SAN MATEO IBIZA

As with the nearby village of Santa Agnes  Sant Mateu d'Aubarca (San Mateo) lies in the upland region of Es Amunts and is similarly sandwiched between high peaks. The village consists of little more than a church and its square set on a hilltop, but it is wonderfully picturesque. The surrounding hills are clothed in pines, though close to the village there is fertile farmland where sheep and goats graze. The church was built in the 18th century and has a fine gallery. Two homely touches are the local children's model of the village and the birds nesting in the roof of the entrance porch.

From the village, close to the church, a forest track heads north towards the sea, deteriorating as it nears Cap des Mossons and the magnificent Cala d'Aubarca some 4km (2 miles away).

Cala d'Aubarca is regarded by many as the most beautiful spot on the northern coast and is certainly one of the quietest and most spectacular. If you are visiting by car, leave your vehicle well short of the cliff edge, which is unstable. Be prepared for a steep scramble down to the beach