Ibiza Island hides wonderful corners and coves where you can get lost and spend a day with family, friends, or as a couple, offering a wide variety of things to do. Additionally, it has a nightlife and daytime entertainment scene that caters to different types of travelers, and a gastronomy that will surprise you with its varied offerings. If you’re thinking of traveling to Ibiza, here are some tips for planning your trip and making the most of the Mediterranean pleasures.
1. How many days should you spend in Ibiza?
Ibiza is a small island, but it has a wide variety of places to see and visit. We could say that 3 to 7 days is perfect to enjoy a great mix of activities. Don’t worry if you only have the weekend, that’s the perfect excuse to come back again. Additionally, thanks to its great weather, there’s never a bad time to visit. During the peak season, you’ll find many more hotels, establishments, and open restaurants, as well as the best nightclubs. If you come in the off-season, you’ll enjoy greater tranquility, be able to visit the best beaches and coves, and catch the best sunsets on the island of Ibiza without the crowds.
2. Plan your trip: Villages and places you can’t miss
If there’s one must-see place, it’s the old town, Dalt Vila. In the city center, you’ll find streets and squares you can stroll through, shops to browse, and restaurants with vibrant nightlife. Dalt Vila was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and is a fantastic place to learn about the history of Ibiza. Just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find Figueretas Beach and Playa d’en Bossa, another must-visit spot. We recommend going out for lunch or dinner, or simply enjoying an ice cream while soaking in the perfect surroundings—the sea. Its long beach makes for a pleasant and healthy walk.
Outside Ibiza Town, about a 20-minute drive away, you can visit a village that we love, San Antonio, located in the northeast of the island. We recommend you not miss the wonderful sunsets accompanied by music. Additionally, when you visit this area, you’ll find a wide variety of bars and restaurants with a lively atmosphere that you won’t be able to resist.
To plan your trip properly, we suggest including some of these well-known villages on your list: Santa Eulària des Riu, located in the eastern part of the island, known for its great variety of gastronomy, or Sant Josep de sa Talaia, one of the most beloved villages on the island where a popular traditional market is held on Saturdays.
If you prefer to visit smaller, charming villages, we recommend Es Canar, home to the island’s most famous markets, and close to San Carlos village and the famous Las Dalias market. For a more rural experience of Ibiza, plan your trip to visit Es Cubells, another of the island’s most traditional villages where you’ll feel like time stands still.
3. What to do in Ibiza: Must-see beaches and coves
One of the must-dos in Ibiza is visiting its most beautiful coves and beaches. It’s also one of the toughest tasks since there are many coves worth visiting. That’s why we want to show you our recommendations for planning your trip to the most beautiful beaches of Ibiza, which we’re sure won’t disappoint you.
Cala D’Hort
Cala D’Hort is the most magnetic spot on the island. A small cove whose greatest charm lies in the views of the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell. The beach is located in the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia and the access is quite easy, either by car or motorcycle, although parking can be difficult during high season. This beach has two highly popular beach bars known for their typical Ibizan food, with specialties such as Bullit de Peix and paella, El Carmen and Es Boldadó. They also have a small boutique where you can buy souvenirs.
Cala d’en Serra
Cala d’en Serra is located in the northern part of the island, in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja. It is one of the lesser-known, almost pristine coves, just 50 meters long, which has remained untouched due to its difficult access by car.
Cala es Portixol
Cala Es Portixol is even more remote than Cala d’en Serra. An unusual cove, also in the north of Ibiza in Sant Joan de Labritja, and one that is impossible to access by car. A narrow path and a walk of over half an hour prevent mass tourism from reaching this beach. It is highly recommended for hiking enthusiasts, as the approach offers spectacular views. This beach has no services and is highly recommended for snorkeling.
Cala Saladeta
Cala Saladeta is probably one of the most visited and famous coves on the entire island of Ibiza. It is located in the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany. The influx of tourists is so high that vehicle traffic is restricted during certain hours. On the other hand, it is a beautiful cove with crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and a very festive atmosphere. It is located next to Cala Salada and can be accessed by two paths: one that is more difficult but more direct, and another where you need to go around the mountain and circle the beach. This cove has no services, and if you’re looking to watch the sunset, this is not the beach for you. However, it is a must-visit if you’re in San Antonio.
4. Gastronomy: An Essential Part of Planning Your Trip
If there’s one thing you must do in Ibiza, it’s tasting the local and Mediterranean cuisine. On the island of Ibiza, you’ll find a wide range of gastronomic offerings that are highly recommended for food and drink lovers. To help you plan your trip, we’ve selected some restaurants we love because, in addition to excellent food, they have amazing locations and much more. Plan your trip with a tour of different dining spots and try different dishes! Let’s start with the area of Ibiza town and its surroundings.
The SEAHORSE restaurant is located right on the beachfront of Playa d’en Bossa, the liveliest area of the island, right next to the Vibra Algarb Hotel. It offers a variety of Mediterranean cuisine that you definitely won’t be able to resist.
Another incredible option where you can enjoy Mediterranean flavors while taking in views of Formentera is the Blavós Ibiza restaurant, located at Ses Figueretes Beach, easily reachable on foot via the seaside promenade. Don’t miss their daily lunch menu! It’s also perfect for enjoying an aperitif or some incredible cocktails.
If you’re in the mood for lighter food but in places with a great atmosphere, we recommend AQUA Lounge Bar, with the quintessential “Ibiza” vibe, known for its cocktails. You won’t be able to stop relaxing on their sofas while enjoying famous shishas before heading out to the clubs. In addition, AQUA Bar is a popular destination for many DJs, making your stay even more vibrant. The bar is located at the Vibra Mare Nostrum Hotel in Playa d’en Bossa.
The San Antonio de Portmany area offers several gastronomic options for things to do in Ibiza. Keep reading!
In the heart of San Antonio de Portmany, you’ll find Villa Mercedes, a villa from 1901, where you can enjoy great food alongside delicious cocktails. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere!
You’ll also find Café Mambo, a hotspot where famous DJs like Steve Aoki and Fisher often perform. It’s the ideal place to enjoy incredible sunsets with your friends. If you’re traveling during peak season, we recommend booking in advance, as these spots are highly sought after.
We’re sure that after reading this post, you can’t wait to travel and taste the flavors of Ibiza! So, we want to help you choose the ideal accommodation for your next vacation. With Vibra Hotels, we make it easy for you to choose from 31 hotels and apartments. Plus, you’ll have up to 72 hours to cancel your booking for free.
We look forward to welcoming you to Ibiza!