The first settlers in Ibiza where the Carthaginians that were drawn to its shores, and in the ensuing years the Moors, the Romans and even pilfering pirates all took turns to stake their claim on this magnificent island in the Med.
Considered its heritage that contributes to the mesmerising melting pot of influences visible on Ibiza today, as well as its reputation as a cradle for everyman. It was, and remains, entirely without discrimination – a place for free thinkers to doze and dream.
Home over the years to everyones, from creatives fleeing suppression to hippies on the hunt for limitless liberty – and while these days it’s probably most famous for its dazzling sunsets and thundering nightlife scene, that quintessential bohemian spirit lingers. Whether on a beach, a dance floor, or a yoga mat, few are able to resist its unmistakable magic.
Haute Retreats prepared a useful Ibiza guide.
Casa Chic | 4 BR | Ibiza Villas | Haute Retreats
The best time to visit Ibiza is from May to October when high temperatures hover in the mid-70s and mid-80s and the party crowd descends. The months between November and April are considered low season, when flight and hotel rates drop along with the temperatures to more moderate 50s and 60s.
However, there are plenty of flights and ferries departing from Spain’s mainland each day. Flying is the fastest way to reach Ibiza and best done via one of Spain’s larger cities. You can catch direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Flights range from 45 minutes-1.5 hours depending on departure city.
Or flight by private jet
Related Ibiza: 6 Top Restaurants for Best Sunsets
Best for: culture, foodies, nightlife, families, luxury, gay-friendly
The capital of the island, steeped in history and has lots of pretty places to visit. Not to miss its narrow cobbled streets of the walled citadel of Dalt Vila, which teem with charming bars and restaurants. Make sure you stroll down the lively port and the gay street, Calle de la Virgen, for a preview of all the pre-club activity every night, if only just to watch the colour of the club parades.
Where to Stay
Villa Sa Carroca
It is located in the Sa Carroca right in the parish of San Jose, only minutes from Ibiza Town and the beautiful beach of Platja d’en Bossa.
Villa Sa Carroca features that perfect balance of privacy and the panoramic views of the sea and the coastline.
The living spaces are nice and modern and create the best setting for your vacation with your family and friends.
There are six suites at this villa that accommodate twelve guests.
You will love the ample pool terrace and the upper-level balcony, and also the outdoor where you’ll spend your vacation feeling the sea breeze.
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Villa Sa Carroca by Ibiza Villas
Best for: clubbers, groups, gay-friendly, budget
Big with Ibiza’s gay travellers, the close proximity of Figueretas to Ibiza Town also makes it a hit with just about everyone. Cheaper than the nearby city, hotels and apartments can range from bargain to boutique.
The beach is clean and there is a nice wide promenade with fabulous views all the way across to Formentera and new trendy restaurants and bars have cropped up along the recently renovated seafront, making it a haven for everyone.
Playa d’en Bossa knows how to party, the hedonist capital of Ibiza. With all the action condensed along one stretch of road, you’ll never be too far from the fiesta. You’ll find all ages here – it’s far from just for people under the age of 25.
Best for: young families, budget, nature, retreat
The south-west coast of Ibiza has some of the most beautiful sandy coves on the island. Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella are two of the most family-friendly, tucked away from the crowded resorts. They are easily accessible and ideal for those happy to relax with a drink in hand during the day and a romantic meal in the evening.
Santa Eulalia is a pretty town, attracting all nationalities and age groups and has lots of nice villas and good hotels where to stay.
The town centre and boat marina maintain a chic, cosmopolitan feel. There are plenty of shops and boutiques to browse and the pavement cafes are perfect spots for watching beautiful people pass by.
Best for: families, budget, nature
A stunning bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Cala Llonga is a sun trap of a location with hotels and villas clustered around the long sandy beach.
This part of Ibiza offers everything families require on a plate; lots of activities to keep the children busy, plus plenty of bars and restaurants to keep hunger and thirst at bay. Cala Llonga is another safe bet for a relaxing break.
A regular ferry service to the resort offers the option of day trips to Santa Eulalia, Ibiza or even magical sister island Formentera.
Related Party Like You Never Have Before: Exploring the Vibrant Ibiza Nightlife
Its bohemian signature style
Sublimotion, the most expensive restaurant in Ibiza, located within the Hard Rock Hotel, Playa d’en Bossa. A gourmet extravaganza that costs $2,100 per person, a meal here is the product of the combined genius of five Michelin-awarded chefs who’ve garnered a collective eight heavenly stars. Twelve diners immerse themselves in a sensory experience that is simply out of this culinary world.
One of the island’s most famous restaurants, with a menu that simply begs to be devoured. By day, dine on the salt-kissed sun loungers sandwiched by sand dunes on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. By night, head indoors to see the venue transformed by moonlight, candles, and unashamed romanticism. The seared tuna and the Black Angus fillet mignon cooked on the bespoke wood-fired grill are mouth-watering must-tries.
Contact: 00 34 971 395355; elchiringuitoibiza.com
Right in the centre of Santa Gertrudis, also considered a great spot for culinary experience in Ibiza, Finca La Plaza is located a stone’s throw from the old church and the bustling main square. But stepping through its gates is akin to discovering your own secret garden. Ambient music plays, bulbs are strung between palm trees, and an air of Balearic magic hangs in the air. The menu is great too, and full of interesting flavour combinations. Both the fresh burrata with babaganoush and anchovies and the octopus with kumquat confit work particularly well.
Contact: 00 34 971 197 370; fincalaplaza.com
Within the grounds of Seven Pines Resort Ibiza, The View is unbeatable, built on a clifftop near Cala Codolar, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the distinctive outline of the rock formation of Es Vedra beyond, here you can enjoy stunning sunsets when the sky glows ablaze. Wine, service and ambience are all exceptional, and the modern Asian menu is inspired — the smoke-infused fish cooked on the Japanese Robata grill is especially memorable.
Contact: 00 34 971 195 200; https://7pines-ibiza.com/en/dining/the-view
Es Boldado
Here you can taste traditional dishes like paella, bullit de peix, the quintessential local stew made with fish and served with rice. It’s a no-nonsense sort of place that boasts one of the best views on the island, overlooking the magical rock of Es Vedra and the Mediterranean Sea below. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s especially popular at sunset, when diners get to accompany dishes with a kaleidoscopic sky and follow it with a shot of local hierbas.
Contact:00 34 626 49 45 37; restauranteesboldadoibiza.es
With a lively beach-club ambience, Blue Marlin remains the famed five-star option. It’s the place to see and be seen, where the high spirits match the high heels—strictly for those who like their sashimi and champagne served with a selfie.
If you are looking for the best of the best in boots and sneakers Emonk Ibiza is the place for you. With their statement fringe boots, one of kind sandals and boho bags this shop can’t be missed. Their shoes come with a price tag but will last you for years. All shoes are handmade and no two pairs are the same. Located in the heart of Ibiza Town at Calle de Sa Creu núm 6. If you just can’t wait to check out their website. They send worldwide.
If you’re hunting for high-end fashion, check out Mayurka Ibiza. Having been on the scene for more than 30 years it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing here, making it top of the list for any fashionista. There are two stores on the island, one on the Avinguda Ignasi Wallis and one on the Passeig Vara de Rey. Some of the most popular brands Mayurka Ibiza offers include Philip Lim, 7 For all Mankind, Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, Kenzo, Maison Scotch, Marc Jacobs, Marni, Michael Kors, Missoni, Moncler, Mou, Paul Smith and Zadig & Voltaire – to name but a few!
Situated in a matt black warehouse in Ibiza’s art district, with its beautifully-curated collection of chic clothing fresh off the catwalks, Antonioli feels like stepping into a futuristic gallery. Among the rails you’ll find Marcelo Burlon t-shirts, Givenchy sliders, Jimmy Choo stilettos, Fendi clutches and even a couture children’s range. There’s lots of black, interesting cuts, gorgeous textiles and some hefty price tags to match.
reVOLVER is known for its stock of interesting young designers alongside famous brands such as Alexander McQueen, Maison Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Victoria Beckham, Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang. There’s plenty of cutting edge gear here to satisfy both sexes, and the expertly curated collections of accessories, including Comme des Garcons scents and wallets, jewellery by Nash and sunglasses by Mykita, are arguably the best range available in Ibiza Town.
The Cathedral of Ibiza or Cathedral of the Virgen de las Nieves is one of the things that you have to see in Ibiza and you can’t miss it. This cathedral is located in Dalt Vila, historical center of the city of Ibiza declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The religious building was built in the 13th century on the old Yebisah mosque. Without a doubt, an essential cultural visit.
On the beach of San Antonio, you can spend the day sunbathing or practicing some activities such as water skiing and banana boat or enjoying its bars and restaurants. Its clear waters and fine golden sand ensure a great day at the beach. But also, from this beach you can reach five coves with their own atmosphere and personality. Ferries depart every hour to nearby coves such as Cala Conta or Cala Bassa.
Only two kilometers away from the city of Ibiza is the small town of Talamanca. You can spend a great day sunbathing on its beach with clear and calm waters and golden fine sand. You will also find a wide range of bars and restaurants on the beach where you can take a break from the sun. And at night, in Talamanca you will find the great discos Pachá and Lio. Without a doubt, one of the localities what to see in Ibiza.
If you are looking for a quiet destination in Ibiza, without a doubt Santa Eulalia is the right place. It is a coastal location highly valued as a family destination for its tranquility. It is also considered a gastronomic center in Ibiza for its restaurants and cultural center for its art galleries. In Santa Eulalia you can also enjoy the night, but it is much quieter than the rest of the island. Its yacht port is one of the things what to see in Ibiza.
One of the typical things what to see in Ibiza and that you can’t miss is the islet of Es Vedrà. Located to the southwest of the island of Ibiza, in the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, is this pyramid on the sea. In 2002 it was classified as a nature reserve due to its ecological value, forming the Cala d’Hort and Es Vedrà Park. This islet has a lot of myths and legends that catch you. Without a doubt, if you have a destination that you have to see in Ibiza, it is Es Vedrà.
If you want to know what to see in Ibiza, you have to visit Punta D’es Moscater. Near Sant Joan de Labritja are the cliffs presided by the lighthouse of Punta Moscater from where you can admire the immensity of the Mediterranean Sea. The sights offered by this landscape are incredible and you can’t miss enjoying this moment of relaxation.
