15 Best Things to do in Ibiza (Spain)

Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Ibiza in Spain, along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.

Ibiza is one of the most famous Spanish islands, located in the Balearic archipelago. It has particularly become famous worldwide for its vibrant nightlife, but there is much more to the island than great parties, and a large part of the island has been listed as a World Heritage Site.

Ibiza has an interesting history as well as beautiful nature and beaches. It’s officially named Eivissa in Catalan, the local language. The island spans across an area of 571.6 km2 (220.7 sq mi).

It is believed that the Phoenicians were the first settlers on the island, who founded a port already in 654 BC. Since then, several civilizations have ruled over the island, including Romans, Byzantine, and Moors.

In this article, I’m sharing some of the best places to visit in Ibiza as well as activities and attractions that shouldn’t be missed while visiting the island.

Ibiza Cathedral

The steep inclines of Ibiza’s Old Town lead up to the city’s cathedral, also known as The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows.

The simple Gothic architecture dates back to the 1300s, although the significance of the grounds has always been religious, dating back to the Carthaginians in the 7^th century.

The interior is always worth a look, featuring a Catalan Gothic style and paintings by Francesc Cornes from the 14^th century.

Cala Comte

Cala Comte, or Cala Conta, is one of Ibiza’s most famous calas. Not only is the sand white and the water a clear turquoise, the cala offers views of the tiny islands off the coast of Ibiza.

The two stretches of sand add up to about 800 meters of beach. While the shallow area is calm, the currents are strong futher off shore, so be careful when swimming!

Cala Comte is perhaps best enjoyed in the quiet morning or in the evening, with spectacular views of the sunset.

Es Vedra

The island of Es Vedra captivates the imagination. Uninhabited, the island is mostly rocky and has a dramatic, 413 meter-tall peak. Off of the southwest coast of Ibiza, Es Vedra attracts crowds that want to get a glimpse of the magical rock—many even go to practice meditation.

The viewpoint for the island is found by following the signpost for Torre des Savinar, parking the car when the road gets rocky to walk the rest of the way.

Experience the nightlife

Ibiza’s brand is synonymous with clubs. Ibiza is to DJs what Hollywood is to actors—the place to be. World-famous clubs like Pacha light up every night and invites everyone from the rich and famous to backpackers to party the night away.

Playa d’en Bossa, just outside of Ibiza town, is a center of nightlife. You can find smaller clubs as well as giant, world-famous ones featuring the biggest names of DJs. A more relaxed nightlife can be found in Santa Eulalia and the village of San Carlos.

Dalt Vila

Dalt Vila is the name given to the fortified historic part of Ibiza town. Literally “Upper Town”, the area is winding and steep, so when visiting be sure to dress comfortably.

Founded by the Phoenicians, the historic quarter dates back thousands of years, and the walls that currently surround it are the latest addition, built during the Renaissance by Kings Charles I and Philip II.

Pass through the city gates and visit the chapel of San Ciriaco, the Cathedral with its amazing views, and the beautiful narrow streets.

Hike to the tallest point of Ibiza (Sa Talaia)

The hiking route to the tallest point in Ibiza is suitable for all fitness levels—a nice, easy gradient that has its starting point in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia up to the peak at 475 meters above the sea.

The hike takes a little bit over an hour, depending on how many times you stop to photograph the gorgeous views of everything from The Bay of Sant Antoni, the Cap Nonó mountain, the bay of Porroig, Cala Jondal, and even the island of Formentera on a clear day.

Talamanca Beach

Talamanca beach is famous among both locals and visitors, a fame that can be attributed to the fact it is the closest beach to Ibiza Town. Stretching over two kilometers, the beach has beautiful white sand and crystalline waters.

The beach attracts all types of people, from partygoers to families, in part thanks to its many facilities.

Photo: jotapg / Shutterstock.com

Check out the Hippy Markets

Ibiza has attracted eclectic people for years, and the generations that have planted roots on the island continue to contribute to its culture. The hippy markets are their most visible legacy.

On Wednesday, the Punta Arabí Hippy Market in Es Caná is extremely popular, and perhaps the most famous market, on Saturdays, is Las Dalias Hippy Market in San Carlos.

These markets sell everything from clothing to jewelry to other handicrafts. The market in San Rafael is famous for pottery, and the area has been recognized by the Spanish government for its unique crafts. You can find produce markets in Ibiza Town.

Photo: Moia31 / Shutterstock.com

Make a day trip to Formentera

Formentera, one of the Balearic Islands, sits just five miles off of the coast of Ibiza. It is the smallest of the four islands, and it’s perfect to come here on a day trip.

You can take a ferry from Ibiza to explore the beautiful and unspoiled island of Formentera, whose varied landscape ranges from tropical to martian. See the Faro Cap de Barbaria lighthouse, the beautiful Cala Saona, and the fishing village Es Pujols as well as the world-famous Platja de Ses Illetes.

Can Marça Caves

Can Marçà is the most famous cave on the island, not only because of its size and beauty but also thanks to its importance throughout history. It was once used by smugglers to store stolen wares, and there are still marks that serve as evidence of its sordid past.

It’s a great place to beat the heat, and there is a marked route through the cave’s stalagmites and stalactites that includes a light and sound show.

Berrinas Beach

Berrinas Beach is a hippie hangout about 10 minutes outside of San Miguel in the north of the island. A gorgeous walk down hills lush with pines and through valleys lets you out in a pebbled beach where clear water meets the land.

On Sundays, the road closes to traffic and special bus lines run for the weekly drumming event. It is a favorite spot to watch the sunset for boats and beachgoers alike.

Cala Saladeta

Outside of Sant Antoni sits one of the most beautiful spots in Ibiza. Cala Saladeta is just plain gorgeous, with the requisite white sand and clear blue waters, hemmed in with stone fishing huts.

It’s a quiet and remote spot where visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and scenic nature that surrounds Cala Saladeta.

Cala D’Hort

Cala D’Hort is one of the best places to view the mystical island Es Vedra. The beautiful beach is directly in front of the rocky island. You’ll have to hike down a steep road to reach the beach, which also has a couple of restaurants and shops.

Ses Salinas Ibiza Natural Park

Once the site of salt production, for centuries and centuries, Ses Salines is now a natural park with a unique landscape. Over its 3000 hectares, you can watch birds migrate, keep your eye out for diverse marine life, or visit the different landmarks across the park.

The Sal Rossa watchtower is an impressive defense tower that defended the island from pirates in the 16^th century. To catch the sunset, check out Cap des Falcó, next to a huge salt dune.

Iglesia del Puig de Misa

This church is a serious departure from your average Spanish house of worship. With the typical white-washed façade common on the island, it already stands out from its hill about 50 meters high.

The building dates back to the 16^th century, although it has been added onto extensively throughout the years. The interior is quite bare, although there is a Baroque altarpiece brought in from Segovia and an image representing the church’s saint, Saint Eulalia, from the 1940s.

The curved exterior gives the building the look of a fort, and its semi-circle tower actually did hold weapons until the 1850s. It’s an interesting place to include in your itinerary, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Ibiza if you like to visit religious buildings.

Interesting facts about Ibiza

More than 6 million tourists arrive on the island each year, despite a population of just about 150,000 residents.
Since 2007, all new hotels on the island must be 5 stars, a regulation introduced by the Ibizan government.
There are 57 beaches on Ibiza, whereof 5 of them are dedicated to naturists.
The island is home to the biggest nightclub in the world, Privilege Ibiza, which can hold 11,000 guests at the same time.
Tourism is the main contributor to the island’s local economy and 75% of the locals get their main source of income from tourism.
Neptune Grass keeps the surrounding water crystal clear.
Eivissenc is the local dialect of Catalan that is spoken by Ibizans.
The island was originally named Ibossim, but is now called Eivissa or Ibiza.
The Ibizan soil has an orange color that comes from the pine needles’ tannins.
Ibiza has a pleasant climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine every year
It’s one of four islands in the Balearic archipelago along with Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera.