A Travel Guide to Santa Eulalia, Ibiza
Although Ibiza is famous for its nightclubs and parties, there’s a whole other, much more relaxed side to the island that shouldn’t be overlooked. Beyond the clubs you’ll find chilled coastal towns, scenic walks and some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen, with turquoise water and golden sand.
One of the best places to experience this side of Ibiza is Santa Eulalia, on the island’s east coast. With its beautiful marina, great restaurants and laid-back atmosphere, it feels a world away from the party-heavy resorts like San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa. It’s a great base for couples, families and friends who want a more relaxed holiday.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Santa Eulalia, where to eat and drink, where to stay, and a few nearby day trips that are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Santa Eulalia
Marina Santa Eulalia
Santa Eulalia Marina is home to a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend an evening. We loved strolling along the waterfront, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the beautiful harbour views. In the evenings, locals set up stalls selling jewellery, souvenirs and other unique gifts.
Santa Eulalia Marina
Drinks at Santa Eulalia Marina
Seafront Promenade
Paseo Maritimo de la Alameda, Santa Eulalia’s seafront promenade stretches alongside the beach. The wide footpath, lined with palm trees is perfect for a leisurely morning walk or an evening stroll during sunset. Along the way are many cafes, restaurants and bars with the perfect sea view.
Shopping
Santa Eulalia is one of Ibiza's best towns for shopping. The town centre has a great mix of independent boutiques, jewellery stores and local gift shops, making it easy to pick up a unique souvenir or a few holiday treats. Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's a lovely area to wander and soak up the atmosphere. The town also has several delicatessens and gourmet food shops, perfect for picking up local delicacies to take home.
Santa Eulalia Centre
Santa Eulalia
Puig de Missa
Located on a hill overlooking Santa Eulalia, Puig de Missa is one of the town's most iconic landmarks. The historic whitewashed church dates back to the 16th century and offers beautiful panoramic views over the town, marina and coastline. It's well worth the short uphill walk, not only for the scenery but also to wander the charming cobbled streets and admire the traditional Ibizan architecture.
Puig de Missa
Views of Santa Eulalia
Punta Arabí Hippy Market
If you're visiting on a Wednesday, don't miss the famous Punta Arabí Hippy Market in nearby Es Canar, just a short drive or ferry trip from Santa Eulalia. As Ibiza's oldest and largest hippy market, it's home to hundreds of stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothing, artwork, leather goods and local crafts. With live music, street food and a lively atmosphere, it's a great way to experience Ibiza's famous bohemian spirit. We took the ferry from Santa Eulalia to Es Canar and walked around 15 minutes before reaching the market.
A great way to explore Ibiza's stunning coastline is on a private boat trip from Santa Eulalia Marina. You'll have the freedom to discover hidden coves, swim in crystal clear waters and visit secluded beaches at your own pace. There are many boats advertising private hire at the marina so whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to spend a day relaxing on the water, check it out for an unforgettable experience.
Santa Eulalia has plenty of water sports on offer. From jet skiing and parasailing to paddleboarding and kayaking, there are activities for all ages and experience levels. It's a fun way to enjoy Ibiza's clear turquoise waters while taking in the beautiful coastline from a different perspective.
Santa Eulalia's ferry services make it easy to explore more of Ibiza without needing a car. Regular boats run to neighbouring destinations including Ibiza Town, Es Canar and Cala Llonga. A weekly ferry also operates to the beautiful island of Formentera (which I highly recommend visiting for the day). You are able to buy singular/ return tickets as well as multi day passes which mean you are free to hop on and off the ferries, between stops, over so many days.
Punta Arabí Hippy Market
Santa Eulalia Ferry in Cala Llonga
Getting Around & Nearby Places to Visit
One of the best things about Santa Eulalia is how easy it is to explore nearby spots by ferry or bus. We found the bus to be the cheaper option but also purchased a multi day pass for Santa Eulalia Ferries which provides unlimited travel between east coast towns with an option to include a day trip to Formentera.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town is one of the island's must visit destinations and makes an easy day trip from Santa Eulalia. You can get there in around 30 minutes by bus, or take the scenic ferry which takes approximately an hour and offers beautiful views of Ibiza's coastline along the way. Once you arrive, spend time wandering the cobbled streets of the historic old town, Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with charming cafés, boutique shops and impressive fortifications. The lively marina is also a great place to enjoy lunch or drinks while watching the luxury yachts come and go.
Ibiza Town
Dalt Vila Ibiza Town
If you have time for just one day trip during your stay, make it Formentera. Often described as the Caribbean of the Mediterranean, the island is famous for its powder soft white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters and laid back atmosphere. Spend the day relaxing on stunning beaches such as Ses Illetes or Es Pujols, hire a bike or scooter to explore the island or enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. Ferries depart regularly from Ibiza Town, so you can either travel there first from Santa Eulalia or book onto the weekly direct ferry from Santa Eulalia Marina. During the busy summer months, I recommend booking your ferry tickets online or purchasing them in advance at the ferry terminal to guarantee your spot on the boat.
Es Pujols Formentera
Es Pujols Formentera
Es Canar
The relaxed seaside resort of Es Canar is just a 15 minute drive or 30 minute ferry from Santa Eulalia. It’s best known for the famous Punta Arabi Hippy Market that is held every Wednesday from April through to October. As Ibiza’s oldest and largest Hippy Market you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothing, artwork and local crafts, alongside live music and delicious street food. Outside of the market day, the resort has a beautiful beach and some lovely seafront shops to enjoy.
Cala Nova
Whilst visiting Es Canar, we took the 15 minute coastal walk to Cala Nova, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on Ibiza’s east coast. The golden sand and crystal clear water make it the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon, while the slightly wilder setting gives it a more natural feel than many of the island's resort beaches. There are a couple of excellent beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood or a drink with stunning sea views.
Cala Llonga
Cala Llonga is a small, family-friendly resort with a wide sandy beach and calm, shallow water that's ideal for swimming. If you're visiting, it's also worth making the short walk to Amante Ibiza, one of the island's most picturesque beach clubs. Located on the cliffs overlooking Sol d'en Serra bay, it's worth the visit for the breathtaking views alone, even if you simply stop for a drink.
Cala Pada
If you're looking for somewhere a little quieter to relax, Cala Pada is a great choice. Surrounded by pine trees, this peaceful sandy beach has a laid back atmosphere and beautifully clear water that's perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. It's an ideal escape from the busier beaches while still being close to Santa Eulalia, with a handful of beach bars serving drinks and light lunches.
All of these destinations are easily accessible from Santa Eulalia by local bus or ferry during the summer months, making them perfect day trips if you don't have a car. However, if you want to explore Ibiza's more remote beaches, such as Cala Comte or Cala Carbó, or visit some of the island's most spectacular viewpoints overlooking Es Vedrà, we would highly recommend hiring a car. It gives you much more freedom to discover Ibiza's hidden gems at your own pace.
Cala Nova
Cala Llonga
Where to Eat in Santa Eulàlia
WOM Radio Cafe Ibiza - A boho style restaurant that serves latin inspired dishes, grilled meats and tasty burgers using fresh local ingredients. Often has a DJ or live music playing and is a fun favourite!
San Martino - My favourite Italian restaurant overlooking the seafront, serving authentic dishes with a friendly atmosphere.
Jatayu Indian Experience - Incredible Indian restaurant on the marina. We went back more than once!
Caos Ibiza - Fresh, healthy food with great vegan and gluten-free options.
Siesta Grill - Amazing family owned restaurant serving BBQ cooked steaks in the quieter location of Siesta. A true hidden gem.
Mezzanotte Garden - Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful Greek-style building right in the centre.
Project Social - My favourite burgers in Ibiza, offering excellent gluten-free options, including some stunning dessert options!
Brunchit - The go-to brunch spot in Santa Eulalia, serving aesthetically delicious dishes made using natural, high-quality ingredients.
Higo Mediterrasian BBQ Restaurant - A mix of Mediterranean and Asian flavours, with small charcoal BBQs brought directly to the table.
Schiano Cantina & Cucina Ibiza - An authentic popular Italian restaurant. Try one of their handmade pasta dishes!
Amore Ibiza - Fantastic steak and Italian food with a marina backdrop.
Bonsai Eivissa - Japanese food, great cocktails, and a lively atmosphere on the marina.
Granariumibiza - A lovely spot for breakfast or a light lunch with fresh, healthy options.
Mamma Mery - Italian classics and great pizzas!
Higo Mediterrasian BBQ Restaurant
San Martino
WOM Radio Cafe Ibiza
Mezzanotte Garden
Desserts & Ice Cream
Gelateria Miretti - My favourite ice cream on the island serving so many different flavours, right on the seafront.
L'Alchimista Ibiza - Desserts and cocktails in a cosy evening setting.
Amor Helado - Homemade ice cream with classic and creative flavours.
Bars & Nightlife
While Santa Eulalia isn’t a party resort, evenings here are all about relaxed drinks, music, and marina views.
Liquido Bar - One of the best cocktail menus in town, overlooking the marina. FYI: This is a cash only bar.
Mas Ke 2 - Open late with a chilled vibe and good music.
Mirage Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - Live entertainment and tribute acts most evenings.
Word of Mouth (WOM) - A relaxed, hippie-style bar with DJs and live music.
Bar Click - Music and cocktails on the lively Carrer de Sant Vicent.
Guarana - A late night bar and club for those wanting to dance.
Where to Stay
Santa Eulalia offers everything from boutique hotels to luxury adults-only retreats.
Hotel Tres Torres - Boutique style, close to the marina, and perfectly located. Lovely chilled pool area.
Hotel Tres Torres
Hotel Tres Torres
Hotel Tres Torres
Hotel Tres Torres
Meliá Ibiza - Adults-only, set in a quieter area with the most beautiful views of the sea.
Catalonia Royal Ses Estaques - Adults-only beachfront hotel with a calm, refined feel.
W Ibiza - Five star boho-chic luxury hotel, located right on the seafront.
Tropic Garden Hotel & Apartments - Ideal for families, with a large pool area.
Grupotel Santa Eulària & Spa - Adults-only, beachfront, around a 20-minute walk to the centre.
Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza - Adults-only boutique hotel, 4km from the centre.
Nativo Hotel Ibiza - A newer luxury boutique hotel, about 20 minutes’ walk into town.
Insotel Fenicia Prestige Suites & Spa - A modern, luxury resort set in gardens overlooking the Riu de Santa Eulalia River and sea with a large outdoor pool.
W Ibiza
Meliá Ibiza
When to Visit Santa Eulalia
May to September is the best time to visit Ibiza. June to August are the hottest months, so May and September are ideal if you prefer slightly cooler temperatures. April and October can still be lovely for exploring without the heat.
July and August are the busiest but Santa Eulalia remains noticeably calmer and more relaxed than other major resorts on the island.
