Unbeknown to most visitors to the island, Santa Gertrudis, which lies pretty much in the centre of Ibiza, is the social nucleus of all year island life. Reported to be sat on converging ley lines, not only is Santa Gertrudis great for spotting local heroes, DJs and celebrities, but is also reputed to be the location of a number of hovering UFO sightings. Mental.
But that's not the only reason that we love it. With its own micro-community, Santa Gertrudis is a fantastic place that is totally self-sufficient and will give you a real taste of what it is like to live in one of the chicest towns that the island has to offer. Here's a few of my top tips for places to hang out if you venture to these parts...
Musset
This wonderful cafe is open all day serving up delicious and healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The terrace is brilliant for people watching as the expat community sashay past or DJs who have villas in the area meander down the street in their huge SUVs. The food is simple and inexpensive, but is super fresh. The cakes and brownies can be found in a glass cabinet and taste even better than they look. The menu del dia is a winner too.
Insider Info - Musset doubles up as the unofficial HQ for many key Ibiza figures. Don't be surprised to see Nightmares On Wax enjoying a long and relaxed lunch.
Wild Beets
A relatively new cafe on the scene, Wild Beets has cornered the raw food market of this discerning new wave locality with aplomb. Vegan, dairy or gluten intolerant? Then this is the place for you. Cosy, clean, modern and friendly, Wild Beets offers healthy breakfasts of granola, lunches of beet ravioli, raw tacos and lasagnas, fabulous juices and smoothies.
Insider Info - You don't necessarily have to be boring whilst being healthy. The organic wine list is to die for. There are also cooked items on the menu. The vegan burger is most certainly worth a mention.
Can Caus
Located on the road leading into Santa Gertrudis, Can Caus is a traditional Spanish parilla or grill restaurant. Huge cuts of high quality meat from their own farm are simply cooked on an open fire and served with fuss-free locally grown salads and potatoes. One of the best in its league on the island.
Insider Info - Can Caus have their own company which makes its own local specialities like goats cheese and sobrasada (a yummy raw, cured sausage indigenous to the Balearics). They have their own farm shop next door to the restaurant so you can purchase and enjoy the experience again from the comfort of your own home.
Picadeli
Picadeli is a new takeaway concept - good food using the highest quality of ingredients. Locally sourced and organic wherever possible, even the disposable containers are lovingly recyclable and compostable. A collaboration between La Paloma restaurant in San Lorenzo and their friends, homemade breads and salads are beautifully presented for you to pick and mix.
Insider Info - The Flying Table is a concept where Picadeli will deliver a homemade healthy and mouthwatering buffet to any location of your choice. Just the ticket if you want to impress your buddies with a wholesome spread.
Sluiz
A magical Pandora's box of a shop, Sluiz is located on the road into Santa Gertrudis and is unmissable due to the herd of fake life-size cows that perch in the field in front of it. Specialising in quirky design items, if you fancy getting creative with your home interiors, then look no further. Neon 4 foot buddhas, funky and chunky necklaces, vintage crockery, and ornamental parrots - you get the picture! Worth a browse even if you don't need to redecorate. You probably won't leave empty handed though...
Insider Info - Situated plumly in the centre of the store is a gorgeous cocktail bar and cafe. Just perfect for a little rest in between perusals of the off-the-wall fare. Every spring, this space is also home to the famous Sluiz ‘Winyl' festival - a vinyl fair and wine fest where €5 buys you a glass from which you can taste a multitude of amazing wines. This can have a detrimental side-effect on your record buying skills. Expect wax lovers to come home with a lot more than they originally thought they would purchase!
Santa Gertrudis is a real Ibiza gem that epitomises local life. Stylish yet steeped in tradition, the recently refurbished plaza and church surrounded by its smattering of bars and shops is a lovely place to visit at any time of the day.
Next week T is for Terraces - I explore some of the best outdoor spaces for people watching, dancing and eating...
WORDS | Leena Sharma
