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Located on the very north coast of the island, in a deep, sheltered bay, Port De
San Miguel is surrounded by pine-covered hills and affords some of the most spectacular
scenery to be found on Ibiza. A world away from the clubbing scene, this is a destination
ideally suited for a family holiday, or for those seeking little more than tranquility
and relaxation.
There are three hotels here, including the five-star Hotel Hacienda, something of
a celebrity hangout. All the hotels and apartments are set up along the mountain-sides,
so no matter which one you stay in or choose to dine at, you are guaranteed breathtaking
views out to sea.
The beach is large, and composed of fine white sands. A few years ago, the beach
earned its Blue Flag status and the resort has worked hard to retain that honour
in successive years. On the main beach you'll find both umbrellas and loungers for
hire, and a comprehensive selection of watersports. Banana boats, jetskis, windsurfing
and even a dive-school, all watched over by lifeguards, so there's very little for
families to worry about here.
One place you simply must visit while you're here are the old smuggler's caves of
Can Marca. Nowadays they contain light shows and artificial waterfalls, but these
do nothing to detract from the natural beauty of the rock formations, in fact serve
to enhance and highlight the entire experience.
Another spectacle you need to catch happens every Thursday up at the delightful
14th century church that overlooks the village. Here the locals gather once a week
and perform traditional Ibizan folk dancing, and pass the wine around. A cultural
note: if you get the chance, check the bottle for a label. If there isn't one, then
you're lucky enough to be sampling Vino Payes, the Ibizan home-made wine. It's illegal
to sell wine without a label, but there are no laws against giving it away and should
you get the chance of a glass, take it. The best wines need no labelling.
Port De San Miguel is also home to what the Ibizans consider the best fish restaurant
on the island, the Port Balansat. Your holiday must include at least one meal here
- after all, 100,000 Ibicencos can't be wrong. There are perhaps half a dozen other
restaurants and bars in the village, offering some variety to your menu.
Port De San Miguel is only half an hour away from any point in the island by car
or by a pretty efficient bus service. Another way to get around is to hop on one
of the little ferries that circle the island constantly.
If you're the outdoors type, then a trip up to the Torres des Molar should be a
priority for you. It's only a twenty-minute or so walk up the left-hand side of
the beach (the path starts around the back of the beach bar). The Torres des Molar
was originally constructed as a look-out tower, and it has undergone some reconstruction,
and the views from here are quite dizzying. On the way back, you can also find the
tiny beach of Calo des Moltons, ideal for the solitude-seeking.
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