Ibiza is known around the world for its incredible nightlife scene and parties, but there is much more to this island than just a good time. Ibiza, also known as the White Island, has picturesque forests and beaches, along with ancient shrines and ramparts to explore. Put all of these outstanding attractions together, and it’s no wonder this island is an adventurist’s paradise. We here at Road Affair don’t want you to miss out on any of it, which is why we have carefully crafted a list of the best things to do in Ibiza. This way, you can plan the perfect Ibiza holiday, from boat parties to beaches, hippy markets, and everything in between!
Book a Boat Party Cruise
If you’re looking for a truly unique way to party and enjoy the crystal clear waters of Ibiza, then don’t skip on a party boat cruise! Several companies offer great cruises, but few can match the boat trips and parties hosted by Ibiza Boat Club. Their Aftersun Ibiza Boat Party is legendary for the younger crowds and includes three hours of dancing, swimming, and drinking right at sunset with around 300 other party animals. The cruise takes place on a massive catamaran and includes an open bar of sangria, beer, and wine. Tickets for this wild party cruise are available exclusively online, so make sure to purchase yours well in advance!
For those looking for a more luxurious boat party scene where you can relax and mingle more, then check out Ibiza Boat Club’s Five-Star Boat Party, which is hosted on a massive 90-foot catamaran. Unlike the Aftersun Party, this party boat gives you more space to move around with only about 100 other partiers on board. You’ll sail out to a secret bay around 1:30 p.m. while you warm up the dance floor with a few drinks from the open bar. After a swim in the bay, you’ll then get to enjoy a traditional Ibiza meal cooked right in front of you with the Paella Cooking Show!
Take a Day Trip to Formentera
Now if you’re feeling a little partied out and are looking to escape the crowds for a day, look no further than Ibiza’s sister island of Formentera. This stunning little island is known for its hippy culture and breathtaking beaches, offering a retreat for those ready to get away from the party scene. In fact, the waters are so incredible here that truly the best way to explore the island is by boat. We highly recommend booking with Formentera with Benefits. Their sailboat departs from Playa d’en Bossa for Formentera, which takes roughly an hour, depending on the weather. Once on the island, you’ll have several hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, paddleboard, or explore the beach. Around 5:30 p.m. you’ll return to the catamaran for a breathtaking tour back to Ibiza during sunset.
You can also opt to book a ferry to Formentera from Ibiza and explore all the hidden gems of the island on your own. One of the most popular ways to explore the island is by bike, but you can also use a taxi service. Some places to check out include the Sant Ferran craft market, Far de la Mola lighthouse, and La Mola craft market. You can also enjoy plenty of water sports, go horseback riding along the beach, or hike along the old Roman trail, the Camí de Sa Pujada!
Hit the Clubs
A trip to Ibiza wouldn’t be complete without hitting up some of the legendary nightclubs on the island! There are plenty of incredible clubs to check out while touring Ibiza, but the one that most people will tell you to hit up is Pacha. This over-the-top hippie club is the oldest club on the island and has hosted an extensive list of well-known DJs, such as David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia. Another must-see in Ibiza for party lovers is Amnesia. This club plays host to two of the most famous dance floors on the island and regularly hosts themed nights like foam and laser parties. Their glass-dome terrace is particularly enchanting around sunrise, and you’ll quickly realize why this club is often named the best club in the world. For those looking to party it up under a blanket of stars in an open-air setting, then make your way to Ushuaia. This classic Ibiza club features an outdoor pool and open-air dance floor that doesn’t shut down until noon the following day!
No matter which club you plan on visiting, it’s best to keep on Ibiza’s party calendar and purchase tickets to the parties in advance. This way, you’re guaranteed a spot inside.
Browse For Souvenirs in the Hippy Markets
Back in the 60s, there was a massive hippie movement that saw hundreds of hippies flee to Ibiza. Out of this migration, hippy markets were born. There are several hippy markets on the island, each filled with beautifully handcrafted works and fresh produce.
Easily the most popular market on the island is Punta Arabi in Es Carna on the east side of the island. This is the oldest market on the island and seems to stretch for miles and miles with an endless amount of stalls, live music, and entertainers! You can head to the Punta Arabi market every Wednesday from April until October.
Another excellent hippy market to check out while sightseeing in Ibiza is Las Dalias market. Here, you can browse through gorgeous handmade jewelry, take in the exotic smells, and find some fantastic meals for a reasonable price. The market is open every Saturday all year round for its hippie market and on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for night markets during the summer.
Head Out On A Hike
Ibiza is an excellent island to enjoy a hike on due to its Mediterranean waters, hidden coves, and hilly terrain. Perhaps one of the most popular hiking trails is on the island’s tallest mountain, Sa Talaiassa. The views from the top of the mountain are absolutely breathtaking, as you’ll get a 360-degree view of the waters and surrounding islands. You can hike up to the top on the trail that runs from near the San Josep bus stop. It’s a 5.6-kilometer out-and-back trail that takes roughly two hours to complete.
Another excellent trail to head out on for a hike is the Moscater Lighthouse looped trail. This is a bit more difficult of a trail as there aren’t as many markers, but you’ll get to see plenty of ravines and incredible cliffside views of the ocean. Make sure to bring lots of water and good hiking boots for this 6.6-kilometer path!
If you’re looking for a hike that showcases Ibiza’s natural beauty, then the Punta Galera hiking trail might quickly become your favorite trail on the island. The trail starts from the small inlet cove of Caló des Moro, twisting and winding through enclaves and viewpoints all the way to one of the most incredibly tranquil coves on the island, Cala Salada. The looped trail is roughly 12 kilometers long and takes an average of about three hours to complete. Make sure to bring your swimsuit, along with water and good hiking shoes!
Spend a Day at the Beach
You should plan to spend at least one day soaking up the sun on one of Ibiza’s world-class beaches, and there really is no shortage of pristine white sands on the island.
The most popular beach on the island is Playa d’en Bossa, or Bossa Beach, which is where you’ll find lively bars and plenty of watersport activities in Ibiza. This is a great place to kick back for a day, enjoy the beach bar scene, and rent a Jet Ski or surfboard! If you’re on the hunt for a secluded Ibiza beach that is away from the crowds, then Sol D’en Serra Beach is for you. This picturesque cove looks unreal with its striking blue calm waters and golden sands. There are a few bars around to grab a snack and a drink, but for the most part, this beach acts as a paradise retreat away from the main town. Other beaches worth checking out for a day include Benirras Beach, Cala Xarraca (which has a natural mud bath), Cala Comte, and the family-friendly beach of Cala de Sant Vicent.
If you want to spend a day exploring the beaches of Ibiza, then check out this full-day beach-hopping boat cruise. You’ll get to hit up three fantastic beaches, all while swimming, snorkeling, and exploring from the boat and land!
Take a Tour of the Castle of Ibiza
The Castle of Ibiza is easily one of the top Ibiza attractions for visitors of all age groups. This large, well-preserved fortress offers fantastic views of the surrounding city and sea from the ramparts, and the bonus is it’s completely free! Your trek to the top will start at the Portal de ses Taules, which is the main entrance into Dalt Vila, the Old Town. Follow the winding roads upwards past shops, cafés, and restaurants, and you’ll be rewarded with an outstanding panoramic view. We highly recommend wearing good runners or walking shoes while visiting the castle, as the stone can get quite slippery! The castle has been redone a few times over the years, but most parts are from the 12th, 13th, and 16th centuries.
After you’ve enjoyed a nice view of the city, feel free to head to some of the attractions inside the castle grounds or explore the small streets on your own. The Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera is a fantastic museum for those looking to learn more about the history of the island as you’ll get to see several artifacts and displays depicting life from Prehistory through High Roman Empire Times and Moorish-Medieval Times. Another attraction to check out inside the castle walls is the Ibiza Cathedral (also known as the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Neu de Vila d’Eivissa), which was constructed in a Gothic style in the 14th century. It provides stunning views from the top of the castle hill, along with a gorgeous interior of ornate details and narrow corridors to explore.
Insider Tip: You can take a group tour of Dalt Vila and the castle grounds with this guided bamboo bicycle tour. Choose between several routes that include the castle, cathedral, Puig des Molins, and more!
Discover the World’s Largest Necropolis, Puig des Molins
There is plenty of history to be discovered on the island, and one of the top tourist attractions in Ibiza to learn about ancient islander life is Puig des Molins. This massive cemetery is the largest and most well-preserved necropolis in the world, dating back to the Phoenicians in the late 7th century.
Today, you can explore the archeological site and museum and learn all about the ancient civilizations that used to call the island home. You’ll explore the burial sites of several different cultures in the area and learn all about the rituals and goddesses worshiped inside the museum, with its five rooms dedicated to the ancient grounds and lost cultures. This is easily one of the best free things to do in Ibiza, so add it to the list!
Enjoy the Waterfall Light Show at Cueva de Can Marçà
Another unique and fun thing to do in Ibiza is to head to Cueva de Can Marçà and head underground for an adventure in the caves. This stunning collection of caves was used by smugglers as a hiding place for their treasures and contraband, and you can still see the wayfinding markings they carved into the wall so that they could find their way out.
You can visit the Cueva de Can Marçà on a 40-minute guided tour. Your guide will lead you through the mouth of the cave, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea past ancient stalactites and striking features. One of the highlights of the tour is the man made waterfall light show, which is accompanied by music! This is a great family-friendly attraction on the island.
Explore Torre de Campanitx
There are several watchtowers built across Ibiza, but Torre de Campanitx offers some of the best views. Located on the eastern side of the island, this watchtower was reconstructed in the 20th century after an incident with stored gunpowder blew a massive hole in the original tower in 1846. These watchtowers were mainly constructed to watch out for Turkish pirates approaching, and tower keepers would warn the islanders of incoming pirates by blowing a conch horn or through smoke signals. But by the time the tower exploded in the middle of the 1800s, there was no need for reconstruction. Piracy had fallen off by that time. It wasn’t until later years that the tower was reconstructed.
While you cannot go inside the Torre de Campanitx, you can take in the sights of the surrounding area, including arguably the best view of Tagomago Island. You can enjoy a lovely walk all along the cliffside and imagine what it would be like to see a Jack Sparrow look-a-like approaching in the distance.
If you want to go inside one of these historical watchtowers, then cruise to the northern part of the island to Torre de Portinatx or Torre des Molar!
Go Cliff Diving at Sa Punta Galera
Some people say the best way to cure yourself of a hangover is to shock the system, so why not give it a whirl and head over to Sa Punta Galera to cliff dive? We can’t guarantee a cured hangover, but we can guarantee it’ll wake you right up!
This is the perfect activity in Ibiza for adrenaline junkies. The platform rocks offer the perfect spot to watch the sunset or throw yourself into the water (if you’re into that kind of thing), plus the rocky waters make for some excellent snorkeling. The swimming area is quite popular, though, so try to get there early to find parking.
Go On A Jeep Safari Tour Across The Island
If you want to go on an adventure without the extra danger of hurling your body off a cliff, then another great activity to consider is this five-hour jeep safari tour of Ibiza. This is a great excursion for the whole family as you’ll get to explore the hidden parts of the island only accessible by foot of 4X4 drive. Throughout the day, you’ll see several remote beaches, villages, and viewpoints and learn all about the history, culture, and nature of the island. Lunch is included in the tour, along with hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Jet Ski to The Island of Es Vedrà
This stunning uninhabited island off the coast of southwestern Ibiza is the ideal escape from the crowds of Ibiza. The island is a protected natural park, offering incredible natural landscapes and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. There are several companies that offer boat trips and snorkeling excursions to the island, but one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of the tall pines and crystalline waters is by touring over on a Jet Ski. We recommend booking your Jet Ski Tour with Es Verda Charta, as they charge per Jet Ski instead of per person. This way, you and your friend or partner can save a bit of coin while exploring one of the best-hidden gems in Ibiza!
Check Out The Aquarium Cap Blanc
If you’re wondering what to do in Ibiza with kids, then look no further than the Aquarium Cap Blanc. This incredible aquarium, set in an underground cavern, offers a unique glimpse into aquatic life for visitors. The natural marine cave used to be a lobster nursery but has since been transformed into a habitat for local marine life like sardines, grouper, and rays! The aquarium is open seven days a week from June to October, Saturdays from November until April, and Wednesday through Sunday in May.
Sample Local Dishes and Wines
Spain is known for some seriously good tapas and wine, and Ibiza is no exception. There are plenty of wineries sprinkled around in the north of the island offering both red and white varieties. You can take a full day to tour the wineries or stop in at one on your way to other attractions. Two fantastic wineries with an excellent reputation for knowledge and full-body taste are Ibiskus Winery, located near Santa Eulària des Riu, and Bodega Can Rich, located outside Sant Antoni de Portmany.
What goes well with wine? Food, of course! There are several local dishes you should sample while in Ibiza, such as Sofrit Pagés (Balearic stew with lamb, sausage, and chicken), Paella de Marisco (fresh seafood paella), and Flaó (a traditional pastry stuffed with goats cheese, honey, and ground almonds). For dessert or an afternoon treat, make sure to try Ensaimadas while on the island. These delicious Balearic-style croissants are stuffed with a variety of different fillings like chocolate, sweet pumpkin, or cream. If all this sounds unreal to you, then consider learning more about the local dishes and culture with this 3.5-hour food tour. You’ll get to sample eight local foods and five types of drinks while roaming around Ibiza Town and finishing the tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dalt Vila with an ice cream.
Now that you’ve got this golden list of places to visit in Ibiza in your arsenal, you should be ready to plan your ultimate trip to the Balearic Islands. Remember to pack lots of sunscreen and aspirin for the trip, as the ladder might save you from a horrible hangover which is no bueno for adventure-packed days!
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