Things to do in Ibiza: the quieter side of the White Isle

Ibiza might bring to mind sprawling superclubs and world-class DJs, but the White Isle has a much quieter, bohemian spirit that’s easy to find. Beyond the nightlife, there’s a whole host of things to do in Ibiza, including exploring its pine-clad hills, discovering secluded coves and getting to grips with a rich history that often goes overlooked. 

What to see and do in Ibiza Town

The island’s capital, Ibiza Town, is a great place to start. Its main attraction is the magnificent old quarter, Dalt Vila, a fortified citadel that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll stumble across hidden courtyards, tiny chapels and white houses draped in bougainvillaea. 

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There are several key sights to look out for as you explore the historic centre:

• Portal de Ses Taules: this is the dramatic main gateway into the old town, flanked by Roman statues and leading up a stone ramp into the heart of the citadel.
• The Battlements: walking along the top of the Renaissance-era walls gives you some of the best panoramic views across the harbour and out towards the sea.
• Ibiza Cathedral: at the highest point of Dalt Vila sits the Catedral de Santa María de las Nieves, a simple but beautiful Gothic cathedral that anchors the skyline.
• Boutiques and galleries: the old town is filled with independent shops and art galleries, perfect for finding unique souvenirs or simply browsing local creative work.
• The port area: down below the fortress walls, you'll find a lively atmosphere, with a great selection of restaurants and bars lining the waterfront. 

Key Ibiza attractions beyond the nightclubs

Many people ask if Ibiza is fun if you don’t party, and the answer is a resounding yes. The island’s reputation often overshadows its incredible cultural and natural sights, but there are plenty of attractions to explore that have nothing to do with a dance floor.

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Explore the enigmatic Es Vedrà Islet: Looming off the southwest coast, the limestone rock of Es Vedrà is one of Ibiza’s most iconic sights. It’s uninhabited and protected as a nature reserve, but it's steeped in myths and legends, with many locals claiming it has a unique magnetic energy. The best views are from the beach at Cala d'Hort or the old pirate watchtower, Torre des Savinar. You can also take a boat trip to see the islet up close, where you circle its monumental cliffs.

Discover Ibiza’s famous hippy markets: Ibiza’s bohemian spirit is alive and well at its famous hippy markets. The two must-visits are the Punta Arabí Hippy Market in Es Canar, the island's oldest and largest, and Las Dalias in San Carlos. At both, you can browse hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts, unique jewellery and flowing clothes. Punta Arabí takes place on Wednesdays, while Las Dalias has a bustling Saturday market and popular night markets during the summer.

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Relax in Ses Salines Natural Park: Stretching across the southernmost tip of Ibiza and the strait that separates it from Formentera, Ses Salines Natural Park is a protected area of stunning biodiversity. Its landscape is a mosaic of glistening salt flats, wetlands, sand dunes and forests of pine and juniper. 

The park is home to some of the island's most famous beaches, including the long, sandy stretches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. It’s also a haven for birdwatchers, as hundreds of species stop here during their migrations, including flocks of flamingos.

Unforgettable Ibiza day trips and excursions

While there's plenty to keep you occupied in one spot, some of the island’s best experiences involve a short journey. A number of Ibiza excursions are available, and you can choose to explore the coastline by boat or head inland to see a different side of the island.

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Take a boat trip to Formentera: Just a short ferry ride from Ibiza Town is the island’s smaller, quieter sister, Formentera. Taking one of the many daily Ibiza trips across the water is almost a rite of passage. Formentera boasts Caribbean-like beaches with white sand and unbelievably clear turquoise water. The best way to get around the island is by renting a bicycle or scooter to explore its dusty tracks. The most famous beach is Platja de Ses Illetes, which regularly appears on lists of the best beaches in the world.

See the sunset in San Antonio: San Antonio has a reputation as a party hub, but it's also home to one of Ibiza’s most famous spectacles: the sunset. The western-facing stretch of coastline, known as the Sunset Strip, is lined with bars where people gather every evening to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Iconic venues like Café del Mar and Café Mambo provide a soundtrack of chilled-out electronic music.

Things to do in Ibiza for every traveller

Ibiza is a real chameleon of a place, and your perfect island holiday will depend entirely on what you’re after. A couple on a romantic escape will discover a different side to the island than a family with children, but there are plenty of things to do in Ibiza for adults and also for younger visitors.

Romantic things to do in Ibiza for couples

For couples, Ibiza offers a wonderfully romantic side, far from the summer crowds. If you want to create some special memories, there are plenty of things to do that go beyond a simple sunset dinner.

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• Hike to Sa Talaia at sunset. For a truly unforgettable view, take a walk up to the island’s highest point, Sa Talaia. Watch the sun dip below the horizon from up here, with panoramic views of the entire island.
• Dine at an agroturismo. Escape to the countryside and book a table at one of Ibiza’s beautiful agroturismos. These are often stunningly restored farmhouses where you can enjoy incredible farm-to-table food in a peaceful, rural setting.
• Explore Dalt Vila after dark. The fortified old town is magical during the day, but it’s even more so at night. After the tour groups have left, the quiet, lamp-lit cobbled streets are perfect for a late-night wander.
• Hire a private boat. Hire a small, traditional wooden boat (a llaüt) and explore the coastline at your own pace. You can discover tiny, secluded coves that are completely inaccessible by land.

Fun things to do in Ibiza with kids and families

If you're visiting with family, you'll find there are plenty of things to do in Ibiza with kids that go beyond building sandcastles. The island is surprisingly well-equipped for younger visitors, with lots of activities to keep them entertained.

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• Explore the Can Marçà Caves. Located in the north near Port de Sant Miquel, these ancient smugglers’ caves are always a hit. The guided tour takes you past stalactites and stalagmites and ends with a small light and sound show by an underground waterfall.
• Visit Aquarium Cap Blanc. This quirky little aquarium, set inside a natural cave near San Antonio, is a great low-key activity. It was once a lobster nursery, and now houses various local marine species in a unique setting.
• Take a ride on a tourist train. A gentle way to see the countryside is to hop on one of the tourist road trains. They run from resorts like Santa Eulalia and Es Canar, taking you on a journey through pine forests and orange groves.
• Find a family-friendly beach. While many beaches are great, some are perfect for little ones. The sheltered coves of Portinatx in the north and the bay of Cala Llonga on the east coast are both known for their very calm, shallow waters.

What to do in Ibiza at night

Ibiza’s nightlife is, of course, world-famous for its superclubs, but you don't have to step inside one to have a great night out. The real magic can be found in the buzz of Ibiza Town after sunset. The port area, La Marina, is fantastic for a wander, with lively bars lining the harbour and tucked into the side streets. Plus, Calle de la Virgen has lots of great LGBTQIA-friendly bars.

For something a bit more special, head up the ramp into the old walled city of Dalt Vila. The atmosphere here is incredible, with little bars tucked away in the most amazing settings. A real gem is S’Escalinata, where you can grab a comfy beanbag on the historic stone steps and sip a cocktail while watching the world go by. If you're after a classic cocktail in a dimly lit, atmospheric spot, Paradise Lost is a great shout, while for stunning views over the town, the Rooftop Montesol bar is perfect for a more polished evening.

Ibiza Pixabay

Living in Ibiza

It doesn’t take long for Ibiza’s charm to work its magic, and many people who visit find themselves wondering what it would be like to stay for good. The island reveals a completely different character in the quieter off-season, with a strong sense of community and a more relaxed pace of life that feels a world away from the summer rush. Of course, making the move involves more than just booking a one-way flight. Getting to grips with the cost of living and the best areas to settle down is key to working out if living in Ibiza is for you.

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