On Ibiza’s gentle east coast, Santa Eulalia del Río (Catalan: Santa Eulària des Riu) trades thumping basslines for morning light, sea air and unhurried strolls. It’s the island’s go-to for families, food lovers and travellers who prefer swims and strolls to sleepless nights—yet it still keeps Ibiza’s creative spirit alive with design boutiques, weekly markets and coastal adventures.
Below, a polished, on-the-ground guide to help you shape an easy, rewarding stay.
Must-See Places in Santa Eulalia
Puig de Missa
Rising above town, the 16th-century, whitewashed church of Puig de Missa crowns a low hill with panoramic views of the coast and countryside. Built as a fortified place of worship during the era of pirate incursions and consecrated in 1568, it’s the historic heart of Santa Eulalia—quiet arcades, thick walls, and a timeless silhouette that glows at golden hour.
The River Route
Santa Eulalia is home to the only true river in the Balearic Islands—a short, seasonal watercourse that meets the sea beside town. A signed walking route traces its final stretch past reeds and mills to the mouth of the riu; it’s a serene counterpoint to beach days and a lovely early-evening wander.
The Marina & Seafront Promenade
The palm-lined promenade and compact marina form the town’s social spine: morning joggers, families with strollers, fishermen mending lines, and cafe terraces serving late breakfasts. When the breeze picks up, boats nose out towards Formentera or the nearby coves.
Es Canar & San Carlos Markets
Just up the coast, the Hippy Market Punta Arabí (Wednesdays, April–October) fills a leafy hotel garden with hundreds of artisan stalls, live music and a laid-back, bohemian vibe that has defined Ibiza’s east for decades. Meanwhile, Las Dalias runs atmospheric day and night markets much of the year, ideal for picking up leatherwork, linen and design-forward souvenirs.
Things To Do: Coast, Culture & A Touch of Adventure
Beach-Hop with Intention
Santa Eulalia town beach is broad and convenient, but the municipality’s coves are the real draw. Cala Llonga—a deep, horseshoe bay ten minutes from town—offers wide sands, calm waters and easy facilities, making it a favourite for families and relaxed swimmers. Ferries and buses connect it with Santa Eulalia and Ibiza Town, so you can keep car time minimal.
Boat Out For a Day
From the marina, seasonal ferries run south to Formentera’s pale-blue shallows and north along the indented coastline. If you’d rather stay local, a simple coastal cruise delivers cliff-line views and swim stops you can’t reach by road.
Walk, Ride, Zip
Beyond the River Route, you’ll find signed footpaths and bike outings through carob orchards and pine. For families, the treetop Acrobosc adventure park in Es Canar adds a little zip-line energy to an otherwise beachy itinerary.
Dine Well on “Restaurant Street”
Evenings are for a leisurely paseo and dinner along Carrer de Sant Vicent—locally dubbed “Restaurant Street”—where kitchens range from modern Mediterranean to Asian-leaning menus, all within a compact, pedestrian-friendly strip. Book a terrace table and linger.
When To Go
Late May to early July brings long, sunny days without the peak-season crush. September and early October deliver warm seas, softer light and excellent market browsing. Winter is quiet, with a local rhythm that rewards slow travel and day trips across the island.
How To Structure Your Days
- Morning – Coffee by the marina, then head up to Puig de Missa for views and photos while the light is soft.
- Midday – Beach time at Cala Llonga or another nearby cove; break for a simple seafood lunch.
- Afternoon – Market browsing on the appropriate days (Punta Arabí on Wednesdays; Las Dalias many weekends and selected evenings).
- Evening – River-mouth stroll at sunset, then dinner on Restaurant Street.
Where It’s Best to Stay in Santa Eulalia
Base yourself along the seafront promenade if you want walking access to the marina, town beach and dining. Travellers seeking more space and a slower rhythm gravitate to nearby Cala Llonga, a sheltered bay with an easy, family-friendly feel and quick connections back to town. For a simple beachfront base with self-catering convenience, the El Pinar Hotel in Cala Llonga puts you steps from the sand—an easy option for couples and families who plan to spend most days in and out of the water.
Travel Planning Essentials
- Getting around – With ferries, local buses and a compact coastline, you can skip a car for a long weekend. If you want to explore northern villages and remote coves, hire wheels for a day or two.
- For families – Shallow waters, playgrounds and low-key evenings make Santa Eulalia one of Ibiza’s most relaxed bases, with plenty of shade and services close at hand. Cala Llonga is particularly accommodating.
- For culture seekers – Pair Puig de Missa and the River Route with a day trip to Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town for the full island story.
Why Santa Eulalia Works
Santa Eulalia dials down the decibels and leans into authenticity: fishermen at dawn, markets that still feel bohemian, a church that has watched over the town for centuries, and coves that invite you to stay a little longer. Come for the beaches; stay for the gentle cadence that makes everyday moments—breakfast on a terrace, a river-side walk, a last swim at sunset—feel like the best part of the trip.
