This selection of must-visit places in San Antonio will allow you to make the most of your visit to one of Ibiza’s most touristic cities, famous for its vibrant nightlife. Located on the west coast of the island, San Antonio Abad (or Sant Antoni de Portmany in Catalan) is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, its exquisite seafood-based gastronomy, and a variety of entertainment options ranging from popular nightclubs to water activities and boat trips.
During the summer, the city is filled with young tourists from all over Europe looking to enjoy the lively party atmosphere. However, San Antonio is also an excellent option as a base to explore Ibiza by motorcycle or car, as it offers more affordable accommodation compared to other parts of the island, making it a practical and economical choice for your stay.
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We’ve prepared this list of the best activities you can enjoy in San Antonio. Let’s discover them!
1. Visit the Church of Sant Antoni
After parking in the spacious dirt parking lot on Avenida de Isidor Macabich and recharging your energy with breakfast at Bar Benítez, you can enjoy a pleasant walk through the center of San Antonio. This route will take you through streets full of restaurants, pubs, and shops, leading to the Church of Sant Antoni, a place you can’t miss. This is the second oldest religious temple in Ibiza, and one of the key attractions in San Antonio.
The church, whose construction began in the 14th century, has been expanded several times, including the addition of a prominent defensive tower designed both for worship and protection against pirate attacks. Inside, you’ll find a spacious courtyard and can admire the altarpieces of San Roque and the Virgin of the Rosary, as well as a 17th-century sculpture of Sant Vicent Ferrer.
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2. Discover the Egg of Columbus
Heading down Carrer Ample, in just a few minutes you’ll reach Passeig del Mar, where you’ll find, in the middle of a roundabout, the iconic Monument to the Discovery of America, popularly known as “The Egg of Columbus.”
This monument was inaugurated in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the New World. Designed by local artists Antoni Hormigo, Julio Bauzá, and Luis Ojeda, the monument houses a replica of the Santa María caravel, with its bow symbolically oriented towards America.
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3. Swim at S’Arenal Beach
Another must-do activity in San Antonio is enjoying a swim at S’Arenal Beach, located a short walk from the Egg of Columbus and one of the few urban beaches in Ibiza. This beach, with its white, fine sand and shallow waters, offers a wide range of services and facilities, perfect for relaxation and water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
As night falls, the nearby bars and restaurants come alive, attracting tourists who gather at the beach for a drink and to soak in the atmosphere. Many take the opportunity to sit on the sand and watch the sunset, creating a perfect end to a day at S’Arenal.
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4. Take a Boat Ride
Stroll along the Maritime Promenade until you reach the harbor, one of the must-visit spots in San Antonio. From here, boats depart to take you on a journey to explore some of Ibiza’s most beautiful coves.
During these boat trips along the coast of Ibiza and nearby Formentera, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in paradisiacal coves, relax to chill-out music, or savor a delicious paella onboard. It’s a perfect way to combine adventure and relaxation while discovering the natural beauty of the island.
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5. Enjoy a Sunset
One of the must-do activities in San Antonio, Ibiza, is enjoying a sunset from the terrace of the iconic Café del Mar, accompanied by chill-out music. However, the minimum consumption fee, around 45 euros (or 65 euros for a front-row seat), might seem excessive. Instead, you can enjoy the same spectacular sunset for free from the rocks of Ses Variades, located just below the restaurant, while relaxing with a soda or beer.
Other venues like Café Mambo, Savannah, and Golden Buddha also have high prices. For this reason, we recommend finding a spot along the promenade or on the sand at Caló des Moro, where you can watch the sunset in a quieter setting without the crowds of the bars.
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6. Partying in San Antonio
In addition to the aforementioned Café del Mar, Savannah, Golden Buddha, and Café Mambo, which offer a relaxed atmosphere and chill-out music, San Antonio boasts nightclubs famous for their dance, techno, and electronic music. Es Paradis, located right by the beach, is famous for its Water Parties and SuperMartXé, while directly across the street is Eden, another of the largest and most popular clubs on the island.
If you prefer a pub crawl, we recommend exploring the streets of the West End, especially around Calle de Santa Agnès, which comes alive with an incredible atmosphere during the summer. However, if you’re looking for the top DJs’ experiences, the clubs Amnesia and Privilege, located on the road between Sant Antoni and Eivissa, are must-visits, reachable in about 15 minutes by car, bus, or taxi.
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San Antonio de Portmany offers a unique experience that combines idyllic beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural offering. From enjoying a spectacular sunset on the Paseo del Mar to exploring urban art in its streets, relaxing on S’Arenal Beach, or embarking on boat excursions to nearby coves, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating town.
We invite you to discover everything San Antonio has to offer and to immerse yourself in its charming atmosphere. Come and experience the magic of San Antonio de Portmany for yourself!
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