Are you wondering what to do with that long weekend on the horizon? Why not visit Ibiza? Its charming trails, crystal clear water coves and boat trips are the perfect way to enjoy your getaway to the max. We give you some advice what to see in Ibiza in 3 or 4 days.
When it comes to the best time of the year to visit the white isle, you’ll definitely have longer hours of sun to swim in the sea until dusk and enjoy the beach from May to October, but remember that in July and August you should book your accommodation early because hotels are at their highest rate of occupation at this time of the year.
You can get to Ibiza by plane from any of the main cities in Spain and Europe. You can also catch a ferry from Barcelona, Valencia or Mallorca. If you do this, you can bring your own car or motorbike.
We recommend staying in Ibiza Town or San Antonio, and doing a different itinerary from there every day. In the Playa d’en Bossa area of Ibiza, there are hotels with fantastic locations by the sea, such as Aparthotel Vibra Jabeque Soul or hotel Vibra Algarb;Both hotels are in one of the more lively areas of Ibiza Town.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly hotel, then in the area of San Antonio we suggest, Hotel Vibra Marco Polo I or if you’re a more fun hotel with sparkle, then you’ll love the decor and lively atmosphere of Hotel Vibra Piscis.
If you don’t have a car, then it’s best to stay in San Antonio where many organised tours depart. This is another great option. A few suggestions from San Antonio:
A boat trip to Cala Salada, Cala Gració and Cap NegretThis excursion lasts 3 hours and departs from the port of San Antonio, a trip that will transport you right to the hippy movement of the 60s!
A boat trip through Cala Conta and Cala Bassa The excursion lasts 6 hours and departs from San Antonio, you’ll enjoy a chilled cruise through Ibiza’s best coves where you can practice snorkelling and paddle boarding.
A boat trip to Es Vedrá and Formentera Departing from San Antonio, the trip lasts 13 hours and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the island of Formentera.
You also have the option of taking trips that take in the island’s main points of interest flea markets, cities and beaches. Plus, they pick you up at the door of your hotel!
What to see in 3 or 4 days
3-Day itineraries
If you have your own mode of transport, then here are a few recommendations for your 3 days, so you don’t miss out on seeing anything important. Well, if you do miss out on something, then you’ve a great excuse to return to Ibiza!
Plus, you are in the driving seat so you can design your trip to suit the days that certain places are open, for example, flea markets or parties on the beach.
Itinerary 1: Coves of the North: Punta Galera, Cala Vadella and sunset on Es Vedrá
Punta Galera is one of those places that will be etched in your memory forever because of the peace it emanates and its spectacular views. The idea is to arrive there early in the morning, then go to the Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta, areas, which are just 10 minutes away in car. These coves are highly sought-after and the car park fills up quickly, so arrive early and it’ll be easier to find a space. The landscape is wonderfully green and leafy, covered in pine trees, white sand and turquoise water. And it’s not a cliché to say that you’ll be head over heels with the colour of the water.
Then we´ll head to Cala Vadella,a natural port with white sand, where there are tonnes of places to eat fish dishes. You can hire diving gear or go out on a jet-ski.
To finish our itinerary, we head to the Es Vedrá, lookout, where you can enjoy one of Ibiza’s most iconic sunsets..
As soon as night falls, Ibiza Town comes alive, with cute shops and restaurants and streets full of people strolling around. You simply must go up to the walled part of the city, Dalt Vila, where you will find restaurants with terraces and bars, ideal for dining and savouring the atmosphere. This part of the city merits a visit in the light of day, too, so you can get lost in the winding streets and small squares that ascend and descend inside the walls, with their passageways and steps, and the spectacular views of the port of Ibiza.
Itinerary 2: Cala Tarida, Cala Conta, Cala Bassa and Benirrás Drums Party.
On the second itinerary, we are going to continue touring the coves in the east of the island.
We are starting in Cala Tarida, just 10 km from San Antonio, an extensive fine-sand beach, surrounded by hills and clear waters. It has several restaurants serving Ibizan market food and a beach club with views over the bay. It’s a good idea to have lunch there, then go to Cala Conta, uone of the island’s most well-known beaches, with crystal clear waters where you can go snorkelling. Remember to bring your diving goggles!
Plus, it’s the perfect place for spectacular sunsets. If you don´t believe us, then take a look at this photo. In this same area, you simply must not miss out on Cala Bassa, another beach where you can lose yourself among the pine trees all over the beach. It has a rocky area ideal for snorkelling because of its great marine biodiversity. The beach has a renowned club where you can rent hammocks and enjoy the music and landscape.
Remember: for Itinerary 2, we recommend ending the day by watching the sunset in Benirrás. The beach is further north, about 40 km from Cala Bassa, and it is famous for its sunsets and Hippy Drumming Party on Sundays. Don’t miss it!
Itinerary 3: Cala Xaraca, Portinax, Aigües Blanques, Las Dalias Hippy Market.
This itinerary is designed for you to discover some of the most beautiful parts of the north east of the island. We start with Cala Xaraca, just 5 km from Sant Joan, at the foot of a red sand cliff and clear waters. You simply must go snorkelling around the islets in front of the beach
On the right of the cove, behind the rocks, is Portinax, a small cove with boathouses, and two tiny additional coves beside them, with fine sand and clear water. This area is attractive for tourists and has a wide range of restaurants where you can have lunch.
After eating lunch, it’s time to visit Aigües Blanques, beach, a 300 m long beach surrounded by cliffs. In the evening, the beach is covered by the shadow of the cliffs, so if you like lying in the sun, it’s best to visit the beach in the morning.
Go first thing in the morning and you´ll see the gorgeous sunrise. It’s a nudist beach, but if you wear your swimming togs nobody will look at you as there’s a mixture of everything. It is famous for its reddish mud, which is very beneficial for the skin. On the south side of the beach, there is a legendary beach frequented by local hippies, you’re going to love it!
It’s time to go to Las Dalias Hippy Market, located between Santa Eulalia and San Carlos. It’s a real must! It has stalls selling all kinds of products, many of them handcrafted, you can have lunch or dinner there too. And don’t miss out on its live music nights. The ambiance is pure Ibiza! Please consult the opening times and events as they change throughout the year.
4-Day Itineraries
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra day on your trip, then we’ve got another itinerary for you that takes in the south of the island.
Itinerary 4: San Jordi Flea Market, Ses Salines Natural Park, Playa Salines and Playa Cavallet, Santa Gertrudis
Start off with a visit to San Jordi Flea Market, ulocated beside the road to the airport, in the San Jordi horse trotting stadium. It is held on Saturdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. It has a truly authentic vibe about it and you can buy practically any kind of second hand goods there. Plus, there’s a bar selling drinks and snacks. Near San Jordi, just 5 minutes away by car, are the popular beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet, , surrounded by dunes and pine tree.
On the way there, you’ll pass through Parque Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected natural space that reaches from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera, declared a World Heritage Site in 2001.
It has 400 hectares of salt flats and more than 200 species of birds. At sunset, the water takes on unbelievable rose-coloured tones. Park up at a suitable spot and contemplate this wonderful sight, a view you’ll want to take home with you again and again! To the left of the road, there is a detour that will take you to Es Cavallet, a beach surrounded by ancient Phoenician juniper trees, in an incomparable setting of clear waters and, in the distance, Formentera. It was Ibiza’s first naturist beach and one of the most pioneering in Spain.
Take time to eat at one of the beach bars or at La Escollera restaurant. It has tables that almost touch the water and you’ll love its cosmopolitan and fun ambiance. On the same road, on the left, just a few minutes away, you’ll come to Ses Salines beach. It is also covered in dunes and there’s no shortage of cool places to eat.
If you’re more into walking and exploring, then there’s a trail you can do on foot that goes from Es Cavallet to Ses Salines and passes by Ses Portes defence tower, dating from the 16th century. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and contemplate the wonderful views stretching from Es Freus to Formentera.
We suggest rounding the day off with a visit to Santa Gertrudis, a charming little town in the centre of the island, just 15 minutes from Ibiza Town, filled with little white houses and pedestrian streets surrounding the church. Take a wander around its lively streets and check out the shops. Enjoy a delicious sandwich on the terrace of Bar Costa, where there’s a real cosmopolitan and carefree vibe.
So don’t delay and come enjoy Ibiza! Plus, when you subscribe to our Club Vibra we will give you 7% off your next booking. Plus, you’ve up to 72 hours to cancel your booking free of charge