A guide to things to do in Ibiza
Days in Ibiza are never dull, as this little island with miles of coast comes packed with activities. Whether you’re looking to indulge your inner child at a waterpark, bring a splash of culture to your holiday with historic sites or get a healthy dose of rest and relaxation, Ibiza is ready to meet your holiday needs. With thousands of years of history, Ibiza has had a lot of time to perfect its status as a top holiday destination. We’ve compiled a list of activities to help you start planning your day-to-day schedule, but we’ve only just scratched the surface.
Dalt Vila
Wind your way through the cobbled avenues of Ibiza Town’s historic Dalt Vila and you’ll be treated to supreme views of the island all the way out to the sea. Be advised, the stroll through the town centre – while mostly uphill – is the best part.
Lined with hidden details revealing its storied past, the Dalt Vila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with a drawbridge and crowned with the Castle of Ibiza. The streets here are brimming with Roman structures, idyllic courtyards, art galleries and museums, plus dozens of bars and restaurants boasting cuisine from all over the world.
Can Marca dripstone caves
These seafront caves were once used by smugglers to store loot, but are now home to treasure of a different kind – Ibiza’s incredible natural beauty. You can make your descent and tour the caves, seeing craggy stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over the last thousand years, plus natural pools that glow in eerie colours.
Es Vedra
There are many myths surrounding the mysterious island of Es Vedra, a 400-metre tall rock formation jutting out of the water just off the coast of Ibiza. Many claim that it’s the tip of Atlantis or was an ancient landing place for UFOs.
It’s also the third most magnetic spot on the planet, sending navigation equipment haywire. Whatever you believe, seeing Es Vedra is always staggering. You can tour around it by boat, or see it from dry land by hiking into Ibiza’s cliff sides.
Hippy Market
Ibiza plays host to a number of weekly markets, the most popular being Es Cana‘s hippy market. Every Wednesday, the area’s large ex-pat community sets up stalls selling handmade wares like jewellery, artwork and leather goods, accompanied by live music and food.
You can stop in for a quirky souvenir or just to browse the colourful array of hand-crafted items. The Saturday car boot market in San Jordi is also a top spot, where hundreds of cars set up shop in the south end of the village.
Bars and clubs
The nightlife in Ibiza has reached mythological proportions, attracting visitors and performers from all over Europe to experience its legendary party atmosphere.
San Antonio Town, Ibiza Town and Playa den Bossa are top after-hours hotspots, and are close enough in proximity for you to bar hop between towns with ease. They’re home to top clubs like Pacha, Ushuaia and daytime favourite the Bora Bora Beach Club, plus a great range of chilled out waterfront bars and cosy pubs. Superclubs Amnesia and Privilege are located at San Rafael, which is a 15-minute drive away.
Aguamar
Aguamar is Ibiza’s only waterpark – located in Playa d’en Bossa – and makes for a great day out for families. It comes complete with body slides, inner tube slides, the thrilling Black Hole and Kamikaze rides and splash parks, plus a restaurant and cafe to keep the energy going.
Beaches
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but yes, Ibiza is home to miles of gorgeous beaches that are ripe for sunbathing and water sports. Some come in the form of private coves with intimate beach bars like Cala Xarraca, while others are more family-friendly, like Figueretas and Portinatx. There are also great party beaches, like stretches of Playa d’en Bossa.
The Ibiza Express
The Ibiza Express is not only a cost-effective way to get around, it’s a scenic one too. It’s an open air, cartoon-like train that has four official routes on the island. You can tour the natural landscape in Es Cana, the stomping grounds of the rich and famous in Santa Eulalia, remote beaches in Sant Carlos and historical churches en route to Portinatx. You’ll have the opportunity to hop on and tour the sites – even pausing for the occasional swim – before setting back on your journey