Until Ocean Beach fill up their pool, it’s like an unwritten rule that the rest of Ibiza remains in their winter slumber. With this in mind, it’s kind of pretty crazy that I’ve opted to head to Portinatx for four days before the season begins. If you must know, I needed a little bit of sunshine and to wind down after my manic week in Florida. Of course, I also went to shoot a couple of pre-summer campaigns. When your flight and accommodation cost less than a one-way ticket to London, it’s too good of an offer not to take.

I’m a huge Holiday Pirates convert for a last minute cheap deal. You can see their latest offers here.

Portinatx is located at the top of the island and boasts one of the prettiest beaches in Ibiza. Having only ever been to San Antonio for the great nightlife we were looking forward to just a great relaxing resort.

A small town 40 minutes from the airport. A former fishing Village. Portinatx is catered towards families. As opposed to having a vibrant night scene. With a small waterpark, a firing range for the boys to fire various guns,  and a lighthouse being the focal points of this quaint village. The beaches at Portinatx are critically acclaimed as the best beaches in the whole of Ibiza!

Slowly this sleepy village is awakening from its slumber and with every fresh lick of paint and power wash each building is gradually coming to life for the season ahead.

Self-Catering Del Ray

We stayed in the Apartamentos Del Ray. A far cry from our usual luxury however for this incredibly cheap deal we weren’t too fussed. Mixed reviews on Tripadvisor didn’t put us off, and arriving the owner was very pleasant and evidently cared greatly about his apartments. Admittedly the decor was not to my taste. It was very 70s chic, however, the whole of the hotel was exceptionally clean. Our apartment had all the amenities we required for our short stay and a great sized balcony for evenings winding down before we headed out.

When arriving we opted to just go to the restaurant below the hotel (separately owned)  where we had cocktails (€5) and a bowl of paella (€15.50 each). It is a tradition for the first night of any Spanish Holiday to include a feast on the local speciality.

Admittedly it wasn’t the best paella I’ve had. In fact, it didn’t come close. If you’re wondering, my paella cooked by Omar Alhibhoy at the opening of Tapas Revolution in Newcastle was the best I’ve had.

I’d not rate Restaurant Real too highly, it did have a lovely traditionally Spanish atmosphere though. It probably is an excellent cocktail spot for people watching, when the season is in full swing.

The following morning we headed along the coastline up to the lighthouse which had breathtaking views and is highly recommended. Ibiza has one of the most spectacular coastlines I’ve ever seen so if you’re visiting make sure you take in as much as you can. Head to San Antonio and sit at Cafe Del Mar for the best sunset views and great party atmosphere.

The jewel in Portinatx’s crown

We grabbed a spot of breakfast at Las Enamorados. The poached eggs and avocado (€6.50) and the yoghurt with Las Enamorados muesli (€7) come highly recommended. Breakfast is served from 09:00 – 12:30. Lunch 13:00 – 16:00. Drinks & Bites 16:00 – 19:30 and Dinner 19:30 – 22:00. They also boast a hotel too. Las Enamorados’ veranda is a great viewing platform to watch the small boats coming in and out of the cove.

Just up from Las Enamorados is a spectacular viewing platform with more sensational views. Perfect for that all-important Instagram shot!

Across the bay, from Apartamentos Del Ray is a perfectly positioned beach bar. The Verve Cliquot Orange of the chairs is a real eye-catcher and certainly draws me into any bar. For lunch, we headed up from the golden sands and perfect blue sea to Caballito Del Mar a restaurant and bar where the seating was that infamous orange. Overlooking the beach we enjoyed a crisp bottle of white wine (€15.50) and a tuna baguette (€6.50). The owner, an ex-pat is lovely and welcoming and is extremely knowledgeable about the local area. The Caballito Del Mar comes highly recommended if you’re in Portinaxt.

We had really wanted to try out Zulu after reading rave reviews, however, like the majority of restaurants wasn’t opening until May.

Not for those looking for a party vibe

It is a small and extremely quiet town with only a handful of restaurants and fewer bars. So unless that’s your thing then I’d only recommend a day trip to take in the picturesque beaches.

Portinaxt is reachable via bus from Ibiza town (20A) and costs €2.95 – do make sure you check the times as this bus runs 5 times a day offseason and 6 in the Summer. There’s only one bus on Saturdays and none on Sunday during ‘Winter’. In Summer the bus runs from the bus stop (opposite Del Boy’s & Vincent’s) twice at 10 am and 4 pm on a Saturday and Sunday.

Have you been to Portinatx? Or any other Ibizan resorts? I’d love to know below.

Here are a few more posts about Ibiza you might also enjoy

• Restaurants in Ibiza
• Places and towns to go in Ibiza
• Where’s good to eat in San Antonio
• Our top 5 things to do in Ibiza
• Where to relax in Ibiza
• What to wear in Ibiza
• Sunset Boats: Where’s best to watch the Sunset
• The ultimate boat trip in Ibiza

As always, please pin to help other people plan a trip.