Across Ibiza, by Villa

Published 3 May 2011 Stephen White.

Tags: Hotel News

Can Coves, a 300 year old former oil press

With the vast majority of Ibiza's hotels and apartments situated in the island's main resorts and towns, their clients see only the 'holiday' side of Ibiza. For those who would like to see how the island lives, breathes and how its inhabitants go about their business for 12 months of the year then a villa close to one of our pretty villages is the perfect way to do this.

Here on Spotlight, we've a selection of legally registered villas all over the island, many in rural country areas where peace and quiet rules, but also some very close to our traditional whitewashed villages complete with bars, restaurants, shops, banks and of course the church.

So, in no particular order, here's a few villas which are handily placed for living la vida Ibicenca.

In Santa Gertrudis, perhaps Ibiza's coolest village, there are a plethora of bars and restaurants from super traditional Bar Costa to the most modern fusion cuisine as well as shops, art galleries and an auction room! Foodies who wish to experience gourmet heaven will love Can Agustin, a rustic style house in its own 7000 square metre fenced plot.

San Miguel, the sleepy gateway to the north has its fair share of watering holes  and eateries, always packed with locals on a Sunday and a beautiful fortress church where folk dancing is held nearby the craft fair on Thursdays. Can Coves, a 300 year old former oil press, has been sympathetically modernised to accommodate 10 comfortably and is a stroll from the village centre.

San Jose, just a short hop from the airport, has a good choice of bars – Raco Verd has live music in its garden - and restaurants from upmarket Sol de Sienna  to pizzerias and takeaways whilst not forgetting Destino, which serves Ibiza's sexiest tapas in a great relaxed atmosphere. Can Portas, just on the outskirts, is a newly built villa with lots of light and views of the valley up to the village.

San Jorge, gateway to Ibiza town and Playa den Bossa, is home to some good bars, a really good supermarket for self-caterers and of course is convenient for the airport, fashion bars @ Bossa and super-cool-cosmo Ibiza town. Can Gayard, an 18th century house, renovated for 21st century visitors, is situated in a quiet spot ideal for both Ibiza worlds – peace and tranquillity or full on largin' it!

Back up north, San Carlos still retains remnants of its Hippy heritage, most noticeably at the Las Dalias market/restaurant/live music complex and of course the famous Anita's bar. Just a few minutes from beaches like Cala Boix and Cala Mastella and superb country restaurants the Villa Can Prats, recently built in traditional style, would be a super base to explore this area of Ibiza.

Last, but not least, a village with two super-clubs! It could only be San Rafael, home to Privilege and Amnesia and also to pottery artisans, traditional restaurants like Can Pilot, fashion lounges like El Ayoun and L'Elephante and within easy striking distance of Ibiza town. Casa Calma, for 8 people, is 300 years old, with all mod cons and its own grounds.

And don't forget, no matter how close you are to anywhere, you're also close to everywhere on a tiny island like Ibiza!

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