IBIZA - SANTA GERTRUDIS - BAR COSTA

BAR CAN COSTA

For the cheaper pocket, head to Bar Costa in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, a pretty little village in the centre of the island.

There are many restaurants set around the village church in this lovely spot with a vibrant hippy feel. It's a great place to live a few hours away in the interesting little shops, nooks, and crannies.

Most Sundays, there is a church procession, with locals and tourists attending the Sunday service. Everyone is welcome.

There are many interesting shops.

Just off the main square by the village church, you will find Bar Costa, where you can sit outside in the shade, enjoying lunch and a few drinks while watching the world go by.

There is only one thing on the menu here at this famous old village bar: jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Jamón Serrano with maybe some cheese, chorizo and wine thrown in.

The busy bar ceiling is hung heavy with all those fantastic whole Jamones (hams) and Cecina (a speciality of air-dried cured beef).

If you can find a spot in the busy summer months, dine on the bocadillos (toasted flatbread rolls with a dash of olive oil, a gentle rub of fresh tomato and filled with Jamón Serrano (€5.20).

All kinds of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (from €9.40) may be topped with a slice of Manchego cheese).

A cool beer (€2.30), shandy on draft (€2.30), Jarra de cerveza (€3.80), or a glass of house red wine (€1.80), and you are then set.

Medio Abierto Jamón Ibérico (€5)

Vicent Roig Pi acquired the bar in 1963 and was the one to put it on the map. When hippies flooded the town in the 1970s, Vicent quickly befriended many of them. One day, Chilean artist Andrés Monreal proposed paying for his drinks with his paintings, and Vicent happily agreed.

The inside walls are covered with many paintings, sculptures, and artefacts, which were once paid for in lieu of food and drink by similar, struggling local artists, but most never reclaimed them!

Although it looks small from the outside, the bar-restaurant is quite cavernous inside. Its rustic style is great for cold winter evenings.

Art and Jamón are everywhere.

Grab one of the low outside wooden tables and get set for an hour or so of people-watching.

Ibicencan specialities, like sobrasada (soft-spreading chorizo) or mojama (salted tuna), are available. We had quick and friendly service for local food at local prices, and you can get away with 10€ pp.