Visiting Sant Antoni de Portmany
Sant Antoni de Portmany is the second most important town on the island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. The expansive bay framing the town earned it the name Portus Magnus during Roman times. Known for idyllic landscapes, sunsets, and fine sandy beaches, it is also a major party hub in Ibiza, featuring iconic institutions like Café del Mar, Eden, Es Paradis with its notorious water parties, and the O Beach Ibiza complex, a daytime beach club centered around an immense pool. Sometimes dubbed Birmingham on sea, Sant Antoni attracts a heavy British presence and has unfortunately dealt with issues tied to hooliganism, such as street violence and trafficking.
The Beaches of Sant Antoni de Portmany
Altogether, eight beaches sit within Sant Antoni and its immediate surroundings. The central beach, or S’Arenal Beach, is bordered by a pedestrian promenade and plenty of amenities. Further south, you will find Es Pouet Beach. To the north, before reaching Des Moro Beach, make a detour through the port of Sant Antoni and stroll down the Passeig de Ses Fonts, a famous avenue lined with illuminated fountains at night. You will pass near the Huevo, a monument erected in 1992 commemorating the discovery of the Americas.
The port borders the old town of Sant Antoni, centered around the chalk-white Sant Antoni Abat Church. For a cultural stop, check out the town's former lighthouse converted into a museum, the Ses Coves Blanques Lighthouse, which houses various exhibitions and a sea observatory. Near Des Moro Beach, you will also find the Aquarium Cap Blanc, tucked right inside a natural sea cave.
The Fabulous Landscapes of Ibiza
Other beaches sit further from Sant Antoni but remain accessible on foot, by car, or by boat. To the south, Cala Bassa is a small turquoise paradise where you can rent Jet Skis. Further north, explore the wilder shores of Cala Gracio and Cala Gracioneta. The coastline gradually gives way to impressive cliffs, particularly between Punta Galera and Cala Salada. Energetic hikers can push on to Cap Nunó, where increasingly sheer cliffs appear to plunge straight into the sea. Another scenic coastal viewpoint sits near Sa Penya Esbarrada.
Just off the bay of Sant Antoni de Portmany, admire the uninhabited islets including Illa Sa Conillera, Illa des Bosc, and Illa s’Espartar.
When to Go
It all depends on what you want to do during your stay in Ibiza! The nightclub season runs from April to October. Spring and late summer bring a quieter atmosphere and more pleasant temperatures.
How to Get There
By plane, you will arrive on the island via Ibiza Airport, which runs regular shuttle buses to Sant Antoni de Portmany. You can also reach Ibiza by ferry from Barcelona, Valencia, or Dénia. Certain ferry routes dock directly in Sant Antoni de Portmany.
