Things to Do in Ibiza: Hidden Gems, Best Restaurants and Boutique Hotels
After 4 previous visits, Ibiza feels like home to me and I am so glad that not much has changed since my last visit. Tourism has not ruined the island. These are my best tips for things to do in Ibiza: hidden gems, beach clubs, restaurants and boutique hotels for a special stay on this beautiful island, without tripping over drunk party tourists who like to present you their underwear. While you are in the area, the island of Formentera is just 35 minutes away by ferry and absolutely worth adding to your trip!
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Best boutique hotels – things to do Ibiza
– Click on the names for rooms and rates –
My favourite area to stay is around Santa Gertrudis or San Rafael: centrally located, away from the party scene and close to the best restaurants and nearby beaches on the island. Visit Santa Gertrudis for its charming village square, boutique shops and relaxed lively atmosphere. These are the boutique hotels I would book without hesitation.
MalaQuita Hotel Boutique is the kind of place that perfectly matches the audience of this blog. A beautifully designed adults-only boutique hotel with a strong aesthetic, intimate atmosphere and a location that keeps you well away from the tourist crowds. Because the focus is entirely on quality over quantity, every detail is considered. Think carefully curated interiors, a gorgeous pool and the kind of service that makes you feel like you are staying with a very stylish friend. This is my top recommendation for a special Ibiza stay.
ROOMS AND RATES MALAQUITA HOTEL BOUTIQUE
Can Sastre | things to do Ibiza | best boutique hotels
Can Sastre is a true paradise. The interior and property feel like a dream, with a beautifully restored finca feel that captures everything special about the Ibizan countryside. One of my all-time favourites on the island.
La Bohemia del Rio Boutique Hotel is adults only, with a romantic atmosphere and a beautiful riverside setting. The kind of hotel you find once and return to every summer.
More boutique hotels in Ibiza
Nativo Hotel Ibiza: a design-forward hotel with a strong connection to Ibiza’s natural surroundings. While most hotels on the island ignore sustainability, Nativo makes it central to the experience. Eco-conscious, beautiful and consistently well reviewed. Perfect for anyone who wants to explore Ibiza beyond the beach clubs.
Pure House Ibiza: an intimate adults-only retreat with a wellness focus. Think yoga, clean food and a truly peaceful atmosphere. The best option on the island for solo travellers looking to recharge.
MY ARTICLE ABOUT IBIZA CAR RENTAL
El Somni Ibiza Dream Hotel: a beautiful boutique hotel with dreamy interiors and a wonderfully quiet location. The name means “the dream” in Catalan, and it lives up to it.
OKU Ibiza: a stunning adults-only design hotel with one of the most beautiful pools on the island. While it is on the pricier end, the experience is worth it. Minimalist, chic and very well located. A favourite among design-conscious travellers.
Can Lluc Boutique Country Hotel and Villas: a charming rural retreat in the heart of the island, with beautiful gardens, a large pool and a genuine countryside feel. It is especially good for those who want privacy and space.
As I shared on my Instagram, Ibiza keeps pulling me back to the island.
Car rental Ibiza
Ibiza is best explored by car, because the most beautiful spots are nowhere near the main roads. I love driving around and finding undiscovered beaches and local restaurants that do not appear on any map. Make sure to get a car that can handle dirt roads. A 4×4 opens up beaches that are otherwise impossible to reach. Scooter rentals are also a convenient option for short distances and narrow village streets. Taxis are readily available, and public buses connect all major towns and tourist areas. I always compare rates at Discover Cars and love their service. They upgraded us to a Citroën Cactus the size of a Jeep, which proved very useful on the dirt roads. Yaasss!
Tropicana | things to do Ibiza | best beach clubs
Best things to do Ibiza
Things to do Ibiza: island adventures and outdoor activities
1. Go road tripping and discover hidden gems, empty sandy beaches and local restaurants. Rent a good car for this. With a Secret Spots Island 4×4 Tour by Land Rover Defender you can also let someone else do the driving while you take in the scenic landscapes.
2. Book the Half Day Island Tour with Iconic Photo Spots to discover the most photographed corners of the island with a local guide who knows exactly where the light is best. A great day trip option that covers the island’s natural beauty efficiently.
3. Visit the night market at Las Dalias. This is one of the most magical atmospheres on the island, with live music, artisan crafts and food stalls in a beautiful garden setting.
4. Go to the Sunday market in San Juan and have lunch at The Giri Café after your visit. San Juan is one of Ibiza’s most charming bohemian villages in northern Ibiza.
5. Book a Sea and Caves Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Cala Codolar. One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the island. Although it looks calm from above, the sea caves inside are extraordinary. Boat tours of the coastline are also a great way to explore hidden coves and secluded beaches that are impossible to reach by car.
KAYAKING AND SNORKELING TOUR IBIZA
Paddle boarding and water sports | things to do Ibiza
Culture, beaches and unique experiences
6. Visit Ibiza old town, Dalt Vila. I had a lovely lunch in Ibiza Town at tapas bar Emporio. Ibiza Town is also home to art galleries, boutique shops and some of the best rooftop bars on the island.
7. Relax on a comfortable daybed at Tropicana, my favourite beach club. Get a deep tissue massage at George in the back and treat yourself to paella and cava sangria at Yemanja next door.
ALL THE BEST TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
8. Drive to the lookout point to see magical Es Vedra. There are many stories and legends about this magnetic rock formation. The es Vedra views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. Worth combining with the photo spots tour. Nearby, Cala d’Hort beach offers one of the most beautiful settings on the island, with direct views of Es Vedrà and crystal-clear water.
9. Book the Secret Cove Yoga and Cava Experience in Ibiza’s crystal waters. Morning yoga in a hidden cove followed by cava. One of the best things you can do on this island.
10. Have drinks and dinner at Los Enamorados and visit the colourful shop with unique finds for your home and beautiful clothing.
11. Shop at Sluiz. This store is an experience. You will feel completely overwhelmed by all the cool items for your home. The parking area alone will bring a smile to your face.
Los Enamorados | things to do Ibiza | best restaurants
Exploring Dalt Vila: Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and Historic Heart
Step into Dalt Vila, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms the historic heart of Ibiza Town. This old town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and ancient stone walls. As you wander through Dalt Vila, you will find a captivating blend of Spanish, Arabic and Mediterranean influences, with architectural gems and hidden courtyards around every corner. Do not miss the 13th-century Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, perched high above the town with panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and the rooftops of Ibiza, Spain. Whether you are exploring the museums, pausing at a café or soaking up the atmosphere, Dalt Vila is an absolute must for anyone wanting to experience the authentic soul of this beautiful island.
Cocktail bars, healthy food and shopping
12. Head to Tirapallà Cocktail Bar in Ibiza Town for cocktails on a rooftop bar terrace with views over Dalt Vila. One of those spots that locals and visitors keep returning to. Go before midnight to find a seat.
13. The Skinny Kitchen is the place for healthy bowls, smoothies and brunch. Popular with the wellness crowd and a great stop after a morning at the beach.
14. Up at The Standard is the rooftop bar of The Standard hotel in Ibiza Town. Sleek, social and very well located for a sunset drink with views over the marina. Watch sunset from here for an unforgettable experience.
15. For shopping, these three are worth your time. Aiiwa has beautiful clothing and accessories with a distinct Ibiza aesthetic. Noss Ibiza is a concept store with a carefully curated mix of fashion, jewellery and homewares. Taar Willoughby is a beautifully designed boutique that feels more like an art space than a shop.
THE BEST RENTAL CARS FOR IBIZA
The best chiringuitos and beach clubs on the island
A chiringuito is a beach bar, and Ibiza has some of the best. Chiringuito Cala Xuclar: a hidden gem in the north with a tiny beach, a simple bar, fresh fish and the kind of view that makes you lose track of time entirely. The food here is absolutely delicious, especially the seafood dishes. La Escollera: at the end of a rocky peninsula near Es Cavallet, especially good for a long lazy lunch. Ses Boques: near Cala Compte, consistently rated among the best on the island for its combination of location, food and atmosphere.
Sunsets, boat trips and nightlife
16. Watch a movie at an open air movie night at Amante. Wrap yourself in a blanket, lie on comfortable bean bags, try to get the popcorn in your mouth and sip on a glass of cava while you hear the sound of the ocean next to you. Book ahead.
17. Take a ferry to visit Formentera. Spend the night if you can, because this island is breathtaking. Although it is just 35 minutes by ferry, one day is never enough. Book your return ferry ticket to Formentera here.
18. Book the Ibiza sunset boat party with drinks and food. Watching the sun drop into the Mediterranean from the water is one of those Ibiza experiences that stays with you, especially when the sky turns orange. The views of the coastline from the boat are extraordinary.
Best restaurants Ibiza – Things to do Ibiza
Cala Bonita is my absolute number one. By far the best lunch I have had on the island. The cocktails are dangerously good. Try the Coconut Mojito or the Gin Basil Fizz. The mussels and fresh spicy ceviche are exceptional. Not the cheapest, but worth every penny.
Also worth visiting is Can Mussonet in San Rafael: a beautifully restored 1916 farmhouse with a secluded courtyard garden and a menu focused on quality local ingredients. The ceviche is excellent and the prices are modest for what you get. While it is not in the most central location, it is worth the drive.
Aubergine by Atzaró is a must for any Ibiza trip. This farm-to-table restaurant between Santa Gertrudis and San Miguel sources almost everything from its own organic garden. The aubergine carpaccio and kale salad are both outstanding, especially when everything comes straight from the garden next door. Go for lunch and stay for the atmosphere. The boutique on site is also dangerous for your credit card.
ALL MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN IBIZA
Cala Bonita | things to do Ibiza | best restaurants
THE BEST RENTAL CARS FOR IBIZA
Things to do Ibiza: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Ibiza beyond the clubs?
Ibiza has so much more to offer than its nightlife. The best things to do include road tripping to hidden beaches, kayaking through sea caves, visiting the farm-to-table restaurants in the rural north, exploring the old town of Dalt Vila and taking a ferry to Formentera. The Sunday market in San Juan and the night market at Las Dalias are both essential. For those who love the island’s natural beauty, explore hidden coves along the coast and visit Ses Salines Natural Park in the south.
What is the best area to stay in Ibiza?
For a special, non-party experience, stay around Santa Gertrudis or San Rafael in the centre of the island. Both villages are centrally located, close to the best restaurants and also within easy walking distance of the countryside. Staying central also means you spend less time driving and more time enjoying. If you prefer the south, the area around Es Cubells and Cala Jondal is beautiful and quieter than the party strip. San Antonio on the west coast is popular for its sunset views, while Santa Eulalia on the east coast is the most family friendly option on the island.
ROOMS AND RATES MALAQUITA HOTEL BOUTIQUE
When is the best time to visit Ibiza?
May, June and September are the best months to visit Ibiza. The weather is still warm, prices are noticeably lower than during peak season and the restaurants and beach clubs are far less crowded. Peak season runs from June to August, when the island is at its most lively, the sea is at its warmest and all the major events and clubs are in full swing. It is also when prices are at their highest and the most popular beaches get very busy. October is surprisingly good for a quieter, more relaxed visit with still-pleasant temperatures.
Planning to visit more of Spain? Check all my guides for Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera, Barcelona, Valencia and Nerja.
Insider Tips for Your Ibiza Adventure – Things to do Ibiza
To truly fall in love with Ibiza, make time for the island’s most beautiful places like Cala D’Hort and Cala Comte, where the views of the Mediterranean are absolutely stunning. Foodies will love it here. Try bullit de peix, the island’s signature seafood stew, at a lovely restaurant by the sea. For a classic Ibiza experience, spend an afternoon at one of the legendary beach clubs. Café del Mar is iconic for its sunset sessions and laid-back vibe. Whether you are drawn by the natural beauty, the beach parties or the creative energy of the island, Ibiza offers something for every traveler. From hidden coves to amazing food and unforgettable sunsets, this beautiful island is the ultimate destination.
- Find the best hotels for your Ibiza trip at Booking.com
- Book tours and activities at GetYourGuide.com
- Compare rental cars at Discover Cars
- Book your airport transfer via WelcomePickups
- Get your eSIM at Saily
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