I've spent a large part of my life living on a sunny hilltop in San Carlos, complete with view of greens and blues stretching out for miles, without a single person or car in sight. That is how I know the island of Ibiza, I'm a northerner, and sometimes that makes me feel like I come from a different continent if I compare it to the hustle and bustle of popular destinations Playa D'en Bossa and San Antonio.
I've often heard it said that there is a different energy in the North and up until recently I didn't quite appreciate what that meant - but from getting my tribal on to the sound of the bongo drums as the sunsets in Benirrás, to coming home to a spot that is so quiet it hurts, I realised that a trip to the North can be calming and revitalizing, something I feel is vital before I get stuck in at the clubs. Because lord knows, I know how to get stuck in.
So if you are renting a car or a scooter, brave it out this way; I've written a 24 hour guide of what to do and where to eat to smooth the ride.
STOP NUMBER 1: 9am
Start early and head to Santa Eularia, at what I suppose would be the biggest town that the North boasts. Go straight to Que Tal on the main road for the best in breakfast at dirt-cheap prices. A number 22 gets you a grilled chicken, avocado and bacon sandwich, need I say more?
STOP NUMBER 2: 11am
Drive towards San Carlos and turn left at the roundabout to get to the San Juan road, this is where you will find the Naranjeria, an actual Orange farm with fields of green trees dotted with oranges. It's a local Ibizencan tienda where they sell not much other than oranges. I always stop here to buy a litre bottle of cold freshly squeezed juice for under 5 euros. A good way to keep my vitamins in check for the rest of the week.
STOP NUMBER 3: 1pm
I mentioned Benirrás before, but if you're looking for the clearest water and something a little less inhabited, try the coast just before Portinatx beach. There are three absolutely stunning little coves by the names of S'illot d'es Rencli, Xarraca and Xuclar. If you're looking to go for the full commitment then S'illot also does a great paella with breathtaking views.
STOP NUMBER 4: 8pm
If you skip the paella then at this point you are probably hungry. I would recommend going for a Tarta Flambe (a type of stone oven pizza with crème fraiche) at the laidback boho chic gardens of Sansara, often accompanied with live music or tranquil DJ sets.
STOP NUMBER 5: 11pm
As the last stop of the evening and located conveniently on the same road, check out Las Dalias, famous for its Saturday hippy markets, who are now also doing extensive night markets depending on what night it is, or catch Namaste on Wednesdays the hippy hangout with beautiful decorations and a dance floor till 6am.
WORDS | Maya Dupont
