The third largest Balearic island is known all over the world for its summer lifestyle and endless party nights. But Ibiza is more than its famous clubs that attract top DJs and celebrities from all over the world. Use your holiday on the island to get to know it in all its facets. You often don’t even need a rental car – a bicycle is enough.
The most beautiful things to see in Ibiza
Ibiza is not a big island and you could theoretically explore the whole island in a single day. However, it would be a shame, because some of the magic only unfolds when you take a closer look and turn into an unknown street.
The highlight: Ibiza Town and its sights
Under no circumstances should you miss a visit to the island’s capital, which is called Ibiza Town in Englisch. Officially, since 1979, it has again borne the Catalan name Eivissa, like the island itself. Its jewel is the old town (Dalt Vila), which is crowned by a mighty citadel. It was built by the Moors in the Middle Ages and later expanded several times. Today, it is not only the city’s biggest tourist magnet, but is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Good to know: It is possible to drive into the old town by car, but parking spaces are scarce. If you are travelling with a rental car, it is best to park it in the large car park at the harbour and walk from there. The rather strenuous ascent under the Spanish sun will be sweetened by the always great view of the city, the harbour and the Mediterranean Sea. The Santa Maria de las Nieves Cathedral, which crowns the old town with its steeple, is worth a look. All that remains of the citadel is the red-painted Castello Almudaina, which unfortunately may not be entered.
On your way back to the port, take some time to stroll through the romantic neighbourhood of La Marina, once home to fishermen and their families. This is where many of the designers who make authentic Ibiza fashion have settled. This is characterised by airy white clothing and goes great with the boho look that is so popular right now. Of course, these boutiques are not cheap, but you can buy really unique souvenirs here. The most beautiful street in the city branches off from here: the Passeig de Vara de Rey, which is a hive of activity day and night.
For those interested in culture and history, Ibiza Town has attractions such as the Punic necropolis on Puig des Molins and its museum, as well as the Museu Puget. It is dedicated to the two artists Narcís Puget Viñas and Narcís Puget Riquer (father and son), who captured everyday Ibizan life in paintings, giving you a good impression of the past before the age of mass tourism.
Other things to see and do in Ibiza at a glance
When you stay at the family-friendly TUI BLUE Aura hotel, you get one of Ibiza’s most famous sights for free: the incomparably beautiful sunset on the west coast. In the evening, visitors from all corners of the island gather at the famous Café del Mar in Sant Antoni de Portmany to chill out with a cold drink in hand and gaze out over the sea. You don’t have to walk that far, though, as there are beautiful viewpoints just outside the hotel, such as the headland of Punta de Sa Pedrera. The adults-only hotel TUI BLUE Tarida Beach is also located on the west coast and offers the same sunset experience without the hustle and bustle.
In addition, you can visit these sights in Ibiza by car or plan bicycle tours:
- The Ses Salines Nature Reserve
- The ruins of the Phoenician settlement Sa Caleta
- The stalactite cave Cova de Can Marca near San Miguel
- The artwork Puertas by Can Soleil
- The Time&Space stone circle
- The pirate tower Torre d’es Savinar
- The tiny rock Es Vedrà in front of the tower
- The photogenic rock cave Cova de Llevan
One of Ibiza’s unique sights is undoubtedly the much-publicised Hippy Market Las Dalias on the Carretera San Carlos. However, it is not the original. This is on the grounds of the Club Punta Arabi in the seaside resort of Es Canar on the south coast. This is where the hippies who started flocking to Ibiza in the late 1960s began selling homemade things in 1973. This market is held every Wednesday, the Las Dalias market every Saturday. So you can see for yourself which one fits in better with your plans, or visit both.
Good to know: Genuine handicrafts from local manufacturers are unfortunately rare today. Most products are imports from the Far East and similar mass-produced goods. Still, it’s worth the visit for the hustle and bustle, the delicious locally cooked food and the slight whiff of alternative culture that still wafts through the market alleys.
No insider tip: the detour to Formentera
Even though there are things to see in Ibiza that will keep you busy for several days, you should include the small neighbouring island of Formentera in your planning. The crossing takes just under 40 minutes and there are 35 to 40 ferries a day, depending on the season. The ferries leave from Ibiza Town at the harbour (where you can park if you come by rental car) and dock at La Savina on the northern tip of Formentera. From here, you can walk to Platja de Ses Illetes, a thin spit of land lapped by the sea on both sides. If you want to explore the whole island, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle in the port of La Savina.
Ibiza: Things to see and do for every taste
From the defiant medieval fortress of Dalt Vila to the patchouli-scented flower power atmosphere of the hippy markets, there are many things to see and do in Ibiza. Hiring a car is the easiest and most relaxing way to experience as many attractions as possible in a short holiday. Scooters save you parking worries and bicycles even keep you fit on long bike rides. Just remember that the Spanish sun burns mercilessly in summer and take enough water and sunscreen with you.