Exploring the Wild Side of Ibiza on Mountain Bike!

🌿🚴‍♀️ Spring Cycling Adventure in Ibiza’s Wild North 🚴‍♀️🌿

It’s springtime, and while most people think of Ibiza as a party island full of clubs and beaches, I wanted to explore a completely different side of it — the quiet, rugged north. Based in the little bohemian village of Sant Joan de Labritja, I set out on my mountain bike to discover forested hills, rocky trails, hidden coves, and wild coastal paths far away from the usual tourist crowds.

After fueling up at my favorite café in Sant Joan (a massive half chicken with potatoes — definitely the right choice before a ride like this!), I climbed out of the village and into the Es Amunts region. This protected area is one of Ibiza’s most untouched landscapes: steep pine-covered hills, rugged terrain, and trails that really test your legs and skills.

The ride quickly turned adventurous. Rocky singletrack, forest paths, and wide fire roads led me towards the northern coastline. Along the way, I passed the beautiful Cala d’en Serra, tucked away in a small bay. I may have pushed my limits a little too far here, taking a tumble on a rough descent — no injuries, just a bruised ego and a short hike-a-bike moment. That’s mountain biking for you: equal parts challenge and reward.

From there, I continued west toward Portinatx, a small coastal town famous for its beaches. An ice cream stop gave me a second wind before I rolled along a scenic coastal road to Cala Xarraca, where the real adventure began again. Leaving the tarmac, I entered the Espai Protegit Xarxa Natura 2000 Xarraca, a protected natural park filled with cliffside trails and sweeping sea views. This stretch was one of the highlights of the day — just me, the bike, and nature, with only hikers and fellow cyclists for company. The climbs were brutal: loose rocks, steep gradients, and the kind of effort that makes your legs burn. But every climb gave way to a stunning view or a flowing descent through the forest. Eventually, I reached Cala Benirràs, famous for its sunsets and hippie drum circles. This marked the westernmost point of my ride. From there, I turned inland, leaving the coast behind and taking on one final round of climbs and descents through pine forests before rolling back into Sant Joan.

In total, the ride was around 30 kilometers with nearly 800 meters of climbing — short in distance, but packed with technical trails, steep climbs, and plenty of scenic stops. By the time I got back, I was tired, dusty, and completely satisfied. Ibiza’s north is truly a cyclist’s paradise if you’re looking for something different from the typical island holiday.

⸻ ✨ Highlights of this Ibiza MTB Ride ✨
• Starting in the bohemian village of Sant Joan
• Rocky climbs and forest trails in Es Amunts
• A dramatic descent to Cala d’en Serra (and a small crash!)
• Ice cream break in Portinatx
• Riding through the protected Natura 2000 park
• Epic coastal views on the trail to Cala Benirràs
• Flowing descents and pine forest singletrack
• 30 km ride | 800 m climbing | Pure Ibiza adventure

⸻ 💡 Why Cycle in Ibiza?
Most people don’t realize that Ibiza has incredible cycling terrain beyond the beaches and nightlife. The north is especially good for mountain biking thanks to its rugged landscapes, dense pine forests, and quiet roads. You can ride through nature reserves, discover hidden coves, and push your limits on technical trails — all while soaking up the island’s Mediterranean beauty. If you’re planning a cycling trip to Ibiza, bring your mountain bike (or rent one locally) and prepare for steep climbs, loose rocks, and plenty of rewarding descents. Spring is a perfect time to ride — the weather is cooler, the trails are quiet, and the island feels fresh and alive.

⸻ 📍 Route Details
• Start/Finish: Sant Joan de Labritja
• Distance: ~30 km • Elevation Gain: ~800 m
• Terrain: Rocky singletrack, pine forest paths, fire roads, short sections of tarmac
• Key Stops: Cala d’en Serra, Portinatx, Cala Xarraca, Cala Benirràs