San Joan: Bohemian vibes in Ibiza

Ibiza’s north is renowned for its Boho flair. Especially the little town of San Joan is one of the very few places in Ibiza, where you can still experience the authenticity of this hippie island, away from the usual tourist attractions – it’s actually the least touristy village on the white island! Surrounded by nature, there’s really only a few streets, a tiny square and a white church from the 18th century that sum up this picturesque village. Even the main street is making you feel like in a fairytale – quiet paved alleys, lilacs hanging from the curved iron balconies, cute white houses with blue window frames and ancient wooden doors. And despite the small size of San Joan, it’s definitely worth a visit to experience the Bohemian vibes in Ibiza!

Los Otros Concept Store

The vegetarian restaurant and concept store Los Otros is a very hip place with a modern interior led by a Dutch girl called Mirjam Leslie Pringle with a passion for plant based and healthy food – she even published two vegetarian cooking books and is currently working on the third one. I especially loved the combination of a trendy restaurant and a fashion concept store full of sustainable and local designer products, such as vegan leather bags, natural soaps, beach clothing and accessories. The service in Los Otros was incredibly friendly and makes you feel very comfortable and at home. After some food and wine recommendations I tried the veganized pizza with mushrooms, green asparagus, kale and truffle oil – it was absolutely delicious! With the wine came some fresh green olives with lime zest as an aperitif that we were able to enjoy during the sunset on the beautiful terrace with colourful fairy lights and palm trees around. Los Otros is by the way famous for its fully pink burger with beetroot and feta cheese, so don’t miss out on that Instagram worthy dish!

Los Otros

Carrer de sa Cala, 15, 07810 Sant Joan de Labritja, Illes Balears, Spanien

Arts & Crafts Market on Sundays

There are loads of markets in Ibiza – but the artisan one in San Joan is probably the most charming of all! It’s taking place every Sunday all around the year (no matter what season) and has a greatly selected offer of local products such as handmade soaps, freshly baked organic bread, seasonal fruits from the island, candles and incense sticks, leather goods, jewellery, gemstones, dream catchers and the famous home made hierbas liqueur. Whoever loves organic products and artisan-crafted goods will surely spend a good time strolling around and a hard time deciding on what they want to buy. My personal highlight was a little booth with amazing vegan food like quiche, chocolate fudge cake, blue spirulina bliss balls, wraps and freshly prepared burgers – all organic and mostly gluten free! Around midday there are local bands playing live music on the little square next to the church, which is another reason this market is so popular among both residents and tourists.

Mercadillo Artesanal Sant Joan de Labritja

Plaça Espanya, 07810 Sant Joan de Labritja, Illes Balears, Spanien

Vegetarian Restaurant Sabores Naturales

Om Sweet Home – that’s the claim of the tiny vegetarian restaurant and pizzeria Sabores Naturales. Located in the heart of San Joan within an ancient stone house with red wooden doors, a rustic interior and a little terrace outside, you’ll find a delicious selection of home made pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, pastas and cakes. All organic and with a lot of vegan options. The lemonades are super tasty and refreshing, especially during the midday sun, and the warm vegan apple crumble is simply a dream! And although it’s a bit overpriced in my opinion, it’s not pretentious at all and definitely worth a visit if you want some decent vegan or vegetarian food in the authentic atmosphere of San Joan.

Sabores Naturales

Carrer Sant Vicent, 4, 07810 Sant Joan de Labritja, Illes Balears, Spanien

Fiesta de San Joan in June

If you’re coming in the high season of June, you should definitely visit the Fiesta de San Joan – a two-day street festival to drive away evil spirits and welcome the summer! The tradition is to write a list with all the negative things that happened to you in the past year and throw it into the firecrackers and bonfires all over the village to leave all those bad things behind. Afterwards, you’re supposed write another list with all the good things you wish for you to happen in the following year – that list is for you to keep! The Fiesta de San Joan is dedicated to the village's patron Saint John the Baptist and is always taking place on the 23rd and 24th of June.

Fiesta de San Joan

07810 Sant Joan de Labritja, Balearen, Spanien

Pay San Joan a visit during your stay and experience the real Bohemian vibes in Ibiza with its extraordinary laid back atmosphere and traditional architecture. Come here for even just half a day in between visiting the secret beaches in the north of Ibiza!

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