Sant Llorenc de Balafia (San Lorenzo)
A perfect example of remote rural life on the island
Set back inland, 17km north east of Eivissa, is the small village of San Lorenzo. It's an attractive traditional village with an 18th century church and a few houses.
A tiny hamlet tucked into the hills of north Ibiza, it's a quiet little place, home to very few tourist attractions other than the village itself. The church dominates, there’s a school and two restaurants that cater for locals and visitors, and the views out across the rugged interior of the island are beautiful.
There are no shops and no ATM and neither restaurant takes card payments, so do make sure to plan ahead if you’re heading here for a visit.
Jump to
- History & Culture in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Sights & Attractions in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Beaches in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Dining in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Events in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Things to do in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Hiking in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Yachts & Sailing in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Watersports in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Families in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Villas in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Hotels in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- Campsites in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
- How to get to Sant Llorenc de Balafia
History & Culture in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
As with most towns and villages in Ibiza, life revolves around the church, which is the main feature in Sant Llorenc. The belfry once stood to one end of the church but due to alterations made to the building in the 19th century it's now located in the middle of the façade.
Sights & Attractions in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
The village itself is the main draw to Sant Llorenc, a small slice of rustic Ibizan life completely removed from the madcap tourism of the bigger towns and coastline.
The 18th century church stands proud, far larger than the village would seem to require. Washed in bright Balearic white it has a bell tower, common to most Ibizan churches, and also a large covered porch with, rather unusually, only one entrance arch.
Above the village lies a wooded, hilly area that has been designated the Can Pere Mosson Country Park, an area crisscrossed with walking trails, picnic areas and viewpoints. Popular with local families at weekends, although unfortunately dogs are not allowed in the park.
Nearby hamlet Balafia is another draw to this area, a tiny group of houses and defence towers dating back to Moorish Ibiza. It’s one of the island's most unusual settlements having been built in a defensive architectural style, whereas the rest of the island's defence towers, such as they are, are more often seen dotting the coastline. Visitors can walk the 1km to Balafia down a dirt road from Sant Llorenc, and wander along the two tiny streets of the settlement to see the houses and towers, although do remember that these are people's homes and private signs are hung at gateways to deter tourists.
There is an interpretive centre near the bus stop which contains information about the surrounding area including more about nearby Balafia, however the opening hours are erratic.
Sights in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
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Balafia Traditional Houses
Just outside the village of San Lorenzo in the north, there are echoes of an old Moorish settlement, seven houses and two towers with a distinctive defensive function
Beaches in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Sant Llorenc is well and truly inland but the coastline to the east near Santa Eularia has beautiful beaches such as Cala Llenya and Cala Nova, and to the north you’ll find Cala Xarraca near Portinax.
Beaches in Ibiza
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Puerto de San Miguel Beach
Just 5km north of the lovely traditional fishing village of San Miguel is the beach resort favoured by UK and German holiday makers, in particular families with children.
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Benirras Beach, North West Ibiza
A beautiful golden pebbly sand beach popular with families, hippies and the tight knit residents of Ibiza's northern community.
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Calo des Moltons and Es Pas de SโIlla de Bosc Beaches, San Miguel
Located near Port de Sant Miquel, and only accessible on foot, these two secluded coves boast crystalline waters and are perfect for snorkelling.
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Santa Eulalia Beach, East Ibiza
This man-made beach of white sand stretches for 300m and is accessible from all parts of Santa Eulalia.
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Cala Xarraca Beach
Located near the most northern part of the island, close to Portinatx, is the golden sandy bay of Cala Xarraca.
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Es Niu Blau Beach
Just north of Santa Eulalia is the peaceful beach of Es Niu Blau. Around 100m of golden sand ensures plenty of bathing spots and the bordering pine trees provide some shade.
Dining in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
There are two restaurants in Sant Llorenc, one very traditional and one more modern with a bit of a hipster vibe.
Restaurants in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
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La Paloma Restaurant, San Lorenzo
This very popular restaurant is located in the centre of the small village of San Lorenzo. They serve authentic home-made food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Events in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Once a year every August the town hosts the Festes de Sant Llorenc a series of religious events and musical performances centering around the church.
Events in Ibiza
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Benirras hippy market, San Miguel
Celebrated on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from May to October, this market is the perfect complement to your sunset watching on this famous beach.
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Mercat des Port - Ibiza Town harbour hippy market
First celebrated in 1974, this is the oldest artisan market on the island. It is celebrated every day during the summer from 18:00 until late at night.
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Organic produce and artisan market
A meeting point for Sant Josep locals and for tourists who visit the island every summer.
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Forada Market
This market is located off the beaten track, on a road that connects San Antonio, San Rafael and Santa Agnes, in front of Can Tixedo Restaurant.
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Las Dalias market
Running since 1985, Las Dalias hippy market is probably the best and most famous of all Ibizan markets.
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Sant Joan artisan market
The northern town of Sant Joan de Labritja celebrates its local market every Sunday throughout the year with a festive atmosphere and lots to see and buy.
Things to do in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
There's a small public children’s playground in the village, but no organised activities.
Hiking in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Walking Routes in Ibiza
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Circular hike around Port de Sant Miquel
An hour-long circular hike taking in three beaches, an ancient defence tower, and epic coastal views.
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Santa Eulalia River Walk
This is actually the only natural river on the island so it is lovely that they have paved this way so you can enjoy it. With information boards along the way you can learn about your surroundings.
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Coastal hike from Santa Agnes
Santa Agnes, a tiny hamlet in the north-west of Ibiza that doesnโt get much in the way of tourist traffic but does make a good starting point for a hike along some truly epic coastline.ย
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Hiking from Cala Salada to San Antonio
A two hour hike that you can do in either direction or both ways if youโre feeling energetic, it will take you past the stunning beaches of Salada and Gracio as well as the hidden gem Cala Yoga, you can explore the dramatic headland of Punta de ses Galera and stop for a rest at the Hostal La Torre for a coffee with a great view.
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Circular hike to Cova de les Fontanelles
A 90 minute hike taking in a place of historical interest, a private cove and stunning coastal views in the west of Ibiza.
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Hike from Cala Conta to Cala Tarida
This is an easy hike along a rough but not difficult trail; itโll take you along cliff edges with beautiful coastal views, to one of Ibizaโs lesser-known tourist sights and to hidden beaches much quieter than Conta or Tarida.ย
Yachts & Sailing in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Watersports in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Watersports in Ibiza
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Private Aqua Fit Classes
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Private Aqua Yoga Classes
Aqua Yoga sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Divestar Ibiza Ibiza Diving School
Punta Dive was established in 1997 and has grown to become one of the leaders in Dive education in Spain. After 18 years, they changed their name to Divestar Ibiza.
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Wet4Fun Watersports
Offering a wide range of water sports, including catamaran sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding from their two centres in Santa Eulalia and in Es Pujols on Formentera.
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Club Nautico Water Sports
Offering a wide range of courses for experienced sailors, complete beginners and children. With over 30 years experience, the teachers can offer expert advice and coaching.
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Scuba Ibiza Diving Centre
The Diving Centre is open all year round, taking advantage of the good climate. The water temperature varies between 14 and 28 degrees Celsius, optimal to dive all year around.
Families in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Villas in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Villas in Ibiza
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Can Kira Villa, San Miguel
Large house with private swimming pool and large terrace areas and exclusive gardens areas. Situated just 19km from the capital of Ibiza (20 minutes by car), and only 350 meters from 2 pretty pebbled creeks.
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Moorish Style Villa, San Miguel
This original Moorish style villa offers four bedroom, all with en-suite bathrooms in the most ideal location. Far from the hectic life of the city, this villa is all about getting away and and relaxing with a drink on the terrace enjoying the sea and sunsets views.
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Modern Villa, San Miguel
The โCan Blancโ house is a private luxury home with 1.200m2 of enclosed land, including a pool and 4 areas where bedrooms are located:
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Can Furnet Villa
Located in the exclusive private urban area of Can Furnet which is in the Santa Eulalia district but actually within easy reach of Ibiza town itself.
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Can Peter Villa
Large luxury villa carefully designed, for rent, located in the area of โโRoca Lisa, Santa Eulalia, Ibiza.
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Rustic Villa
This marvellous authentic country Ibicenco house, decorated in a luxurious Asian style is situated in a privileged area in the Atzarรณ valley close to San Carlos and Santa Eulalia.
Hotels in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
Hotels in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
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Can Gall Hotel
A typical Ibicencan country house (finca), more than 200 years old, situated in the north that has been totally restored whilst retaining its original charm.ย
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Atzaro Agroturismo Hotel, Can Negret
Staying at this luxury Ibiza hotel is like a little piece of heaven. Explore the thirteen-hectare estate with sprawling beautifully manicured gardens and abundant groves of the original orange farm, dine in the elegant restaurants, pamper in the spa and pools, relax in the courtyards, terraces, or pavilions, and stay in unique individual bedrooms laid out like a meandering village around the property.
Campsites in Sant Llorenc de Balafia
How to get to Sant Llorenc de Balafia
North of Ibiza, 7km south of Sant Joan, and easily accessible along the c-733 highway from Ibiza Town to Sant Joan. Sant Llorenc is clearly signposted west off the highway.
The no.20a bus runs here from Ibiza Town.
Transfers for Ibiza
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Ibiza Transfers Airport Transfers
This established local company, based in Sant Miquel, is English-run. They offer fully licensed and insured vehicles for your private transfers from Ibiza airport to resorts all around the island.
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Ibizabus Airport Transfers
With over 25 years of experience on the White Isle, this company offer airport transfers as well as VIP taxi services around the island.