What Sant Antoni feels like
Sant Antoni de Portmany wraps around one of the world’s great natural harbours, and its rhythm is set by the water: fishing boats in the morning, ferries and excursion boats through the day, and every evening the ritual of the Sunset Strip — the west-facing promenade where Café del Mar made sunset-watching an art form. Yes, there are bars with neon and tribute acts; the town does not pretend to be subtle. But there is another Sant Antoni here too: the early-morning market, the locals’ swimming coves at Cala Gració, the pine-dark hills of Cala Salada, and the best bus station on the island, from which virtually every west-coast beach is reachable.
It is also home to Parco Ibiza, the island’s original campsite reborn as a glamping resort — safari tents, a pool, live music — a ten-minute walk from the harbour. It is the only outdoor stay on this side of the island, and it is a very good one.
The beaches
Cala Salada (with its tiny neighbour Cala Saladeta) is the jewel: a pine-framed cove of transparent water a few kilometres north of town. Parking is strictly limited in summer — come early or rent a bike. Cala Gració is the easy option, a sheltered sandy bay with sunbeds and a chiringuito just minutes from the centre. For the full turquoise experience, the L4 and L7 buses run from Sant Antoni to Cala Comte and Cala Bassa — the two most beautiful beaches on this side of the island.
Who Sant Antoni suits
- Budget and social travellers — the most affordable base on the island
- Glampers at Parco Ibiza who want a pool, a town and easy beach days
- Non-drivers — you can build a whole holiday on Sant Antoni’s bus network
- Sunset Strip devotees, and everyone who wants to try it once
Practical notes
- The Sunset Strip is a genuine local institution — arrive 30–60 minutes early for a good spot in summer.
- Sant Antoni is a town, not a resort: it is lively until late. If you want silence, the east coast or the north are better beds.
- Buses: L3/L8 to Ibiza Town, L4 Cala Comte, L5 Cala Tarida, L7 Cala Bassa, L1/L2 Cala Gració/Cala Salada area, night bus N03 back from the clubs.
- Parking in the centre is metered and tight in August — use the big car parks on the edges.
