Best Things to do in Ibiza, Spain
Blessed with dreamy beaches and adorned with enchanting villages, this Balearic Island wears much more than its famous party dress. The best places to visit in Ibiza encompass everything from cobbled streets and quirky crafts to mega yachts and waterslides. One thing you won’t find here is nothing to do – unless that’s all you want to do.
Though it’s world-famous for boho-glam and celebrity DJs, Ibiza’s natural beauty shines just as bright. Hop off the beaten path and you’ll find pine-clad coves and peaceful hiking trails to help you sink into island bliss.
Of course, happily over-indulging in shopping, wining and dining is a top priority – and you’ll need a lifetime to get enough of that on the White Isle.
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When to Visit Ibiza
The best time to visit Ibiza depends somewhat on what you’re hoping to do and experience on the island.
For those seeking the world-renowned party atmosphere, the ideal time is during the summer months from late May to early October, when the famous clubs are open and the island is buzzing with activity.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, and don’t want to have to compete for a spot on the sand, late spring and early autumn are perfect, as the weather is still pleasant and the island is far less crowded.
During these times, you can take advantage of the numerous hiking trails, explore the charming old town, and enjoy the stunning beaches at your leisure. If your main interest lies in water sports, the Mediterranean sea tends to be warmest from July to September. But it’s still perfectly swimmable in June and early October.
How to Get to Ibiza
Ibiza Airport welcomes many international and domestic flights. Major airlines, including budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet and Volotea, have regular direct flights to Ibiza from several European cities during the peak season. If you’re travelling from outside of Europe, you’ll most likely have to take a connecting flight from another major city within Europe. Such as Barcelona, Madrid, or Marseille. Out of season, most flights go through Barcelona in mainland Spain.
Ferries can also make a good choice if you’re already in mainland Spain or on a nearby island, as they give you the opportunity to bring your car to explore. Regular ferry services operate between Ibiza and cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Denia on the mainland, as well as the neighbouring Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Formentera. This can be a scenic and relaxing journey, though it will take significantly longer than flying.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
We have a whole post on the very best areas to stay in Ibiza, you can read that here. But here are some of our favourites.
OKU Ibiza sits within walking distance of the twin coves of Cala Gracio and Cala Gracioneta. The aesthetic is an ideal Instagram backdrop, and you’ll have a hard time pulling yourself away from the lavish pool.
Mirador de Dalt Vila will appeal to the discerning traveller who wants to stay in the historic centre. The traditional property offers suites in several configurations, a pool, a hot tub, and an onsite restaurant.
Six Senses Ibiza sits in the northern part of the island. The eco-resort is the first of its kind in the Balearics, and you enjoy the organic, seasonal produce grown on the estate at any of the hotel’s four restaurants.
Where to Eat in Ibiza
Ibiza has a rich culinary scene that caters to a diverse range of palates. From boho beach bars to more upscale restaurants, you’ll also find something to suit your budget.
La Paloma, nestled within the small village of San Lorenzo, is a must-visit. Their menu is created from organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from the restaurant’s own gardens.
For a blend of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, consider a visit to Aubergine by Atzaro in the heart of the island, where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are used to create flavorful dishes in a farm-to-table theme.
For those wanting to enjoy a meal with a view, Amante Beach Club is perched on a stunning cliff overlooking Sol D’en Serra Bay, offering a unique dining experience where the fresh, natural produce shines.
For something more casual, The Giri Café in San Juan offers an eclectic mix of Mediterranean dishes, where the spotlight is on the vibrant, healthful bounty of the island.
And finally, for the best chiringuito in Ibiza, get yourself along to Cala Gracioneta where you can enjoy fresh and contemporary tapas in a sublime setting.
Best Things to do in Ibiza
From world-class nightlife and beautiful beaches to idyllic rural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Ibiza offers a diverse range of attractions that promise unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.
DISCOVER IBIZA TOWN
The island’s cosmopolitan capital provides a tantalising first taste of Balearic bliss. As a hub of the jetset, fashionistas and fun-loving tourists, things to do in Ibiza Town come with large doses of people-watching. You’ll find the best spots from restaurants along the waterfront of the port, where glitzy Marina Ibiza attracts the rich and famous.
Overlooking the action, the walled fortress of Dalt Vila is the UNESCO-listed crown. Meander through twisting cobbled streets of Ibiza’s old town lined with churches and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Choose a perch at a cute-as-a-button cafe for a break between art galleries and gift shops. Wind your way up to the elegant 14th-century Ibiza cathedral and a square that delivers jaw-dropping views.
Mercat Vall rests at the base of Dalt Vila. Here, you’ll buy olive oil, artisan bread and organic fruit where they’ve been traded since 1872.
Strolling around town, it’s hard to take more than a few steps without seeing boutiques and stalls brimming with floaty fabrics and exquisite jewellery. This makes it easy to dress up for shots of Hierbas liqueur from sunset, moving onto dancing till dawn.
The next morning, swim the night off in the calm, shallow waters of Platja de Talamanca, which is within easy walking distance of the capital.
BEACH-HOP AROUND THE ISLAND
Beloved Ibiza attractions include dreamy beaches and serene coves wrapped in pines. You’ll find the longest beach at Platja d’en Bossa, the white sand stretches for almost 3km and is complete with swish beach clubs and sunbeds to settle into for days. This is action central, with water sports by day and a buzzing party vibe kicking off in the afternoon and lasting to the wee hours.
Surrounded by the stunning salt flats and pine forests of Ses Salines Natural Park, Ses Salines beach is the spot for easy floating in extra salty water. Pop into a chiringuito for a drink or two after lazing on sunbeds and exploring by catamaran.
Fancy a natural mud facial? Head to Sa Caleta, where red cliffs provide dazzling backdrops and clay for your DIY treatment. For those with kids to entertain, Cala Tarida delivers volleyball and snorkelling just steps from restaurants.
When it’s time for a break from the crowds it’s not hard to find peaceful slices of paradise, especially in the north of the island. Cala Xarraca is a marvel of rocky pathways framed by green forests and natural mud baths.
You’ll likely share the turquoise water with luxury yachts at Cala Mastella, but the petite cove still retains an unspoiled vibe. That is, other than the one restaurant that’s famous for being so popular that the King of Spain was once turned away.
Read More: Best Beaches in Ibiza, Spain
DIVE INTO WATER SPORTS
Does ‘water sport’ mean cocktails by the pool or zipping around on jet skis? Either way, outdoor activities in Ibiza keep you smiling. Calm, idyllic bays and coves ensure you’re spoilt for choice with paddle boarding spots, like those around Portinatx and Cala Vedella. Kayaking conditions are sublime, whether you head out on your own or take a guided excursion to hidden coves.
Below the water, divers enjoy fantastic visibility to explore top dive sites. Discover the Don Pedro shipwreck near the Port of Ibiza and meet the marine life on the Santa Eulalia Reef. You’ll find plenty of dive centres for certification, too. It’s the rocky coves across the island that beckon snorkellers, especially in the crystal clear waters of Cala Comte (Cala Conta) and Cala Xarraca.
If you feel the need for speed, zoom around the island on a jet ski from water activities centres at the most popular beaches, or take a guided tour. Head to San Antonio Bay for plenty of heart-pumping options.
Get up high with flyboarding and parasailing before showing off your wakeboarding and water-skiing skills. If you’d rather stay on top of the water, boat trips range from glass-bottom boat tours to luxury sunset sailing and party cruises.
FERRY TO FORMENTERA
Sightseeing in Ibiza extends to its sister island of Formentera, with ferries (book here) or charters available to whip you over in 30 minutes for a day trip. Hire a bike when you arrive and set out on signposted routes to explore.
You can’t miss the island’s most famous beach, Ses Illetes, and you might find it hard to leave the photogenic Calo des Mort. No matter where you pedal to, you’ll find sandy beaches for refreshing dips.
Stop to explore the whitewashed villas and charming restaurants of Sant Francesc. The capital blends tempting boutiques with a chance to step back in time at churches and chapels.
For more shopping, Formentera’s markets offer delightful hours of treasure hunting. Choose hand-made jewellery, crafts and breezy dresses at La Mola markets and stroll the Es Pujols promenade for more.
Get your camera ready for iconic sites across the Spanish island. Set atop the dramatic cliffs of Cap de Barbaria, the lighthouse of the same name is a postcard shot.
If you’re a bird watcher, pack your binoculars to sport flamingos and Balearic shearwater in the Ses Salines Natural Park. At sunset, don’t miss out on the spectacular views from La Mola Lighthouse.
SHOP THE MARKETS
One of the top things to do in Ibiza includes taking a slice of it home with you. Hippy street markets are embedded in the island’s history and are legendary with shoppers across the globe.
As the largest and oldest Hippy Market, Es Canar is a bucket list venue first created in 1973. Every Wednesday, stalls overflow with crafts and curiosities. While you shop for boho fashion or natural cosmetics, the kids can make flower crowns at workshops.
Choose from fragrant handmade soaps and follow your nose to world cuisine at Las Dalias in Sant Carles. This Saturday market serves up avant-garde sculptures, floaty fabrics and atmosphere galore. In summer, evening markets on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday feature live DJ sessions to go with your tapas or homemade pizza.
Love rummaging for second-hand treasures? The Sant Jordi markets are calling your name on Saturday mornings. Pick up clothes from the 60s scattered among tribal jewellery, vinyl and vintage toys. Artsy San Rafael is the perfect place to go for traditional ceramics crafted by local artisans, along with delicious organic food.
VISIT VILLAGES
Ibiza tourist attractions weave inland through the island in the form of enchanting villages. Make sure you’re hungry for a visit to Santa Gertrudis, one of the prettiest villages ensconced in lush countryside.
Take your taste buds to the pedestrianised centre for farm-to-table meals and vegan cafes. Then, hop on a bike or hiking trail to explore orchards and farms.
Delve into tradition at San José. Located at the heart of Ibiza in the foothills of the island’s highest mountain, gorgeous natural scenery frames local craft boutiques and delicious restaurants.
Dominated by an 18th-century church, Sant Llorenc is a petite hamlet in the northern hills with nothing much to do but soak up the peace and the sweeping views across the interior.
EXPLORE AN ABANDONED HOTEL
Venturing off the beaten track in Ibiza often reveals hidden gems and unexpected stories, such as the abandoned hotel constructions at Cala d’en Serra. This quiet and somewhat eerie location is nestled within a beautiful small bay in the island’s north.
Initially conceived in the 1970s as a luxury hotel, construction was halted at first due to opposition to the project, and later due to environmental regulations. It has remained unfinished ever since.
Today, these structures serve as a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the surrounding natural beauty of Cala d’en Serra. Especially as they’re now covered in street art from both locally and internationally renowned graffiti artists, and serve as an open gallery, reminiscent of the hotel ruins on the island of Naxos, Greece.
As you explore the site, you can enjoy views of the turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and rustic fishermen’s huts, offering a unique perspective of Ibiza’s history and its ongoing tension between development and preservation. Always remember, however, to respect the location as it is private property and take care as the structures are in a state of disrepair.
The quiet cove below hosts a few sunbeds and a small beach bar. But if it’s tranquillity you seek, a smaller, more wild cove also hides around the corner.
HIKE NATURE TRAILS
Among activities to do in Ibiza, there’s nothing like hitting the hiking trails to recover from a night out. Whether you choose breathtaking coastal trails or pathways that crisscross olive groves, the scenery ensures the effort is always worth it. If you’re feeling energetic, hike to the highest summit of Sa Talaissa in just over an hour.
Take a circular trail from Cala Salada beach to Cova de les Fontanelles, a cave containing prehistoric paintings believed to be from the Bronze Age. Another rewarding circular trek takes in the Torre de Molar from Port de Sant Miquel and winds along the coastline.
THRILL THE KIDS
Though it’s known as a glamorous adult playground, you’re spoilt for choice with things to do in Ibiza for families. To make things easy, stay in a beach town that’s chock-full of entertainment for kids.
With family-friendly (and sensational) restaurants, a sheltered beach and water sports, Santa Eulalia is a great choice. Cala Llonga is another hit with families, with shops and restaurants just steps from tranquil water.
Did someone say water slides? Aguamar Waterpark delivers the thrilling Kamikaze and Black Hole versions. Add an extra level of excitement to family drives and bump around off-road on a Jeep Safari tour (kids have to be at least 6 for this one).
San Antonio boasts Ibiza Karting for budding race car drivers and Acrobosc Adventure Park offers rope courses for all ages. Chances are though, the kids will be just as happy building sandcastles on the beach while you chill out with a book.
SOAK UP SUNSETS
A must-see in Ibiza is the dazzling sunset, but it’s not easy to choose from a stellar line-up of spectacular spots. Benirras Beach is famous for them, along with private yachts that gather for the hippy ritual of ‘drum down the sunset’ on Sundays.
To add myths and legends to the mix, head to Es Vedra, apparently one of the most magnetic places on earth. The rock formation rests off the coast of Cala D’hort, where the sun melts into the sea in dramatic displays of gold, pink and purple.
Then, there’s sunset at Cala Comte. Choose a sandy spot on the beach, or head up to Sunset Ashram. The relaxed restaurant is beloved for watching the sunset over the Mediterranean with Balearic beats and Asian fusion cuisine.
However, arguably one of the best places to go in Ibiza, is San Antonio’s buzzing Sunset Strip. It all started with the famous Café del Mar sunset sessions bringing in the crowds. Now, it’s practically obligatory to choose a perch at an array of clubs and bars to ‘put the sun to bed’, then party all night along the strip – if that’s your vibe.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
For night owls, the top places to see in Ibiza are glamorous nightclubs where celebrity DJs join famous mixologists for wild nights out. Suffice to say, they’re rarely disappointed.
From cosmopolitan cocktail bars to beachfront parties and state-of-the-art sound and light shows, there’s something to suit every type of night owl. And, don’t worry about getting around, as the island’s disco bus has you covered.
You won’t need it in Playa d’en Bossa though, with bars, beach clubs and super clubs within easy stumbling distance of each other. The action usually kicks off with dancing barefoot in the sand and moves onto the VIP booths and dancefloors of world-famous venues like Ushuaïa and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Home to the iconic Pacha, Ibiza Town holds its own with fairy-tale settings in Dalt Vila for pre-dancing drinks. Take it down a notch in most resort towns, where beach clubs and bars still ensure there’s plenty to do after dark.
Choosing fun things to do in Ibiza island is like getting your fill at the most sumptuous smorgasbord. From swoon-worthy beaches to enchanting markets and luxurious clubs, temptation lies around every corner. No matter what you choose, things to see in Ibiza are flavoured with a unique, bohemian flair that lingers with you long after you leave.
