SANTA GERTRUDIS DE FRUITERA IBIZA

Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera (its name derives from the local area's history of fruit growing) has a strong claim to lying at the centre of Ibiza, the point furthest from the sea. That fact has not stopped some recent development, however, though the old village remains a very pleasant place, retaining the peace and slow tempo of life of the surrounding countryside. In the airy Placa de la Iglesia stands the church, a square-cut, somewhat severe, 18th-century building with a distinctive yellow bell gable Santa Gertrudis' position has made it popular with artists and expatriates who favor living in rural Ibiza . As a result, the village shops and bars are well worth visiting. The Bar Costa is one of the most delightful of all Ibizan bars, with hams hanging from the ceiling It claims to hold the record for sales of bocadillos (the typical Spanish sandwich) at over 500 in a day and is also an art gallery in its own right, the owner having, in time-honored tradition, accepted paintings for drinks from penniless artists over the years.

There are several craft and antique shops ideal for browsing In the church square, while just outside the village on the road to Sant Mateu is Libro Azul, a bookshop and picture gallery.