There’s much more to Ibiza than late-night, revel-here parties. This boho beauty in the Balearics is home to a UNESCO-listed Old Town, sleepy villages that still feel authentically Spanish and a cool coastline that’s ringed with blissful beaches.
Not convinced there’s much here for you other than big-name nightclubs? Check out the top 10 things to do in Ibiza:
- Ibiza Old Town
- Cala Salada
- Es Vedra
- Sa Caleta
- Cala Comte
- Formentera
- Far de Portinatx
- Torre del Pirata (Blasco Ibanez) o des Savinar
- Agua Blanca
- Sirenis Aquagames Ibiza
1. Ibiza Old Town
In complete contrast to the rave-all-night resorts, the island’s capital, Ibiza Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fortified walls hide a maze of cobbled streets that you’re bound to get lost in, but when they’re as pretty as this, we’re sure you won’t mind!
You’re in for a treat if you’re visiting at night, as colourful hippie markets spill out onto the streets. They’re a one-stop-shop for quirky souvenirs – think handmade jewellery, genuine leather accessories and a huge selection of fresh food and refreshing drinks.
2. Cala Salada
Just a ten-minute drive from sizzling San Antonio, you’ll find the serene, sandy cove of Cala Salada. It’s a relatively unknown beach spot that’s surrounded by pine forested hills, making it the ideal place to lay down your towel and soak up the rays.
The glittering turquoise sea is too enticing to resist as it calmly laps into the natural rock formations. It’s rustic Ibiza at its best.
3. Es Vedra
The uninhabited outcrop of mysterious Es Vedra stretches out into the Mediterranean Sea, just off Ibiza’s south-west coast. This natural beauty has been at the centre of much speculation over the years, with various myths and legends giving us clues to its origin and interesting past. The most unusual suggest it’s a secret UFO base or the tip of long-lost city, Atlantis.
Sunsets are pretty spectacular here, so visiting at night is a must!
4. Sa Caleta
The horseshoe-shaped bay of Sa Caleta is backed by burnt orange, ombré cliffs. It’s only a short drive from Playa D’En Bossa and its shallow and calm waters make it the perfect place for snorkelling and swimming.
While you’re here, take a trip up to the top of the cliff and you’ll be rewarded with the island’s first Phoenician settlement which dates back to 654 BC!
5. Cala Comte
You can reach this popular beach by either hopping on a ferry from San Antonio Bay or following the winding coastal roads then walking to the sands. It’s a remote spot that offers sensational views of the nearby Illa des Bosc and Illa Conillera.
There are two stretches of beach to choose from alongside plenty of unique rock formations to explore. The current can get quite strong here, so be careful if you’re swimming.
6. Formentera
Known as Ibiza’s little sister, Formentera offers an island escape from the hustle and bustle of the White Isle. It may be only 20km long and 2km wide, but it’s jam-packed with gorgeous beaches and pretty villages that have previously attracted the likes of Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio!
Boats leave daily from Ibiza Town’s port and you could be on the island in just 30 minutes. So, pack a bag and get ready to experience an island of pure bliss.
7. Far de Portinatx
Portinatx’s candy-striped lighthouse is the biggest in the whole of the Balearics. It sits on the island’s northern-most tip, so if you’re looking to stretch your legs on a coastal walk, this landmark is great to aim for.
The views from here are spectacular and on a clear day, you can see as far southern Majorca!
8. Torre des Savinar
Want to check out a bit of the island’s history? Torre des Savinar, also known as ‘Pirate’s Tower’, is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Ibiza. This 18th-century watchtower sits on the west coast and was originally designed to house cannons to protect the land from pirates.
These days, it draws in crowds of visitors with its sensational views. You’ll see mysterious Es Vedra and its mini neighbour, Es Vedranell.
9. Agua Blanca
This hidden away beach gem on the north-east coast is rarely busy, even in the height of summer! The roads that lead here are quite rocky and uneven but once you arrive at this beach paradise, you’ll certainly be glad that you made the trip.
The soft sand and shallow waters are not the only great features here. The reddish-gold clay that covers the cliffs is thought to be very beneficial for the skin, so don’t be alarmed if you see people with the mud smeared on their face or body!
If you’re an early riser, it’s also one of the best places to catch the sunrise.
10. Sirenis Aquagames Ibiza
Want fun under the sun while staying in Ibiza? This action-packed waterpark is the perfect place to spend a day with your family. Thrill-seekers will love the high-speed Kamikaze and 12-metre-high Aquaracer, while there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy too. There’s a pirate-themed splash park complete with ten children’s slides and four splash barrels, alongside a mini-pool with animal statues and a water sprinkler.
It’s located within the Sirenis Hotel Club Siesta, so just pop to the reception area to grab your day tickets to the park. You’ll find it around a 15-minute drive from San Antonio and right next to Port D’Es Torrent beach, so when you’re finished on the slides, you can take a bit of time out to relax on the sands. These silky sands and turquoise waters are regularly mistaken for those in the Caribbean!
Posted: 20th Apr 2019. Updated: 10th Sept 2024.