Santa Eulària des Riu, often known in English as Santa Eulalia, is the main town of the east coast and of Ibiza’s second most populated municipality, about 16 kilometres from Ibiza Town. It has a reputation as the calmer, more family-friendly side of the island.
What it’s like
The town is built along a long seafront promenade that runs from the beach to the marina, lined with cafés, shops and restaurants. A pedestrian avenue, the Passeig de s’Alamera, links the seafront with the town hall square. It takes its name from the river, traditionally considered the only one in the Balearic Islands, although for much of the year it carries little water.
What to see and do
Walk up to the Puig de Missa, the hill above the town, where a fortified 16th-century church once gave refuge from pirate raids. Next to it, Can Ros houses the island’s ethnographic museum, devoted to rural life. From October to March it opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm and on Sundays from 11am to 1.30pm; from April to September it also opens from 5.30pm to 8pm, Tuesday to Saturday. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Back down, follow the path along the river to Can Planetes, the river interpretation centre, which is free.
Santa Eulària’s biggest celebration is its May festival, held on the first Sunday of May, so the date changes every year, with a parade of decorated carts and traditional dancing.
Getting there
The town is about 20 minutes’ drive from Ibiza Town, and well connected by bus: the T3 runs to Ibiza Town, the AERO4 to the airport and the D4 to Ibiza port. Nearby are the beaches of Cala Llonga and Es Canar and, a little further north, the village of Sant Carles.
Good to know
The marina, with more than 700 berths, is a pleasant place for an evening walk and dinner by the water.
