Santa Gertrudis
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera: snapshots of the Ibicenco heartland with a cosmopolitan air
The town of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera is located in the geographical centre of the island, a crossroads between north and south and east and west that has marked its current personality, characterized by a pleasant cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its restaurants, cafés and boutiques attract travellers and locals all year round, although it is the summer nights when it is most lively.
Until the 1960s, the urban centre of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera covered little more than the space around its church and the square, where at that time there were only the cemetery, a dozen homes, the Bar Costa and the grocery store that served as a tobacconist and post office. As in the rest of Ibiza, the locals lived scattered throughout the surrounding farms, dedicated to agricultural cultivation and raising sheep and pigs. That is why in the area you will find traditional cuisine restaurants, as well as local companies that sell Ibiza sausages and cheeses.
What to see in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
The heart of the town is the church of Santa Gertrudis, completed in 1797 and whose main uniqueness lies in its albero-colored cattail, the largest of those in Ibiza. Inside, in the presbytery, the 18th century wooden altarpiece stands out, and next to the main façade, a sculpture signed by the Ibizan artist Pedro Hormigo awaits that represents Manuel Abad y Lasierra, the first bishop of Ibiza. After visiting it, we recommend that you take a walk around the pedestrian plaza and sit on one of its terraces to enjoy the relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere of this charming town.
Just over a kilometre away, you will find the Pou de Gatzara, an old well whose origin is estimated to be in the 17th century, since at that time there was already a family known by that name. . This enclave is considered the geographical centre of the island, and the hiking route No. 8 passes through it.
What to do in Santa Gertrudis
During the summer, the Santa Gertrudis craft market is held in the center of town, where you can buy fashion, accessories, jewellery, and leather and wood work made by artisans and artists based on the island. This event is organized on Fridays from June to September, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
If you are looking for a more active plan, Santa Gertrudis and the surrounding area has cycle touring routes no. 12 and hiking routes no. 5 and 8, as well as route no. 14 (Gran Ruta), suitable for both options.
Artists, Artisans and Lovers of Tranquillity
Many of the hippies and artists who arrived in Ibiza in the 1970s found their way to Santa Gertrudis. They dwelt in rural farmhouses and congregated in the mythical Bar Costa, where they both socialized and sold their paintings, which were displayed on the walls in hopes of attracting buyers. Today, the interior of the venue continues to be decorated with this artwork, which, on occasion, had to be given as payment to settle a tab.
Santa Gertrudis, along with Sant Carles de Peralta, ended up becoming one of the preferred stops for creative travellers, a peregrination which left a distinct legacy on both the inhabitants of the village and its atmosphere. Today, dotted round the square and the church, you will find sophisticated restaurants, boutiques, décor shops and cafés as well as lively entertainments throughout the summer and on holidays in the winter. Without a doubt, Santa Gertrudis has become one of the key villages to visit in Ibiza.
Calendar dates for Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
- Santa Gertrudis Folklore Festival: Held on the last Saturday in June, this interesting event features national and international folk dancing. It is organized by the local folk dancing group, Colla de Ball Pagès de Santa Gertrudis, and allows spectators to discover the singularity of Ibiza’s traditional dance and music.
- Ballada de Pou at Pou d’en Gatzara: Every first Saturday in October, the traditional ballada de pou (or well dance) is held. In addition to performances of ball pagès (folk dancing), you also have the opportunity to sample traditional island foods.
- Patron Saint Feast Day of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera: The most important festivity in honour of Santa Gertrudis is celebrated every year on 16th November.
