15 Things To Do in Ibiza

When one first thinks about Ibiza, the image of youths stumbling out of bars and clubs onto a busy street and promptly throwing up in a gutter comes to mind. Despite its notorious infamy for its eyebrow-raising nightlife, many people forget that this tiny Spanish island floating in the Mediterranean is a naturally gorgeous place.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island of Ibiza is overflowing with gorgeous sandy beaches and stunning views of the endlessly blue stretch that is the Mediterranean Sea. Millions of visitors arrive at the largest Balearic Island in their droves. Many come to groove to the electronic dance music and soak in the warm Spanish sun.

Despite its riotous nightclub history, the Spanish Tourism Office has implemented several measures to introduce a quieter and more cultured tourism scene that will appeal to all tourists. No matter what you are looking for in your holiday, it can certainly be found on Ibiza.

If this vibrant Spanish isla seems to be the next destination on your travels, read below for the carefully hand-picked list of the best 15 things to do in Ibiza.

Photo by Astbury Formentera on Flickr

If you’re looking for pure, white sugar-sand beaches, then you can find it all here on the island of Formentera. Accessible via ferry, Formentera provides a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza.

The smallest Balearic island, Formentera is renowned across Europe for its gorgeous beach life. The beach includes an expansive choice of activities including snorkelling, sailing and scuba diving. If you happen to be a beach bum, then you’ll be right at home! Speaking of beach bums, the beaches of Formentera is equally known for nude sunbathing. If you’re comfortable avoiding awkward tan lines then a day to Formentera seems to be on the cards!

Photo by Ivo Schwalbe on Flickr

There are multiple aquariums in multiple cities in multiple countries. However, there is nothing like the enthrallingly unique Aquarium Cap Blanc. Take a trip underground and marvel at the exotic aquatic species on show at this fascinating aquarium. Adults and children alike will love seeing an expansive array of sea life including vibrantly coloured fish, octopus and rays in their natural habitat in this atmospheric underground cavern.

With numerous exhibits that display several different species of marine life, individuals, young and old, will be educated and entertained in this fun-packed day out! The aquarium is open daily between 10 am and 9 pm.

Photo by Iñigo Silanes on Flickr

This small uninhabited rocky island off the coast of Ibiza is shrouded in mystery and plucked directly from the storybooks. Since ancient times, Es Vedrà has been a noted location within several myths and legends.

It is said to be the home of sirens and sea-nymphs that attempted to lure Ulysses from his ship in the Odyssey, the gateway to Atlantis. It’s also reputed to be the birthplace of the Phoenician lunar goddess, Tanit, who is also the divine patroness of Ibiza.

Visitors might not be able to see a beautiful siren rising from the sea or Tanit’s apparition. However, one can certainly feel the magic in the air and the palpable feeling of peace when they make a visit to this mysteriously stunning island.

When the sun is shining on the longest beach of the island, one can observe swathes of people reclining, sipping cocktails and splashing about in the sea. There are numerous aquatic activities available at the beach. Visitors can choose to zoom about on jet skis, go paddle-boarding or snorkel in the blue stretches of the Mediterranean.

However, when the moonlight is reflecting off the peaceful waves, this beach transforms into a large vibrant outdoor nightclub. Electronic dance music and records that A-list DJs spin, pound from the bars and clubs that populate the boardwalk. If you’re a beach bum during the day and a party animal at night, then a visit to the Platja d’en Bossa is a necessity!

Photo by Sergi Coll on Flickr

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila packs 2500 years of history in a fortified old town. This town offers stunning panoramic views and fascinating ancient stories. On entrance to the Plaza de Vila or the main square, visitors can find a treasure trove of restaurants, art galleries and shops that sell homegrown and hand-crafted goods.

Visitors can also trace the historic footsteps of the civilisations who inhabited the island before from the Phoenicians to the Moorish. This can be done by gazing and exploring the old medieval Cathedral, Castle and its walls. Additionally, visitors can also venture down the labyrinthine passageways of cobbled streets that permeate the town. 

As you explore the deeper parts of the town, away from the commercial tourist areas, visitors can observe hanging washing lines, local children kicking a football around and locals chattering in Catalan. In other words, you have now entered the real Ibiza.

If you’re looking for a respite from the glorious Spanish sun and warm weather, you can literally hide underground by exploring the ironically vibrant underground caves that are the Cova de Can Marça.

The cave was originally an ancient route that smugglers used to hide contraband within. Today, visitors can find neon colours that illuminate these eerie caverns. In addition, they can also find the guided markings that are etched on the walls.

At the heart of these caverns, visitors are treated to a stunning light and music show that is accompanied by a 10-metre cascade of water. Once you leave the caverns, make sure you enjoy a coffee in the small café restaurant and take in the stunning cliffside views that overlook the ocean and surrounding coastline.

Multilingual tours are available daily between the hours of 10.30 am and 7.30 pm.

When one normally mentions an ashram, they typically mean some kind of monastic community trying to find a divine or higher purpose. However, it’s unlikely that you will discover nirvana when you visit Sunset Ashram. Instead, you’ll have the chance to observe stunning views of the Spanish sun setting over the Mediterranean at this gorgeous sunset bar and restaurant.

Popular amongst tourists and locals alike, this famous vantage point allows guests to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza. Instead, they will get connected to the natural beauty and peace that the island offers. In contrast to the pounding of electronic dance music that is normally heard across Ibiza, the Sunset Ashram allows the best Balearic DJs to spin their records to create the best soundtrack complementary to the emotive and romantic scenes of the Mediterranean sunset.

Tuck into the delicious Asian fusion food on the menu, grab a Cerveza and unwind.

Dominating the Ibiza skyline and taking the pride of place within Dalt Vila is the stunning Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. This cathedral offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding seas. In addition, an enthralling ancient history also sings within its walls.

First built in the 13^th century and later completed in the 15^th century, this majestic cathedral is one of the finest Baroque and Catalan Gothic-style buildings in the world. When first stepping into the cathedral, visitors are overcome with a touching sentiment of serenity and peace. It allows church-goers to engage in quiet reflection and heartfelt prayer.

After immersing in peaceful thought, visitors can also marvel at the gorgeous Gothic artwork on display that includes a 12th-century monstrance of golden silver and various panels that originate from the 14^th and 15^th century that depicts several religious saints.

Photo by Bas Boerman on Flickr

One of Ibiza’s favourite beaches, Cala Comte treats tourists to stunning views of turquoise seas, rocky cliffs and sandy dunes. With sparkling clean and clear water, visitors can take in the stunning scenery and spend hours unwinding. Cala Comte appeals to tourists and locals alike, both young and old.

Visitors can swim, snorkel or sail on the cool and calm waves. They can also simply kick back and relax in individual areas of the beach that even caters to families and naturists as well. Whatever kind of beach vibe you’re looking for, you can find it here at Cala Comte.

Photo by Molesworth II on Flickr

One of the most well-known but less-talked-about features of Ibiza are the various hippy markets that sell individual and unique hand-crafted goods.

The island of Ibiza has artistic roots that stem from the 60s. At that time, numerous artists and hippies flocked to the island to sample the gorgeous weather and unique vibe. These artistic individuals started the hippy markets that still exist today.

Visitors can purchase hand-crafted clothing, jewellery and artefacts at the biggest hippy market of Punta Arabi.

With lively island beats and the smell of delicious food permeating the air, the Punta Arabi provides a lively atmosphere and an unforgettable shop-till-you-drop experience.

Photo by Juan S.G. on Flickr

Walk alongside the marina and take in the stunning views of the bustling harbour at your leisure. As one of the busiest places on the island, the Puerto de Ibiza allows visitors to shop, eat and drink at the numerous bars, shops and restaurants that populate the marina. They can also observe the docked cruise ships and yachts that bob up and down in the sea.

Photo by Arantxa Belmar on Wikimedia Commons

O Beach Ibiza is a lavish beach resort well known for its live DJ appearances, aerial performances and daily pool festivities. It’s basically the modern-day Balearic version of a Gatsby party.

This outdoor club is a haven for party animals. Guests can splash and dance in the pool and down champagne whilst listening to the hottest beats around. Throughout the afternoon, party-goers are treated to various acrobatic performances that add a splash of even more decadence.

If you’re looking to combine the nightlife for which Ibiza is famous for with the gorgeous Spanish weather, then there is no better place to party then O Beach Ibiza. The club is open daily between 12 pm and 10.30 pm.

Photo by Pazzosi on Wikimedia Commons

Popular amongst photographers and snorkellers, the stunning scenery of Playa Cala Xarraca looks like it could have been plucked out from the storybooks. Only 90 metres long, this is one of the most isolated bays in Ibiza. It’s also certainly one of the most beautiful. The magnificent views encompass images of lush green forest, brick-red cliffs and sparkling teal coloured waters.

The rocky pathways that permeate the bay also provide ideal explorative adventure walks. The pathways lead to the secret feature of the bay; the natural mud baths. These baths provide a spa-like experience where visitors can dip in to restore tired skin and heal the soul, mind and body.

Photo by Abraham de Palacio on Flickr

One cannot leave Ibiza without taking in the breathtakingly majestic views atop the highest point on the island. Sa Talaiassa, which loosely translates as ‘watchtower’ in Catalan, is the highest mountain in Ibiza. Both tourists and locals alike will be treated to a stunning panoramic view of Ibiza when they reach the peak.

The hill is accessible via car where individuals can drive to the summit. However, if you are more of an active soul, routes to the top are carefully signposted which provides a unique hiking experience.

Photo by Mike Dalgarno-Holt on Flickr

Splash about in the many pools, scream your heart out on the white-knuckle water slides and unleash your inner child when you take a trip to the Aguamar Water Park.

This water park is perfect for those looking for a fun-filled day out with the family. Everyone will love going to this entertaining and action-packed water park. From heart-pumping and adrenaline-rushing water chutes to more languorous and calm rides, there is something for everyone here at Aguamar.

If water slides and rides aren’t your things, you can swim in the park’s many pools and observe the joyous action happening around you. Aguamar Water Park is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm.