Ibiza, in case you didn't know, is an extremely beautiful island. Quite aside from the stunning beaches, incredible parties and world class restaurants, there are lots of quaint, slipping-off-the-time track villages that have changed little for centuries.
San Juan is one of these gems. For such a tiny village, there is ample parking everywhere including 2 free, public car-parks. It is home to a couple of traditional style bars, a cool, eco-style cafe and one particularly good Ibiza restaurant, The Giri Cafe. Add a tobacconist, fishmongers, bank, bookshop, post office, hardware store and local supermarket and that, Ibiza lovers, is it.
There is a wonderful atmosphere here. Everyone seems to know one another including the friendly local dogs! I wandered happily along its pretty, cobbled streets, observing the comings and goings of its cosmopolitan community. I was charmed at the sight of three elderly Ibicenco ladies laughing with their wicker baskets full of brightly coloured fruit, sharing an evidently amusing anecdote outside the local, traditional fishmonger's shop.
Jaunty street flags straddled the tree-lined main road with its ancient, whitewashed stone cottages and window-boxes stuffed gaily full of brightly coloured flowers.
After passing by San Juan's imposing 18th century church, I stopped off for a local delicacy - ‘Chiachi'. Christened by the owner at Bar Vista Alegre, it comprises of a hearty combination of toasted bread, tomatoes, avocado and cheese, topped cheekily with a fried egg. Delicious! All the tables were cheerfully intermingling and chatting together and my bill was minuscule.
Exploring San Juan is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Go forth dear readers! Explore it for yourself!
Quick Facts
What? A nice stroll around the village of San Juan
Where? San Juan, Ibiza
When? Morning or late afternoon is best when the sun is not too fierce.
Why? Because you want to see the traditional beauty of the island, away from hordes of
marauding drunken stag parties in matching lurex man-kinis.
Cost? Gloriously free!
Top Tips?
1. If you fancy a special treat, visit the Giri Cafe for lunch.
2. Enjoy an island tour by 'train' (see image below) and take in San Juan and the surrounding area.
Disabled Access? Yes
Nearby
Beaches - We would recommend either Benirras beach or Cala Xarraca.
Resorts - check out Portinatx if you fancy enjoying the North of the island
