When you think of Ibiza, scenes of heaving superclubs pumping out techno and chaotic pool parties full of overexcited hen and stag dos probably come to mind. But over on the north-east side of the island, beyond the vibrant nightlife, a charming oasis awaits.
With a pine-fringed beach lined with resorts and crystal-clear waters at its heart, Es Canar is a haven for holiday-goers who want to experience the magic of Ibiza, minus the hedonism. It's also just a 25-minute cab ride from Ibiza Old Town and 10 minutes from the picturesque harbour of Santa Eulalia, so you’re very well situated for exploring the island’s gems.
The coastal village might be quieter than the club-dotted strips of the infamous Playa d’en Bossa and San Antonio, but it’s far from sleepy. Magpies will love the buzzing hippy market, and if watersports are your bag, a jet ski safari is a must. More interested in sampling local wines? A trip to one of the island’s renowned vineyards will float your boat. Here’s what to do, eat and where to stay in Es Canar…
Where to stay in Es Canar
FERGUS Style Punta Arabí
If you’re anything like us, choosing the right home away from home is an important consideration when choosing the perfect destination. After all, where’s the joy in going abroad if you can’t treat yourself to a nice hotel or villa?
Perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, FERGUS Style Punta Arabí is the ultimate coastal retreat. Among the quaint white villas and statuesque Carrasco palms, you’ll find four restaurants, a swimming pool overlooking the ocean (complete with a bar, massage cabana, and reading corner, might we add) and a gym.
The four-star, 329-room resort has just undergone a full, bohemian-style renovation, capturing the essence of Ibiza in oakwood-style furniture, sweeping archways, white linens and large terraces, so a stay here will be a slice of Mediterranean heaven. But don’t let the laid-back luxury interiors fool you, superior rooms are kitted out with the obligatory espresso machine and a well-stocked mini bar. Phew.
Caramull, the grill restaurant located in one of the resort’s cosy courtyards, is a must-try for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Skilled chefs fire up everything from succulent pork to juicy artichoke on the charcoal grill, infusing each dish with pure Mediterranean flavour.
For most of the week, the hotel oozes the tranquil charm of a traditional Ibizan village. But if you’re visiting Ibiza with the hopes of shopping for trinkets at the iconic hippy market, you’re in exactly the right spot...
What to do
Browse Ibiza’s oldest hippy market
The Punta Arabí Hippy Market is no secret. In fact, it’s practically a rite of passage when visiting Ibiza, especially if it’s your first time on the island. Every Wednesday from April to October, the hippy market sprawls across the entire complex of FERGUS Style Punta Arabí, and a kaleidoscope of over 500 colourful stalls, run by local artisans, sell everything from clothing and jewellery to art and olive oil.
Founded in 1973, it’s the oldest and largest hippy market on the island, but don’t stress about having cash, as most vendors accept card. Dance along to the live music, indulge in vintage wares, and immerse yourself in 1970s vibes as you wander the labyrinth of stalls in search of a memento.
Sample organic wines at Bodega Can Rich
Picture this: You’re enjoying a spread of the finest cured meats and cheeses and nibbling on fresh bread with glugs of olive oil, all while sipping a selection of red, white and rosé wines on the terrace of a gorgeous vineyard. Nope, this isn’t a snippet from a Victoria Hislop novel; it’s an actual experience that you can book at Ibizan winery, Bodega Can Rich.
The purveyor of organic wine hosts tours of its vineyards and winery, where you learn about everything from its organic farming processes to the history of the land, and finish with a belly full of wine and local delicacies. Our verdict? It’s the perfect fusion of education and pleasure.
Jet ski safari to hidden coves
If you're after an escape from the hypnotic lull of the calmer side of the island, donning your dancing shoes and gearing up for a night under the strobe lights isn't your only option. Instead, walk straight from the docks of Santa Eulalia’s harbour into an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Take on the waves with a guided, 60-minute ski safari with Yacht Watersports along the Eastern side of the Island and prepare to work up an appetite (jet-skiing is hungry work, guys). Ending your excursion by chartering a yacht with La Mar for a stylish wind down is optional, but strongly encouraged.
Where to eat
El Bigotes
A 10-minute drive from the town of Es Canar, you’ll find El Bigotes, a local gem serving fresh fish dishes on tables overlooking an old fisherman’s cove. The interiors are more rustic than the Instagrammable minimalism we’re used to, but that’s the beauty of the place: the focus is all on the quality of the food being served.
You won’t find fancy sides of pureed vegetables and artfully arranged herbs here – the fish is full of flavour and served grilled over a bed of salad or in a perfectly-seasoned stew. If mouthwateringly simple island cuisine is on the agenda, you’ll defo want to add this spot to your list.
CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia
If you consider yacht-spotting an acceptable vacation activity, you’ll want to book a table at CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia. The ocean-facing restaurant’s motto is ‘Live like a goddess’, and it’s not hard to see why. Situated at the pinnacle of Santa Eulalia’s harbour, CBbC offers diners a taste of luxury harbour-side gastronomy — from sushi to seabass and traditional paella, fish lovers are spoilt for choice. If you want to get a candid holiday snap of yourself gazing into the horizon, spritz in hand, this is the spot.
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
