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Destination

Santa Eulalia del Río

Discover our hotel in Santa Eulalia Ibiza

Few places in the world offer such wonderful cultural and leisure activities, beaches and ways to relax as Santa Eulalia del Rio (or Santa Eulària des Riu), the second most populated town in Ibiza. Named after the only river crossing the so-called White Island, it is one of the most attractive holiday destinations for couples. And one of the best Iberostar hotels - Santa Eulalia - is there to help you experience exclusive Ibiza holidays.

The hospitality of the local people, the light and the laid back atmosphere of this town guarantee you an unforgettable trip to Ibiza. Therefore, Iberostar Hotels &Resorts encourages you to visit one of the greatest treasures of the Pine Islands enjoying the all the comfort we provide.

Don’t waste your time scrolling through all the hotels in Ibiza! Stay with us and get the holiday you deserve!

What to see during your Santa Eulalia holidays

Located just 15 km northeast of Eivissa-Vila, the photogenic capital of Ibiza, Santa Eulalia del Rio has been a mecca for painters and writers coming here in search of inspiration for years. The town has preserved a lot of the traditional way of life and at the same time is well known for its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. In addition the town lies close to one of the most impressive natural attractions of Ibiza - the hill called Puig de Missa.

So, where to start exploring the area during your holidays in Santa Eulalia? Without a doubt, the 15th century hilltop Church of Puig de Missa tops the list of things to see. Then the Church of Nostra Mare de Jesús follows. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries the building is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Also you must visit the Plaza de España, which is studded with fountains and palm trees. The predominantly white-coloured square is a sort of miniature version of Ibiza town. Moreover, there is a monolith placed in memory of the residents, who rescued a group of castaways in 1913.

At the same time, do not miss all the museums on offer in Santa Eulalia del Rio. Among which the Barrau Museum located on the Puig de Missa and dedicated to the work of Catalan Impressionist painter Laureà Barrau i Bunyol (1863-1957) deserves a special mention. Barrau was one of the best artists at really capturing the luminosity of Ibiza. Barrau settled permanently on the island 1912.

The Ethnological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera is also well worth visiting. Opened in 1994, it explains the traditional way of life of the inhabitants of the two islands. In the museum, you can see farm implements, clothing, jewellery, musical instruments and weapons and get an idea of how the everyday country life was in the past.

Finally, planning your Ibiza holidays, include a visit to the surrounding towns to your itinerary. Especially Sant Joan de Labritja, one of the most traditional towns in Ibiza, and Sant Miquel de Balansat, which is one of the oldest parishes on the island.

And without a doubt, one should visit the island’s capital, Eivissa-Vila (also known as Ibiza town), whose old town (a district known as Dalt Vila) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

What to do in Santa Eulalia del Rio

There is no need to say that beaches are one of the most outstanding attractions in Ibiza. And Santa Eulalia del Rio is home to the magnificent Santa Eulalia beaches. The most accessible of which is Santa Eulària, an almost 300 m long urban beach with shallow waters, perfect for people of any age.

However, there many more beaches to visit. One example is Es Canar. This semi-urban beach of fine sand is located 5 km from Santa Eulalia del Rio close to the hippy markets. Another great beach is Cala Pada, close to Santa Eulalia and Es Canar. Cala Martina beach is close to the markets and is ideal for water sports. S'Aigua Blanca is a nudist beach; Cala S'Argamassa is a rustic golden sand beach, and the 400 m long Cala Nova is surrounded by a lush pine forest. Then there is the small beach at Cala Mastella, with turquoise blue waters which are perfect for swimming; Cala Llenya beach which is located approximately 10 km away from Santa Eulalia, and the gorgeous, white sand beach Cala Llonga. So, Santa Eulalia del Rio is a perfect destination for your Ibiza holidays. As you see, it has something to offer everyone, whatever your taste!

Santa Eulalia del Rio is not only a perfect destination to relax and enjoy the sun, but also for sports. For example, staying at one of the best 4-star Iberostar hotels - Santa Eulalia, you have the chance to practice golf at Club Golf Ibiza, in Cala Llonga. Should you prefer, take a sailboat tour from Tagomago Marina or explore the many places for diving in Ibiza. Another alternative is hiking. There is a wonderful route between Es Canar and Pou des Lleó, perfectly marked and full of places to take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Thus, those who are looking for more active holidays in Ibiza are more than catered for in Santa Eulalia del Rio as well!

On the other hand, if you want to get in touch with the local customs during your Santa Eulalia holidays, note that on February the 12th the town's annual festivities are held honouring the patron saint. A massive procession sets out from the Puig de Missa hill on the day. Later on in the year, on the first Sunday in May, a colourful parade of decorated carriages takes place in Santa Eulalia del Rio.

Enjoy one of the best Santa Eulalia hotels

At Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, we want to help our guests to enjoy the leisure opportunities Santa Eulalia del Rio offers to the full. Therefore, we provide one of the best hotels in Ibiza, the Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza; an adults-only hotel with direct access to the beach, where you will find all the comfort and services needed to turn your Ibiza holidays into a dream break. If you wish to go all-inclusive, check out the deals available at this hotel.

In addition, the spa hotel has a STAR PRESTIGE area, a VIP zone where you will find out what it means to stay at a truly luxurious hotel. A magnificent terrace, an exclusive lounge area, an open-air chill out space called the Sky Lounge with Balinese beds and stunning sea views, a pool and an open bar service. Not to mention special rooms and suites.

The main beaches in Santa Eulalia del Rio

Santa Eulalia del Río, or Santa Eulària des Riu, is one of the largest districts in Ibiza and boasts the best beaches for a relaxing holiday with children. Most of the family-friendly beaches and coves in Santa Eulària are easily accessible, offer a full range of services and feature calm, crystal-clear water, fine sand and little rocky areas and pine forests.

Mean beaches in Santa Eulària des Riu:

  • Santa Eulària beach: This major city beach, lying next to the town centre, Santa Eulària is quite crowded throughout the season. Almost 300m long, it can be easily accessed (even by disabled visitors). Its water is calm and shallow; the sand is fine. Services include security and the Blue Flag beach quality label.
  • Es Canar beach: Es Canar is one of the most popular beaches in Ibiza. A Blue Flag beach, it stands next to Santa Eulària’s Hippy Market. Its fine sand invites all kinds of visitors to go barefoot. Being a semi-urban beach, it offers loungers and a promenade lined with bars and shops.
  • Cala Nova: Cala Nova is one of the few beaches in Santa Eulària des Riu with a moderate swell, thus attracting beachgoers in search of a fun splash. There are loungers too, and the sand is perfect for beach games. Cala Nova is about 400m long and is surrounded by a lovely Mediterranean pine forest where visitors can take shelter from the sun at noon. Relaxed atmosphere and water sports.
  • S’Aigua Blanca beach: It is one of the few remaining coves in Ibiza that is officially nudist. Affording wonderful views of the Tagomago islet, it boasts one of the greatest swells on the island. This makes it ideal to take a splash in its crystal-clear water. Being an open cove, it is perfect to be caressed by the sea breeze too.
  • Cala Mastella: A quiet, tucked-away cove, Mastella is surrounded by native vegetation (Mediterranean pine forests and scrub) and rocks. The sand strip is not too long (45m), but the turquoise water is definitely worth a splash or two.
  •  Cala Llonga: Only a few kilometres from the town centre in Santa Eulària, Cala Llonga is a beautiful cove that lets the sea into a crescent of fine white sand. There is virtually no swell. During the day, recreational boats can be anchored on the beach. Besides, the place is great for scuba-diving in Ibiza.
  •  Cala Llenya: Another popular beach, Llenya is closer to the village of Sant Carles de Peralta, about 10km from central Santa Eulària. It is surrounded by a magnificent Mediterranean pine forest, whose shade is sought after by beachgoers in the summer. Calm, transparent water and flat banks of sand.

Sports in Santa Eulalia del Rio

Sports are a fine way of enjoying your holiday in in Santa Eulària des Riu to the full. There are lots of incredible spots and signposted hiking trails by the sea, plus the only golf course in Ibiza, a marina, several scuba-diving areas and one of the most popular yacht clubs on the island, organising regattas all year round.

Sports in Santa Eulària des Riu

  • Golf in Santa Eulària des Riu: Golfers staying in Santa Eulària or some of the neighbouring villages will be happy, for the only golf course in Ibiza – Club de Golf Ibiza – is to be found in the area, next to the Cala Llonga housing development. The perfect setting to improve your swing as you soak up the wonderful views of the Mediterranean.
  • Sailing round Tagomago: Boasting one of the most popular marinas on the island and a yacht club with a long history, Santa Eulària is the perfect destination for sailors. You can go along the shore, take a few lessons in light sailing or even sign your children up for a summer crash course.
  • Cove diving in Santa Eulària des Riu: The coastal area of Sant Carles is as a favourite for dives and scuba-diving excursions. Most population centres have diving schools offering courses for beginnings, renting appropriate gear and planning guided tours with professional instructors.
  • Hiking in Es Canar: The scenic hiking route from Es Canar to Pou des Lleó is ideal for those visitors who want to do some exercise while being in contact with nature in Santa Eulària. Running for 18km, this signposted trail will take you across the most important coves and beaches in the area – Cala Nova, Cala Llenya, Cala Mastella, Punta Prima – all the way to the Campanitx Tower.

Main events in Santa Eulalia del Río

Santa Eulària des Riu hosts feasts, festivals and all sorts of events throughout the year. It is the most lively district in Ibiza, especially in the summer, when the renowned Hippy Markets take place in the area next to Es Canar and the centre of town. In addition, there are concerts, competitions, parades and tons of fun. A not-to-be-missed calendar packed with interesting activities!

Main events in Santa Eulària des Riu

  • February – Feast of Saint Eulalia: This religious feast usually coincides with Carnival, offering activities for various weeks. The big day is 12 February, Saint Eulalia’s Day but every weekend of the month has something to offer: workshops, competitions, street parties, folk dances, fancy dress shows, even hippy parties!
  • February/March – Carnival Parade: Although Carnival is celebrated everywhere in Ibiza, Santa Eulària is famous for its fancy dress parade on Shrove Tuesday, gathering dozens of krewes and hundreds of people ready to dance and enjoy themselves on the street.
  • March – Puig de Missa Festival: In March, Santa Eulària’s big craft fair is held in Puig de Missa, in the area around the church. Stalls are set up offering all kinds of goods. The fair is eminently local, with both a rural and a historical (Medieval) character. It gives room to traditional trades (many of them on their way to becoming extinct) and flavours.
  • March/April – Stations of the Cross in Puig de Missa: Easter is experienced with religious fervour in Santa Gertrudis and central Santa Eulària. On Good Friday, there are Passion processions by religious orders and a Stations of the Cross performance that is famous all over the island.
  • May – Flower Festival: This festival marks the beginning of Anar a Maig, an eclectic programme of activities for all ages and tastes. There are sports competitions, theatrical performances, film screenings, folk dances, street parties… The first Sunday of May is the big day, about to the designated as a Fiesta of Cultural Interest in Ibiza.
  • June to September – Santa Gertrudis Market: The craft markets officially mark the beginning of the summer season in Santa Eulària. Santa Gertrudis plays host to a particularly popular one, including quality concerts and live shows in the evening.
  • June to September – Evening market in Las Dalias: Known as ‘The Night Market’, this is the summer market in Ibiza. There are parties every evening, concerts by renowned Spanish and international bands, and themed events. Drinks, dance and shows.
  • July – Es Canar Festival: This three-day festival paying tribute to St Christopher is held in early July (usually in the second week of the month). It includes cart parades, paella competitions, band concerts, fireworks and lots of family activities.
  • 15 August – Cala Llonga Festival: Coinciding with the long weekend in August, this festival brings together seafaring traditions and fun for all ages. There are street parties with live music, sports tournaments, competitions and the most peculiar races, including one with traditional carts.
  • 8 September – Jesús Festival: This charming village in Santa Eulària holds its festival around 8 September, paying tribute to its Patroness, Mare de Déu de Jesús (Mary, Mother of Jesus). Activities include outdoor cookouts of typical dishes, concerts by local bands and firework shows.
  • 4 November – Grand Prix Pagès: Framed within the big festival dedicated to the patron saint in Sant Carles de Peralta, this Grand Prix is a team competition including all kinds of tests (physical strength, knowledge, logical thinking, etc.) and gathering participants from all over Ibiza. Participating teams have to wear fancy dresses. Penalties consist in drinking locally made herbal liqueur or wine of the land.
  • 16 November – Santa Gertrudis Festival: Santa Gertrudis is the last district to celebrate the feast of its patron saint in Santa Eulària every year. Celebrations are held in the church area. The two key elements are food and music. There are several concerts on a covered stage in the centre of town.

Activities in Santa Eulalia del Rio

The activities in Santa Eulària des Riu make your stay eventful and variegated. Museums, buildings, street performances, waterfront promenades, a lively old town, amazing traditional houses, churches and the only river in Ibiza. A full list of plans to capture the spirit of Ibiza in the best cultural milieus or natural settings.

What to do and what to see in Santa Eulària des Riu

  • Puig de Missa Church: An icon of Santa Eulària and one of the largest churches in Ibiza, Puig de Missa is a fortified religious building from the sixteenth or seventeenth century. Standing above sea level, it affords breathtaking views of the area and a great deal of the island at large. The exterior portico is quite remarkable. In the evening, the church is lit up for a little extra magic.
  • Ibiza Museum of Ethnography: This museum is a must for visitors interested in the culture and history of Ibiza. It sits next to the church in the traditional peasant house known as Can Ros. The museum houses a collection of folk costumes, jewellery, carts and working tools from rural areas, musical instruments, weapons and an oil mill.
  • Santa Eulària des Riu Town Hall: This building is a fine example of nineteenth-century architecture in Ibiza. It stands in the heart of the old town, on the big square where locals gather to enjoy the atmosphere and the traditional music that can be heard all day long.
  • Torre d’en Valls: One of the watchtowers that coastal Ibiza is peppered with, built to fight off the Barbary pirates approaching the island. Also known as Campanitx Tower, it stands out for its setting and for the amazing views of Cap Roig and Punta Grossa.
  • Barrau Museum: A must with art lovers, the Barrau Museum boasts one of the finest collections from painter Laureano Barrau (Barcelona, 1863-Ibiza, 1957). Housed in the former building of the Farmers’ Union in Passeig de S’Alamera, whose façade it retained, for the past few years (and in Puig de Missa before).
  • Pont Vell (Old Bridge): This Roman bridge across the only river in Ibiza is also known as Pont des Molins. Although it used to be the main access into Santa Eulària, now it is only a pedestrian crossing. Local legend has it that the bridge used to be home to the witches living in the area. This is why many still refer to it as Devil’s Bridge.

Experiences in Santa Eulalia del Rio

Santa Eulària des Riu offers a blend of saltwater, culture and tradition, and joie de vivre. Being one of the few towns in Ibiza that have managed to keep the old hippy spirit, it has plans and experiences to enjoy all year round: sunsets, street markets in Las Dalias and Punta Arabí, tapas tours in the old town, lovely strolls, lively atmosphere, seaside walks after dark… The best place to enjoy the most genuine Ibiza!

Experiences in Santa Eulària des Riu: What to do

  • Street markets in Las Dalias and Punta Arabí: Arts and crafts, hippy clothing, good music, relaxed atmosphere, cocktails, dance, restaurants… The street market in Las Dalias is the meeting point on summer Saturdays in Ibiza. Alongside the Ibiza-Sant Carles road, it offers all kinds of bargains, plus Ibiza’s most informal, hippy flair. A similar market is held in Punta Arabí, next to Es Canar beach, hosting a wide variety of events and parties.
  • Romantic stroll along the waterfront promenade: One of the best ways of enjoying Ibiza after sunset is to walk down the waterfront promenade in Santa Eulària in good company, feeling the warm Mediterranean breeze. The views are unbelievable; the ambience, great. If you feel like it, you can even take a splash before or after dinner.
  • Sandwiches at Bar Costa: A legendary eatery in Ibiza, Bar Costa serves the best sandwiches in Ibiza. Most locals can attest to it. Located in the town of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, it is perfect to unwind and have a nice time. Menu highlights include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese sandwiches.
  • A toast in Tagomago: Tagomago is a magical islet off the coast of Santa Eulària. Although it is privately owned, it features a public beach bar where you can have a cool beer or an imaginative cocktail. The little island can be reached by boat (you can rent one and anchor it on the coast) or on boat tour.
  • Tapas tour in Santa Eulària des Riu: Bar hopping for tapas is one of the best ways of exploring central Santa Eulària while tasting a heterogeneous bunch of Ibiza’s most genuine and traditional flavours. It is a culinary experience and a way to get familiar with the streets and alleyways in the old town at once, with the sea and its salty smell always in the background.