If you’re thinking about heading to Ibiza for your next trip and you only have a weekend to spare, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the must-see places and experiences. As you may already know, Ibiza is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches and picturesque villages you’ll find in this part of the Mediterranean. We’re pretty sure our recommendations will captivate you!
The “white isle” has that je ne sais quoi that keeps pulling you back. It’s the kind of destination you can visit countless times without ever getting tired of it. So, let us guide you through the perfect itinerary to explore the most fascinating spots and activities on the island from Friday to Sunday.
Let´s get one thing straight: Ibiza is not just about partying and bustling beaches; it also offers awe-inspiring natural landscapes, hidden coves, and awe-worthy destinations. So, let’s dive into our exciting route…
Day of Arrival in Ibiza
If you’ve thought about renting a car, it’s a great option that will allow you to move around the island with complete freedom. However, if you don’t have a car, you can check the bus routes that cover the entire island.
Visit the City of Ibiza and its Dalt Vila
We suggest you begin your journey in the city of Ibiza, the capital of the island, which is also on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Explore its walled historic center, known as Dalt Vila, which dates back to the 17th century and was built by Felipe II to protect the city from pirate attacks. Don’t miss the stunning views from the top, where the Cathedral of Santa María is located.
Inside and outside the walls, you’ll find small white houses and labyrinthine streets filled with small shops, many of which showcase local artisans’ crafts. Here, you’ll also find the typical white Ibicenco clothing, along with a multitude of bars, cozy cafés, and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Take some time to relax on charming terraces and soak in the atmosphere of Ibiza.
The Dalt Vila area is directly connected to the lower part of the Vara del Rey promenade, which you can reach on foot. Close to the Vara del Rey area, you’ll find some iconic places like the Hotel Montesol or the Mar y Sol café, where you can also make a stop. Across from the café is the harbor, which is also great for a leisurely stroll, as it often hosts artisan fairs and markets. You can walk up to the lighthouse and enjoy the views of the bay.
Discover Las Salinas Natural Park
In the early afternoon, after your visit to Ibiza city, we suggest heading towards Las Salinas Natural Park, located in the southwest part of the island, towards San Jordi. On your way, you can make a stop at the famous Playa d’en Bossa for a refreshing swim. A perfect spot is the Vibra Algarb Hotel, situated right above the beach with a chillout area in its Seahorse restaurant, offering direct access to the beach. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail after your swim!
Next, head to Las Salinas Natural Park, where you’ll find the nearby beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet, set in a landscape of white sand dunes and turquoise waters that will leave an unforgettable impression. Explore both beaches and stop at one of the famous beach bars, like Chiringay, known for its great gay-friendly atmosphere and good music. You’ll be amazed by the wonderful natural surroundings.
Afterward, you can head to the defense tower of Ses Portes, one of the seven watchtowers that protected the island from pirate attacks. You can walk there from the beach, and along the way, you’ll enjoy a unique landscape full of interesting rock formations, small coves, and natural pools.
To end the day, you can return to the Playa d’en Bossa area and rest at any of the Vibra hotels or apartments, such as the charming and delightful Vibra Bossa Flow Hotel, just a few steps away from one of the island’s renowned entertainment zones. If you’re looking for a peaceful hotel with excellent relaxation areas by the pool, you’ll also find the recently renovated Vibra Isola Hotel nearby. All Vibra hotels offer fantastic breakfasts!
Second day in Ibiza
We get that your first day in Ibiza was pretty intense; you’ve seen a lot and taken full advantage of our recommendations to explore as much as possible. So, after a delightful breakfast, we suggest making your way to the northeastern part of the island, where some fantastic places await you.
Village of San José
You should definitely visit the village of San José, a beautiful white Ibicenco village considered one of the most charming in Ibiza. They have a wide range of gastronomic options, and it serves as the starting point for various hiking routes. One of them leads to Sa Talaia, where you can enjoy unparalleled views. Exploring the streets of San José is also a must; don’t miss the Parish Church of Sant Josep, which used to be a lookout point for the island.
Es Vedrá and Cala d’Hort and Cala Vadella Coves
Once you’ve visited San José and explored the hiking routes leading to its defensive towers, it’s time to head to one of the most special and magical places on the island: Es Vedrá. This small island is believed to hold a special energy that attracts tourists from all over the world due to its beauty. For the best panoramic view of Es Vedrá, we suggest visiting the Torre del Savinar and waiting for the perfect moment to witness the sunset. The sunset from this point will leave you speechless.
While you’re in the area, waiting for the magical sunset moment to behold Es Vedrá, how about taking a dip in a cove with fine golden sand? Now’s the time to step into Cala d’Hort and, if you have time, Cala Vadella. Cala d’Hort is located in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, about 21 km west of Ibiza city. It’s a small and charming beach from where you can also see Es Vedrá. One end of the beach has fine sand, while the other is a bit rockier. It’s a paradisiacal setting, protected by cliffs, and you can access it by a steep slope where the road ends. If the waves and winds allow, you might even catch some surfers in action. It’s a smoke-free beach to maintain its pristine sands.
Enjoy the sunset at Café del Mar in San Antonio
If you’re looking for an alternative to the sunset at Es Vedrá, consider visiting San Antonio. This city is situated on the west coast and is just a 30-minute drive away. It’s one of the island’s major tourist hubs, known for its numerous bars and mega nightclubs that gained international fame in the seventies. However, the highlight of San Antonio is undoubtedly Café del Mar, one of the most renowned places globally and one of Ibiza’s most famous spots. Here, you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset while sipping a drink on its beautiful terraces, accompanied by soothing chillout music in the background. It’s a popular spot, so we recommend making a reservation in advance if you plan to have dinner there.
While you’re in San Antonio and the day is coming to an end, we suggest staying at one of the city’s iconic hotels, the Vibra District Hotel, which is conveniently located within walking distance. This hotel has everything you need, and its distinctive decor is bound to leave a lasting impression. Also, don’t miss the chance to take a dip in its red pool!
Last Day in Ibiza
Santa Eulalia del Río
If you’ve arranged your return trip for the end of the day, make sure to visit the eastern area of Ibiza. Don’t miss the chance to see Santa Eulalia before leaving the island! It’s one of the quietest towns on the island and has plenty to offer, such as Es Puig de Missa, one of the most important churches in the municipality, which is definitely worth visiting for its beauty and grandeur. From there, you’ll have the best view of Santa Eulalia.
Additionally, in Santa Eulalia, you’ll find the most popular hippie markets on the island: Punta Arabí and Las Dalias. The former is located in Es Canar and is one of the largest on the island, while Las Dalias, which has been running since 1954, is one of the most famous. At the market, you’ll find a wide range of items, including jewelry, clothing, art, botanicals, and crafts. Their stalls offer everything you can imagine. On Saturdays, they have a lively atmosphere with live music, so it’s a good idea to check their website for the schedule.
San Carlos and the famous Bar Anita
San Carlos is another must-visit spot in the area. It’s a charming town where you can admire the traditional architecture of the island while strolling through its lovely streets. This picturesque village has multiple shops, bars, and moderately priced restaurants, and we suggest you try Bar Anita, also known as Ca n’Anneta, which is a popular place for locals and visitors alike. There, we recommend savoring a glass of their delicious herbal liqueur, which the same family has been producing for a century following the traditional recipe. It’s a bar famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with people gathering on its small terrace in front of the church.
To end your day and bid farewell to the island, we suggest you visit Aguas Blancas Beach. This is one of the favorite nudist beaches among the locals, surrounded by cliffs, golden sand, and transparent waters. It’s another one of those magical places on the island. Don’t miss the chance to cover yourself in the reddish mud obtained from the cliffs; it will leave you with memories and images of this unique and special island, as well as soft skin!
Though it may have felt short, you’ll definitely come back! There’s much more to explore, and we’ll keep you updated on our blog.