As a visitor to Ibiza, it is likely that your trip will be mainly centred around the bustling towns and the electrifying nightlife, interspersed with the odd jaunt to one of the many enchanting beaches. Those of you who do choose to appreciate the quieter side of Ibiza will know that this magical island has a lot more to offer outside of the bars, clubs and beach chiringuitos.
Venture just minutes out of town and you are greeted by lush green landscapes, steep rugged hillsides and dusty off-road tracks. Huge orange and lemon orchards, local vineyards and row upon row of olive grove as far as the eye can see are the norm, where Ibicenco farmers tend to their herds and crops having never stepped foot into a super club. Instead, their families have for generations been exporting their wares and providing the local eateries and bodegas with organic home grown produce for centuries.
Any Ibiza local will tell you that you must explore and discover what we know as ‘the campo' or countryside. Take a drive up to the north of the island and find a tiny roadside bar or take a hike on one of the many well documented walking trails and see what it is that makes the Ibiza campo so very special.
Here's a few of our favourite countryside spots. Go on a bike ride or hire a scooter and head towards any of these places and you are bound to have a fantastic adventure on the way, whilst absorbing the breathtaking scenery that envelops this stunning little paradise.
Can Curreu
Situated just behind the Las Dalias hippy market in San Carlos, this rustic yet recently renovated finca contains a charming hotel, chic spa and exceptional restaurant. The surrounding hills and cliffs around San Carlos are perfect for a chilled ramble following which the general public are welcome to use Can Curreu's facilities for a small fee.
Insider Info - Can Curreu have their own stables. What better way to explore the island's countryside than on horseback?
Juanito's
After a rejuvenating adventure hiking around the San Joan countryside, visit Can Muson, or Juanito's as it is known to the locals, for a meat feast fit for a king at extremely affordable prices. Located on the San Joan Road, the wood fired BBQ roars all day and your choice cut of meat is served with simple yet delicious potatoes and succulent chargrilled vegetables. A real slice of Ibicencan life.
Insider Info - Ask to be seated in the vine-covered courtyard round the back and spend all afternoon people watching over good food and wine.
Es Broll and Can Tixedo
Located in between the beautifully quaint towns of Santa Gertrudis and Santa Agnes, Es Broll is a historic freshwater spring and a favourite destination of mountain bikers due to the nature of the rugged tracks you must traverse to reach it. This spot is a real oasis with landscaped Moorish irrigation trenches cut from the valley, which is surrounded by deep pine forests.
Insider Info - The nearby cafe of Can Tixedo is a real local's hub. Supporting Ibiza's artists, you can sit in the gallery or out on the terrace whilst sampling some of the finest tapas the island has to offer. A slice of modern day bohemia.
La Paloma
After a stroll through the almond trees surrounding San Lorenzo, hit La Paloma for lunch where produce from the on-site organic garden is served directly from ground to plate. You can immediately see why this spot is an islander favourite for al fresco dining, with tables arranged under the shade of the trees in the orange grove.
Insider Info - The lamb foccacia looks big enough to share, but don't! You'll regret you didn't get to eat it all to yourself. The roasted aubergine is worth a mention too...
Sa Talaia
The highest point of the island is found just beyond the town of San Jose and is reached up a particularly steep dirt track. You can get there by car (although a 4x4 will probably weather the journey better) or if you're feeling outdoorsy, hike it. From the peak, you can see the island in its entirety, from the high-rise of San Antonio to the Salinas salt flats and all the way to the north. On a clear day you can easily spot Formentera and, on occasion, the mainland. Simply awe-inspiring.
Insider Info - Pop into Raco Verd in San Jose afterwards for a cold beer on their terrace and to sample their wonderful menu del dia. Or even better, have breakfast there before your hike.
Of course, we are only scratching the surface here and the wild countryside of Ibiza has so much more to give. There are a number of walking associations who organise guided tours around the island for a small fee, often donated to local charities. So get out there and discover the campo! You won't be disappointed.
Next week, D is for Dalt Vila. Find out what events get the locals excited and which bars and restaurants are their favourites...
WORDS | Leena Sharma
