While this Balearic island is best known for its happening party scene, there’s so much more to uncover here, from its Unesco World Heritage Old Town to the hidden coves that are tucked into the coastline’s cliffs, and from authentic local eateries to the fine dining restaurants of five-star hotels. These are the best things to do in Ibiza.
Ibiza Town
Providing an insight into this island’s past as well as its cultural and culinary identity, Ibiza Town is an integral part of discovering the island. With around 2,500 years of history, the Unesco World Heritage Old Town—Dalt Vila—is celebrated for its historic architecture, and in particular the citadel’s castle, which now acts as a museum. The Mercat Vell or Old Market, which originates from 1873, is also located here, selling cheese, herbs, wine and olive oil among other local produce. To discover some of the local art, you can then pay a visit to the Museo d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa located within a stone house dating from 1727 which has been renovated by the Ibizan architect Victor Beltran Roca.
The Beaches
Ranging from secluded white sand coves amid the island’s cliffs to wild strips of coast, Ibiza has a beach to suit every type of traveler. While Las Salinas is consistently considered the island’s best beach for its beach bars spilling out onto the white sand, small hidden coves and bays such as Cala Salada, Cala d’Hort and Cala Xarraca are dotted around the coastline. Days here are easily spent seeking out these coastal spots to swim in the crystal clear water and indulge in some of the local seafood.
Where to Stay
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
This new five-star hotel is one of this year’s most anticipated hotel openings, bringing a new luxury to the Balearic island. Staying true to the Nobu brand, the hotel combines stylish contemporary design with an exceptional culinary offering; rooms in the white Mediterranean-style structure are positioned around two swimming pools with views out towards the sea, while the four restaurants range from modern Mexican dining to Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature cuisine. This is complemented by a Six Senses spa and John Frieda salon.
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Ibiza Gran Hotel
In its location on the Paso Maritimo in Ibiza Town, the five-star Ibiza Gran Hotel faces two marinas and provides views over the Old Town and Mediterranean Sea. Comprising a casino, spa, swimming pools and a collection of restaurants ranging from poolside dining to Nikkei fine dining and Venetian cuisine, the hotel has something to satiate every taste. As an art hotel, the interiors here are home to more than 365 contemporary artworks.
Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena
From its position on the cliffs of La Posidonia, this five-star hotel affords guests a tranquil setting as well as uninterrupted sea views, which are best taken in from the hotel’s pool and terraces. A spa and Eden Restaurant add to the experience of staying here; La Posidonia Spa, which is named after the seaweed that grows here, is designed to sit harmoniously within this natural setting, while the restaurant specializes in cuisine that takes ingredients from the sea, mountain and the hotel’s garden.
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