Sant Joan de Labritja (Ibiza): Four Seasons, One Love

With its numerous outdoor activities, be they on landFrom the number of excellent restaurants filled with
or at sea, there is something for everyone to enjoy,the Ibiza glitterati to theold school bars with their
no matter what age. Centuries old caves, towers andducado-smoking carijillo-swilling country folk,traditional
ancient water wells, beaches and abundant nature alldancing displays are also not a rare sight or the clack
make Sant Joan the perfect destination for both theclacking of the castanets a rare sound.
solo traveller and families alike. As far as gastronomyThe area, being as far removed from the bright lights
is concerned, freshly caught fish, succulent meats andof Ibiza Town as it is, is at the other end of the
delicious traditional recipes all add to the wonder ofisland's rainbow. You'll find any amount of relaxation
the borough of Sant Joan de Labritja.and special treats - from spas and wine tastings to
As far as Spring in Sant Joan is concerned, thinktai chi with the Barefoot Doctor, it's a win-win
Green, think Glorious. As nature awakens from itssituation as far as kicking back goes.
winter hibernation, the landscape of Sant Joan is trulyIbiza's winter climate is generally pleasant and it's
a sight for sore eyes. Fields full of almond blossom,summer scorching.
sunlight on the skin and a temperature just perfectA Few Pointers
for cycling, hiking and exploring of the borough.Cueva des Culeram. Located in the heart of the
Summer and things start heating up in Sant Joan.forestland that flanks the Sant Vicent Cove, Cueva
From June, visitors can take advantage of thedes Cuieramis a sanctuary to the Punic times; a
recently opened es Amunts visitor centre andnatural grotto that was discovered in 1907 and found
environmental educational hub from where they canto contain relics and figures of the ancient Goddess
make plan the perfect stay. A kind of eco-infoTanit
centre meets nature trail, the centre's main aim is toCueva de Can Marça. – The Can Marça Cave.
give the world a glimpse of a pretty muchFrom its entrance, a picture postcard view of ‘la
undiscovered little paradise; a chance to sample itsBahía del Puerto de SantMiquel', the bay of San
culture, bask in the glory of its flora and fauna andMiguel. Inside the cave, 100,000 years of fossilized
learn about its people, history and customs. Anwaterfalls and extinguished species
information point for the senses and a dont-miss-itThe Almond Blossoms.A literal ‘adios' to the
visit for lovers of nature and the environment.winter with the en masse blossom fest that covers
As Autumn arrives and temperatures start to drop inthe fields and meadows of San Joan, a gorgeous
the rest of the world, Sant Joan remains the perfectsight to behold in early spring
destination for a holiday break. It's an ideal time forRural Ibicenco Architecture. Ancient defence towers
visiting the coastline and caves of the borough. Asand  awe-inspiring churches (SantLlorenç,
for winter, and if it's a real chance to absorb oneselfSantMiquel, Sa Cala or Sant Joan); age-old fountains
in the day to day way of the people of Sant Joan,and timeworn wells (Labritja, Balàfia o Baladre)
to steep oneself in the culture and traditions of thescattered over the countryside make a visit to Sant
population.Joan a step back in time on a sunny day
How to get there:Beaches and lush Coastlines to be enjoyed. The
With Ibiza being on average a two hour planebeaches in the Sant Joan borough include Cala de San
journey from practically all major European airportsVicente, Portixol, Es Pas de s'illa des Bosc, Cala des
and with regular and reasonably-priced flights fromMoltons, Benirràs, s'Arenal Gran, Cala d'en Serra, Port
London Stanstedin winter, a long weekend in Santde Portinatx, Port de Sant Miquel, s¡Arenal petit,
Joan staying at one of Ibiza Rural Villas is nothing ifCala Xarraca, Cala Xuclar, s'Illot d'es Rencil and Port
not affordable in these belt-tightening days. Oncede ses Caletes.
landed on island, car rental, taxis and, if you're lucky,The beach of Cala San Vicente is located near the
a friend with a car can aid the journey to the northCueva des Culeram and 10km from the town of Sant
of Ibiza. As far as public transport goes, buses runJoan de Labritja. It boasts 365m of fine, white sands.
throughout the year, with less frequency throughoutBenirràs or Cala de Benirràs is located 7,5km from
the winter months. Our advice? Rent a car and gothe town of SantMiquel and is a fine sandy beach
exploring.with a length of 145m and a width of 45m.
What to do in Sant Joan:Surrounded by mountains covered with pines, the
Very Little or Far Too Much depending on how youcrystalline waters make for perfect diving conditions,
look at it. Bearing the word tranquil in mind, take timea chance to  enjoy the myriad of spectacular marine
out for a day by the pool, or go find one of thelife hidden in Ibiza's waters.
gorgeous beaches that hide along Sant Joan's coast.Walking & Cycling Routes to be explored.
 Known for its labyrinth of scenic routes, the northMountain paths on one side, spectacular coastline on
of the island is a must for any visitor with cyclingthe other, Sant Joan houses a colourful network of
hiking/nature-walking/snorkelling tendencies.country pathsand routes routes exist that can be
If it's history you're after, discover the hiddenexplored on foot as much as by bicycle, giving the
treasures of the countryside-monuments andvisitor the chance to enjoy the landscapes and
traditional buildingsnature of the North zone of the island of Ibiza.