JOHN THE BAPTIST IBIZA

Sant Joan de Labritja (San Juan Bautista or St John the Baptist in English) lies in one of Ibiza's most beautiful valleys, formed between the high peaks of the Serra de la Mala Costa, to the south, and, to the north, hills which slope down to cliffs above remote bays such as Cala de Serra and Port de Ses Caletes. The high point of the southern hills, Es Fornas, is, at 410m, the third highest Ibizan peak. A dirt track leads up to the peak from the road that links Sant Joan to Sant Vlcen. It is a difficult drive and caution is needed, but the reward is a magnificent view over Ibiza's wild northeastern corner, and southwards across the island towards Eivissa.

For such a small town little more than a village Sant Joan has a surprising number of banks, perhaps reflecting its position as the chief town of one of Ibiza's administrative districts. The regional headquarters - the Ajuntament is a lovely building. Opposite there is a quaint, and very unusual, terrace of balconied houses. The village highlight is the colonnaded 18th century church with its distinctive bell tower and tiled cupola. The church courtyard has been extended to include a raised square reached by steps.