilda Marge will make you feel at home. A personalized attention, always focused on your comfort and making your vacation on the island unforgettable. The fact that agrotourism only has eight rooms makes it possible to breathe a close and familiar atmosphere between its walls. All the rooms have the name of an Ibiza beach and a particular style. They are equipped with all the comforts you can imagine; air conditioning, WiFi, mini bar, hairdryer ...
Staying at Ca Sa Vilda Marge is in itself a real pleasure, but not the only one. If you are one of those who take care of their diet, the farmhouse restaurant It will become one of your favorite places. They have an own orchard from which they extract the products they cook with. The premise "from the garden to your table" is fulfilled here perfectly with its homemade and healthy dishes. Also, you can talk to them and ask them for a menu to suit you.
Entertainment is not lacking at the San Juan agrotourism either. They have a nice pool where relaxation is more than guaranteed and sometimes they organize yoga retreats. It is also the ideal place to celebrate all kinds of events in Ibiza.
Groups of friends, couples and families they enjoy the accommodation equally. For the latter, they also put at your disposal cribs, baby chairs, beach toys or the possibility of making them natural porridge. Everything is little for your guests. Therefore, upon arrival, they will sit with you to help you in everything you need
El charm that Ca Sa Vilda Marge gives off is such that we could continue describing it for hours, however, we advise you to discover it for yourself.
How to get there
Go towards San Juan and, before entering the town, you will find a roundabout that you must take towards Portinatx. About two kilometers on the right hand side you will see the colorful gong of the Ca Sa Vilda Marge car park.
for more;
Agroturismo Can Pere Sord
Agroturismo Can Pere Sord is a 11 room agrotourism hotel located in the area of San Joan towards the north of the island. The finca dates back over 200 years and has been lovingly restored to provide the perfect balance of modern styling but respecting the heritage and history of the building.
After about a 25 minute drive from the airport you will take a small track for about 1 mile which takes you right in to the heart of the Ibiza countryside. Come here to relax and unwind, or explore the beautiful White Isle. The hotel is perfectly positioned in a rural setting surrounded by the hotel gardens with views of the forest.
A 20 minute drive to a variety of beaches ranging from small pebbly coves to long, wide sandy bays. Experience the local villages and the cosmopolitan capital city, Ibiza Town. Find a local family run restaurant or dine at one of the many international dining establishments and beach bars. The Can Pere Sord allows you to choose a different Ibiza every day. The location is also ideal in the early or late summer when it’s not too hot to walk, hike or cycle around the area.
The hotel is also a working farm growing olives and fruit. As well as having some horses within the extensive grounds (confident riders can take one of the horses out). They are also looking after some of the retired horses from the nearby Ibiza Polo Club. But don’t worry if you are not an animal lover, you won’t even know these animals are there with the exception of the occasional morning cockerel call
Most of the rooms are located in the main building. The swimming pool is of a good size and you can spend all day relaxing here. The family will make breakfast for you and they also run the nearby Cana Pepeta restaurants so they leave the house to you most evenings. There isn’t a restaurant at the hotel but along with the Cana Pepeta there are plenty of restaurants nearby to choose from. The hotel operates an honesty bar with a wide selection of wines, beers and branded spirits. There is also a children’s swimming pool.
Location:
Rural Ibiza. 5 kilometres from San Joan, and 5.3 kilometres to San Lorenzo.
For more info check;
Tip!
Every Sunday there is a hippie market around the church of San Juan from approximately 10:00 to 14:00. This hippie market is a lot less commercial and known than, for example, Las Dalias. The nice thing is that you can really see the authentic hippies who are making things and then selling them on the hippie market.
tip!
Benirrás
An alternative location to watch the famous Ibiza sunset, Benirrás’ popularity has soared in recent years, transforming it from a locals’ secret to a must-visit on the Ibiza holiday map, particularly on Sundays for the iconic bongo drumming sunset rituals. The area boasts a booming health and wellness scene, with an abundance of options to treat the mind, body and soul, surrounded by a forest of fragrant pine trees. Beautifully restored traditional white fincas and contemporary luxury villas stand out against the greenery of the hillside, the ultimate dream holiday homes for lovers of the north.
