The island of Ibiza, which makes up the Pitiusas archipelago together with Formentera, boasts the beautiful town of Sant Antoni de Portmany.
On the shores of a bay with the same name, this Balearic city has an interesting historic centre and wonderful transparent waters. Its wide range of accommodation and leisure is one of the most attractive on the island. Quiet walks through coves and pine forests are the other side of a town that stands out for its nightlife.
The coast of Sant Antoni features a multitude of coves and beaches emerging between the rocks and pine forests. In these calm and transparent waters, children can swim and you can go diving. The rugged coast offers large sandy beaches, as well as hidden and more secluded coves. In some, you can find all types of services, while others stand out for their tranquility and excellent views.Walks and routesIn addition to enjoying any water sports, at Sant Antoni, you can explore spectacular natural landscapes on different routes. The Ca'n Bernadet viewpoint, with magnificent views over the bay, is a good choice for a stop. Near the markedly marine Cala Salada, the impressive cliffs of Cap Nunó open up.A lazy day on the beach can be finished with a lively evening at any of the many leisure establishments. Restaurants, terraces, cocktail bars and nightclubs are scattered along the streets of the town centre, the promenade and throughout the bay. Some of the trendy places are located on the seashore, such as the famous “Café del Mar”, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets across the island.Cultural HeritageSant Antoni de Portmany dates back to prehistoric times, as demonstrated by the bronze axes and early cave paintings found in the area. Called Portus Magnus by the Romans and Portumany by the Arabs, it became an urban hub after the reconquest of King Jaume I.In the 14th century, the church of Sant Antoni was built and, around it, the start of this city. The fortification of this church, and of almost all Ibizan churches, took place in the 16th century to repel the attack of pirates and privateers. In order to ensure its strategic position, a belt of towers was built along the coast in the 17th century. The defensive fortification of the Torres d´en Lluc stand among impressive cliffs. Monuments that can be admired in different parts of Sant Antoni.Sant Antoni de Portmany is the second largest town in Ibiza and comprises the parishes of Santa Agnès de Corona, Sant Mateu d´Albarca and San Rafael de Forca. This is where you find the religious temples. The church of Sant Antoni de Portmany dates back to the 14th century and stands out for its polygonal tower. In Santa Agnès, there is a very well-preserved underground chapel inside a cave. The church of Sant Rafael commands beautiful views of the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, while the church of Sant Mateu has a magnificent atrium with triple arches and chapels of beautiful architectural proportions.Food and drinkIn addition to a wide repertoire of international cuisine, Sant Antoni de Portmany has its own tasty dish: the pagesa salad. Sliced cooked potatoes are mixed with onion, roasted red peppers and aubergine. Fish dishes include the baked grouper (enfós a n'es forn); and for dessert there is the flaó, a cake made with cheese, eggs and mint. All paired with wines from the Binissalem-Mallorca Designation of Origin.Small in size, Ibiza can be easily explored. Santa Eulària des Riu is an excellent starting point: in addition to its beaches, you can see the remains of a bridge and a Roman necropolis, and the fortified church on the Puig de Missa. A former fishing village, Portinatx currently offers a rugged coastline with beautiful panoramic views. Ibiza, the capital of the island, combines an important historical legacy with natural biodiversity, both declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The monument area of Dalt Villa, the necropolis of Es Puig des Molins and the seabed of its coves are worth a long visit.
