Holidays on the Island of Ibiza
When you think of a holiday on Ibiza, the first thing that comes to mind is probably exuberant parties and dancing until the next morning. But today we would like to demonstrate that the Balearic island has a lot more to offer.
Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea, about 90 km from Spain’s east coast. With its length of 40 km and about 145,000 inhabitants, it is the third largest island of the Balearic Islands.
It is famous for its extensive party culture, which also attracts international star DJs. But Ibiza not only has a special nightlife to offer. On the Mediterranean island you will also find picturesque dream beaches with crystal-clear water, idyllic bays, Gothic architecture and the typical Spanish flair. Also special is the island’s hippie culture, which is still preserved today with its hippie markets.
You can reach Ibiza from the major German airports in only about 3 hours. Let yourself be enchanted by the colorful old town of Ibiza’s capital Eivissa and discover the neighboring island of Mallorca in all its facets.
Climate and Weather on Ibiza
Like all Balearic Islands, Ibiza has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry, hot summers. The best time for a holiday on Ibiza is between May and October. At this time it rarely rains and the water already has a pleasant temperature of about 24 °C at the beginning of the season. Spring and autumn are good times for walking holidays, while in summer a beach holiday is the best choice. If you arrive in spring, you also have the chance to experience the almond blossom in all its beauty.
Places on the Island
Just like the island itself, its towns are also very rich in contrasts.
Those looking for a colourful nightlife will find it in Platja d’en Bossa and Sant Antoni. For culture lovers, a visit to Ibiza Town is worthwhile. Cala Vadella and Sant Miguel offer holiday homes in a quiet location in the midst of unspoilt nature and not far from fantastic beaches.
Ibiza Town / Eivissa
The capital of Ibiza, called Eivissa or Ibiza Town, captivates with the flair of a classic Mediterranean coastal town. Its old town, Dalt Vila, with its colourful picturesque alleyways and imposing fortifications, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is a lot to discover and experience in Ibiza Town. The picturesque harbour and the fish market attract many visitors. For culture lovers, a visit to the cathedral of Santa Maria de la Nieves above the town is worthwhile. It dates from the 14th century and was built in the Gothic style at that time. About 400 years later, the sacred building was renovated in the Baroque style. The highlight of the cathedral to this day remains the ornate altar.
A visit to the Museum d’Art Contemporani is also recommended for those interested in culture.
Ibiza Town is guaranteed not to be boring. Once you have explored the town, you can stop off at one of the many restaurants and cafés, many of which offer a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. If you are in the mood for shopping, you will find many small boutiques in Eivissa. On the Avenue de Bartomeu de Rosselló or in El Paseo de Vara de Rey, there are also some international chains.
Other towns worth visiting include San Carlos, Santa Eulalia, San Antonio, Portinatx, San José and San Miguel.
The most beautiful Sights and Activities
In addition to picturesque towns, Ibiza’s natural surroundings also offer plenty to see. Relax on dreamy beaches, discover places steeped in legend or get active in sports amidst enchanting landscapes and cute villages. In Ibiza you will find ideal conditions for snorkelling, diving, paddling, hiking, cycling and even climbing fans will get their money’s worth. For families with children, a visit to the Aguamar water park is recommended, where several swimming pools and water slides provide fun and refreshment.
Those who want to explore the island on their own can rent a car or a scooter and visit their favourite places independently. A day trip to the neighbouring island of Formentera is also highly recommended. The island, which is only three nautical miles away, can be reached every 30 minutes by ferry from Ibiza Town. Once on Formentera, you have a wide choice of Caribbean-like beaches.
Below we present some of the island’s highlights.
Torres d’es Savinar watchtower
At the south-western tip of Ibiza, the former watchtower Torres d’es Savinar is located on steep cliffs. In the past, it was used to keep a lookout for pirates. Today it is a lookout tower offering an incomparable view of the picturesque coastline off the island.
Es Vedra Rock Island
Close by, about 2 km off Ibiza’s west coast, is the small rocky island of Es Vedra. It rises 382 metres out of the water and, as an uninhabited island with sparse vegetation and steep cliffs, is a particularly beautiful photo motif. You can take particularly beautiful snapshots at the two viewpoints, where many tourists and locals gather at sunset. One of the viewpoints is directly at the Torre d’es Savinar, the second is a little further down along a rocky outcrop.
Cova de Can Marca – Dripstone Cave
In the north of Ibiza, near the bay of San Miguel, is another visitor magnet, the stalactite cave Cova de Can Marca. It used to be used by smugglers to store goods such as alcohol, weapons and tobacco. Today, this cave covered with stalagmites and stalactites is an ideal excursion destination for the whole family. During a visit to the impressive cave system with its underground lakes and waterfalls, you will experience this natural wonder up close. A light show awaits at the end of the cave tour.
Ses Salines Nature Reserve
The Ses Salines Nature Reserve is located in the south of the island and is home to a natural diversity of beaches, marshes, forests, rocky landscapes and many different species of animals.
Birdwatchers have the chance to observe up to 200 species of migratory birds here. The nature reserve extends to the north of the neighbouring island of Formentera.
Ses Salines beach is a special highlight as it is surrounded by dunes and offers ideal conditions for families with small children and for water sports enthusiasts with its shallow water access.
Beautiful Beaches on Ibiza
Like all Balearic Islands, Ibiza offers beautiful beaches with white sand, crystal clear water and a fascinating underwater world. Dunes and rocky landscapes can also be found on some stretches of beach. These form idyllic bays and the rough rocky outcrops are suitable for one or two rock climbs. Snorkelling gives you the opportunity to observe unique marine life in a breathtaking underwater world. Other water sport activities such as stand-up paddling or sailing are also offered on some beaches.
Especially popular are the beaches Cala Comte, Cala Bassa, Playa d’en Bossa (which is also popular for parties in high summer), Cala Portinatx, Cala Tarida, Cala d’Hort and Cala Xarraca.
The sheltered bay of Cala Benirrás can be reached via a path through a pine forest and creates a special atmosphere with its crystal-clear water and towering rocks. This is also appreciated by the island’s hippies, who accompany the sunset with music every Sunday.
Hippie Markets
Not to be forgotten are the hippy markets on Ibiza, for which the island has also become famous. While browsing, you can find smaller and larger treasures, from jewellery to handmade clothing.
One of the most authentic markets is the Las Dalias hippie market in San Carlos. Accompanied by live music, you can buy things like handmade fashion, art and jewellery here. The night market, which takes place in summer, provides a special atmosphere.
The Punta Arabí hippie market in Es Caná is also worth a visit. The oldest and largest hippy market on the island offers a large number of products with around 400 stalls, although much of it is imported goods.
Las Dalias hippy market on Ibiza
Nightlife
The island is particularly popular for its extensive nightlife. Especially at the beginning and end of the season, few people think about sleeping. The opening and closing parties are very popular and attract countless revelers every year.
The best-known clubs include Pacha, Amnesia and Privilege.
Club Pacha is the oldest and best-known club on the island, where world stars such as David Guetta and the Swedish House Mafia have played.
Amnesia is also one of the most famous clubs in the world. Foam parties and many other specials attract many party people who like to dance to modern dance music or electronic music.
Privilege, the largest club in the world, is more like an aeroplane hangar and is known for some of the most legendary open-air parties.
Like most of the island’s clubs and bars, the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel is located on the beach of Playa d’en Bossa. Here, the famous Club Ushuaïa with its open-air stage by the pool attracts numerous guests every year. The hotel combines living and partying and is perfect for all those who don’t want to take a long way home after a visit to the club. Some celebrities also stay here.
Eating and Drinking
For those who would like to enjoy an alcoholic drink or two but don’t want to go clubbing, Café del Mar in Sant Antoni offers the best options. Ibiza’s first sunset bar offers a relaxed atmosphere in the evening with a cocktail while you enjoy the view of the sea and the sunset.
Ibiza also has many restaurants that offer fantastic sea views. These include Restaurante Sa Finca, The Wild Asparagus and Bar Llumbi.
In terms of cuisine, the island focuses on hearty and Mediterranean dishes. Seafood lovers are also guaranteed to find what they are looking for. The cuisine is often simple and sometimes improvised. Starters such as allioli or the typical bocadillos (sandwiches) can be found on almost every menu. Rice dishes and stews are also very popular.
When it comes to drinks, beer, wine and liqueurs are a staple. Be sure to try the island’s signature herbal liqueur, Hierbas Ibicencas, which is often served after dinner.
As you can see, Ibiza has a lot more to offer than party and nightlife. See for yourself on your next holiday on this dream island. We will be happy to help you find your perfect accommodation.
