Yes, Ibiza is the party island of the world, but did you know that it’s bursting with culture, history and stunning natural landscapes. Read on to learn more.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Also known as the White Island, Ibiza offers a whole lot more than hitting the world’s best nightclubs. Visitors come here for cutting-edge art galleries, bustling markets as well as idyllic beaches.
The Balearic Island may have a firmly established reputation as a party destination, but Ibiza contains an enriched history and culture that go way beyond all that. Here are the best things to do in Ibiza if you’re looking for a break from clubbing:
Get in Touch with Nature
Did you know that Ibiza has an astonishing number of pine forests? They provide a break in scenery from all the bars, restaurants and bustle of the towns. It’s a great place to seek out a spot to have a picnic and enjoy a part of the island that you wouldn’t have thought existed.
We recommend heading towards the village of Sant Joan De Labritja on the north-east side, which is less populated. Five miles north is an enchanting Cala (cove) known as Cala d’en Serra, a wonderfully secluded bay in the shape of a horseshoe surrounded by steep rock cliffs. The spot is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and snorkelling.
An absolute must-visit is seeing the uninhabited island off the southwest coast of the island, Es Vedrà. You can arrive there by boat from Ibiza centre or San Antonio, and the water sports centres on the island organise jet-ski tours and snorkelling excursions there.
Es Vedrà, Ibiza
Head to one of the Many Stunning Beaches
Which leads us nicely to our next point, Playa d’en Bossa is Ibiza’s longest beach on the island. Ibiza’s main accommodation resort is next to the beach also.
The Balearic Island boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Whether chilling by secluded coves, snorkelling, bathing in turquoise waters or hanging out at the famous beach bars, there is something to surely tickle your fancy.
We particularly recommend heading to Cala Jondal, Cala d’Hort, Ses Salines, and Cala Xuclá.
Check Out the Contemporary Art
Ibiza is home to the Museu d’Art Contemporary, which features work by some of the world’s top international artists. Here you can visit the Antoni Marí Ribas exhibition, one of the island’s most prolific painters. This historic building has been beautifully restored with glass floors over an archaeological site, and recently held an exclusive collection of designs by the famed fashion house of LOEWE.
There’s also Art Projects Ibiza, at the roundabout of Talamanca and Marina Botafoch. This fascinating space is devoted to modern art and is open all year round. The space organises two yearly exhibitions of the private collection by Lune Rouge, as well as displaying work by other conceptual artists that intend to explore the relationship between humans and the internet.
Museu d’Art Contemporary, Ibiza
Visit the UNESCO Site of Dalt Vila
Literally meaning “High Town”, Dalt Vila is the older and higher half of Ibiza. Surprisingly, Ibiza is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Dalt Vila. The Old Town features cobblestone streets, castles, cathedrals, and statues type of 14th century Gothic architecture.
You’ll be able to discover tons of hidden gems, with narrow streets filled with quaint shops and trinkets. Also, make sure not to miss Dalt Vila’s Archaeological Museum, full of fascinating treasures and artefacts that tell the islands enriched history.
Dalt Vila, Ibiza
Go Shopping at the Craft Markets
Ibiza is well known for its chill, hippy vibe. Bohemian style markets pop up here on a weekly basis, known as “hippy markets”. There’s one every Wednesday at Es Canur, and another every Saturday San Carlos. The markets feature countless stalls of handcrafted goods such as jewellery, clothes, and souvenirs, and even have live music acts playing.
The popular hippy markets make for a vibrant and colourful day out. There’s also a night market called Las Dalias on Mondays and Tuesdays from June to September, and on Sundays in August. The oldest and biggest hippy market is Punti Arabi, running every Wednesday from 10 am during the summer months.
Sip Wine at the Island’s Vineyards
It certainly wouldn’t be a holiday if wine wasn’t in the mix. Fortunately, Ibiza’s climate makes for great grape-growing weather. There are many vineyards on the island, with a larger and more commercial wine industry beginning to emerge.
We recommend making the trek out to Sant Mateu. You’ll be able to learn everything about the wine-tasting process on the island as well as the island’s history with wine. After the tour, you can sample the vineyards produce at their on-site restaurant.
Another impressive wine estate worth looking into is Can Rich, which also produces olive oil, Hierbas Ibicencas, the local herb liqueur.
Can Rich, San Antonio, Ibiza
Family Fun Activities
Ibiza is also a fantastic place to bring the kids, with a popular family resort on the east coast of the island, around 15 kilometres northeast of Ibiza Town. The resort is blessed with a golden sandy beach at the seafront, with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Ibiza has attractions that are right up the kids’ alley, that are more relaxed and nature-oriented. For example, there’s a Horse Valley on the outskirts of Ibiza Town, that rescues mistreated horses and ponies and organises horseback excursions in the northern region.
If the family is looking for something a tad more fast-paced, there are also go-karting tracks at San Antonio and Santa Eulalia.
Horseback riding in Ibiza