Welcome to my Ibiza Bucket List.
When you hear Ibiza you think of wild parties and club nights, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that Ibiza is so much more than a party island. The White Isle has something for everyone, friends, couples and families alike.
In addition to being a famed party destination, you will also find relaxing spa and yoga retreats, quiet villages, gorgeous beaches and history dating back to the 14th century.
This beautiful island makes up part of the Balearics and is located on the Mediterranean sea, it is perfect for some fun in the sun. However you spend your time there, Ibiza is sure to leave sandy footprints on your heart. It did just that with mine and now Ibiza will forever have a piece of my heart.
Let’s take a look around at some of the best things Ibiza has to offer but be warned, it’s easy to fall in love with Ibiza and you’ll be forever wanting more.
Ibiza Old Town / Dalt Vila & Marina
Make time to tear yourself away from the beach to visit Ibiza town. Bustling with activity round the clock the town is steeped in history and infused with a flamboyant nightlife. Filled with quaint cobblestone streets, cathedrals, castles and incredible Gothic architecture it has something for everyone.
Abundant with unique and delicious scents from the many restaurants on offer you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining out. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee with a sweet treat or a gin or two, Ibiza town has it all.
On the strip facing directly onto the Marina, we found a real gem. A gorgeous restaurant called Thai Noir specialising in Asian and Thai cuisine. Their coconut rice was like little mouth fulls of heaven! Fluffy rice soaked in warm coconut milk topped with fresh coconut. To-die-for!
As if that weren’t enough, the old town is peppered with cute one-off shops alongside more familiar names and brands too.
Watch The Sunset on the famous Sunset Strip
You’ve heard the saying “when in Rome”, well watching the glorious sunset on the sunset strip is essentially the Ibizan equivalent. It’s a must-see, a rite of passage if you will. The second you’ve witnessed this for yourself you will completely understand why I say this.
Grab a cold drink, sit back in good company and enjoy. Sunsets in Ibiza are so incredible that certain places celebrate by having a sunset ceremony. It truly is a spectacle to behold and a must-see while visiting the white isle. Cafe Del Mar is considered the original sunset bar and this is where I chose to see it for myself. Coupled with the ultimate chillout music from none other than the home of chill it makes for the perfect Ibiza night.
Money-saving tip – grab yourself a drink from one of the local shops (just along from Mambos) and head down to the rocky beach outside of Cafe Del Mar to enjoy the sunset while being quids in! You’re welcome. Another tip, make sure to get there about an hour beforehand to grab a great spot and enjoy the sunset in all its glory.
Santa Eulalia
Located on the east coast of the island where you could be forgiven for forgetting you’re in the party capital of Europe. Santa Eulalia is a beautiful area, rich in golden sandy beaches and crystal waters. Set back from the beach you’ll find a promenade lined with palm trees and wrought-iron lamposts perfect for sunny strolls. Along the promenade, you’ll be greeted by an array of restaurants and cafes to cater to all tastes and budgets.
Down by the picturesque marina you will find some gems specialising in delicious seafood. Not short of a shop or two you’ll find some gorgeous boutiques to spoil yourself or pick up a gift from your travels. It’s no surprise that the resort is popular with families and travellers seeking calm and tranquillity. Many of the resorts have spas where you can enjoy some R and R.
Hungary for some culture? Be sure to visit the Santa Eulalia Church which is a temple that was built with fortress elements to defend itself from Berber attacks.
San Antonio
Over on the west coast of the island, San Antonio is the second largest town in Ibiza. Renowned for its wild nights and home to world-famous clubs, San An is the place to go if you’re looking for endless party nights. Don’t jump the gun, before you hit those clubs you’re going to need some all-important pres. You want the legendary West End strip lined with bars from top to bottom catering for all music tastes and budgets. Most of the bars have offers to tempt you in to get your night off to the best start.
Aside from its infamous clubs, San An is home to stunning beaches and crystalline coastlines perfect for topping up the tan in-between the partying. Grab a bite to eat or a coffee along the promenade whilst taking in the views over the sea. Another great spot for lunch is in one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbour.
Looking for activity days? Well, look no further because here you will find all sorts on offer. Water sports, jet ski hire, boat tours, parasailing, surfing, hot rods tour, jet boat, scuba diving, kayak rental, paddle boarding, quad excursion to name but a few.
Es Vedra
A small rocky island standing at near 400m just off the south coast of Ibiza. Es Vedra is the source of many myths and legends. Rumour has it it’s the third most magnetic place on Earth. It is also thought to be home to the Sirens of Greek mythology and Nymphs. Some have linked the island to UFOs and claim to have seen them flying overhead. Others say it is linked to the lost city of Atlantis. There are many stories and rumours in circulation about the island.
One thing that is without question is the beauty of Es Vedra and it is sure to take your breath away. It is especially beautiful at sunset and the sun lowers and glisters over the sea. Cala D’Hort makes for a great spot to sit back and take in Es Vedra and marvel at its beauty.
Benirrás Beach Sunset Ceremony Every Sunday
Located on the Northwest coast Benirrás was once Ibizas best-kept secret. Now it is one of Ibiza’s most talked-about sunset spots on the island. The sheltered bay boasts crystal clear waters along the sandy shores and is peppered with cute restaurants and bars.
While Benirrás beach is a gorgeous place to visit at any time it is on Sunday evenings that it is arguably at its best. Playing host to the beach drummers who “drum the sundown” to chilled music where you can watch the fire dancers putting on a show. Celebrate the sunset ceremony way into the night with great food and cocktails by the beach.
Formentera
The smallest of the Balearic islands is set just south of Ibiza and is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere. Hop on a boat and be at Formentera in under 40 minutes. A paradise of calm and tranquillity with its breathtaking white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Stepping on to Formentera will feel a little like stepping back in time to a place where time stands still.
There’s a great mix of restaurants, bars, activities and shops to offer up a little extra if you need a break from all of the relaxing.
Hiking
Did you know Ibiza is a popular spot for hiking with a load of great hiking trails? Ibiza has some great terrain for hiking, particularly toward the south coast by Es Vedra. Steal yourself away for some downtime from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza life and enjoy some quiet. Where will you find yourself? Many of the trails will lead you to the blissful Mediterranean turquoise waters, sandy beaches and hidden coves. Allow Ibiza to captivate you in new and surprising ways as you explore the paths along cliff tops, valleys and beautiful pine forests. A more traditional pastime but one of the best ways to uncover Ibiza’s sprawling landscapes.
Can Marça Caves
Take a break from the sun to uncover Ibiza’s hidden caves of the Cueva Can Marça in Puerto de San Miguel. The secret caves were used by smugglers way back when to store contraband. Eerily quiet and bathed in weird and wonderful coloured rock formations but definitely something to see. Guided tours offer a great and interesting way to explore the caves and provide a wealth of history about the caves.
Nightclubs
This small Balearic Island with its world-famous clubbing scene attracts thousands of music lovers from around the world. The clubbing season runs from around late May until late September and every night is Saturday night and the season is one long weekend. If there’s one thing Ibiza has in abundance, it’s clubs. Regardless of your musical preference, you’ll be sure to find a party night that suits you.
I hope you enjoyed my Ibiza Bucket List and it has been a great guide to planning your trip to Ibiza. I for one can’t wait to revisit and explore more.
If you love travelling you might also enjoy a few other posts of mine.
Disney World Magic Kingdom Bucket List
2 Comments
Ooo I’m feeling a little travel envy! I’m one of those people who as a kid always used to think of Ibiza as just a clubbing destination. The last several years, the image has begun to change and with blogs like this you get a better insight into what Ibiza is, the various areas that make it up and the different types of vibe in each. I quite like the sound of Santa Eulalia for the golden beaches and R&R. That would be heavenly right about now. I also had no idea about the caves, but those would be cool to explore to make a beach holiday a little more interesting.
Great post! 🙂
Ibiza is one of my favourite places in the world, so much beauty!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk