San Carlos

Pretty, convenient and family friendly, the northern village of San Carlos is one of the most charming villages on the island. Once the hippie heart of the island, there is plenty of history soaked into its streets and today still boasts a wonderfully bohemian vibe.

Key characteristics: The delightful pedestrianised main street contains everything one needs for village life: bank, pharmacy, Pilates studio, yoga studio, two health food stores, restaurants, cafes, play park, vintage clothing shop and most importantly, an artisanal ice cream parlour. The legendary Bar Anita’s sits in pride of place – this was once where all the mail for the area was collected, and it also had the only telephone. Its reputation as the community hub still holds strong today. San Carlos’ proximity to Santa Eulalia and several gorgeous beaches plus a very good primary school and sports centre makes it a great location of families. It’s still quite raw, authentic, there’s still that feeling of an unspoilt Ibiza.

Architectural styles: New residential developments have stayed in keeping with the traditional style. The outlying countryside is dotted with renovated traditional farmhouses and modern homes. Here, you can find a good piece of land with an old farmhouse. San Carlos is still a place where investors can find somewhere. You get much more for your money than in other areas.

Why San Carlos is trending: The village itself is gorgeous and convenient. San Carlos is just ten minutes away from Cala San Vicente, San Juan and Santa Eulalia. There there’s all the east coast to Pou des Lleo and Cala Boix – it’s all untouched. Being home to many year round residents means it doesn’t lose its vibe in the winter either. It’s not polished bohemian like Santa Gertrudis, more laidback and great for families.

Who buys here: San Carlos is for those who don’t want the madness of the south. They want the real Ibiza. It’s very international. Quite a few European commuters base themselves here as it’s great to come back to after being in a stressful city environment. There’s a strong creative community in San Carlos too, especially with the famous Las Dalias hippie market just down the road. The laid-back vibe suits families and the local primary school is considered excellent.

Lifestyle: Daily life in San Carlos leans towards the relaxed and stress free; made up of visits to Las Dalias’s in-house café for coffee (or their famous house-made hierbas) and morning montaditos (delicious bites on toast) at Bar Anita’s. The community here is friendly and welcoming, possessing an unassuming artistic soul.

Local attractions: Las Dalias Market is a huge draw, as is the nearby market of Cala Llenya on a Sunday. The luxury spa at Can Curreu is extremely appealing for those looking for some pampering. Nearby beaches include the diminutive and lovely Cala Mastella, Pou des Lleo and the dramatic Cala Boix. Oh, and don’t forget to try the amazing ice cream at Vicio on the main street.