SAN JUAN
San Juan is one Ibiza´s five municipalities as well as being a quaint little village located in the North of the island. Lush Ibiza is always encouraging clients to explore the lesser-known parts of the island and the San Juan is no exception. The San Juan area remains relatively untouched and a world away from the intensity of the South. The varying contours of the North provide vantage points for to reflect and contemplate. This is the “other side” of Ibiza that you may have heard of or already fallen in love with. The perception of San Juan being a long commute from Ibiza is somewhat incorrect. Whilst a 23km may sound long in relative terms, the improvements to road infrastructure between Ibiza and San Juan make the drive far more comfortable compared to a similar journey in terms of time travelling to Cala Vadella or Cala Moli.

INSIDER'S GUIDE

San Juan is one of the most authentic parts of the island and still retains elements of the Hippy culture that has been an important part of the island since the 1960s. San Juan is a spiritual place with various ceremonies and crystal energies set amongst an area of outstanding natural beauty. The motif of escapism is not lost on guests exploring this area today with San Juan feeling like a throwback to times when the pace of life was not so relentless.

The hamlet offers excellent dining options and a Farm-to-Table sustainable vibe which juxtapose beautifully to the caviar and champagne in the South. Before your stay it is worth researching any street markets or festivals especially the Fiesta de San Juan on 24 June, which marks the official start of summer. This little village becomes a bustling, eclectic illustration of this special community with excellent live music dancing through the market stalls and happy people.

VILLA RENTAL REVIEW

San Juan tends to be quite a conservative area of the island when it comes to construction. Licenses to build new properties or extend existing homes remain tightly controlled and the area has avoided the large-scale infrastructure and housing development of Urbanisations. Many of the properties that we work with in the area are reformed fincas. These properties are country Home and Garden styled homes with a sense of interconnectivity with the landscape. Exposed timber beams, stone walls, terraced gardens and mature trees giving welcome shade on hot summer days. We particularly enjoy reformed country homes which balance contemporary living whilst retaining period features in step with the bucolic vernacular of their surroundings.

The properties in San Juan tend to have a sense of volume with calm aesthetics in constant communication with secluded and tranquil gardens. When renting a converted farmhouses it is worth getting a good understanding of the floor plan where possible. Finally, whilst the island is served by superfast Fibre Optic broadband it is worth confirming download and upload speeds especially if guests are planning on video conferencing during their holiday.

AVAILABILITY

There is usually excellent availability in San Juan and one of the last areas to be booked during the high season. For that reason, the area represents good value for money for those wanting country elegance. Guests who stay in San Juan tend to book for periods longer than one week and it is mainly a family demographic, and the party people are filtered out.

BEACH LIFE

The village of San Juan is nestled in the high hills before the road winds down to Portinatx or even windier road to Cala San Vicente. San Juan is a convenient location to explore arguably the best beaches in Ibiza including Benniras, Cala San Vicente, Portitxol and the many deserted hidden beaches on this stunning coastline.

WHERE CHEFS EAT

The local restaurants in San Juan are family run farm-to-table restaurants with a focus on local produce and healthy, tasty and immaculately presented plates. The Giri Residence is an excellent example of delicious, fresh produce presented in effortlessly chic surroundings. Sharmakanda is the finest modern Lebanese on the island so for will appeal to fans of Ottolenghi and mediterranean dining.

Sabores Naturales is a petit family run vegetarian restaurant located as one enters the village. The façade may be quant but the vegetarian plates are bursting with flavor and goodness. Finally, the local café on the highstreet by the traffic lights is well worth a visit. Locals will be there playing a game of Backgammon and enjoying a slice of local sweet Flaó, which is like a sweet cheesecake.

HIGHLIGHTS

Fiesta de San Juan
Relaxed vibe
Chic country living 
Away from the “hustle-and-bustle”

SURROUNDING AREAS

San Lorenzo
Portinatx
Cala San Vicente
Cala Xarraca