Sant Carles de Peralta

The rural parish that welcomed the hippies

Sant Carles is the birthplace of the hippy movement that swept across the island of Ibiza in the 1960s. In those days, the village was simply a rural parish that served as a meeting point for residents scattered across the valley and hills of the area. Situated in the north-east of the island, it is surrounded by beautiful rural and coastal landscapes, although it is best known for hosting the Las Dalias market, the second oldest on the island.

What to see in Sant Carles

Sant Carles, like most of the parishes in the island’s interior, emerged in the late 18th century following the construction of its church, which is notable for having one of the island’s most striking colonnaded porches. As well as the church of Sant Carles, a visit to Ca n’Andre des Trull is highly recommended; this 300-year-old farmhouse offers an insight into the self-sufficient way of life of Ibizan society before the arrival of tourism.

And if you fancy a spot of shopping or want to explore one of the sites from Ibiza’s hippy past, don’t forget to visit the Las Dalias market, which has different opening times and days depending on the time of year. You can round off this day out with a swim at one of the lovely beaches in the area, such as Cala Llenya, Cala Boix, Cala Mastella or Es Figueral.

A suggestion? If you like classical music, visit Sant Carles at the end of August during the Ibiza International Music Festival and Piano Competition, an event held every two years inside the church of Sant Carles.