Gastronomic cycling tourism in Ibiza
Day 1: Local produce markets in Ibiza Town
Start your route in the vibrant city of Ibiza, where the local markets offer a veritable explosion of flavours and aromas.
Cycle through the streets until you reach the Mercat Nou in the Eixample area. This market is known for its fresh, high quality produce. The market first opened in 1978 and browsing its stalls is a delight for the senses: you'll find fresh, local produce such as fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and products made in Ibiza, such as peix sec (dried fish) and Ibizan herbs. Most of the products are grown or produced on the island itself, which is a guarantee of quality. But the best thing is the personal service and the opportunity to chat while tasting the best of Ibizan local food.
This market is open from Monday to Saturday mornings, until 2 pm.
But the pleasure does not end here. Continue towards the Mercat Pagès, in Vicent Serra i Orvay street. This is an excellent place to taste the most authentic flavours of the countryside. You will find fresh, seasonal and local products, which vary according to the time of year.
In the open air in the heart of Ibiza town, this market, smaller than the Mercat Nou, sells fruit and vegetables brought directly from the fields, without middlemen, as well as local variants of various products. It is the perfect place to relive genuine flavours of childhood.
The opening hours of the Mercat Pagès are the same as those of the Mercat Nou: Monday to Saturday mornings, until 2 pm.
Finally, we will visit the Mercat Vell in the area of La Marina. Like the Mercat Nou and the Mercat Pagès, the stalls are open every day of the week, in the morning, except on Sundays, offering a wide variety of fresh and local products.
The Mercat Vell is located in the Portal de ses Taules, at the foot of the grand entrance to the fortification of Dalt Vila, in the historic centre of Ibiza. It is housed in a building in the form of a Greek pavilion built in 1872, on the very spot where, centuries ago, the island's peasants would arrive in carts and on horseback to sell produce from their farms. It continues to embrace the tradition of the land and the island's traditional craftsmanship.
Moreover, it is in a pedestrian area, which gives freedom movement and a chance to have a drink in one of the most cosmopolitan terraces of the city. However, the atmosphere is laid back, ideal for strolling around the stalls and enjoying the smells and flavours of the island, looking at the flower stalls, tasting organic handmade products, pickles and other local products.
Day 2: Sant Antoni de Portmany
Our second day takes us on a sustainable visit to the markets in the lively town of Sant Antoni de Portmany.
The route starts at the Mercat Pagès, open all year round from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm at Carrer Madrid 12. This small yet cosy market has four stalls selling fresh, high quality produce. It is probably the smallest in the municipality, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality.
The four stalls stand in Calle Madrid, on the corner with Calle Vara de Rey, not far from the Ses Variades area and its famous sunsets. The owners of each stall sell produce from their own farms, offering a wide variety of high quality, seasonal products. This is an excellent opportunity to taste local produce and discover why they have such a good reputation.
We will also visit the Mercat de Sa Cooperativa, a new local farmer's market with locally produced and organic products, next to the Agricultural Cooperative at the beginning of Camí de Sa Vorera, open on Fridays from 9.00 am to 14.00 am.
This market opened in the summer of 2020 with the aim of encouraging the community to consume more products from local farmers and producers. Here you will find local, zero-kilometre and organic farm produce, as well as products made or processed on the island.
It is organised by the San Antonio Agricultural Cooperative, which was founded in 1951, in collaboration with the town council.
Day 3: Sant Rafel Market
Start your sustainable adventure in Sant Antoni, where you have already explored the local markets. This time, cycle towards Sant Rafel, enjoying the picturesque scenery along the way. The approximately nine-kilometre route will take you through quiet country lanes and the comforting tranquillity of the Ibizan countryside.
When you arrive in Sant Rafel, you will see the Muestra Artesanal, which is held every Thursday afternoon from June to September. This market is held in the car park next to the Social Centre, with easy access and bicycle parking.
There is a wide range of products to enjoy: from fresh, local products from the Ibizan countryside to an incredible variety of artisan and artistic creations. You'll find plenty of ceramics, with works by renowned ceramists who have made Sant Rafel a centre of artisan interest.
In addition, the exhibition is enriched with live performances by a variety of groups and artists, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 4: Forada Market
Today you'll visit Mercat de Forada. This market is held every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and is known for its local produce such as fruit, vegetables, oil, honey, wine and nuts. It also has a wide range of handmade and organic products, including food, cosmetics and decorative items.
Leave Sant Antoni and take the road to Santa Inés, passing through the picturesque Ibizan countryside. The route is approximately 10 kilometres long and offers enchanting views of the island's countryside. Be sure to bring water and sun protection for the road.
When you reach Forada, you will find the market on an esplanade alongside the Can Tixedó bar. The atmosphere is vibrant and features an eclectic mix of rural society in Ibiza, with traditional farmers and artisans keeping the hippie spirit alive.
The Cooperativa Integral d'Eivissa actively participates in the market and accepts the local social currency, the ECO. Don't miss the opportunity to try a delicious vegetarian paella lunch made with local products at affordable prices. The market also hosts live music performances and children's workshops, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 5: Santa Eulària des Riu
We continue our sustainable tour of Ibiza's markets and arrive in Santa Eulària des Riu, a beautiful town with a traditional market full of life. Cycle to Calle del Sol, where the Santa Eulària Market is located, a must for lovers of local gastronomy.
The market is open every weekday morning except Sunday, and sells a wide variety of top quality fresh produce. From fruit and vegetables grown on the island, to freshly caught meat and fish. Explore and enjoy the true essence of Ibizan cuisine.
The atmosphere of the market is vibrant, welcoming and reflects Ibiza's rich gastronomic culture. In addition to fresh produce, you will find a selection of artisan and local products, such as cheeses, oils, honey and wines, which perfectly complement Ibiza's gastronomy.
After exploring the market, we recommend you explore the charming town of Santa Eulària des Riu. With its promenade, quiet beaches and relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal place to unwind after a morning of shopping and indulge in a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea.
Day 6: Sant Josep de Sa Talaia
Our cycling route through Ibiza culminates in the charming village of Sant Josep de sa Talaia and a visit to farmers' market open every Saturday from April to October, from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. Take this opportunity to sample fresh, local produce, providing the perfect finishing touch to your gastronomic adventure.
Explore the diversity of local produce on offer at this market, from fresh fruit and vegetables to unique handmade products on around 40 artisan stalls. It is an excellent opportunity to get to know the culture and crafts of Ibiza while enjoying the lively, colourful atmosphere of the market.
After visiting the market, we recommend a stroll through the picturesque streets of Sant Josep to enjoy the tranquillity and authenticity of this white Ibizan village. The municipality has a mountainous landscape whose highest peak, Sa Talaia, which soars to 475 metres and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Sant Josep is an ideal place for those looking to explore a different side of Ibiza, away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Its authentic, cultural atmosphere is perfect for enjoying the tranquillity of the island while admiring its natural landscapes and discovering its rich historical remains.