Ibiza, off the beaten track

Written on : 12 September 2023
By : Gwénaëlle Simon

We all think we know Ibiza. But look beyond its oversized reputations as a Mecca for clubbers and beer boys and there is another island of quiet coves, relaxed markets, tranquil beach bars, pine tree woods and idyllic hidden spots to hike. Today, we take a look at some of the highlights off the beaten track on the beautiful Balearic island of Ibiza.

Scale the heights and see over to the idyllic island of Formentera

Sports excursion: At 475 metres high, Mount Sa Talaia is the highest point on the island. On a clear day, a trip to the top will give you a panoramic view of almost the entire island, Formentera, and the Valencian coast.
Family excursion: The route from Cala Bassa to Cala Comte links three of the island's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches, passing the Torre d'en Rovira, one of the defensive watchtowers built along the coast.

The green landscape of the Es Broll valley

Away from the hustle and bustle of tourism, the small valley of Es Broll is a haven of peace where the gentle murmur of its waters is perfect for lulling you to sleep on your towel. Set in the heart of Sant Antoni, the beautiful farmlands with their traditional fincas are fed by the water of the Es Broll stream, the island's most abundant aquifer. Along its course, a series of canals, basins and sluices, built during the era of al-Andalus (Iberian territories under Arab rule), continuously irrigated the plots of land. These are refreshingly bucolic landscapes that you can explore on foot in the spring and by car in the summer (preferable because of the heat).
Itinerary: take a trip from Buscatell to Pla de San Mateo

Plenty of things to see and do inland

Ibiza has several villages with beautiful, whitewashed houses that have managed to retain their authenticity. Among these are Balàfia, made up of a group of seven rural homes built in the purest traditional Ibizan architectural style, with small windows, flat clay ceilings and large ovens for baking bread; Sant Agusti des Vedra, a historic village with traditional taverns, set in the middle of a group of vineyards; Es Cubells, located on the edge of a massive cliff near the beautiful coves of Platja des Cubells, Ses Boques and Cala Llentrisca.

In the northwest of the island, the Pla de Corona is the most typical rural landscape of Ibiza. Small traditional farmhouses, vineyards, olive trees, carob trees, fig-trees and flocks of sheep reveal another side of Ibiza in these fertile red lands. From the end of January to February, the almond trees blossom, turning the landscape a snowflake-like white, creating magical landscapes celebrated by painters and photographers alike.

Lunch break:
Can Cosmi: this laid-back restaurant in the village of Santa Agnes de Corona is famous for having the best tortillas on the island.
Puertas del Cielo: Ibiza specialities while looking out to the islets of Ses
Margalides and the cliffs of Es Amunts.

The strange rocks of Atlantis

A curious spot in the south of Ibiza, Atlantis, so-called by locals and hippies, goes by the official name of Sa Pedrera de Cala d'Hort. This old quarry owes its nickname to the myth of Atlantis, since its astonishing landscape evokes a sunken city. These mysteriously shaped rocks are not only the result of erosion caused by the waves, but also by the hand of man. In the 1970s, hippies, seduced by the local area’s mystique, shaped the rock by creating figures of fish, animals, Buddhas and drawing messages of peace. Moreover, the rock cavities have been transformed into beautiful natural pools. It is a jewel hidden from view and accessible after a steep, forty-minute walk through a pine forest in the Cala d'Hort Nature Reserve. Once there, however, the interesting rock formations and spectacular view of the sun setting behind the mysterious island of Es Vedrà is more than worth the journey, and remains one of our top tips for an off-the-beaten-track gem.

Alternative option: take the boat
Trivia: the wall of the old town of Ibiza was built with blocks of stone extracted from the quarry

Some of the best beaches and beach restaurant in Ibiza

Ibiza is blessed with a gorgeous rocky coastline, which provides plenty of secluded coves and intimate beaches, kissed by clear waters and offering a better way to experience the island. Among our favourite of the island's beautiful beaches

Get away from the crowds and head to the series of calas in the north of Ibiza, such as the quiet Cala Xarraca or the more popular Benirràs, where you can watch the sun set in a hippy chic environment at one of the local beach bars or beach restaurants. Near the port of Sant Miquel you can also find the less frequented Cala de Sa Ferradura (where the nearby Port Balansat beach restaurant provides a great spot for a bite to eat) and other rugged gems.

Rent a villa in the east of the island to enjoy the castaway feel of Aguas Blancas beach and Sa Caleta, where you can find Babylon Beach bar, an excellent, family-friendly beach club situated not far from Santa Eulalia, and stay until nightfall. The equally impressive Cala Mastella (pictured) is also waiting to be discovered.

And in the west of Ibiza there is plenty to enjoy if you venture a little further north of the club-heavy town of San Antonio, such as the rugged cove of Sa Galera (close to Punta Galera). Meanwhile, head west of San Antonio and pass the popular beach of Cala Bassa and you'll eventually find the gorgeous Cala Comte, where the rustic environs couldn't be further removed from the popular image of Ibiza.