The best things to do in Ibiza appeal to celebrities, hippies and boozy backpackers who all descend on this Balearic island off the southern coast of Spain. It’s a hedonist’s dream, with non-stop party action and the finest DJs in the world descending on the island throughout the summer months.

But away from the dance floor, this volcanic island is home to ancient towns, fantastic beaches and excellent restaurants. Enjoying the treasures of Ibiza doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking to party, it’s one of the best places in the world.

What are the best things to do in Ibiza?

  • 1

    Walled Old Town

    Walk through the alleyways of Dalt Vila

    Walled Old Town
    • Couples
    • Families
    • History

    The Old Town (Dalt Vila) is an ancient sandstone fortress, built as a defence against pirates and other invaders. It's one of the best things to do in Ibiza, and walking through the ancient gate into the city is really evocative. The town itself has retained a timeless feel.

    You’ll find some interesting shopping, along with some generations-old bodegas for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. From the top of the hill, you get some great views down to the marina and the newer districts of Ibiza Town.

    Location: Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town

    Map
  • 2

    Es Canar

    Shop for unique fashion and get a henna tattoo

    Es Canar
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families

    Punta Arabi Hippy Market has grown over the years and is now one of the best markets in Ibiza. Every Wednesday throughout the summer, you can expect loads of hippy fashion, one-of-a-kind jewellery, tasty food stalls, and live music to entertain the crowds. This quirky market is a great place for families, with a dedicated children’s zone. The whole market is shaded by tall pine trees that helps keep the temperature down.

    The Hippy Market is on the east coast of Ibiza, about 20 km from Ibiza Town. Pick a hotel located in Es Canar town to be able to get there on foot. If you’re not here on a Wednesday, there are plenty of smaller markets in Ibiza, such as nearby Las Dalias market, which takes place every Saturday through the summer.

    Location: Avinguda Punta Arabí, s/n, 07840 Santa Eulalia del Río, Islas Baleares, Spain

    Open: April–May and October: Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm. June–July and September: Wednesday from 10 am to 7 pm. August: Wednesday from 10 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +34 971 33 06 50

    Map

    photo by yashima (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Salinas Beach

    Top up your tan with a cosmopolitan crowd

    Salinas Beach
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Luxury

    Salinas Beach is a long, sandy strip of coast, famed for the fashionable chiringuitos (beach bars) playing chilled Balearic tunes. As one of the most popular Ibiza beaches, it gets very busy in the peak summer months, so you should come dressed in your finest beachwear and mingle with the cool crowds. It’s very cosmopolitan, with many different nationalities choosing this spot to lounge through the day.

    There’s a host of expensive restaurants on the beach, and the far southern end of the beach is popular with nudists. Salinas Beach is on the southern tip of Ibiza, close to the airport.

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    Map
  • 4

    Ibiza Town Marina

    Enjoy a coffee with a view of the port

    Ibiza Town Marina
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Luxury

    The marina in Ibiza Town has hundreds of yachts bobbing in the Mediterranean Sea, with a host of restaurants, boutique shops, trendy bars and a variety of hotels overlooking the boats. Head to Carrer Andenes and you’ll find a row of bars and restaurants that make a great place to enjoy a coffee and soak up the Spanish sun.

    No one is in a hurry here, and you really get a sense of what Ibiza is all about – a playground of the rich and famous.

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    Location: Carrer Andenes, Port Ibiza Town

    Map
  • 5

    Las Dalias Hippy Market

    A large, lively and funky market

    Las Dalias Hippy Market
    • Budget
    • Shoppers

    The Las Dalias Hippy Market (Las Dalias de Ibiza) has been running for almost 40 years, making it one of the best places to go shopping in Ibiza. What started as a tiny fair with 5 tables has now grown to over 300 stalls offering a wide selection of clothes, jewellery, and shoes.

    The atmosphere is fun and funky, and you will be entertained by musical and visual performances. Enjoy the fresh mint as you peruse through vintage sunglasses and unique offerings at the Las Dalias Hippy Market. Be sure to arrive early as the market always draws a crowd.

    Location: Carretera San Carlos, Floor G, Km. 12, 07850, Sant Carles de Peralta, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Open: Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm (closed Mondays to Fridays)

    Phone: +34 971 32 68 25

    Map
  • 6

    Es Vedra

    Swim in the seas around this mythical landmark

    Es Vedra
    • Couples
    • Families

    Es Vedra is a magical rock off the southwestern coast of Ibiza, known for its unusually strong magnetic power. Many people associate this with a spiritual power. Locally, Es Vedra has several myths and legends surrounding it, including it being the home of sea nymphs and goddesses. Whether you believe this or not, the area is stunningly beautiful and a lovely spot to experience Ibiza’s volcanic landscape. You can book a 3-hour boat trip to see Es Vedra from Ibiza Town or San Antonio, which includes a tour of the coast and some swimming in the deep blue water of the Mediterranean.

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    Open: Tour times vary but 10 am to 2 pm is popular

    Map

    photo by MrPepanos (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 7

    Café Del Mar

    Cheer with the crowds as the sun sets into the sea

    Café Del Mar
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Luxury

    Café Del Mar is the original sunset bar on Ibiza’s northern coast. Open since 1980, it has spawned a whole row of imitators, but this is the best spot to enjoy some tapas and a few drinks. Watching the sunset from the rocky coast is a classic Ibiza experience, with thousands of people gathering here to listen to downtempo beats and cheer the end of the day and the start of the night.

    Location: Calle Vara de Rey, 27, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Islas Baleares, Spain

    Open: April–October: daily from 4 pm to 1 am

    Map
  • 8

    Ibiza beaches

    Find fun in the sun

    Ibiza beaches
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Ibiza beaches are among the best in the Mediterranean with soft sands, inviting clear waters and an atmosphere that caters to fun with warm sunshine. You'll find a variety of beaches across the island whether you're staying in a more populated area or head to the isolated outskirts.

    All sorts of activities are available at local beaches. You can relax with a drink at a beach club or go for a swim in the shallow waters. Given the clarity of the water, snorkelling is also quite popular. The central beach is on the southern shore, but you'll find beaches on all sides of the island.

  • 9

    Torre des Savinar

    Viewpoint overlooking Es Vedra

    Torre des Savinar
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    Torre des Savinar is a coastal watchtower that was built to protect Ibiza from pirates in the 1700s. It’s just south of Lookout Es Vedrá, which is the main viewpoint of Es Vedra Island. While the tower is closed to the public, its surrounding area offers panoramic views of the triangular, rocky island.

    The hike to Torre des Savinar isn’t for the faint-hearted though, so make sure you are an experienced hiker and wear decent footwear. The journey is worth the effort, as you can enjoy uninterrupted vistas of Es Vedra and its smaller sister Es Vedranell.

    Location: 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Balearic Islands, Spain

    Map
  • 10

    Ibiza beach clubs

    Plenty to choose from for a fun time

    Ibiza beach clubs
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Clubbing and beaches go together in Ibiza, so it's no wonder there are so many beach clubs on the island. Whether it's the food, drink, music, or atmosphere that matters most to you, there are plenty of unique spots to choose from that will suit the vibe you're looking for.

    Blue Marlin is a popular party spot for the rich and famous, while El Chiringuito offers a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere that suits those with kids. For great music with a sunset view, Sunset Ashram and Cotton Beach Club are excellent choices in Ibiza.

  • 11

    Pacha

    Catch a world-famous DJ at this clubbing institution

    Pacha
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Pacha started life as a farmhouse before opening as a club in the 1970s. It retains the feel of a house thanks to the 5 different areas of the club. The main room really goes off with thousands of party people jumping to the music. Smaller areas include the funky room and the roof terrace, which is perfect for socialising with views over the old town.

    A different club promoter takes over the music each night of the week, but prominent nights include David Guetta’s ‘F*** Me I'm Famous’ night and the monthly Flower Power. To make a whole night of it, consider having a meal at Pacha, which includes entrance to the VIP area. Book ahead for this exclusive treat.

    Location: Avenida 8 De Agosto, Ibiza Town, 07800 Ibiza, Spain

    Open: 10 pm to 6 am

    Phone: +34 (0)971 31 36 12

    Map

    photo by Danny Wade (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveller