Celebrated for its all-night party scene and boho-chic sensibility, Ibiza has a softer side filled with secluded coves, ancient artifacts and a choice of international cuisines.
From scenic cliffside hikes to quaint village markets to hidden beaches to must-see museums, plus temperate climes, there are many reasons it’s always a good idea to visit this enchanting Balearic Isle.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday
Start your trip with a leisurely breakfast at Ve Café, featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients and a menu with plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Try a cherry tomato and ricotta tostada on homemade foccacia for an authentic Mediterranean pick-me-up.
Adventurous travelers can explore nature on a hike from Cala Blanca to Valverde. Highlights include cave tunnels and a scenic viewpoint, plus a steep climb and descent to a hidden beach (also be reachable by boat).
Trekkers can enjoy a picnic on the beach or head to Valverde for a countryside lunch on the bucolic terrace of La Casita, a charming eatery serving local seafood, meats and produce with French and Austrian influences.
Spend the rest of the day discovering Santa Eulalia del Rio and its namesake bay, a resort area revered for its tranquil setting, just a short drive from the island’s notorious party scene.
For a culture fix, visit the hilltop grounds of Puig de Missa, a whitewashed, 16th-century church overlooking Santa Eulalia and neighboring towns. Another worthy stop is the Museu Etnogràfic d’Eivissa, a 19th-century residence-turned-museum housing indigenous clothing, jewelry, housewares and farming equipment of centuries past.
Following an evening stroll on the long stretch of palm-tree-lined promenade, enjoy dinner at Chiringuito Blue, a relaxed-vibe seafood restaurant in W Ibiza with striking views of the beach at Santa Eulalia Bay. Sample the lobster linguini, or for a special treat, order the fresh catch of the day paired with fries and salad.
Saturday
Today’s exploration combines the past and present. Stroll around Santa Gertrudis, a traditional village boasting a picture-perfect town square, a mix of ancient and modern villas, and a burgeoning foodie scene.
Enjoy brunch at Can Mimosa, a 200-year-old finca that is now a garden eatery serving farm-to-table mains. Another option is Olivia’s Ibiza Kitchen, serving a much-loved (by locals) grilled chicken with green tomato chimichurri sauce or marinated salmon with brown rice and orange vinaigrette.
Next, head to Ibiza Town, the largest town on the island, notable for its fortified Dalt Vila old town featuring cobblestone streets, the 13th-century Nuestra Señora de las Nieves cathedral, and Eivissa Castle.
For a bit of history, visit one or more local museums, depending on your preferences. You’ll find ancient treasures at the Museu Arqueològic d’Eivissa i Formentera and its sister site, the Puig des Molins Necropolis, which houses some of the world’s best-preserved Phoenician and Carthaginian artifacts. For artwork, sculptures and regional art projects from the 1960s to present times, visit the Museu d’art Contemporani d’Eivissa.
Before the sun goes down, head to San Antonio, one of Ibiza’s top nightlife zones. Start the evening with a drink and a bite on the town’s sunset strip where bars and cafés abound. For an unforgettable sunset experience, order fresh seafood and a colorful cocktail at Villa Mercedes.
Afterward, dance the night away at the selection of clubs on offer, like Amnesia, one of the most iconic clubs on the island. Or, for an alternative and exclusive experience in Santa Eulalia, visit the adults only rooftop venue Glow or the more intimate club Below, both at W Ibiza.
Sunday
Sundays are great for respite, and few things are more relaxing than a day at the beach. Before you head out, enjoy a French Rivera–style meal overlooking the Santa Eulalia Bay beach at Ocean Brasserie & Bar.
After filling up, consider a trip to Aguas Blancas, a clothing-optional beach popular with locals for its pristine cliffside surrounds and clear waters perfect for snorkeling. If you prefer a buzzier atmosphere, try Ses Salines or Playa d’en Bossa, both offering a choice of eateries and daylong DJ beats. Honorable mention goes to secluded beaches Pou des Lleo, for its postcard-perfect, scuba-ready waters, and Cala Pada, a tiny underdeveloped beach far from the crowds.
In the afternoon head to Ibiza’s famed hippie markets to shop for antiques, clothing, jewelry and other fantastic finds. The San Juan Market runs on Sundays year-round with stalls filling nearly every inch of the village.
Las Dalias market, in a unique garden setting, offers more than 300 stalls of artisan wares. This market is open at night during the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy falafel burgers, black carbon dough pizzas or street food stalwarts followed by live music under the stars.
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