Holidays to Ibiza might be mainly associated with nightlife, but that’s only one chapter in the island’s story. Its sleepy villages, pretty beaches and UNESCO-protected old town aren't to be missed.
Nightlife and beyond
Ibiza might be known for being a bit of a party playground, but there’s more to this Balearic Island than big-name clubs and A-list DJs. Away from the nightlife-focussed resorts of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, it sings to a different tune.
The main resorts
Northern towns like Puerto San Miguel and Portinatx showcase sandy coves and hills blanketed with wild flowers. Further south, Cala Llonga offers a similarly relaxed atmosphere and boasts one of the biggest beaches on the island. Santa Eulalia, meanwhile, provides a happy medium between lively and laid-back. The boutiques and bars here have a cosmopolitan edge, and the town’s sweep of pale sand is a favourite with families.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza’s capital, Ibiza Town, has an old quarter that’s earned itself a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. It’s cocooned by Medieval stone walls and overlooked by a fortress. The newer part of town, down by the waterfront, is an amalgamation of high-end restaurants, well-dressed bars and market stalls selling all sorts of clothes and souvenirs.
Daytrips to Formentera
Formentera’s known as Ibiza’s little sister island and it’s well within daytripping distance – the ferry ride takes just 30 minutes. The island’s beaches are the jewels in its crown. Bright-white sands with Blue Flag status are the norm. Conservation laws are strict here, too, so you won’t find any sprawling seaside restaurants. Instead, beach huts whip up seafood snacks and drinks. Plus, you can head inland for rustic markets and traditional eateries.
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Cala Tarida
Cala Tarida curls around a bay on the west coast of Ibiza. Behind it are rolling hills coated in greenery, while in front are some of the best sunsets on the island. It’s in peaceful surroundings, although lively San Antonio is only a short drive away if you fancy upping the tempo.
Cala Llonga
Cala Llonga may be only a 10-minute drive from Ibiza Town, but this chilled-out place feels a world away from the island’s famous club scene. It’s a small, compact town surrounded by pine-covered hills that seem to melt into the sandy cove below. And it’s also blessed with a fine selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Of course, if you do fancy a night out in Pacha or Privilege, the capital is right at hand.
Cala Pada
Cala Pada is a shy-and-quiet spot on Ibiza’s eastern edge. It’s named after its beach – a wide, horseshoe-shaped curve of sand backed by bottle-green pines. With only a handful of beach restaurants and cafés to its name, it’s worlds away from the island’s loud-and-proud party towns.
Santa Eulalia
Santa Eulalia is a classy little resort on Ibiza’s southeast coast. It’s earned a reputation for being the island’s gastronomic centre, and also comes with art galleries, designer boutiques and high-end gift shops. There’s a sophisticated marina here too, with more restaurants as well as bars. And the spotlessly clean sand keeps up the standard on the resort’s 2 beaches.
San Carlos
Laid-back San Carlos can be found in the island’s northeast, nestled between Cala San Vicente and Santa Eulalia. It may be tiny, but this village is known all over Ibiza. Back in the Sixties, it was one of the original meeting points for hippies and backpackers. And it’s not lost that artsy, bohemian feel. You’ll see the best evidence of it at the Saturday market, where dreadlocked merchants peddle incense, tarot cards, and embroidered floor cushions.
AT A GLANCE
- Get lost in the cobbled streets of Ibiza Town
- Rummage for trinkets in the island’s colourful hippy markets
- Sample the legendary nightlife of Playa de’n Bossa and San Antonio
Weather
Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Ibiza.
TEMPERATURE (°C)RAINFALL (mm)
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| JAN | 16.0 | 40.0 |
| FEB | 16.0 | 32.0 |
| MAR | 18.0 | 36.0 |
| APR | 20.0 | 32.0 |
| MAY | 23.0 | 26.0 |
| JUN | 27.0 | 12.0 |
| JUL | 30.0 | 5.0 |
| AUG | 30.0 | 14.0 |
| SEP | 28.0 | 75.0 |
| OCT | 24.0 | 49.0 |
| NOV | 19.0 | 47.0 |
| DEC | 17.0 | 61.0 |
WHEN TO GO
Like its Balearic neighbours, Ibiza has got a classic Mediterranean climate. Things start to hot up in May, with the thermometer reading around the mid-20s mark. Between June and August, temperatures can climb to 30°C and higher. As for rain, the average is one day a month in summer.
Things To Do View all »
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Brave the slides at Aguamar Waterpark
Ibiza’s biggest waterpark overlooks the famous Space nightclub in Playa d’en Bossa. Its grounds are packed with slides, tubes…
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Relax on Playa d’en Bossa Beach
For sheer size, Playa d’en Bossa can’t be beaten. This sweep of pale sand snakes along the island’s southeast coast for a…
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Go shopping in San Antonio Bay
You’ll find the best shops on the main beach drag. They’ve got it covered for all those little last-minute holiday extras…
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Delve into the C’an Marca Caves
If you like your sights served up au naturel, the C’an Marca Caves, just off Puerto San Miguel’s beach, are a good placeto…
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Stretch out on Santa Eulalia Beach
Santa Eulalia Beach proudly waves a Blue Flag. At 300 metres, it may not be the longest ribbon of sand in these parts, but…
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