A timeless landscape of vineyards and cliffs
Like the neighbouring rural parish of Santa Agnès, Sant Mateu is an excellent example of a settlement scattered amongst rural estates. Its church, like the other churches built in the late 18th century on the orders of the Bishop of Ibiza, Manuel Abad, was constructed with the aim of providing religious services to the area. The valley in which it lies, the Pla d’Albarca, borders the foothills of the Es Amunt mountain range and is notable for its vineyards, its traditional farmhouses and for being one of the least altered landscapes in Ibiza and in Sant Antoni, the municipality to which it belongs.
What to see in Sant Mateu d’Albarca?
The church of San Mateo, the community centre – whose contemporary architecture draws inspiration from traditional Ibizan styles – and several farmhouses, two of which have been converted into restaurants, form the heart of Sant Mateu. As well as visiting the church, the wine and the rugged coastline are the hallmarks of this area, a real treat for lovers of nature and tranquillity. You can visit its two wineries open to the public, Ojo de Ibiza and Can Maymó; and go on lovely walks, such as those leading to the archaeological site of Ses Torres d’en Lluc and its incredible views, or to the cliffs of Cala d’Albarca.
A suggestion? Include Sant Mateu in a tour of rural Ibiza with stops at Santa Agnés, Sant Miquel, Sant Llorenç and Santa Gertrudis.
