Travel

I want to go to...
Ibiza

Ibiza

Alamy

Ibiza is the world’s party haven, a place that seems to exist for the sake of club culture and sun worshippers. But look closer, or inland to be exact, and you will find a clutch of interesting activities that don’t involve parting every night until 9am.

Though the countryside of Ibiza can be scalding hot, there are a number of farms, hiking excursions and floral fields to visit for a day.

Tour companies like Deliciously Sorted can organise one and two-day excursions through central swathes of the island. Ibiza is also awash with Spanish language schools, like the New Language School in Ibiza Town.

Plan your trip right and collide with some of the wharf side festivals, which are essentially carnivals without the rides, where you find food stands, craft shops, and games.

Because the island enjoys an influx of cultures from all over the world, the local cuisine aptly reflects this mix. Mostly you find Mediterranean fare, fresh fish, pasta, paella; but there are many excellent Portuguese bakeries, curry houses like The Curry Club, and pizza shacks like El Pirata. Because party culture dominates, you might as well go with the flow. You don’t have to go dancing at Pacha every night—especially because the entry fee exceeds £40—and there are plenty of reasonably early happy hours and after-dinner lounges in Ibiza’s old town.

Travel Tips

  1. Many tourists head straight for the Ibiza Gran Hotel for its spa, casino, location in the marina and its views of the old town. But there are several other good options on the other side of the island in Santa Eulalia, like the oceanfront, eco-friendly Insotel Fenicia Prestige Thalasso Spa Hotel.
  2. Over the decades, Ibiza has garnered a reputation for being the world’s party town, where clubs like Space Ibiza and DC-10 stay open until early in the morning. Then, of course, there are the famous DJs that storm into town and cause a sensation. It’s hard to keep up with where the best party is. One reliable tool for your iPhone is the Ibiza Spotlight Club App. It gives up-to-the-minute news about what's on, what DJs to expect, as well as the cost of entry and opening hours of each club.
  3. Beach restaurants in Ibiza will always be pricey. In west Ibiza try Casa Mila for its beach cliff location and set menu of fish, pasta or pizza for under £15. Port Roix, also in the west, is a bit more upmarket, but it shows in the food and the private location. In north Ibiza, hit up the ocean front eaterie, Benirras for mouth-watering paella; and in south Ibiza try Cap D'es Falco, a Mediterranean restaurant set on a nature reserve that specializes in shellfish.
  4. Es Caná is not as high impact as the party central zones surrounding the marina and Santa Eulalia areas. The harbour is rammed with fisherman’s boats hauling in fresh seafood for the several dozen small and good restaurants here. On Wednesdays there's a ‘Hippy Market’ in the centre of town where handmade crafts, incense, antiques, second-hand clothing and food are on sale.
  5. If you’re tired of partying or beach hopping, check out Cova de Can Marçà, the islands largest coves full of massive stalagmites and finely tapered stalactites. Guided tours through the cave, which is open year round, last 40-minutes and cost less that £10.

Photos

Latest on Ibiza

Browse destinations