Holiday apartment in Sant Joan de Labritja – Cultural heritage, nature and coves

Sant Joan de Labritja combines a protected historic townscape with the landscapes and coves of northern Ibiza. The centre is characterised by whitewashed, adjoining houses. Next to the church, the historic urban fabric preserves the routes of two older paths: one led to sa Cala, the other to Portinatx. Thus, visible settlement history and expansive natural and coastal areas meet in the town.

Culture

The historic ensemble of Sant Joan de Labritja is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The church of Sant Joan was built in the 18th century next to an older small chapel. Another historical focal point is the historic settlement of Poblat de Balàfia. It consists of five houses and two round towers and preserves winding communal lanes, some sections of which are paved.

The Font de Balàfia is also protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural, classified as an ethnological site. It includes a chapel and an underground gallery connecting the spring with the main washhouse. The Font de Balàfia can be reached via a paved path. At the Es Amunts Interpretation Centre in Sant Llorenç de Balàfia, in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja, the geographical, natural, landscape and cultural values of Ibiza’s northern mountain region are presented. The centre also provides information on sights and routes and offers workshops.

Nature

The Els Amunts natural area extends into the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja. Along the coast, it is characterised by abrupt cliffs and coves; endemic botanical species are also found there. Eleonora’s falcons and peregrine falcons can be observed on the cliffs of Els Amunts. Can Marçà, a cave approximately 100,000 years old, lies inside a cliff at Port de Sant Miquel de Balansat. Visiting the cave takes approximately 40 minutes.

Coast

The coastal resorts around Sant Joan de Labritja differ in terms of their landscapes and the activities described there. Water sports can be practised at Port de Sant Miquel. From Sant Joan, the port can be reached via the signposted road and the corresponding turn-offs.

Es Portitxol can be reached via narrow dirt and gravel paths running along the coast. A small natural harbour lies there, protected by the surrounding headlands. The natural basin of Es Portitxol is suitable for diving and observing underwater fauna.

Cala Xarraca can be reached via the signposted road between Eivissa and Portinatx and via a turn-off; parking is available near the descent to the cove. An islet lies in front of Cala Xarraca and is easily accessible to bathers, offering Mediterranean flora and fauna. The cove also includes an area with traditional small boat moorings.

S’Illot d’en Renclí can be reached from Sant Joan de Labritja via signposted turn-offs through Portinatx and Cala Xarraca. The distance is 5.2 kilometres. The coastal resort has a 35-metre-long sandy beach, fishermen’s huts and clear water.

Getting around

The Route de Balàfia PR-EI-107 runs mostly along local paths between Sant Miquel and Sant Llorenç and is 14.95 kilometres long in total. It is also suitable for mountain bikes. During the hike, there are views of Es Canar and the island of Tagomago. Another open space is the public Can Pere Musson grounds, a recreational area with sections adapted for picnics and outdoor activities.

You can also visit the destination pages for Portinatx, Sant Miguel De Balansat, Sant Llorenç De Balàfia and Sant Vicent De Sa Cala.

For the overview of the higher-level destination: Ibiza.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Cala de Sant Vicent, Nuestra Señora De Jesús, Sant Mateu d'Albarca, Santa Eulària Des Riu.