Heading out north west on the main road from Ibiza to San Antonio, after 7km, lies the small village of San Rafael. This small place has been made famous as it is home to the world's largest nightclub, Privilege.
As a village it's pretty small with just a few restaurants, a church and some great views looking back over Eivissa and the bay. It does have the only official Artisan Zone on the island as it has become famous for its roadside ceramic and pottery workshops. Although this description does make it sounds better than it looks...it's not a pretty town! The old town around the church is lovely but rather small and the main drag doesn't give away the instant picture of an artistic village...however if you stop and search you should not be disappointed.
History & Culture in San Rafael
This small town has been declared a 'place of special interest' due to its innovative and skilled craftsmen and women.
There have been plans to renovate and refurbish this town in order to make it similar to the pretty towns of Santa Gertrudis and San Carlos, however, the Ibizan Council claims that money is short and such plans have not come to fruition yet. It would be a wonderful town to visit if the managed to upgrade and improve the surroundings as there are plenty of nice eateries, cafes and art if you take the time to search them out.
Sights & Attractions in San Rafael
Apart from the ceramic and pottery studios and shops in the centre of the town, the San Rafael church is a wonderful sight. Slightly different to many of the Ibizan churches it's exterior has a touch of Moorish design about it. Set upon a hill the views back over to Ibiza Town are great, especially at dusk as you can sit and watch the lights of the town slowly begin to illuminate from a distance.
Dining in San Rafael
There are several nice restaurants in San Rafael that are worth the journey there. One in particular is a first on the White Isle, an organic, raw and 100% cruelty free cafe called The Rabbit Hole, read our review of it here.
On your way out of San Rafael towards Ibiza Town lies the rustic and romantic Las Dos Lunas which offers a Mediterranean and Italian influenced menu. The oasis that is El Ayoun is another romantic and rather different restaurant that offers you secluded dining in an Arabian and Moroccan style.
Nightlife in San Rafael
This small town between San Antonio and Ibiza town plays host to three of Ibiza's best known clubs, so if you are here for the music then this is THE place to visit.
Famous for the world's largest super club, Privilege, this club will knock your socks off...not only with its state of the art music sound system which pumps the eats out loud, but with the aerial shows, dance displays and with the shear volume of people that you will dancing with...some 10,000 people! A similar night club but at half the size, Amnesia has won the award for Best Global Club three years running...it will be hard to find a reason not to go here!
Or if super clubs are not your thing then why not try the Underground Club...you won't know who is DJing until you get there and with its much smaller interior and free entry it is a stark contrast to the other two giants!
Hotels in San Rafael
The town of San Rafael itself is not a popular destonation for tourists outside of the clubbing scene and certainly does not house the best hotels, however in the surrounding countryside you will find several rural finca's and agroturisme resort, including the rustic Can Lluc Boutique Country Hotel.
