The timeless rural village of Es Cubells, hidden in the southwest of the island, is the perfect place to discover Ibiza’s traditional charms.

In what seems like a world away from the glitz and glamour of the island’s party hotspots, the rustic village is proudly authentic and displays its quaint, Mediterranean architecture like a badge of honour. Being home to less than a thousand inhabitants, the village’s centrepiece is the church, named after Mare de Déu del Carme, the patron saint of sailors. Every year on 16 July the village celebrates the patron saint with a procession from the church to the sea in honour of the unique connection between the village and coastline.

Es Cubells’ stunning location, perched on a dramatic cliff edge, promises spectacular views over Formentera. Enshrined in the rugged, natural geography of the area it is shielded from modernisation and development, ensuring the authenticity of this rural beauty spot is preserved for its visitors.

Regardless of being located on a precarious cliff, Es Cubells offers one of the most beautiful and inviting coastlines on the island. A winding cliff road from the village transports sun seekers to miles of uncrowded and unspoilt beaches. Sitting directly beneath the church, high on the cliffside, Es Cubells beach, with its gloriously white pebbles, offers a tranquillity and privacy unheard of in the main tourist resorts. Further along the cliff road is Ses Boques beach, which is also home to a popular local restaurant, offering traditional Mediterranean dishes with ingredients often caught by the local fishermen along the coast at Cala Llentrisca.

In the heart of the peaceful village, two restaurants popular with locals and visitors offer heart-warming classics and local specialities. The village’s popular pastime of archery can be experienced at the small sports arena where locals congregate and compete on warm summer evenings.