San José is Ibiza’s largest municipality and one of its most visited as it has some of the most famous beaches on the island. To the east it extends as far as Playa den Bossa, a beach which it shares with the municipality of Ibiza while to the west it takes in Cala de Bou and the San Antonio Bay. Its capital, San José or Sant Josep de sa Talaia as you will see it written on signposts is a small town which still holds its traditional Ibizan charm.
How to get to San José
San José is an inland town, located in the southeast of the island, inland. It is very easy to get there from Ibiza or San Antonio the roads from both places go straight through the town so all you must do is follow the signs. If you don’t have your own transport and want to go by bus, take the línea 8 route: Ibiza – San José – San Antonio. There is also a night bus the DN08 which connects San Antonio – Cala de Bou – San José – Sant Jordi – Ibiza.
What to see in San José
Despite being the municipality’s capital, San José is still a small and peaceful town which seems to be rooted in the past. While there is neither a beach nor the scenic beauty of other places on the island nor even monuments or museums, you will find interesting options to visit around the main street: the town Hall, a few bars and shops and a beautiful 18th century church, representative of traditional Ibizan architecture.
- Concerts and cultural events are held in the town square. The most important is the celebration of the local feast day, 19th of March. These fiestas de San José are well known locally, the highlight being popular “Flower Power” party which fills the entire town with a colourful hippy atmosphere and music and vibes from the era.
- It is worth going up to Sa Talaia, at just 475 metres it is the highest point on the Pitiusas and can be reached on foot from the town.
- The municipality of San José is also home to Ibiza’s two natural Parks: Las Salinas and the natural reserves of Es Vedrà, Es Vedranell and the islets “Poniente”. This means the area affords ample options for day trips. In addition to the capital San José, the municipality’s other villages, Sant Jordi, San Agustín, Es Cubells and Sant Francesc are all picturesque and have lovely Ibizan style churches.
- In San José you can find the best beaches of Ibiza: Salinas, Es Cavallet, Sa Caleta, Cala Jondal, Cala d’Hort...etc.
- Other tourist attractions in the municiality are without a doubt its defence towers, situated in spectacular locations facing the sea.
Where to eat or drink in San José
The town of San José is full of charming tapas bars and restaurants. Perfect for dining. having a drink and unwinding.
- One of the most popular is the Racó Verd, opposite the church, which has a large terrace often with live music.
- Just next door is one of the oldest bars on the island, Can Bernat Vinya, 150 years old with a spacious terrace.
- Right in church square there are other bars like Can Llorenç, ideal for breakfast or for a snack or tapa at any time of the day at a reasonable price.
