Forget everything you think you know about Ibiza. Away from the coastline and the clubs lies a very different island — one where time slows down, church bells echo across the valleys, and the scent of pine and olive trees fills the air. If you have 48 hours to explore, this inland route will take you to the heart of Ibiza: a journey through traditional villages, rural restaurants, and landscapes that reveal the island’s most authentic side. From Santa Gertrudis to Sant Mateu, Santa Agnès and Sant Miquel, this is Ibiza as locals know it.
Day 1: slow mornings in Santa Gertrudis and authentic flavours at Bar Costa
Begin your inland adventure in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, a whitewashed gem in the island’s centre. Known for its laid-back rhythm and creative spirit, Santa Gertrudis blends bohemian charm with rural tradition. The main square, shaded by leafy trees, is surrounded by small boutiques, art galleries and cafés buzzing with quiet conversation. Sit for a moment and watch local life unfold: children cycling past, artists sketching, and neighbours sharing stories over coffee.
Do not leave without visiting Bar Costa, a true Ibizan icon. Its walls are covered with paintings exchanged decades ago by artists who could not afford to pay their bills — a living gallery of local history. Order their famous jamón serrano or sobrassada sandwich, served on crusty bread with fresh tomato and olive oil. It is simple, delicious and perfectly captures the island’s honest flavours.
After breakfast, take the scenic road north-west to Sant Mateu d’Albarca, a quiet village surrounded by vineyards and almond trees. The road winds through farmland and forest, past traditional cases pageses (farmhouses) built with thick stone walls and flat roofs. In spring, the valley bursts into green; in autumn, it smells of ripe grapes.
Once in Sant Mateu, explore the small church, a fine example of rural Ibizan architecture, and take a short walk through the peaceful streets. If you visit in November, do not miss the local wine festival, when producers open their cellars to share homemade red wines. It is one of those moments when you can truly feel the community spirit of rural Ibiza.
For lunch, head to ses Escoles, located between Santa Gertrudis and Sant Joan. This former school has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant surrounded by olive trees, where the owners produce their own olive oil. Sit on the terrace, order a grilled fish or local lamb, and drizzle it with their Oleoteca Ses Escoles oil — a flavour that tastes like sunshine.
Afternoon magic in Santa Agnès and the Pla de Corona
After lunch, continue west towards Santa Agnès de Corona, one of Ibiza’s most picturesque villages. The drive there is part of the experience: narrow roads lined with pines and red earth, stone walls and the occasional farmhouse. When you arrive, the peaceful square and its white church seem frozen in time.
Behind the village stretches the Pla de Corona, a vast, protected plain that glows with almond blossom in late winter and turns golden in summer. Walk one of the paths that cross the fields, breathe in the scent of rosemary and pine, and listen to the wind rustling through the branches. It is an image of Ibiza that few visitors ever see — raw, quiet and breathtaking in its simplicity.
Stay until sunset if you can. As the light fades, the almond trees cast long shadows over the red soil, and the whole landscape feels suspended between earth and sky. Afterwards, drive back towards Santa Gertrudis or Sant Mateu for dinner. Many restaurants in these villages offer Mediterranean menus made with seasonal ingredients, ideal for ending the day with a relaxed meal under the stars.
Day 2: rural rhythms in Sant Miquel and Can Sulayetas
Start your second day in Sant Miquel de Balansat, a charming village in the north. Perched on a hill, its 14th-century church overlooks valleys of pine and carob trees. Walk up to the top for panoramic views, then wander through the quiet streets where traditional white houses contrast with colourful bougainvillaea.
Just a few minutes away, along the road to Sant Mateu, you will find Can Sulayetas — a rustic café and restaurant much loved by locals. Stop here for a mid-morning coffee, a slice of homemade greixonera (Ibizan pudding), or a hearty lunch. The terrace shaded by carob trees and the friendly service make it one of those places you remember long after you leave.
After lunch, explore the countryside around Sant Miquel. If you enjoy walking, follow one of the short hiking trails that descend towards Cala Benirràs, a famous cove known for its crystal waters and Sunday drumming sunsets. Even if you do not reach the beach, the views from the paths are spectacular — pine-covered hills, stone terraces and distant glimpses of the sea.
Afternoon drive through the heart of Ibiza
On your way back south, take time to stop whenever a view catches your eye. Rural Ibiza rewards those who travel slowly. The landscape changes with every curve: fields of figs and olives, dry-stone walls, and the occasional windmill that once powered the island’s farms.
If you have time, make one last stop in Santa Gertrudis before finishing your journey. Enjoy a final drink at Bar Costa or browse the local shops for souvenirs: handmade ceramics, woven baskets, and bottles of olive oil or local wine make perfect reminders of your inland adventure.
Useful tips for your inland Ibiza escape
- Best way to explore: renting a car is essential for this route, allowing you to stop freely and discover hidden spots.
- When to go: spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
- What to bring: comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for the views, and an open mind to embrace slow travel.
- Local flavours to try: olive oil from ses Escoles, Ibizan pastries such as greixonera or flaó, island honey, and homemade wine.
A different way to experience Ibiza
This 48-hour route through Ibiza’s interior reveals an island that many travellers miss. Here, life follows the rhythm of nature, meals stretch over hours, and every road tells a story of heritage and community. It is a reminder that Ibiza is more than a destination — it is a way of life.
If you are planning your next trip to the island, set aside a couple of days to explore beyond the beaches. Rent a car, follow this route, and discover the real Ibiza — where every village, every olive tree, and every sunset has a story to tell.
