Things to do in Ibiza

There is much more to Ibiza than its famous nightlife, and plenty to attract those with no interest in dancing and partying. The most obvious Ibiza attraction is the glorious coastline, which boasts many truly beautiful beaches along over 120 miles (200km) of coastline, and offers abundant scuba diving opportunities.

Ibiza has more than 80 beaches to choose from, including the popular Cala Jondal, S'Aigua Blanca, Cala Benirras, Cala Xarraca, Ses Salinas, Playa de Ses Figueretes, and Playa des Cavallet (Ibiza's official nudist beach). Water sports on offer apart from scuba diving, include waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and much more. Many of the beaches are lined with bars and restaurants and have a festive, party atmosphere during the summer season.

Away from the beach, Ibiza's Old Town is lined with picturesque cobbled lanes leading to ancient courtyards with some buildings dating from the 10th century. Further up the coast is the charming village of Santa Eulalia, which has excellent beaches, and the nearby caves of Can Marca.

Another special natural feature of Ibiza is the salt flats, La Salinas, which are worth a visit. The Ibiza Express mini-train departs from Platja d´Es Canar along various routes, and is a fun way to explore the island.

Ibiza Old Town photo

Ibiza Old Town

The old medieval district of Ciudad de Ibiza (Ibiza Town), the capital of the island, sports narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque whitewashed houses and Gothic buildings around …

Ibiza Old Town

The old medieval district of Ciudad de Ibiza (Ibiza Town), the capital of the island, sports narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque whitewashed houses and Gothic buildings around courtyards bright with blooming geraniums and bougainvillea. Ibiza'a Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with architecture spanning 2,500 years of history. The Old Town, enclosed by historic walls, is best entered through the Puerta de las Tablas, which sees visitors passing across a drawbridge flanked by ancient statues; there is another entrance, Portal Nou, behind the Plaza del Parque, which is somewhat less dramatic. The district is best explored on foot, and contains some interesting sights, most noteworthy of which is the Archaeological Museum.

Cova de Can Marca photo

Cova de Can Marca

The tourist attraction cave complex of Cova de Can Marca sits a few miles north of Sant Miquel, a village with an attractive hilltop church and good tapas bars. The caves have been…

Cova de Can Marca

The tourist attraction cave complex of Cova de Can Marca sits a few miles north of Sant Miquel, a village with an attractive hilltop church and good tapas bars. The caves have been commercialised and fitted with some spectacular sound and lighting effects, providing for an entertaining guided tour. The caves are situated atop a rocky inlet, with spectacular views over the bay and of the islands Murada and Feriradura. The cave is said to be more than 100,000 years old and features underground lakes, stalactites, and stalagmites. There was once a natural waterfall in the cave system but the waterfall featured on the tour today is a replica, as the waterbeds of the cave system are now fossilised.

La Salinas photo

La Salinas

The salt flats of Las Salinas are some of Ibiza's most famous landmarks, and are close to the airport on the southernmost tip of the island. They've been used for more than 2,000 y…

La Salinas

The salt flats of Las Salinas are some of Ibiza's most famous landmarks, and are close to the airport on the southernmost tip of the island. They've been used for more than 2,000 years since the Carthaginians traded with the salt left in the pans after the waters evaporated in summer.

The sparkling lakes provide one of the world's most beautiful sunset photograph opportunities. The fashionable Las Salinas beach on the southern tip of Ibiza attracts a glittering crowd of sun worshippers and party animals, including many celebrities, the wealthy, and the beautiful.

There are numerous beach bars to try out. The salt flats can be found in the nature reserve that surrounds this gorgeous beach, along with pine forests, sand dunes, and a general abundance of natural beauty.

Formentera photo

Formentera

The tiny island of Formentera covers 35 square miles (90 sq km) and is home to just over 5,000 people. It can be reached by ferry from Ibiza Town, with a regular service running ev…

Formentera

The tiny island of Formentera covers 35 square miles (90 sq km) and is home to just over 5,000 people. It can be reached by ferry from Ibiza Town, with a regular service running every two hours. Ferry services to Formentera from the mainland have also been established, due to the island's increasing popularity. It's relatively unspoilt by tourism development, although not as empty of crowds as it once was. Accommodation options are very limited. The main attractions are some pretty villages and marvellous beaches flanked by palms and pines, many frequented by nudists. The best way to explore is on a rented moped or bicycle, as well-maintained cycling tracks traverse the island.