Ibiza, San Antonio travel guide: fun things to do, where to stay and what not to miss
As summer beckons, we can all hear Ibiza’s siren song. The party island welcomed 3.7 million tourists during peak season last year, with Ibiza calling on holidaymakers to enjoy its sandy white beaches and world-renowned nightclubs.
While Playa d’en Bossa is Ibiza’s most popular resort for sun worshippers who want to go raving, tourists considering a holiday to the White Isle should also consider San Antonio on the west coast. Yes, it has a reputation for being popular with younger sunseekers (it’s home to the Ibizan strip), but don’t write it off as solely a raucous party resort aimed solely at 18-year-olds desperate to get boozed up on cheap vodka on their school holidays. San Antonio is also home to a number of Ibiza’s best hotels, restaurants and clubs, as well as boasting some of the island’s most beautiful views.
Thinking of trying a new part of Ibiza for your holiday? Here’s everything you need to know about the Ibizan west coast…
Where to stay
Las Mimosas
You may be in the thick of Ibiza’s party town, but the four star boutique hotel is a slice of serenity away from the strip. Boasting just 11 Junior suites and six suites, Las Mimosas is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy the hedonism of a big night out (the strip is just a stone’s throw away) but you want to recover in peace during the day. As well as having an outside pool, it’s Las Mimosas spa facilities that make it a standout choice. With a jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath, late night club rats will feel well and truly recovered with a day of R&R. The hotel even offers yoga sessions, if you’re able to tear yourself out of bed for an early morning class.
Prices start from 218 euros a night
Sa Clau
Right by the White Isle’s blue seas, Sa Clau by Ibiza’s legendary Mambo group has a more Scandi-chic vibe as opposed to the boho shabby-chic aesthetics the island is known for. Slightly noisier than some other hotels on the island (particularly at the front of the hotel), Sa Clau’s prime location and sunset views make up for any disturbed nights. Its café, Bondi, also offers both a traditional full English fry-up and acai bowls with fresh juices to revive you after whatever you chose to indulge in the night before. Get a hotel that can do both!
Prices start from 235 euros per night
Cubanito
Bringing a slice of Cuba to San Antonio, this concept hotel boasts some of the most beautiful sunset views on the whole island, and its Havana-reminiscent, art-deco style means your stay will be Insta-worthy from the off. Looking for the perfect place to grab a few cocktails before heading out into the night? The rooftop bar is your best bet, boasting panoramic views of that famous Balearic sunset.
Prices start from 268 euros per night
Where to eat
Bohanans
Looking for some of Ibiza’s best surf n turf? Look no further than Bohanans. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s Houston Street, the steakhouse gives an old town charm. The Akaushi beef is a safe bet if you want something rich and indulgent, but it’s the fresh seafood that you can’t turn down. Those who want something softer and milder should turn towards the Mero sea bass – but the jumbo prawns (and we really do mean jumbo, so be sure you have an appetite) aren’t to be missed.
Es Tragon
A must-try for all foodies heading to the White Isle - Es Tragón is Ibiza’s first winner of the coveted Michelin Star award. Those who are lucky enough to snag a table should make the most of the restaurant’s famous taster menus, which offer Ibiza’s rich and varied culinary history on a plate.
Café Mambo
The seafront restaurant is Ibizan legend for a reason, having just celebrated its 30th birthday. Famed for its legendary pre-seshes before punters head to the super clubs, Café Mambos has graced world famous DJs including Swedish House Mafia and Carl Cox amongst many, many others. Serving hearty food such as burgers, tacos and salads, it’s the big names and big beats which keeps guests coming – and cements its status as an Ibizan rite of passage.
What to do
Clubbing
Yes, San Antonio may not boast the superclubs that Playa d’en Bossa is best known for, but that doesn’t mean it’s a dull part of the island. As well as the infamous Ibiza Rocks pool parties, those looking for a more grown-up vibe should head to the legendary Pikes hotel-cum-nightclub. With its expansive terrace, a night out at Pikes feels like going to the world’s boujiest house party (though one once attended by Freddie Mercury), with hugely fun DJ collectives including Nightmares on Wax, Melon Bomb and La Discotheque. If you want more of the superclub vibe, Eden is one of San Antonio’s most frequented nighttime destinations boasting the now legendary Space club night every Friday during peak season.
But if you really are wanting to try the more famous Ibizan clubs, the legendary Ibiza disco bus, which traverses from San Antonio to Playa d’en Bossa, runs all night throughout peak season and costs as little as 4 euros. Must tries include day venue Ushuaïa, which hosts Ants and Calvin Harris as resident artists, and world-renowned nightclub Hï Ibiza, which has David Guetta, Eric Prydz and Black Coffee taking to the decks.
Exploring
There’s more to the White Isle than non-stop partying. No holiday to Ibiza would be complete without exploring the island's famous old town. The quaint La Villita still embodies the traditional Ibizan bohemian sensibilities, with plenty of artistic boutiques ripe for exploration. There’s also plenty to explore out on sea, with plenty of beaches, sea caves and snorkelling opportunities if you do want a wholesome break.
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