Things to do in Ibiza
The party island of Spain is famous for its international DJs, legendary nightclubs, bright lights, and loud music. However, dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some secluded spots, home to Bohemian communities, garden restaurants, and natural parks. Discover them all with these top things to do in Ibiza, from the best beaches to the must-see artisanal markets!
1. Explore Ibiza Town (Eivissa)
The island’s capital is Ibiza Town (also known as Eivissa), known for its cobbled streets and whitewashed cottages. Unusually, this old-world charm blends with the latest trends — showcasing the very best of luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end clubs. In fact, some of the biggest clubs in the world are here, like Ushuaïa, Pacha, and Amnesia.
Even if you don’t like partying, Eivissa is a great place to stay (see all hotels), especially in Ibiza Old Town. It’s also a fantastic base to explore the rest of the island, with regular buses and connections by ferry to nearby islands like Formentera.
Tip: If you don’t have a car on your trip to Ibiza, we recommend staying in Eivissa. Everything you need is a short walk away, and you’ll also find beautiful beaches on its outskirts.
2. Formentera Island
There is no better thing to do in Ibiza than visit the stunning island of Formentera. Here, stunning floury white sand beaches fringe the Caribbean-like sea, making it an absolute paradise! Not only is the coast beautiful, but there are also salt marshes, cute villages, and laidback beach bars to discover.
One of the most famous spots is Platja de Ses Illetes, a preserved natural park leading towards a wide-open peninsula. If you climb to the top of the dunes, you’ll have fantastic views over Ibiza.
Afterward, follow your Ibiza maps to the other side of the island. Here you’ll find a more rugged coastline with large rocks, cliffs, and beaches filled with pretty shells and driftwood.
Tip: If you have more time on your trip, book a hotel in Formentera for the ultimate relaxation.
Getting Around
After you disembark the ferry, you’ll find plenty of shops where you can rent a scooter, car, bike, or ATV. The prices are reasonable, too! For example, we hired a scooter (32 EUR for the day) and had the best day zooming around the island.
Note: You will access most beaches on the island along off-road tracks (very sandy depending on the winds), which can be a bit harder to navigate by scooter. Rent a car instead if you’re not 100% confident.
Ferry to Formentera
During the high season, boats leave every 15-30 minutes to La Savina on Formentera, with a short journey time of just 30 minutes.
While you can buy tickets on the day, these are subject to availability. Because of this, we booked our tickets with Trasmapi Ferries online (reserve your tickets here). Note: Prices are seasonal, but a return ticket costs between 29 and 50 EUR.
Alternatively, book a day tour from Ibiza to Formentera. Tours usually include your return trip on a shared boat, food and drinks, and activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Wander the steep cobbled streets of Ibiza Old Town, worming your way between cute white houses and climbing Bougainvillea flowers. As you go, stop for some tapas in the lovely restaurants with outdoor terraces and pretty seating areas — especially romantic after dark.
Castle of Ibiza
The icon of Ibiza Old Town, though, is the incredible castle that sits on the summit of the hill. Overlooking the whitewashed slopes of Dalt Vila and the stunning coastline, it is surrounded by impressive fort walls (built with stone from Atlantis). The castle also has a storied past, ruled by the Moors and Christians alike, who used it as their stronghold to protect the island.
At the top, walk through the Portal Nou castle gate and tunnel to reach incredible viewpoints; it’s well worth the climb, especially at sunset when the colors are truly magical.
4. Es Vedra Viewpoint (Top Thing to do in Ibiza!)
No trip to Ibiza is complete without seeing the legendary rock of Es Vedra. Protruding from the sea at 400 meters high, the rock carries many myths and legends. For example, many believe it’s one of the most magnetic areas on earth!
Stories also tell of mermaids luring pirates to its shores, while others say it’s the home of the Lost City of Atlantis. These myths may not be true, but their magic attracts spiritualists who come here to hold meditations and ceremonies.
Sunset is when the Es Vedra Viewpoint really comes to life, as people flock from all over the island to see the rock bathed in an orange glow. Grab a delicious mojito (a guy sells them at the viewpoint for 5 EUR) and settle in for an incredible visual show.
Important Information
- Visiting the Es Vedra viewpoint at sunset is one of the most popular things to do in Ibiza. Because of this, we recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours before so you can get a parking spot.
- From the parking lot, it’s a 10-15-minute leisurely walk to the viewpoint. Please note that it’s a gravel road, so flip-flops are okay, but you shouldn’t wear heels.
- Want to take photos of Es Vedra without the crowds? Visit during the day, as it’s far less busy than golden hour.
Tip: In high season, the Es Vedra viewpoint can get too busy to enjoy. In this case, hike to the Tower des Savinar or Cap Blanc. Both of these are close to the actual viewpoint but way less crowded.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort was given the name ‘Atlantis’ in reference to the famous sunken city, and it’s just as impressive as you could imagine! Discover these huge basins along the coast, which locals quarried to dig stone for the walls of Ibiza Old Town. As the tide comes in, they fill the holes with water, leaving behind beautiful pools shimmering in blues and greens.
The whole hike should take you about 45 minutes—best in the late afternoon during golden hour. However, please make sure you leave Atlantis at least one hour before the sun sets. If you don’t, it will be dark for some of your ascent, although there will be places where you can watch the sunset as you get closer to the top.
Tip: We’ve pinpointed the exact spot and route on our Ibiza Maps to make it easier for you to get there.
Las Puertas de Can Sollei
Just next to Time and Space, you’ll also find Las Puertas de Can Sollei, another installation created by the same duo. At first glance, the two simple doors, standing alone in an open field, appear underwhelming. However, as you get closer, you’ll see they are covered in intricate carvings, joined with a stunning mosaic floor.
7. Garden Restaurants
One of the best things to do in Ibiza is to enjoy the beautiful farmland that covers the island. To make the most of the fantastic produce, there are many garden restaurants that offer farm-to-table-style plates in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the flavors of Ibiza amongst flowers and fruit trees, often accompanied by live music (especially on Sunday afternoons!).
The vibe is laidback and friendly, and the staff are super passionate about the farm. They will help you decide which delicious cake, soup, or dip to try—all homemade here. The food even comes with edible flowers on top. Cute!
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM until 2 PM. Book a table here.
Tip: Try the fresh homemade lemonade for a delicious thirst quencher!
Among beautiful olive trees and fresh white flowers, dine on incredible plates using produce from their garden (fantastic portion sizes!). The whole place looks so fresh and bright with its white and green furniture, adding to the charm of this beautiful Finca.
Tip: The roasted aubergine carpaccio and the apple tart tatin were out of this world!
Make a reservation on their website, as this place gets booked quickly. Please note that in the off-season, Aubergine is only open for lunch.
La Paloma ($$)
Located in a small village inland, discover the calming ambiance of the family-run restaurant Paloma. By day, dine among colorful fruit trees as you feast on tantalizing plates of Middle Eastern food. By night, enjoy the twinkling lights as Italian plates come to the table. A unique touch is that your menu will be shown to you on chalkboards and placed on an easel next to your table.
Make a reservation in advance via their website. You can choose to sit on the terrace or in the garden—both are beautiful!
Note: La Paloma only opens for lunchtime during the off-season. However, its hours extend into the evening during summer.
8. Beaches of Ibiza
It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Ibiza is to relax on the many incredible beaches. For such a small island, there’s a diverse range, some with soft white sand and others that bask in the shadow of rocky cliffs. There’s a beach for everyone, whether you want to spend a few hours dreamily snorkeling in the turquoise waters, cliff diving, or chasing dreamy sunsets.
Did you know? The sun sets on the north side of the island, so head to beaches like Cala Comte and Cala Saladeta for the best evening sundowners.
Our Favorites
Visit these beaches by scooter, bus, or car for the most flexibility. Another fun option is to join a beach-hopping boat tour, allowing you to see the coast from a different perspective.
- Cala Saladeta (best scenic)
- Cala Comte (large & great for relaxing)
- Cala Xarraca (best for snorkeling)
- Cala d’Hort (best view of Es Vedra)
- Cala Benirràs (drummers here at sunset!)
- Cala Vadela (fewest crowds)
Note: There are a lot of ‘no smoking’ beaches in Ibiza. Additionally, it’s good to know that in Spain, it’s very normal to see nudity on the beach. Although there are designated nudist beaches, on most beaches, it’s normal for women to be topless.
Escape the crowds by booking this private Mediterranean boat tour (with snorkeling)
9. Join a Kayak Tour
Ibiza’s intricate island coastline makes it the perfect place for kayaking, as it allows you to reach secluded spots away from the crowds. Paddle across the calm Mediterranean waters, looking down into crystal clear rockpools and shimmering caves to discover some fantastic marine life.
Note: Most kayak tours will include snorkels, so you can experience the beauty of the sea world from a different angle.
10. Visit Sant Joan de Labritja
Sant Joan de Labritja, known for its cute Sunday market, is an absolute must-see on your trip to Ibiza! The pretty village is home to whitewashed buildings with colorfully accented window frames and painted shutters. As you walk among its cute cobbled streets, make sure to also dip into its fantastic boutique shops.
Even if you don’t visit on market day, Sant Joan de Labritja is still a fantastic place to spend a morning, weaving your way between the quintessential Ibizan streets before enjoying a slow lunch at one of the lovely cafes in town. Some of our favorites were:
- Om Sweet Home ($)
- Vista Alegre ($)
- The Giri Café ($$$)
This market was by far our favorite on the island—it really maintained its hippy, creative vibe. What’s more, a DJ played at the entrance, and live music was spread out over the sandy venue.
Note: There’s a big parking lot next to the market. However, during peak hours, you may have to drive around for a while to find a spot.
Opening Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 AM – 3 PM (Best to visit between 10 AM – 2 PM when all stalls are set up).
Sant Joan de Labritja
Discover this charming weekly market in the pretty whitewashed village of Sant Joan de Labritja. Held every Sunday, local vendors sell handmade products, cakes, crochet clothing, and other typical Ibizan offerings. From around 1 PM, the atmosphere is amplified even more with live music hosted on the pretty village square.
Opening Hours: The market is held every Sunday from 10 AM – 4 PM
Las Dalias
Las Dalias Market is iconic to the island and one of the most popular things to do in Ibiza because of its boho atmosphere and fascinating history. In the 70s, the garden of Las Dalias became frequented by hippies, hosting regular jam sessions played by famous musicians, even Bob Marley once joined! These days, the music continues in the market’s neighboring venue ‘Namaste’, which organizes transcendent parties (see the full agenda).
The market itself, born in 1985 with just 5 stalls, now has over 300! As the market has grown, so too has the authentic atmosphere. Unfortunately, it does feel a bit more commercial now, as most of the items are tourist souvenirs sold at expensive prices. However, it’s still fun to come and enjoy the music.
Tip: In the summer months, Las Dalias hosts a night market too.
Opening hours: Las Dalias is open on Saturday and Sunday. However, opening hours vary from month to month, so please always check the agenda before your visit.
12. Visit Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera is one of the quintessential Ibiza villages (aside from Ibiza old town), known as one of the most beautiful on the island! The streets are lined with white-washed houses, some with colorful detailing and beautiful trees that provide welcome dappled shade.
Our favorite restaurants here are:
- Chez Bibi von Bakery
- Yala Ibiza
- Can Mimosa Ibiza
- Santa G. Bagel House
Santa Gertrudis is also a great place to stay in Ibiza as it’s very central. See all hotels here.
13. Book a Yoga Class
It’s no surprise, given the island’s history of spirituality, that yoga has become one of the most popular things to do in Ibiza. Nothing beats stretching out your body, practicing meditation, and falling into a sense of total calm. Better still, many classes are set against a backdrop of beautiful turquoise water and pine-tree-covered hills.
Join a yoga class or retreat while on your trip. Not only is it a great way to look after your body, but it also gives you a chance to explore other parts of the island!
Ibiza, once known as the ‘Island of Salt’, has always exported the ‘white gold’, and this area showcases what was once a prosperous industry. These days, the protected UNESCO park does everything to preserve the natural beauty of Salines by prohibiting movement among the dunes and the entry of cars.
Spend a day walking among the different-colored pools of the salt flats, enjoying moments of relaxation on the stunning beaches of Cala Pluma and Platja des Cavellet. Afterward, walk to the very tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find the pretty lighthouse of Torre de ses Portes. Finish the day with a sundowner at one of the beach bars nearby, like the popular La Escollera.
15. Hot Air Balloon Flight
See Ibiza from a totally different perspective on a dreamy hot air balloon flight over the island! We recommend a sunrise experience, so you can watch the island wake up as you float over patchwork fields, salt flats, forests, and the most incredible coastline. Seeing every inch of the island from above and looking out across the water to smaller paradise islands like Formentera is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
16. Chill at a Beach Club
Ibiza is the party capital of Europe, a place famous for its buzzing beach clubs hosting everything from day parties to all-night-long extravaganzas. Although many of these cater to a luxury clientele, there are still plenty of lowkey and relaxed bars with well-priced food and drinks.
Rent a day bed and fully unwind, enjoying zingy cocktails and beautiful Spanish tapas plates as you watch the hot sun turn into a golden sunset dipping below the horizon — absolute bliss!
Here are some of our favorites that fit the vibe:
- Aiyanna Ibiza ($$)
- Kumharas ($$)
- La Escollera ($$$)
- Sunset Ashram ($$$)
- Chiringuito Cala Gracioneta ($$$)
- Restaurante Cala Bonita ($$)
17. Stop and shop at Sluiz
Sluiz Ibiza is a must-visit on your Ibiza holiday. This vibrant shop, marked by its bold blue facade and whimsical cow statue, offers a unique selection of quirky home decor, furniture, and exclusive fashion. Beyond shopping, Sluiz boasts a charming cafe, perfect for a relaxing break. It is a creative space where you can stop on your way to other to-do’s in Ibiza.
Best Hotels in Ibiza
Where you stay in Ibiza depends on the vibe you’re looking for. Those looking for a good mix of city and beach should choose Ibiza Town, where you’ll find boutique hotels, guesthouses, and luxury hotels.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for total tranquility and relaxation, choose one of the coastal areas like Santa Eulària des Riu or an authentic Ibizan village like Santa Gertrudis. Some of the best areas are:
- Ibiza Town/ Eivissa (west side of town for most hotels)
- Sant Antoni de Portmany(great for party and resort life)
- Santa Eulària des Riu (most relaxing)
- Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera (central point with trendy restaurants)
- San Rafael (cute small-town vibes and well-located)
We stayed at the Play Hotel, which was in a fantastic area close to a bustling boulevard with many restaurants, bars, and a large beach. It’s also only a 15-minute walk to Ibiza Old Town.
Tip: Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll never be far from the top things to do in Ibiza; it’s a small island, so driving from one end to the other takes an hour at most.
How Many Days in Ibiza?
Ibiza is one of those places that you can make the most of, whether it’s for a short break or a two-week relaxing retreat. With such great connections from all over Europe, you could easily fly in for a long weekend and cover many of the top things to do in Ibiza. However, for the ultimate relaxation and a slower-paced itinerary, we recommend staying for at least a week.
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How to Visit Ibiza
Ibiza has a large international airport with flights arriving from cities all over Europe. However, you will find more availability and options in the summer season. What’s more, it’s just a short drive away from Ibiza Town (10 – 15 minutes, depending on traffic).
Once you’ve arrived, take the airport bus (L10) into the city center. These buses take a little longer, normally 20-30 minutes, as they make multiple stops. A one-way ticket costs 3.60 EUR, payable in cash.
Getting Around
By Bus
Public transport in Ibiza is excellent. Buses run all over the island, and their connections increase in the high season. What’s more, prices are very reasonable, with return tickets costing no more than 4 EUR. If you’re looking to party, there’s also the disco bus that transports tourists around the island after midnight.
By Car
Renting a car in Ibiza is also a great way to see the island; it also gives you greater flexibility to see all the top attractions. However, in the summer, the population of Ibiza increases from just a few hundred thousand to several million, increasing congestion and making parking more difficult. Because of this, it’s best to weigh up the pros and cons of renting a car during high season.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Note: Google Maps might sometimes direct you over unpaved roads. Some of them are not good for standard rental cars; however, there’s always an alternative route.
Best Cafes and Restaurants
Food is a massive part of any Ibiza experience! Whether you’re after haute cuisine, farm-to-table experiences, smoothie bowls, or traditional Spanish tapas, there’s a restaurant for every type of food lover. Some of our favorites are:
- Harinus Forn (bakery chain)
- Croissant Show
- One Cup Coffee
- Terra Masia
- Aubergine
- La Paloma
- Chez Bibi von Bakery
- Yala Ibiza
- Can Mimosa Ibiza
- Santa G. Bagel House
- Om Sweet Home
- Vista Alegre
- The Giri Café
How Much Does Ibiza Cost?
Ibiza is known as one of the most expensive vacation destinations in Europe, famous for its luxury clubs, hotels, and upmarket retreats.
While accommodation is on the pricier side, you can make it more affordable by traveling outside of the peak season (in summer, hotels can be five times the price). Another option is to choose self-catering accommodation, which allows you to cook meals at home.
Best Time to Visit Ibiza
Although Ibiza is beautiful in the winter — with its sunny, clear days, mild temperatures, and empty beaches — most restaurants and attractions will be closed.
Luckily, from mid-April, everything starts to open up as the island gets ready for the summer vacationers to arrive and the major nightclubs to open. For this reason, we recommend the early spring or late fall, as you’ll have more options but fewer crowds.
Summer is exceptionally busy, with the population of Ibiza increasing by millions, although this is the ultimate time to visit if you’re looking to party!
Note: We visited in mid-March and loved it! The temperatures were perfect, and we also had the beaches to ourselves. A lot of the restaurants and beach clubs were closed during this time, but there was enough open in Ibiza Town.
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