Ibiza is a guaranteed good time. Also known as the White Isle, Ibiza is the most famous of the Balearic Island. The island is located off the coast of Spain and has a reputation of being a glitzy and expensive party destination. That’s not entirely wrong, as eager party-goers flood the streets after sunset. But there’s a lot more to the island than just its nightlife.
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to sandy beaches, this dreamy Mediterranean island can also provide its visitors with a restful and peaceful vacation. Explore historic castles, shop at hippie markets, enjoying thrilling water sports, and swim in crystal clear waters.
Ibiza first became popular in the 60s, when the hippie movement brought crowds of young people to the island to enjoy its beautiful weather and delight in its party scene. Having just ticked Ibiza off my travel bucket-list this summer, I now understand what drew the hippies to this slice of paradise. Plan your Ibiza trip now with my list of the best things to do in Ibiza.
1. Dance the night away
Coming in at number one is, of course, experiencing the nightlife. The island is home to smaller vibrant bars, beach clubs and huge nightclubs, called superclubs, that can accommodate several thousands of people. These clubs regularly host famous DJs such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta and Martin Garrix.
Some of the most popular clubs include Amnesia, Hï Ibiza, Pacha, Eden and Ushuaïa. Although clubs are scattered across the island, most of them can be found along Playa d’en Bossa, a beach south of Ibiza Town.
If you’re not accustomed to Spanish nightlife, the Ibiza party scene may seem quite extreme. Many party-goers don’t arrive at the club until 2am, and most of the popular clubs stay open until 6am. Theft is also quite common so be very careful with your things. Superclubs typically charge an expensive cover, often upwards of 40 euros, but you may be able to save some money by buying tickets in advance.
2. Sunbathe at Cala Comte
There are lots of beautiful beaches in Ibiza, but Cala Comte has gained the reputation of being one of the most beautiful. The beach boasts crystal clear water, soft white sand and stunning views of the surrounding islands. While one area of the beach features a rocky shoreline and a private cove, another area is home to soft sand dunes and shallow water, perfect for families with children.
Cala Comte is considered one of the best places to see the sunset. Have a sunset picnic or dine at one of the beachfront restaurants or beach bars. Only a 15-minute drive from San Antonio, the second-largest town in Ibiza, Cala Comte can be reached by taxi, ferry or bus.
3. Take a day trip to Formentera
The island of Formentera is located south of Ibiza. It’s the smallest of the Balearic Islands and a popular day trip from Ibiza, as it is only a 20-minute ferry away. While Ibiza is lively and vibrant, Formentera is a sleepy and relaxing. There are pristine beaches, small towns, hippie markets and beach bars.
One of the island’s most popular beaches, called Ses Illetes Beach, was ranked one of the best beaches in Europe. It sits on a peninsula in the Ses Salines Natural Park, located between Ibiza and Formentera.
The island is mostly flat, so it’s easy to with a rental bike. Home to lots of beautiful hotels, Formentera can also be a weekend trip.
4. Explore Dalt Vila
Dalt Vila is a fortified old quarter in the island’s capital, Ibiza Town. A castle, called Castell de Eivissa, sits at the top of Dalt Vila overlooking the Mediterranean. Portions of the castle are available to tour. Visitors can also tour the bastions of the old city to learn more about military technology dating back to the 16th century.
Necropolis Puig des Molins sits just outside the fortress. This is an ancient cemetery with more than 4,000 tombs. Visitors can tour burial caves and tour a corresponding museum. Ibiza Cathedral is another historic attraction. This gothic structure is located close to Dalt Vila’s highest point and boasts amazing views of the old town. To learn more about the Ibiza’s old town and its many attractions, take a guided walking tour, such as this one.
Those less interested in history can explore Dalt Vila’s narrow cobblestone streets, which are lined with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, cafes and bars. During my visit, I explore Ibiza Town in the evening and went out for dinner at El Olivo Mio, a delicious Mediterranean restaurant in the old quarter.
5. Visit Hippie Markets
The island’s popular hippie markets are remnants of Ibiza’s past, when crowds of young people traveled to the island in the 60s. These markets can be found across the islands, with the most popular being Punta Arabí in Es Caná and the Las Dalias market in San Carlos.
Handmade soap, ceramics, hippy fashion, jewelry, antiques, hammocks and leather goods are all sold here. There are also several services offered, such as massages and palm reading. Shoppers can sit down and enjoy the ambiance, have a bite to eat and listen to live music.
6. Enjoy water sports
If you’re looking to spice up your beach day, enjoy the island’s many water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling or scuba diving. Adrenaline junkies can rent jet skis and if you’re not afraid of heights, try parasailing. Many of these activities take off from San Antonio, also known as Sant Antoni de Portmany. Read more about those activities here.
7. Go on a boat tour
Glide through turquoise waters on a sleek catamaran. Or drink sangria and sunbathe on a sail boat. Ibiza offers a variety of different boat tours, including half-day and full-day tours. There are open-bar boat parties, cave tours, sunset cruises and trips with SUP excursions and other water activities. Those tours, and more, can be found here.
During my recent visit, I did this 3.5-hour boat tour, which stops at Cala Conta and Cala Bassa and enters a cave. The boat is equipped with snorkels and paddleboards. Guests can snack on tapas and there is an open bar with sangria, wine and beer. I also really enjoyed the length of this trip. Many of the other boat trips are 6 hours, which is harder to fit into a busy schedule.
8. Visit Cala d’Hort
Cala d’hort is a small and beautiful beach in Ibiza’s west coast, in the Sant Josep de Sa Talaia region. Like Cala Comte, it is considered one of the best beaches on the Island.
It boasts front row seats to Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, two rocky islands off the coast of Ibiza. Cala d’Hort features golden sand and turquoise water, surrounded by rocky cliffs. While one area of the beach is rocky, the other boasts soft fine sand. Visitors can rent hammocks or dine at one of the nearby restaurants, serving traditional Ibizan cuisine. Sunsets are particularly beautiful here.
9. Relax in Santa Eulalia
Santa Eulalia is a great place to escape Ibiza’s crazy nightlife. It is the island’s third-largest resort and is a great place for families or anyone seeking a calm, peaceful vacation. There is a promenade along the beach and a yacht marina. The resort features two beaches as well as art galleries, designer boutiques, restaurants and bars.
10. Visit the Can Marçà cave
Can Marçà is a cave located on the northern part of the island. It was historically used by smugglers to hide contraband, and the markings they left on the walls are still visible to this day. Guided tours of the cave are typically 40 minutes long, during which time an informative guide points out other-worldly rock formations while diving into the cave’s history. Entry to the cave includes a light and sound show.
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