San Antonio is one of Ibiza’s most-loved resorts, hugely popular with the fun-loving demographic coming to partake in the island’s iconic party-fuelled lifestyle. In a location nestled in a picturesque bay, the gorgeous beaches beckon tantalisingly during the day, while a very lively nightlife delivers the goods after dark. But even the most hard and fast party-goers can tire of pumping beats, cocktails, and the frenetic pace of having a good time. Luckily, San Antonio is more than just a pretty face and a vibrant personality.
- Beyond the Nightlife in San Antonio
- Soak Up the Magic of the Sunset Strip
- Contemplate an Egg
- Visit the Old Town
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Beyond the Nightlife in San Antonio
While it’s true that the majority of people come here looking for the very things Ibiza is renowned for, it’s also true that San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany, to the locals) has some hidden depth as well as the glitz and glamour of the clubs. While there are plenty of energetic activities to help you blow away the cobwebs of the night before, there are also some more laidback ways to enjoy lazy days in the sun.
Soak Up the Magic of the Sunset Strip
One of the highlights of San Antonio is the wonderful promenade that runs along the beachfront, starting from the harbour and stretching even beyond the neighbouring beach, Caló des Moro. Known locally as Ses Variades, there’s not much that’s more relaxing than taking a long, leisurely stroll along the promenade, stopping for a coffee or wine and tapas, depending on the time of day.
It’s certainly a popular place for friends and tourists to gather (and home to the original Cafe del Mar), so it’s not exactly tranquil, but it’s the buzzy ambience that makes it so special. The prime time to take a wander is around sunset, when the Ibizan sky puts on a show to remember. The combination of these legendary painted sunsets against a backdrop of cool DJs pumping out mellow, Balearic chill-out tunes, makes for an atmosphere that really is unique to Ibiza. Iconic…
Contemplate an Egg
It’s a big ask, but come along for the ride… If you’re feeling a bit jaded from a hard night’s partying, why not try something a little more existential to soothe your soul? San Antonio is home to “El Huevo de Colón” or the Columbus Egg. Also sometimes called the Ibiza Egg, this large, quirky sculpture is in honour of explorer Christopher Columbus – believed by many to have been born on Ibiza (although that’s been not proven).
So, why would you want to visit a giant egg? Well, believe it or not, it’s one of the town’s most important cultural landmarks. While there is an impressive replica of Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria, set within the egg, the real reference is the egg itself. As the story goes, when Columbus was trying to raise funds for his maritime adventures, there was huge scepticism as to whether his dreams were possible. In front of a group of potential backers, he produced an egg and bet them they couldn’t balance it on its end, but that he could. After they all understandably failed, Columbus tapped the egg gently and broke it on the end, allowing it to stand – proving even the impossible could be made possible. He got his funding and the rest is history. If you’re looking for inspiration, the huevo has it!
Visit the Old Town
Sometimes it’s hard to equate the vibrancy, music and colour of modern day Ibiza with its humble Balearic history as an important Phonecian port (dating back to 654 BC). So many ancient peoples came, conquered, lived, and left their mark on this relatively small island – everyone from the Roman and Carthaginians, to Islamic, Byzantine and other civilisations. But step away from the luxury hotels, the bustling promenade and the pulsating clubs into the Old Town, and it’s an entirely different story – one where you can actually imagine all that history in a tangible way.
Known as Dalt Vila, it’s an area of cobbled streets, stone defensive walls and the imposing Fortress, which presides over both the old and new areas of the town. A few hours spent exploring the shops, markets, cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries and museums of the Old Town will give you a really great insight into San Antonio’s origins and heritage.
There you have it – a few ways to chill out and enjoy some of the more low-key highlights of San Antonio. Of course, even a couple of hours dozing under a beach umbrella will also do wonders for the rejuvenation of body and soul, so there’s always that if these suggestions sound too energetic…
Where to Stay
Hotel Portmany: When you book a stay in this lovely hotel there’s not much more you could ask for. The beachfront location means you can literally step out of bed and be on the sand in minutes, and the gorgeous sea views and contemporary decor and furnishings of the rooms are both welcoming and luxurious. Spacious enough to enjoy while not getting under each other’s feet.
Along with a kitchenette if you want to self-cater, there’s a great onsite restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The White Apartments: Delivering stunning views over San Antonio Bay, these spacious beachfront apartments feel like Ibiza from top to bottom. Recently renovated and updated with all the modern conveniences, the apartments are appointed with a private balcony, kitchenette, generous living space with sofa or sofa bed, air-conditioning and a coffee maker. Onsite you can take advantage of the restaurant and bar, before heading off just a five-minute walk to local nightlife. Location plus!
Palladium Hotel Palmyra, Adults Only: If the words “adults only” are music to your ears, this fantastically well-appointed hotel is for you! An unbeatable beachfront location, bright, spacious rooms, private balconies and ocean views to die for are just the start. You’ll have full access to the gorgeous pool overlooking the beach, an excellent international restaurant, a bar, and a schedule of live music events. Right in the centre of the action, you’ll be able to walk to cafes, restaurants and clubs.
How to Get There
Heading to San Antonio for a fun filled, sun filled break? You won’t need to waste any time on making plans because it’s easy. You’ll fly into Ibiza Airport, which is a flight of around 2 hours and 40 minutes from the UK – barely time to watch an inflight film! As you’d imagine, a popular route like this delivers plenty of options, with numerous carriers offering options, including British Airways, Jet2, Iberia, easyJet, and TUI.
To ensure the rest of the journey to your accommodation is as smooth as it can be, a pre-booked airport transfer from Ibiza Airport to San Antonio with Shuttle Direct offers both reliability and peace of mind. No matter what your budget, you’ll be able to find a shared or private ride that suits you.
Overview
UK to IBZ Flight Time: 2 hours, 41 mins approx.
IBZ to San Antonio: 24 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 25 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Getting from Ibiza Airport to San Antonio is a breeze with Shuttle Direct’s range of options. We know that everyone has different priorities and varying budgets, so we’ve ensured there’s something for everyone.
Shuttle Bus: One of our most popular and economical options, a pre-booked shared shuttle bus will get you from the airport at Ibiza to San Antonio in a fun and friendly way. You’ll meet your driver and fellow passengers at a designated spot outside the terminal, then travel to a central drop-off point in San Antonio as convenient to your accommodation as possible.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re on holiday with a large group of friends, you can make life simpler and cheaper by sharing a minibus transfer. You’ll get the benefits of a private Ibiza transfer right to the door of your accommodation, but all of you can travel in the one large capacity vehicle and split the cost.
Taxi: If you prefer to travel on your own but don’t fancy standing in a taxi queue once you’ve landed (who does?) then a quick and easy solution is a pre-booked local taxi with Shuttle Direct. Your friendly, professional driver will be waiting just for you and you’ll depart quickly, directly to your accommodation. Queue? What queue?
Private Transfer: If you’re looking to start your holiday off in luxurious style, one of our private San Antonio transfers will do the trick. Your driver will meet you inside the terminal then escort you to a high-end vehicle in which you’ll be whisked in comfort straight to your hotel or villa without delay. Get the celebrity treatment you deserve.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Getting from Ibiza Airport to San Antonio is so much easier when you have options – but what’s best for you is a very personal decision. If you focus on cost, convenience and your priorities, you’ll find exactly what you need with Shuttle Direct.
Convenience: If you’re looking for a door-to-door service and the ultimate convenience of a dedicated ride just for you, we suggest pre-booking a local taxi or one of our private luxury services from Ibiza Airport to San Antonio.
Cost: If you’re focused on saving money, however, a more economical way to travel is on one of our reliable shared shuttle bus San Antonio transfers. While the service isn’t door-to-door, and you’ll be travelling with other passengers, you’ll be able to choose from the most convenient central drop-off point close to your accommodation, and there’s no compromise on comfort and safety.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct’s wide range of affordable and reliable airport transfers have earned us a reputation as the market leaders. With everything from economical shared shuttles to high-end private services to and from destinations all over the world, we understand the need for a fast, safe and stress-free ride from the airport so you can get on with the important business of having your holiday. Our friendly, professional drivers are ready to get you wherever you need to go, so pre-book today.
