Start of the route: southbound from Es Canar
Unless it’s a Wednesday or Saturday and you would rather start the day at the street markets of Punta Arabí or Las Dalias, respectively, our route will take you to the village of Jesús along the Cala Llonga road to then turn back towards Santa Gertrudis.
Stop 1. Santa Eulària des Riu
This is one of the must-sees on your first trip to Ibiza to go up to Puig de Missa, a remarkable example of an Ibizan fortified church. Next to this religious site you will find the interesting Ethnographic Museum that is in an old country house that is over 300 years old.
Stop 2. Jesús
The road to Jesús snakes its way through wooded hills up to this small village in Ibiza, home to the island’s most outstanding masterpiece: its main late-Gothic altarpiece.
Stop 3. Santa Gertrudis
From Jesús, you can head towards the geographical centre of the island, Santa Gertrudis, where you can taste the famous Serrano ham sandwiches served at Bar Costa, browse the boutiques in the square or, a couple of kilometres away, the original and colourful designs of Sluiz, the most unique concept store in Ibiza.
Stop 4. Sant Llorenç de Balàfia
From Santa Gertrudis, take the road that leads to this small village known for the well-preserved singular buildings of Balàfia. Next you can head off to Sant Carles, where you can either join the route around the north of Ibiza or continue along this route.
Crossroads: to the north of Ibiza or the east?
Stop 5. Las Dalias
Every Saturday in the year, and on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings (summer only), you can come to this iconic hippy market that has loads of stalls with fashion, accessories, typical products and crafts. On non-market days, it’s a pleasant place to have a beer or a cup of coffee at the bar.
Stop 5b. Hippy Market
If it’s a Wednesday, instead of Las Dalias, go to Punta Arabí the largest hippy market in Ibiza. It has nearly 500 stalls offering food, natural cosmetics, crafts, jewellery, costume jewellery, accessories, clothes...
Stop 6. El Bigotes
This rustic beach bar on Cala Mastella only serves bullit de peix, which is a traditional speciality that includes fish cooked in a sauce with potatoes and a soupy rice dish. You have to book a table days ahead, lunch is served at 2 p.m. and they don’t accept credit cards. Phone: 650 797 633
Stop 7. Cala Nova and Cala Llenya
Before heading back to Es Canar, it’s time to stretch out your towel and relax on one of these two beaches nearby. They are both unspoilt beaches with fine sand, a gently sloped bottom and crystal-clear waters.
Stop 8. Hotel Ánfora
After this car route around the eastern part of Ibiza, there’s nothing better than a dip into the hotel swimming pool, a restorative massage or a cocktail on the terrace while you wait for dinner.
More routes to explore Ibiza by car
Apart from this route around the east of Ibiza, you can follow other routes by car, some of which cross this one, complete it or extend it.
Main photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels