Is a long weekend or a 4-day break coming up, and you’re not sure what to do? We suggest a visit to Ibiza, where you can enjoy charming routes, crystal-clear coves, boat trips, and plenty of leisure. It’s the perfect plan for your next getaway. Here’s a rundown of the must-see highlights in Ibiza if you have 3 or 4 days to explore.
When to visit Ibiza? Thanks to the amazing climate of the Balearic Islands, there’s never a bad time to visit. However, from May to October, you’ll find more hours of sunshine to soak up and enjoy the beach until sunset. Keep in mind that July and August are peak months, so it’s best to book your accommodation in advance. You can reach Ibiza by flight from most major cities in Spain and Europe, or by ferry from Barcelona, Valencia, or Mallorca—a great option if you want to bring your car or motorbike along.
What to See in Ibiza in 3 Days
If you have your own transportation, here are our recommendations to make the most of your 3 days and see all the highlights. Of course, if you miss something, it’s just the perfect excuse to return to Ibiza! You can adjust the route each day based on what’s open—markets, beach parties, and other events are great opportunities to mix things up.
Day 1 – Northern Ibiza Coves: Punta Galera, Cala Vadella & Sunset at Es Vedrá
Start your day early at Punta Galera, one of those special spots that stays with you due to its serene atmosphere and stunning views. After soaking in the tranquility, head to Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta, just 10 minutes away by car. These popular coves can fill up fast, so arriving early makes it easier to find parking. The scenery here is lush and green, surrounded by pine trees, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters—no exaggeration, the water color will leave you in awe!
Next, head over to Cala Vadella, a natural harbor with a lovely white-sand beach, where you’ll find several seafood restaurants. You can rent diving gear or take a jet ski ride to explore the area from the water. To wrap up your day, head to the Es Vedrá viewpoint for one of the most iconic sunsets in Ibiza.
As the sun sets, Ibiza Town (Eivissa) transforms into a lively hub of activity, with charming shops, cozy restaurants, and bustling streets full of people strolling around. One of the absolute must-dos is to visit the Dalt Vila area, the old walled town, where you’ll find a selection of outdoor terraces and bars—perfect spots to enjoy dinner and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. While Dalt Vila is magical at night, it’s also worth exploring during the day. Wander through its narrow alleys and small squares, which wind up and down the hillside inside the ancient walls. The area is full of character, with hidden passageways, steep steps, and spectacular views over Ibiza’s port. It’s a wonderful place to get lost and discover the town’s rich history and charm.
Route 2: Cala Tarida, Cala Conta, Cala Bassa and the Drum Sunset at Benirrás
We start at Cala Tarida, just 10 km from San Antonio. This wide beach with fine sand is surrounded by hills and features crystal-clear waters. There are several restaurants serving local Ibizan cuisine and a beach club offering views of the entire bay. Having a meal here is a great plan before heading to Cala Conta, one of the island’s most famous beaches, known for its clear waters where you can go snorkeling. Don’t forget to bring your diving goggles!
It is also a spot known for its spectacular sunsets. In this same area, you can’t miss Cala Bassa, another beach that will take your breath away, with a pine forest spread across the sand. It has a rocky area perfect for snorkeling due to its rich marine biodiversity. The beach is home to a famous club where you can rent sunbeds and enjoy the music and the scenery.
Remember, in this route through Ibiza, our suggestion is to end the day by watching the sunset at Benirrás. The beach is located further north, about 40 km from Cala Bassa, and is famous for its sunsets and its Sunday Hippie Drum Party – don’t miss it!
Route 3 – Cala Xaraca, Portinatx, Aigües Blanques, Las Dalias Market.
This route through Ibiza is designed for you to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes on the northeast side of the island. We start at Cala Xaraca, located 5 km from Sant Joan, at the foot of a red sandstone cliff with crystal-clear waters. Diving around the islets in front of the beach is a must.
To the right of the cove, behind the rocks, you’ll find Portinatx, a small cove with traditional fishing huts, along with two smaller coves next to it, featuring fine sand and turquoise waters. It’s a popular tourist spot, and you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants to enjoy a meal.
After lunch, it’s time to visit Aigües Blanques Beach, a long beach about 300 meters in length, surrounded by cliffs. At sunset, the beach is covered by the shadow of the cliffs, so if you like sunbathing, it’s better to visit this beach in the morning!
Go early in the morning and you’ll witness a beautiful sunrise. It’s famous for its reddish clay, which is great for the skin. On the southern part of the beach, there’s a legendary beach bar, popular with the local hippies, that you’ll love.
Next, head over to Las Dalias Market, located between Santa Eulalia and San Carlos – a must-visit. It has stalls selling all kinds of products, many of them handmade. You can also eat or have dinner there, and don’t miss the live music nights – the atmosphere is the epitome of Ibiza! It’s best to check the schedules and events as they change throughout the year.
What to See in Ibiza in 4 Days
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra day on your trip, we suggest this other route through the southern part of the island.ç
Route 4 – San Jordi Market, Ses Salines Natural Park, Playa Salines and Playa Cavallet, Santa Gertrudis
Start with a visit to the San Jordi Market, located next to the road to the airport, at the San Jordi racetrack. It’s held on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The market has a very authentic atmosphere, and you can buy almost anything second-hand, plus there’s a bar with drinks and snacks.
Just 5 minutes by car from San Jordi, you’ll find the popular beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet, bordered by dunes and pine trees.
On the way, you’ll pass through the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected natural space that stretches from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.
It covers 400 hectares of salt ponds and more than 200 species of birds. At sunset, the water takes on incredible rosy hues. It’s a perfect spot for the car, and you can stay and contemplate this wonder—you’ll surely carry the memory with you back home! On the road, you’ll see a turnoff to the left that leads to Es Cavallet, a beach surrounded by junipers in an incomparable setting with crystal-clear waters and, in the distance, Formentera. It was the first naturist beach in Ibiza and one of the pioneers in Spain.
There, you can dine at various beach bars, some with tables that almost reach the water, offering a cosmopolitan and lively atmosphere. Continuing along the same road, to the left, just a few minutes away, you’ll arrive at Ses Salines beach, also surrounded by dunes, where you’ll find trendy places to eat.
For those who prefer walks and exploring, there’s a hiking route from Es Cavallet to Ses Salines, passing by the 16th-century defense tower of Ses Portes, where you can take a break and enjoy the fabulous views of the Es Freus strait with Formentera in the distance.
We suggest ending the day with a visit to Santa Gertrudis, a charming little village in the center of the island, just 15 minutes from Ibiza, with whitewashed houses and pedestrian streets surrounding the church. Take a stroll through its lively streets, browse the shops, and have a delicious sandwich on the terrace of Bar Costa, where the atmosphere is very cosmopolitan and laid-back—you’ll love it!
Hotels in Ibiza Town and San Antonio de Portmany
Our recommendation is to book hotels in Ibiza Town or San Antonio de Portmany and use them as a base for exploring the island each day. In Ibiza Town, between the beaches of Ses Figueretes and Playa d’en Bossa, you’ll find fantastic hotels by the sea, such as Vibra Jabeque Dreams or Hotel Vibra Algarb. Both hotels are located in one of the liveliest areas of the island and just a stone’s throw from the city center.
If you’re looking for hotels outside of the city but still with a vibrant atmosphere, we suggest the San Antonio area. Consider staying at Hotel Vibra Marco Polo I, or if you’re after the most fun and lively hotel in San Antonio, Hotel Vibra District will surprise you with its dynamic decor and upbeat vibe.