Ibiza is one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island has long been popular with those looking for sun and music-filled summer breaks. Ibiza gets its clubbing and musical fame from its history and lure. When the Ibizan settlers landed on the island, they named it Ibozzim and dedicated the island to Bes (god of music and dance). Since then, the island’s fame for must-visit clubs and music has grown in strength.
The island is home to the largest nightclub in the world, Privilege, which can host 11,000 people and has its own swimming pool. But there is more to this island than its nightclubs. Ibiza receives 10 hours of sunshine a day for approximately 300 days of the year and has an average temperature of 20ยบC for eight months, making it the perfect place for a sunny break in winter.
Ibiza is home to beautiful salt flats that have been in continuous use for more than 2000 years. The water evaporates in summer and the salt left at the bottom of the lakes glistens, creating incredible photographic opportunities. Ibiza is the second largest Balearic Island, and its shores are covered in 57 beaches, each offering something different for visitors. Historically, the island has been claimed by numerous empires, including the Greeks and Romans, however, it remains Spanish today. With such a fantastic variety of things to do in Ibiza, there truly is something for every kind of visitor.
Contents
- Ibiza
- 20 Things To Do In Ibiza
- 1- Take An Island Cove Tour
- 2- Go Snorkelling
- 3- Spend The Day At Cala Saladeta
- 4- Explore The Golden Sands Of Cala Gracioneta
- 5- Watch The Sunset At Cala Escondida
- 6- Relax At S’Arenal Beach
- 7- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Dalt Vila
- 8- Enjoy Sunset Cocktails At Cafe del Mar
- 9- San Antonio Church Fortress
- 10- Punta Arabi Hippy Market
- 11- See The Marine Life At Cap Blanc Aquarium
- 12- Explore Can Marรงร Cave
- 13- Party On Ses Salines Beach
- 14- Visit Es Savinar Tower
- 15- Discover The Secrets Of ‘Atlantis’
- 16- Learn The Legends Of Es Vedrร
- 17- Dance The Night Away At Pacha
- 18- Look Through The Doorways Of Las Puertas Can Soleil
- 19- Visit Ibiza Horse Valley
- 20- Kayak Cala Xarraca
- 20 Things To Do In Ibiza
Ibiza
20 Things To Do In Ibiza
1- Take An Island Cove Tour
Ibiza’s coastline is covered in spectacular beaches and breathtaking coves.
The best way to explore the majority of the coves is from the water on a tour.
The best-known coves of Bassa, Comte and Saladeta are in the west, however, there are still incredible coves to explore in the other corners of the island.
Coves in the north, east and west tend to be quieter.
It is also possible to explore the coves on foot, however, it is best to identify a few coves close together to discover if exploring in this way.
There are numerous cove tours available in Ibiza, but they are very popular and need to be booked in advance.
2- Go Snorkelling
While its beaches and coves are natural wonders, one of the best views of the island and its unique makeup is underwater.
The island’s waters a turquoise and warm, just waiting to be explored by swimmers and snorkellers.
Kayaking to your spot is the perfect way to see more of the island’s beaches before taking a dip.
Snorkelling is available all around the island, and many local companies offer snorkelling and scuba diving lessons and underwater tours.
3- Spend The Day At Cala Saladeta
The best way to take in Cala Saladeta is on foot.
Cala Saladeta is accessible following a short walk along a pretty footpath that begins at Salada Cove.
The path is rocky and is formed of the island’s signature orange coloured stone, created as the native pine trees drop their needles.
The pathway winds down the cliff, offering incredible views of the cove and the Mediterranean Sea.
Once at the beach, find a spot to relax, sunbathe or swim.
There are also several snack vendors at the beach to make your stay last all day.
Cala Saladeta is at Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
4- Explore The Golden Sands Of Cala Gracioneta
The closest cove to San Antonio is Cala Gracioneta, which is sheltered by rocky outcrops and the island’s native pine trees.
The cove features golden sands and blissful turquoise waters that beach-lovers dream about.
While visiting the cove, dine in style on Mediterranean and Spanish specialities at the eponymous restaurant overlooking the beautiful bay.
The restaurant is a traditional chiringuito that has been open since 1999, initially as a tiny beach shack serving beers and coffees.
The restaurant serves the best paella on the island, perfect for sharing with friends.
Cala Gracioneta is at Career a Grasio, 5, 07820, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, Illes Baleares, Spain.
5- Watch The Sunset At Cala Escondida
Cala Escondida is a tiny cove that visitors often overlook.
The cove is on the way to Comte Cove and is accessible by water and on foot by following a steep rocky slope.
At the bottom of the steps leading towards the cove, there is a tiny beach and several rocky outcrops to sit on.
Despite its tiny size, the beach features a chiringuito made from 100% recycled materials to sit at and vendors selling cooling cocktails.
This is a popular place in Ibiza to watch the sunset, so head down an hour before sunset to get a good spot.
Cala Escondida is at 07829, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
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6- Relax At S’Arenal Beach
Many of Ibiza’s beaches are away from the towns and cities, however, S’Arenal beach and promenade, one of the island’s few urban beaches, is still worth a visit.
The beach has a bustling promenade lined with palm trees, shops, restaurants and bars.
It has shallow waters perfect for a paddle or quick dip to cool off and golden sands to sunbathe on.
There’s a host of services, including the rental of hammocks, sunbeds and umbrellas, and easy access to several water sports.
SโArenal Beach is at Passeig de la Platja de lโArenal, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain.
7- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Dalt Vila
Dalt Vila is the name of Ibiza’s old town and a UNESCO World Heritage walled city filled with historical buildings.
The walled city dates back to the Renaissance, and the Santa Maria Cathedral occupies its highest point.
As a walled city, Dalt Vila was primarily a form of defence, with its original walls and some military artefacts such as cannons still visible.
The city offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore Dalt Vila on foot and get lost in its enchanting narrow cobbled streets.
The area is filled with beautiful squares of varying sizes, some offering no more than an open space, others offering quiet coffee shops or small restaurants for local delicacies.
Dalt Vila is at 07800 Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
8- Enjoy Sunset Cocktails At Cafe del Mar
Established in 1980, Cafe Del Mar, known as the ‘home of chill’ is one of the most popular destinations in Ibiza.
Lluis Guell designed Cafe del Mar both architecturally and in its interior.
Cafe del Mar became famous thanks to DJ Jose Padilla, who began performing sunset sets in 1991.
Cafe del Mar is known for its record label, Cafe del Mar Music, which has put out a series of chill-out mixes popular in the venue.
Head to Cafe del Mar at sunset to take in one of its incredible sunset mixes and enjoy cocktails with friends and a spectacular view out to sea.
Cafe del Mar is at Calle Vara de Rey, 27, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
9- San Antonio Church Fortress
Who built the 14th-century church fortress of San Antonio remains a mystery and only some of the original building remains.
The present church was founded in the 17th century and designed to be a place of worship and a fortress.
During the 17th century, Ibiza, like many other islands, was susceptible to pirate attacks and threats from neighbouring countries and empires.
Today, remnants of its military history include the iron doors and belfry designed to allow locals to pour boiling oil from its top onto potential attackers.
The church is beautifully decorated internally with painted tiles, statues and artworks from its history.
It also houses a library with books and documents in its collection dating back to the 17th century.
San Antonio Church Fortress is at Placa de l’Esglesia, Ibiza, Spain.
10- Punta Arabi Hippy Market
Punta Arabi Hippy Market opened in 1973 and attracts visitors from all over the world to its unique stalls.
The market is a hub of activity from April to October on the grounds of Club Cala Martina and is only open on Wednesdays.
It’s a melting pot for various cultures from across the world.
The market has over 500 craftsmen and artists from the island and further afield selling crafts, natural cosmetics and fashion.
There are also many performances by musicians and dancers, which add to the unique appeal of the market and you’ll enjoy grabbing a bite to eat at one of the market’s many food stalls.
Punta Arabi Hippy Market is at Avenida Punta Arabi s/n, E-07840 Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza, Baleares.
11- See The Marine Life At Cap Blanc Aquarium
Cap Blanc Aquarium is a unique aquarium inside a cave that began life as a location for smugglers to hide their goods away from prying eyes.
The cave is filled with natural fish tanks filled with sea life from the local area and further afield.
Within the aquarium are brightly coloured fish, an octopus and rays.
The cave is also used as a rehabilitation centre for injured sea turtles.
While in the cave, they are cared for by a dedicated team before being released back into the wild.
Ctra. de Cala Graciรณ, s/n, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain.
12- Explore Can Marรงร Cave
Can Marรงร Cave is in the north of the island and is believed to be more than 100,000 years old.
The cave is 14m (46ft) above ground and, having survived glacial landscapes and extreme temperatures is in a state of fossilisation today.
Thanks to its unique positioning, visitors get incredible views out to sea from its opening.
Once used by smugglers to store their goods, there are markings on the walls to guide them in the dark.
Tours of the cave run year-round and last about 45 minutes. During the tour, a light and music show in the heart of the cave adds to its ethereal atmosphere.
Can Marรงร Cave is at 07810 Sant Joan de Labritja, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
13- Party On Ses Salines Beach
Ses Salines Beach is part of the larger Set Salines National Park, which is a stunning expanse of protected landscape, forest and coastline.
It is protected due to its high ecological value and the diverse species that live there.
Ses Salines Beach is an open and long stretch of golden sands surrounded by the island’s native pine tree forests.
The waters are a vibrant turquoise and welcoming to those wanting to participate in water sports or go for a swim.
The beach has long been a popular meeting point for celebrities holidaying and partying on the island.
It is packed with bars and places to buy food and is close to Ibiza City.
Ses Salines Beach is at Platja de ses Salines, s/n, 07818 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
14- Visit Es Savinar Tower
Juan Balester, an engineer, designed Es Savinar Tower in 1756, with construction ending in 1763.
The tower is split into two levels, one facing out to sea and the other to store gunpowder and weapons.
The tower is the highest on the island, and from the top, it is possible to see out to the Spanish mainland on a clear day.
Es Savinar Tower is known locally as Pirates Tower thanks to its appearance in Blasco Ibanez’ novel Los Muertos Madan which was set in the tower.
The tower is privately-owned and visits are allowed at certain times of the year. Contact a tourism information centre on the island for further details.
Es Savinar Tower is at Playa de Cala dโHort (afueras), San Jose, Ibiza, Spain, 7469.
15- Discover The Secrets Of ‘Atlantis’
Known for its geometrically perfect rocks, Atlantis is a must-visit destination in Ibiza.
Atlantis is a hidden cove and a diver’s paradise.
The cove is actually called Sa Pedrera and is in the Cala d’Hort nature reserve.
The cove’s unique shapes fill with water during high tide creating lovely pools.
The shape dates back to when the area was used as a stone quarry during the 16th century.
The stone from here was used to make much of the Dalt Vila wall and Castilo de Ibiza.
Accessing Atlantis is not easy, which has led to this spot remaining remarkably well-hidden despite the tourism allure of the island.
The easiest way to access Atlantis is by boat but it is also possible to access the area on foot down a difficult-to-access pathway.
Atlantis is at 07839, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
16- Learn The Legends Of Es Vedrร
A small rocky island off Ibiza’s southwestern corner, Es Vedra’s highest point is 413m (1355ft) above sea level.
The rocky island is not accessible, however, incredible views can be seen of Es Vedra from the beaches at Cala d’Hort, and of course, by the water.
Meditating in front of Es Vedra at sunrise or sunset is a popular activity.
Linked to the tranquillity of Es Vedra are its legends.
According to one legend, Es Vedra was the home of the Sirens, who appeared in Greek mythology to lure sailors to their deaths on the rocks with their songs.
Another legend suggests that the rock was the birthplace of the goddess Tanit, a Phoenician goddess introduced to the island during their occupation.
Statues of Tanit can still be seen across the island today.
Es Vedra is at Cala dโHort, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain.
17- Dance The Night Away At Pacha
Another of Ibiza’s famous nightclubs is Pacha.
Ricardo Urgell founded Pacha in 1966, with its first nightclub opening in Sitges in 1967.
Its Ibiza location opened in 1973 and faces Ibiza town, but it was designed to resemble a farmhouse to blend into the surrounding areas.
Pacha has a capacity of 3000 people, with exclusive VIP packages available.
Like most of Ibiza’s clubs, Pacha is only open in season, from late April to September.
Pacha is at Av. 8 dโAgost, 07800 Eivissa, Ibiza, Illes Balears, Spain.
18- Look Through The Doorways Of Las Puertas Can Soleil
Las Puertas Can Soleil is a spectacular art installation surrounded by nature.
The installation consists of two open doorways with wide frames and at certain times of the day, the sun passes perfectly through both doorways.
When you look through both doorways, Es Vedra can be seen in the distance, perfectly framed.
The wooden frames of the doors are engraved in Arabic writing while the floor between the doorways is decorated with mosaics in intricate patterns.
It is unknown who designed the doorways, adding to the mystery.
Las Puertas Can Soleil is at 07829 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain.
19- Visit Ibiza Horse Valley
David Capdevielle and Monique Tjon founded Ibiza Horse Valley in 2010 to rescue horses from abandonment or mistreatment and give them the life they deserve.
The horses work in herds, allowing them to settle into a happy life, and once the horses are rehabilitated, it is possible to ride them in the valley.
The valley is in Northern Ibiza within the Es Murta natural park, and stretches over 98 acres (40 ha), giving the horses plenty of room to roam.
Ibiza Horse Valley is a non-profit organisation and relies on donations to keep the sanctuary going, made via their website or by booking one of their horseback experiences.
Ibiza Horse Valley is at Lloc Can Batista, s/n, 07810 Sant Jose de Labritja, Ibiza, Illes Balears, Spain.
20- Kayak Cala Xarraca
Cala Xarraca is one of Ibiza’s stunning coves and is best explored from the water.
Hire a kayak with a dedicated instructor and head to Cala Xarraca on a three-hour tour around the island’s northern coast.
The tours are in the late afternoon when the weather is cooler and more pleasant to paddle in.
Your kayaking instructor will take you into the coves and caves around the coast.
Some tours will also give visitors the opportunity for cliff jumping, snorkelling and snacks as they travel this area.
There are several kayak tours available for most coastal areas of Ibiza.
More information can be found online or through the tourist information centres in the island’s cities.
Cala Xarraca is at Platja Cala Xarraca, Lugar Venda de Xarraco, 52, 07810, San Juan Bautista, Ibiza, Illes Balears, Spain.
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