Best known for the buzzing nightlife of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, the Spanish island of Ibiza is also brimming with plenty of other great things to see and do.
(Photo: Mark via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
One of the Balearic islands, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza attracts huge numbers of visitors every year, many of whom are drawn here by the hedonistic nightlife and world class DJ scene. But beyond its bright lights and pulsating sounds, the island is also a haven for nature lovers, boasting superb water sports and boat cruises, not to mention several archaeological sites and museums. We’ve picked out 12 of the most unique activities and attractions that Ibiza has to offer.
Take a stroll around the Old Town
The historic heart of the island, Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is an absolute delight to explore and a world away from the surrounding megaclubs and glitzy seaside resorts. The elevated 16th-century settlement affords stunning views of the harbour and neighbouring Formentera, while the town itself is packed full of age-old monasteries, cathedrals, museums, and battlements, all enclosed by a defensive wall. Contemporary attractions are aplenty too, including upscale restaurants and boutiques, as well as several quirky handicraft stalls.
Discover the Las Salinas World Heritage Site
One of Ibiza’s must-visit attractions is Las Salinas, a spectacularly beautiful beach boasting lush views over Formentera and legendary beach bars. Easily reachable from the Old Town by car, taxi, bike or bus, the area is also a UNESCO protected nature reserve that’s home to luscious wetlands, sand dunes and dense forest – not to mention the world’s oldest living organism – and is internationally acclaimed as an example of marine and coastal ecosystems existing in harmony.
(Photo: Jose A. via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Dance the night away at a megaclub
Nowhere in the world compares to Ibiza when it comes to clubbing. And while its clubs are dotted across the island, the two areas best known for its hedonistic nightlife offerings are Playa d’en Bossa, on the east coast and San Antonio, on the west coast. Some double up as restaurants and only open during the day, while others, such as the famous Ushuaïa and Ibiza Rocks, form part of a hotel where clubbers can book a room with a view of the action. But whatever your clubbing predilections, there’s something in Ibiza to suit your tastes.
Visit a famous flea market
Founded in 1973, the Hippy Market is Ibiza’s s oldest and largest public market. Open every Wednesday through from April to October, the vast market attracts huge numbers of visitors every week, with more than 500 artisans assembling to sell their diverse hand-made wares ranging from crafts, fashion, and jewellery to natural cosmetics, antiques, and musical instruments. There are also regular musicians, performers, henna tattooists, magicians and living statues to add to the atmosphere.
Es Canar / Sat 10am-8pm
(Photo: Ronald Saunders via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Take in some culture
Perched up high in Ibiza’s Old Town, the Archaeological Museum is home to a huge assortment of exhibits, artefacts and displays relating to the long and fascinating history of Ibiza and Formentera. Through the diverse objects and items in its collection, the museum offers a journey into the heritage of the two islands, covering more than 3,000 years from prehistory through to the Christian re-conquest.
Plaza de la Catedral, 3
Cruise over to a tranquil island
Famous for its clear waters and long stretches of beach backed by dunes and pine trees, Formentera is the smallest of Spain’s Balearic islands and is easily reachable from its more crowded, better known island neighbour, Ibiza. This all-day Formentera boat tour invites you to explore the island’s breath-taking beaches, jumping into the crystal clear water, playing with water toys, relaxing on sunbeds while sipping on drinks, and enjoying a sunset dinner featuring fresh local food. The tour finishes back where you started.
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Unearth the secrets of Ibiza
Ibiza isn’t somewhere that tends to hide its light under a bushel, but nonetheless there remain a number of hidden corners to the island. This 4-hour Secrets of Ibiza tour is designed to show you its lesser known parts, letting you taste Ibizan herbs, discover the virgin beaches of the north of the island and catch the spectacular sunsets of Ses Salines Natural Park. The tour is fully customisable so you can pick and choose where you go depending on your tastes and preferences.
Explore the Can Marçà Caves
The eerie, underground caverns of the Can Marçà Caves are among Ibiza’s most unique tourist sites. Spookily silent and illuminated in curious colours, the multi-level formations of stalagmites and stalactites were originally used by smugglers to store contraband, with the marks they used to guide them in the dead of night still viewable on the walls to this day. The cave is open to the public and hosts an exhilarating daily light and sound show.
Cueva de Can Marsa, Port de Balansat, 07815 Puerto de San Miguel / Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
(Photo: Phil Guest via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Try some paddleboarding
Paddleboarding has surged in popularity in recent years and the calm waters around Ibiza make for ideal conditions to partake in this gentle water sport. And if you’d like to do so with others, then this 6-hour tour could be for you. During the fully guided beach hopping tour with paddleboarding, you’ll cruise by boat to charming beaches and coves on the west coast of Ibiza where you’ll swim, paddle board, and snorkel in picturesque settings, as well as enjoy snacks and drinks back onboard. Finally, you’ll set off on your return leg as you sail back to the harbour.
Hit the quad trail
Ibiza isn’t just about sun, sea and sand – there’s also plenty of adventure to be had inland, too. If you fancy some off-the-track thrills, this all-terrain vehicle tour could be for you. Riding in an intimate group of up to eight, you have more freedom to go at the speed that suits you best. Alternate asphalt roads with winding dirt tracks and old island roads as you follow a guide along an easy route, chosen for its views. Extra perks include a much-deserved cool-down dip in the ocean.
(Photo: Viator)