Farmacia Manzano. Farmacia en Sant Antoni de Portmany.

Farmacia Manzano is a cornerstone of the healthcare community in Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio), Ibiza. Located strategically at Carrer d'Alacant, 27, this pharmacy serves as a vital resource for both the local Ibicenco population and the thousands of international tourists who visit the island's west coast annually. The pharmacy is situated in a highly accessible area, within walking distance of the main bus station (Estació d'Autobusos de Sant Antoni), the bustling West End, and several major hotels such as the Amàre Beach Hotel and various apartments near the Sunset Strip. This makes it an ideal stop for travelers who may have forgotten essential medication or require immediate health advice upon arrival.

One of the most significant advantages of Farmacia Manzano for international visitors is the presence of English-speaking pharmacists. Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting, but the staff here are well-versed in assisting tourists with a wide range of needs, from translating Spanish medication names to explaining dosage instructions in clear English. This level of service is particularly crucial during the high season when the demographic of Sant Antoni shifts heavily toward British and European tourists. Whether you are dealing with a severe sunburn, a jellyfish sting, or a more complex chronic condition requiring a prescription refill, the professional team at Manzano provides a bridge between Spanish medical protocols and international expectations.

Regarding hours of operation, Farmacia Manzano maintains a consistent schedule from Monday to Friday (9:00 AM to 8:30 PM) and Saturday mornings (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM). While the pharmacy itself is not a 24-hour facility, it operates within the strict Spanish 'Farmacia de Guardia' (Duty Pharmacy) system. In Spain, pharmacies rotate the responsibility of providing 24-hour emergency service. When Farmacia Manzano is closed, they prominently display a calendar or digital screen in their window indicating which nearby pharmacy is currently on 'guardia' duty. This ensures that even in the middle of the night, residents and tourists in San Antonio have access to life-saving medications.

The prescription fulfillment process at Farmacia Manzano is streamlined but adheres strictly to Spanish law. For European Union citizens, the pharmacy can often process prescriptions that meet the 'Cross-border healthcare' requirements, provided the prescription includes the patient's full details, the generic name of the drug, and the doctor's credentials. For non-EU tourists (such as those from the UK, USA, or Australia), the process can be more complex. While some private prescriptions may be honored at the pharmacist's discretion based on the medication type, many tourists find it easier to visit a local 'Centro de Salud' or a private clinic in San Antonio to have their home-country prescription transcribed into a Spanish format. The staff at Manzano are excellent at directing tourists to the nearest medical center for this purpose.

Beyond prescriptions, the pharmacy stocks an extensive range of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This includes common remedies for 'Ibiza-specific' ailments such as hydration salts for heat exhaustion, travel sickness pills for those taking the ferry to Formentera, and high-quality sun protection. Their inventory is notably comprehensive, featuring premium European dermocosmetic brands like La Roche-Posay, Avène, and Isdin, which are often sought after by tourists for their superior quality compared to supermarket brands. They also provide a robust selection of baby care products, including specialized formulas and hypoallergenic skincare, which is a relief for families traveling with infants.

For those concerned with current health protocols, Farmacia Manzano offers rapid antigen tests (test de antígenos) for COVID-19, which can be purchased for home use. They also provide basic diagnostic services on-site, such as blood pressure monitoring and weight checks. The pharmacy is equipped with modern facilities to handle minor wound care, offering advice on dressings and antiseptics for scrapes or minor injuries sustained during outdoor activities.

Accessibility is another key feature of this location. The pharmacy is wheelchair accessible, and while street parking in the center of San Antonio can be challenging during peak hours, there are several public parking lots nearby. Its proximity to the harbor also makes it convenient for those arriving by boat. Payment is straightforward; unlike many smaller inland pharmacies, Farmacia Manzano is fully equipped to handle modern payment methods. They accept major international credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, though it is always advisable to carry a small amount of cash for very low-value transactions (under 5 euros) to help the merchant avoid high transaction fees.

In summary, Farmacia Manzano represents the best of Ibizan pharmaceutical care. It combines the traditional role of a community apothecary with the modern, multilingual service required by a global tourist destination. Their commitment to professional counseling, combined with their extensive stock of international health products, ensures that any health-related hiccup during your Ibiza holiday is handled with expertise and care.