The 15 Best Things to Do in Ibiza: A Curated Insider’s Guide

From sunrise swims to hillside hideaways, explore the best of Ibiza Spain and book your dream stay in one of Haute Retreats’ luxury villas Ibiza offers. There’s Ibiza, and then there’s the Ibiza you discover when you slow down. The side where centuries-old olive trees outnumber nightclubs, where sunrises are more sacred than after-parties, and where a glass of chilled albariño tastes like summer in its purest form. This is Ibiza Spain, not just a place, but a mood—a radiant, radiant world of contrasts.

While most know it for its legendary nightlife, the real magic happens between the lines. In hidden calas, mountaintop villages, lazy lunches that stretch until golden hour. And the best way to experience all of it? From the quiet privacy of a luxury villas Ibiza—where your only neighbors might be pine trees and the occasional gecko.

As someone who’s visited Ibiza Spain season after season, I’ve compiled this definitive list of the 15 best things to do—whether you’re in search of quiet coves, cultural immersion, or a new perspective on the White Isle.

1. Watch the Sunset from Cala Comte

Start with the most iconic: watching the sun melt into the Balearic Sea at Cala Comte, arguably the most photogenic beach in Ibiza. Locals gather with blankets and cold drinks. It’s tradition.

Tip: Reserve a table at Sunset Ashram, a boho-chic lounge perched on the rocks for unbeatable views and music.

2. Stay in a Luxury Villa in Ibiza

To see the best of the island, base yourself in one of the many handpicked luxury villas Ibiza offered by Haute Retreats. These properties aren’t just places to stay—they’re experiences in themselves. Imagine infinity pools with sea views, private chefs cooking traditional Spanish cuisine, and yoga on the terrace as the island wakes up.

Whether perched above Es Cubells or nestled near Santa Gertrudis, these villas combine seclusion with proximity to the island’s highlights.

3. Explore Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s UNESCO Crown Jewel

High above Ibiza Town, the fortified old town of Dalt Vila is a living museum. With winding stone streets, whitewashed walls, and views that stretch forever, it’s a must. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows and walk the ancient ramparts.

4. Visit the Hippie Market at Las Dalias

Long before DJs, Ibiza Spain was a haven for artists and bohemians. That spirit lives on at Las Dalias, the island’s most colorful market. Find handcrafted jewelry, vintage kaftans, live music, and freshly squeezed juices under the palm trees.

5. Dine at La Paloma in San Lorenzo

Inland, tucked between orange groves and sleepy villages, you’ll find La Paloma—a dreamy restaurant that feels like someone’s home. Expect organic ingredients, Italian-Israeli flavors, and candlelit garden tables. It’s the definition of slow living.

6. Charter a Private Boat to Formentera

Hop on a private boat (which your luxury villa Ibiza concierge can arrange) and head to Formentera, Ibiza’s quieter sister island. With water so clear it’s surreal, it’s no wonder people call it the Caribbean of Europe. Anchor at Ses Illetes and swim straight off the deck.

7. Climb to the Pirate Tower at Torre des Savinar

For those craving cinematic views, hike to Torre des Savinar, a 1700s watchtower overlooking Es Vedrà. It’s dramatic, rugged, and believed to have mystical energy—perfect for golden hour meditation or that envy-inducing photo.

8. Soak in Island Time in Santa Gertrudis

At the center of the island lies Santa Gertrudis, a stylish village where locals sip cortados, and artists sell paintings in open-air shops. Don’t leave without sampling jamón on fresh bread at Bar Costa—simple and unforgettable.

9. Reconnect Through a Wellness Retreat

Ibiza is Europe’s wellness capital. Book a reiki session, sound bath, or simply meditate beside your villa’s infinity pool. Many luxury villas Ibiza offer in-villa treatments, from deep tissue massage to guided breathwork—an indulgence and necessity.

10. Experience the Island’s Spiritual Side at Es Vedr

This rocky island, visible from Ibiza’s southwest coast, is the stuff of legend. Some say it’s the third most magnetic place on Earth; others say it’s just incredibly beautiful. Either way, sunset here is pure magic.

11. Dance (Yes, Just Once) at a Beach Club

Even if you came for silence, you can’t miss Ibiza’s signature daytime party vibe. Beachouse Ibiza and Experimental Beach are sophisticated, barefoot-luxe spots for music, rosé, and oceanfront lounging.

12. Try Paddleboarding at Cala Xarraca

In the north, away from the crowds, Cala Xarraca is a paddleboarding dream. Glide past rocky formations, dive into underwater caves, and finish with a picnic on a secluded stretch of beach.

13. Explore the Island by Scooter

One of the most fun things to do in Ibiza? Rent a scooter and follow the wind. From hidden calas to eucalyptus forests, the island unfolds beautifully on two wheels. Stop wherever your intuition tells you.

14. Sip Sunset Cocktails at Los Enamorados

A design-lover’s paradise in the north, this boutique hotel bar is an explosion of vintage finds, Moroccan tiles, and curated cool. Their terrace is the perfect place to watch the day dissolve into dusk.

15. Wake Up Early for a Sunrise Swim

Before the world wakes, sneak into the sea. There’s something sacred about Ibiza at 6 a.m.—the air, the silence, the colors. This is where the magic lives. Many luxury villas in Ibiza are perched just above secluded beaches, giving you front-row access to moments like these.

Where to Stay: The Best Luxury Villas in Ibiza

Let’s face it—luxury villas Ibiza are the best way to experience the island. With Haute Retreats, you’ll find villas that feel like private resorts: cliffside pools, panoramic terraces, spa rooms, private cinemas, and curated services that go beyond the basics.

Final Word

The real Ibiza Spain isn’t just nightlife and neon. It’s heritage, nature, design, freedom. From cliff walks to café stillness, there’s a reason artists and seekers have been coming here for decades. And the best way to access it all? A peaceful home base at one of the many world-class luxury villas Ibiza offers.

Browse Luxury Villas in Ibiza
Let Haute Retreats design your Mediterranean escape—effortless, curated, unforgettable.