In the first part of our Ibiza guide, we explored South Ibiza and its beautiful calas on the west of the island. Our next stop is Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza’s clubbing capital according to Time Out. Incidentally, it’s also one of the most popular spots to hire a boat in Ibiza. If you are coming to San Antonio from another part of Ibiza, you can dock in the town’s Puerto de Sant Antoni de Portmany. The marina has 245 berths, taking yachts up to 30 meters, or the ‘Club Nautic’, preferable for luxury yachts.
Sant Antoni de Portmany is pure magic
Close to the harbour, you will come across the city’s landmark, The Egg. It’s an egg-shaped statue smack in the middle of a roundabout. This unusual piece of art commemorates Christopher Columbus, who was allegedly born in Ibiza. If you get close enough, you’ll see a mini Santa Maria, Columbus’s ship when he sailed to the West Indies.
There is something special in Sant Antoni for all holidaymakers. Newly-weds who hire a boat in Ibiza for their honeymoon will enjoy a romantic walk by the sea. Party animals on the other hand may go straight to the bars and clubs of Ibiza’s West End. This is a small area of typically Spanish narrow streets where the myth of Ibiza as the world capital of dance music was born. The bars serve sangria and the clubs are full of revellers from all over the world who have come to Ibiza to enjoy its unique vibes. The oldest and most prestigious club is Es Paradis, arguably the place where everything started back in the ’70s.
On the northern part of the bay of San Antonio is the famous Sunset Strip. It’s a narrow piece of land full of bars with a view of the most beautiful sunset in the Med, according to locals. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a drink or two at Café del Mar, a bar-club famous around the world for its record label and its ambient music compilations. If you hire a boat in Ibiza in the end of August, make sure that you book a place somewhere at the Sunset Strip on 24 August to enjoy the fireworks celebrating the feast of Saint Bartholomew.
Discover Cala d’Albarca, a hidden pearl
Avid sailors who hire a boat in Ibiza may also want to explore its hidden side. Let’s start with Illa Coniellera, a tiny uninhabited island of raw beauty, 4 miles from San Antonio. Its rugged cliffs and unexplored beaches will take your breath away. The island has many small coves where you can dock your boat at night.
From there you can sail straight to Cala Saladeta. You will find a number of natural bays and small coves to explore on this side of Ibiza. Holidaymakers who hire a boat in Ibiza can explore Cala d’Albarca, a cove approachable only by boat. It’s a horseshoe-shaped bay flanked by rocky cliffs, with steep boulders surrounding the beach. The latter is not the typical Mediterranean one: no sand or pine trees, just beautiful turquoise waters. Diving and snorkelling lovers will also love this hidden spot that only connoisseurs of the Balearic landscape are familiar with.
Cova de Can Marca
Your next stopover is a special one. The mystical underground cavern of the Cova de Can Marca in Puerto San Miguel reminds of Pirates of the Caribbean. Not surprisingly, since this labyrinth of caves was used by smugglers and pirates centuries ago. With a boat hire in Ibiza, you can approach Cova de Can Marca from the sea to admire the landscape from a privileged vantage point. If you wish to explore the cave’s interior, you have to take a guided tour, which includes a waterfall light show. Slots on the walls of the cavern will offer you a unique view of the sea. If you are careful, you might even be able to spot the marks pirates would use to find their way in the cavern.
Next stop? San Salines, to rub shoulders with celebrities!
