A Convertible Day Across Ibiza: Santa Eulària, the North Road and a Sant Antoni Sunset
This route starts at a hotel forecourt in Santa Eulària des Riu and ends on the west coast at sunset. It works best in a convertible or a lighter sports car, because the inland roads are narrow and winding. Ibiza is small (572 km²), so no leg is long. The day is about pacing, light and a return you have already planned.
Behind the wheel
- 01
Morning handover at Santa Eulària
Take the car at the hotel forecourt or the villa gate. Don't rush the handover. Go through the day's route with the team, then read the deposit and insurance terms before you drive off. Agree where and when the car comes back, whether that is the same forecourt, the airport (7 km from Ibiza Town) or a villa. Check the roof and the luggage space while the car is still stationary.
- 02
PM-810 north to Sant Joan and Portinatx
Head up through pine forest and past old fincas, with Sant Joan de Labritja about 25 km north. The road narrows and the verges are tight, so keep the speed modest and the roof down. On a Saturday, stop at the Las Dalias market. Park early, as spaces fill from late morning in summer. Portinatx makes a good turning point for coffee before you head back south.
- 03
Midday at Cala Bassa
Cala Bassa is on the west coast, about 12 km from Sant Antoni. Between June and September the car park fills quickly, so arrive before the lunchtime rush or plan a later swim. Leave bags out of sight and put the roof up before you walk to the beach. If you would rather not drive the inland roads in the afternoon heat, a chauffeur-ready option can take over the driving here.
- 04
Late afternoon at Cala d'Hort and Es Vedrà
Take the PM-803 south-west from Sant Josep. Es Vedrà rises 382 m from the sea, and the evening light suits it better than the middle of the day. The road is narrow and passing places are short, so a compact sports car or convertible is easier here than a large SUV. Check the car's mirrors and low-speed clearance before you park near the cala.
- 05
Sunset in Sant Antoni and the return
Drive to Sant Antoni de Portmany, about 14 km west of Ibiza Town, for the sunset near Café del Mar. Arrive early, because the waterfront is busy at dusk. After dark, take the main roads back rather than the inland tracks. Return the car at the time and place you agreed that morning. Do it in daylight if you can, so the handback inspection is straightforward and your deposit is not delayed by an avoidable question.
About Ibiza
Ibiza covers just 572 km², so most journeys take 20 to 30 minutes at most, and the car you choose has less to do with distance than with the roads you will actually use. Ibiza Airport is 7 km from town, Sant Antoni de Portmany is 14 km west and Santa Eulària des Riu is 15 km north-east, which makes short, frequent hops the norm. Inland roads are mostly narrow and winding, and finca access tracks are awkward for anything large. Anyone renting a luxury car in Ibiza should therefore start with the plan for the week. A convertible suits north-island market days and sunset runs toward Sant Antoni. A Maybach S580 or another executive saloon suits airport and harbour transfers. A five-seat car such as the Audi RS6 or Mercedes G63 covers a group heading to Ses Salines. The Ferrari 296 GTB, Porsche GT4 RS and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato are two-seaters, so check the seat count against your party before you fall for the badge.
The second decision is where the car meets you, because that shapes how the first hours of the stay feel. Handover points on the island include the Ibiza Town port area, the airport and Santa Eulària. Superyacht guests can have a car waiting in the centre of town when the tender comes in, and Terminal 1 arrivals are the point to plan around in July and August, when advance vehicle placement matters. One boundary to settle early: a rental car stays on Ibiza, so Formentera is a ferry-only crossing from the Ibiza Town port. Ask about the security deposit, insurance options and return arrangements before you confirm, so the details are agreed before the keys change hands. For longer stays in May or October, when the roads are quieter, the same briefing covers a weekly rental just as well.