Ibiza has the problem of her own fame. When most people listen to "Ibiza" they think of discotheques, parties and mass tourism. And that Ibiza exists. But next to it, on the same island of 572 km ², there are other completely different Ibiza: the Ibiza of the hidden coves of turquoise waters that compete with the Caribbean, the Ibiza of the old town declared World Heritage, the Ibiza of the sunsets of Ses Variades that have made the island famous among the lovers of photography, the Ibiza of the hippie markets of the 70 years that never completely disappeared, and the Ibiza of Formentera - the island sister 30 minutes away by ferry - with the most transparent waters of the Mediterranean.
This guide is for all the traveller profiles that go to Ibiza: for those who seek the best experiences of sea and nature, for those who want to know the island beyond clubs, for those who travel in pairs looking for dusk and luxury navigation, and for those who want to combine Ibiza and Formentera on the same trip. We have everything.
Ibiza beyond the topic: what most travelers do not know
Ibiza has the highest concentration of crystalline water coves in the Spanish Mediterranean. The island has more than 50 coves, many of them accessible only on land roads or from the sea, with waters of a cobalt blue or turquoise that in the travel catalogues seem retouched with Photoshop and in person are even more amazing.
Ibiza also has the most impressive historic town (Dalt Vila) in the Balearic Islands: a 16th century walled city on a hill overlooking the port and the sea, with steep streets, Renaissance palaces and the Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, in the same decree as the marine posidionies surrounding the island (another UNESCO Natural Heritage).
And Ibiza has the most famous sunsets in the world. It is not hyperbole: the sunsets of Es Vedrà from the west coast, those of Ses Variades and the Café del Mar in Sant Antoni, those of the castle of Dalt Vila over the port... are visual experiences of an intensity that explains why the island has been the destination of artists, photographers and travelers from all over the world for decades.
Best experiences in Ibiza: what to do on the island
1. Navigation through the coves: the most complete experience of Ibiza
The best way to see Ibiza's most spectacular coves - many of them inaccessible by land or with very limited access - is from the sea. The boat or catamaran tours are the most popular experiences of the entire island and the most exhausted: always book several days in advance in high season.
Navigation at noon or at sunset in Ibiza with light refrigerates and free bar - Top rated. 4 hours sailing the most spectacular coves on the Iberian coast with swimming stops, refrigerations and free bar included. Available at noon or sunset. 4.8 with over 85 opinions. From €95.
Sail Ibiza at sunset, snacks and champagne, 6 guests - The most romantic and exclusive option: 2h 30min private navigation at sunset with champagne and snacks. 4.9 of valuation. From €125. Perfect for couples and small groups.
A full day tour of Ibiza and Formentera - 8 hours full day by boat exploring the coast of Ibiza and crossing to Formentera. 4.8 valuation with 30 reviews. From €124.
- Council: The evening navigation is Ibiza's most demanding experience. In July and August, book at least 5-7 days in advance. The Iberian sunset light on water and coves is of an absolutely exceptional photographic quality.
2. Kayak and snorkel in the coves: the nearest sea
For those who prefer to explore the Ibiza Sea more actively and sustainably, the sea kayak is the perfect choice. Ibiza has marine posidionias (seaweed declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage) that give water an extraordinary transparency and wealth of marine life. By snorkeling over the posidionians, even at a shallow depth, you can see colorful fish, sea stars, octopus and an underwater life that is scarce in other parts of the Mediterranean.
Kayak and Snorkel in Ibiza - Top rated. 3 hours of kayak excursion through the most beautiful coves on the coast with snorkel stop. 4.9 with over 77 opinions. From €50. The most affordable and active option to enjoy the sea.
Paddle Surf and Snorkel in Ibiza - 2 hours in paddle surf with snorkel stop. 4.6 of valuation. From €50. Perfect for those who want to try paddle surfing in protected waters.
3. Water Moto: adrenaline on the coast of San Antonio
Water bike tour from San Antonio to Margaritas Islands - 1 hour of pure adrenaline on a water bike from San Antonio to the Margaritas Islands, a set of volcanic rock islets with completely transparent waters. From €190.
4. Formentera from Ibiza: the Caribbean within 30 minutes
Formentera is the sister island of Ibiza, just 30 minutes by ferry from the port of Ibiza Town or by private boat from any point on the south coast. With just 83 km ², Formentera has the most transparent waters in the western Mediterranean: on the beach of Illetes, the Bay of Ses Salines or the lighthouse of La Mola, the water is of a turquoise so intense that it is difficult to believe that you are in Europe and not in the Caribbean or in Indian.
Formentera also has a tranquility and authenticity that Ibiza has partially lost by mass tourism. The atmosphere is relaxed, the restaurants are local market cuisine, the cyclists outnumber the cars and the night ends soon. For many travelers, Formentera is the true destination and Ibiza the logistical starting point.
A full day tour of Ibiza and Formentera - 8 hours full day by boat, exploring the coasts of Ibiza and crossing Formentera to swim in its turquoise waters. From €124.
Ibiza -Formentera 360 °: All-including Boat Trip - The most complete tour of the Ibiza-Formentera route: between 5 and 12 hours of navigation with all included exploring both islands. From €79.
Full day private tour to Formentera from Ibiza - Top rated. 7 hours by private boat for your group, with all the flexibility to choose the coves and rhythms of the day. Perfect rating of 5.0. From €870 (for groups).
Dalt Vila: the historic centre World Heritage
Ibiza Town (Eivissa in Catalan) has on its central hill the Dalt Vila, the 16th century walled Renaissance city that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It is the historical and monumental part of the island that most tourists do not get to know because it is too busy on the beaches and clubs.
The walls of Dalt Vila, built between 1555 and 1585 by order of King Philip II to defend the island from Turkish and Berber pirates, have a perimeter of almost 2 km with seven angular bastions in perfect conservation conditions. Entering the Porta de Ses Taules - the Renaissance arch with the city's arms shields - is one of those moments when Ibiza surprises you.
Inside the walled enclosure you will find:
The Cathedral of Santa Maria: a Gothic-baroque cathedral of the 13th century built on the remains of an Arab mosque. The tower, of Almohad origin, is the highest point of the island and has 360 ° views over the port, the sea and the coast.
The Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera: with a first-level Phoenician and Punic collection (Ibiza was one of the most important colonies of Cartago in the Western Mediterranean). The necropolis of the Puig des Molins, a few minutes from the center, is the world's most important Phoenician funeral site with over 3,000 hippigees excavated in the rock.
The glare of the Baluarte of Santa Llúcia: the best views over the port of Ibiza and the bay from the walls.
The streets and interior squares: a maze of cobbled alleys with crockery houses, art galleries, traditional Iberian cuisine restaurants and terraces with views.
The sunsets of Ibiza: the most famous in the world
The sunsets of Ibiza have a world reputation that is fully worth it. The combination of the golden light of the Mediterranean in the last hour of the afternoon, the silhouette of the Islot of Es Vedrà emerging from the sea as a rock fang of 382 meters, the waters that change from blue to orange to red in a matter of minutes and the concentration of people who gather at the same points to live it together create a social and visual experience that is difficult to describe without having lived it.
The best points to see the sunset in Ibiza:
Ses Variades / Café del Mar (Sant Antoni): the most famous point in the world to see sunsets, with ambient music and direct view over the sun setting in the sea.
Cala d'Hort: the cove with the best view of Es Vedrà, the most mystical islet of Ibiza. The sunset with the silhouette of Es Vedrà in close-up is the most iconic picture of the island.
Dalt Vila: the sunset from the walls of the historic town, with the port full of sailing boats down and the sun standing on the sea at the bottom.
Torre des Savinar: an 18th century defense tower on a cliff over Es Vedrà, accessible on a short walk. The view from here of the islet at dusk is absolutely spectacular.
Dusk navigation is the most special way to live the Iberian sunset: from the sea, with champagne in hand, seeing the colors change over the water is a moment that is recorded forever:
Sail Ibiza at sunset, snacks and champagne - 2h 30min of private navigation at sunset. 4.9 of valuation. From €125.
The best coves in Ibiza: the ones you must know
Ibiza has more than 50 coves. These are the essential ones according to the type of experience you seek:
For more crystalline waters: Cala Compte (Cala Comte)
Systematically chosen as the most beautiful cove in Ibiza and one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Several small beaches and coves in the same environment, with intense turquoise waters on white rock and the islet of S'Illa des Bosc on the horizon. The sunset from Cala Compte is one of the best on the island.
For tranquility and nature: Cala d'Hort
The cove with the best view of the Islot of Es Vedrà. Less massified than Cala Compte, with a pebble beach and dark sand and fresh fish restaurants directly above the sea. Going at sunset and having dinner with Es Vedrà at the bottom is an experience that defines the trip to Ibiza.
For snorkel and marine life: Cala Xarraca
In the north of the island, less tourist and with perfectly preserved posidionias that give the water exceptional transparency. The marine life here is especially rich: colorful fish, octopus, sea stars. The most recommended for snorkel.
For accessibility and services: Playa d'en Bossa
The longest beach in Ibiza (3 km of fine sand), with all the tourist infrastructure (chiringuitos, hammocks, water sports) and the animation of the most famous beach clubs on the island. The choice for those who want beach with atmosphere.
For the wild south: Ses Salines
The most sophisticated beach in Ibiza, within the Natural Park of Ses Salines that protects the old saline and pine forest. Exceptional turquoise waters and a quieter and more elegant clientele than the southern tourist beaches.
The unexpected Ibiza: nature, history and culture
The north of the island: Sant Joan and Sant Llorenç
The north of Ibiza is the wildest, greenest and most authentic part of the island. The municipalities of Sant Joan de Labritja and the interior areas of Sant Llorenç have low mountain landscapes, pine and almond forests, white interior villages with 17th century fortress churches and a tranquility that is light years from the southern tourist coast.
The market of Sant Joan (Sundays) is one of the most authentic hippies markets that have survived in Ibiza since the 1970s: local crafts, clothes, live music and land products in a completely different environment from the southern tourist markets.
Ses Salines: the natural park between Ibiza and Formentera
The Natural Park of Ses Salines It occupies the southern tip of Ibiza and the northern tip of Formentera, connected by a narrow channel. The old salins of Phoenician exploitation today have colonies of pink flamingos (especially in autumn and winter), crankshafts, garzas and an extraordinary ornithological biodiversity for such a tourist island.
It is Vedrà: the most mystical islet in the Mediterranean
Es Vedrà is a 382-metre-high, calcareous rock islet that comes vertically from the sea off the southwest coast of Ibiza, completely uninhabited and inaccessible. Legend connects it to Atlantis, Phoenicians and paranormal phenomena. The reality is that it has one of the world's most important Eleonora hawk populations and that its silhouette at sunset is simply the most photogenic in the Mediterranean.
Itinerario Ibiza: how to organize the visit
If you have 3-4 days in Ibiza
Day 1 - Ibiza Town and Dalt Vila: Tomorrow exploring the historic town of Ibiza Town: the port, the market, the climb to Dalt Vila and the Cathedral. Free afternoon in the nearby coves (Cala Talamanca 10 minutes from the center). Night in the port of Ibiza Town
Day 2 - South and sunset: Tomorrow in Ses Salines (the most sophisticated beach and the natural park). Midday in Cala d'Hort with view to Es Vedrà. Late in Ses Variades or Cala Compte for sunset. Dinner in Sant Antoni.
Day 3 - Formentera or north of the island: boat trip to Formentera (book the previous night or days in advance). Or, if you prefer to stay in Ibiza, go to the north of the island: market of Sant Joan (if it is Sunday), Cala Xarraca for snorkel, village of Sant Llorenç.
Day 4 - Kayak, snorkel and farewell navigation: morning of kayak and snorkel by the coves of the north. Afternoon free. Sailing at sunset with champagne.
If you have only 2 days
Day 1: Dalt Vila in the morning, coves from the south in the afternoon (Ses Salines, Cala Compte), sunset at Ses Variades. Day 2: boat trip to Formentera or full navigation along the Iberian coast.
The Iberian Gastronomy: Beyond the Chiringhites
The traditional Iberian cuisine has Phoenician, Arab and Catalan roots, and uses the island's products in an elegant and simple way:
Peix Bullit: the most traditional fish stew on the island. Fish of rock, potato, saffron and alioli. It is served in two rolls: first the broth with rice, then the fish alone.
Sofrit pagès: the icenco festive stew. Chicken, pork ribs, sausages, potatoes and the typical spices of the ballast kitchen. Happy and tasty.
Flaó: the most traditional dessert of Ibiza: a fresh cheese cake and aromatic herbs (mint, anis) with a unique texture and flavor. It is made in all the Iberian houses for the parties.
Peix sec: the salt and dry fish in the sun that the ibicencos have been consuming since the Phoenician era. A product of intense taste that has now become a delicatessen.
When it's best to visit Ibiza
May and June are the perfect months: the sea begins to be temperate (22-24 ° C), the coves are practically empty compared to summer, the prices are reasonable and the island has a fresh and lively energy without the saturation of July and August.
July and August are the absolute high season: prices fired, full beaches, hotels occupied since months before. Even so, if it's your only choice, the island in summer has an energy and an animation that it doesn't have at any other time.
September and October are the best kept secret of Ibiza: the sea remains temperate (24-26 ° C), the coves empty from the second week of September, the prices fall significantly and the light of the Mediterranean autumn is of a photographic quality that summer does not have. October in Ibiza, with the posidionias at its best and the coves practically lonely, is one of the most rewarding experiences of the Spanish Mediterranean.
Winter (November-April): Ibiza in winter is a completely different island: quiet, local, with many hotels and restaurants closed but with an authentic life in the villages of the interior that in summer disappears under tourism. For travelers who seek authenticity and silence, the Iberian winter has its own charm.
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Frequently asked questions about what to do in Ibiza
Is Ibiza just to party?
No. Ibiza has a dimension of nature, culture and history that far exceeds the image of the island of discotheques. The coves, Formentera, Dalt Vila (World Heritage), the sunsets of Es Vedrà, the hippies markets in the north and the Iberian cuisine are experiences that have nothing to do with nightlife and are the reasons why millions of travelers return to the island year after year.
What's the best cove in Ibiza?
It depends on what you're looking for. For the most crystalline waters: Cala Compte. For the evening with Es Vedrà: Cala d'Hort. For snorkel and marine life: Cala Xarraca. For services and animation: Playa d'en Bossa. For sophistication: Ses Salines.
Is it worth going to Formentera from Ibiza?
Absolutely. Formentera has the most transparent waters of the Spanish Mediterranean and a tranquility that Ibiza cannot offer in high season. The ferry from the port of Ibiza Town to La Savina (Formentera) takes 30-35 minutes. There are frequencies every 30-60 minutes in summer. The tour to Formentera is the best you can do from Ibiza.
When are the coves of Ibiza filled?
In July and August, the most famous coves (Cala Compte, Cala d'Hort) are filled before 11 a.m. and car access may be restricted or blocked. The best way to avoid this problem is to access by boat (sea excursions take directly to the coves from the sea) or to arrive very early by car and walk.
Is it Ibiza expensive?
Ibiza has a face reputation that is partially deserved: the accommodation and summer clubs are among the most expensive in Spain. But the coves are free, kayak and snorkel are accessible (from 50 €), the markets in the north are free and the local Iberian cuisine is reasonable outside the first-line tourist restaurants. A week in Ibiza can cost from €800 to €5,000 per person according to the level of accommodation and leisure chosen.
What's better, Ibiza or Mallorca?
They're very different destinations. Ibiza has the best sunsets in the Mediterranean, the world's most famous nightlife and extraordinary coves, but it is smaller and less varied than Mallorca. Mallorca has more variety of landscapes (the Tramuntana, the coves of the southeast, Palma as a city), more history and more gastronomy. For a week of beach, sunsets and atmosphere: Ibiza. For a week of exploration, nature and culture: Mallorca.
Conclusion: the Ibiza you're taking
The Ibiza that is remembered is not that of the discotheques - that is forgotten in a few days. What remains is the color of the water of Cala Compte at noon, the sun setting behind Es Vedrà from a sailboat with a glass in hand, the steep streets of Dalt Vila at night, the smell of the Mediterranean pine in the northern coves and the water of Formentera, which seems impossibly transparent until you touch and confirm that it is completely real.
That's Ibiza when it looks good. And it looks good when you book the right experiences in advance and don't stay alone on the edge of the trendy beach.
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