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Top 10 best things to do in Ibiza

Written on : 10 February 2023
By : Steve Dunne
Top 10 best things to do in Ibiza

With the crystalline waters and soft sands of its countless secluded coves, and sea caves, it's gorgeous, pine forests and rugged landscape of its hinterland, its legendary superclubs, prestigious culinary scene and the mystique of its mythical panoramas, the Balearic beauty of Ibiza is, as far as holiday destinations go, tough to beat. 

The decision to visit is an easy one to make. However, once there how do you decide where to go, what to see and what to do? Well, fortunately, Villanovo is on-hand to lend our intimate knowledge of this splendid island, with our top 10 best things to do in Ibiza. 

1. Visit the hippy markets of Las Dalias and Punta Arabí

1. Visit the hippy markets of Las Dalias and Punta Arabí

Ibiza's hippie lifestyle is a significant part of its culture and represents the calmer side to Ibiza’s. This gentler, more mystical face is a far cry from the colourful lights and endless nights of chemical excess often associated with the Balearic island. Las Dalias is perhaps the best known hippie market of Ibiza. Situated near San Antonio, in San Carlos, Las Dalias opened its doors 30 years ago and has been a must-do saturday activity ever since. But it is not the only one! Close to Es Canár, the increasingly popular 'Punta Arabí' hippy market is another worth checking out. Further stalls can be browsed in Forada, San Juan, Santa Gertrudis and Cala Llonga. 

>>> Discover the hippy markets in Ibiza

2. Take the ferry to Formentera

2. Take the ferry to Formentera

This small island, which covers a mere 19 kilometres, is the smallest of the Balearic islands. However, this should not be seen as a drawback. It's ability to fly under the radar has sheltered it from the more aggressive type of tourism that might otherwise threaten to ruin such a delicate paradise. In its current form, its end-of-the-world beaches and rustic, almost prelapsarian coves, kissed by indescribably pure waters make it an unmissable treat for those staying in Ibiza for a few days. 

>>> Explore our luxury villas in heavenly Formentera

3. Lose yourself among the narrow streets of Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town

3. Lose yourself among the narrow streets of Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town

Dalt Vila, the historical centre of Ibiza Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great place to enrich your spanish cultural knowledge. Perched on a hill, the old town of Dalt Vila is home to some of the most interesting sites in all of Ibiza, including the storied cathedral, 16th century monastry, Museum of Contemporary Art, and fantastic panoramas over its famous walls and balustrades, chic marina and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Offering both a history lesson and a glimpse into another face of this most talked about islands, no trip to Ibiza is complete without a trip through the narrow, winding streets of its old town.

 

4. Indulge in some relaxing yoga on the beach

4. Indulge in some relaxing yoga on the beach

Since the hippie influx of the late 60s and 70s, yoga has formed a significant part of Ibizan culture, and as we move past the era of clubbing and cocktails that has for many come to define the island in recent decades, it will continue to (re)shape Ibiza's identity, as a quiet, peaceful retreat for non-conformists in search for an alternative lifestyle. With this in mind, when on holiday in Ibiza, don't miss the opportunity to partake in a spot of yoga, which re-energises mind and body, leaving you feeling calm and relaxed. For those already well experienced in the practice of yoga, Villanovo offers the possibility of renting a luxury villa specially adapted to practice yoga while basking in some truly breathtaking views out over the glistening, crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean!

 

5. Go clubbing until sunrise at one of Ibiza’s renowned nightclubs

5. Go clubbing until sunrise at one of Ibiza’s renowned nightclubs

Although there is far more to Ibiza than clubbing, it would be churlish to downplay Ibiza's towering reputation as the scene for some of the very best clubs in the world. For lovers of electronic music in all its forms, the clubs and all night parties  of San Antonio, Ibiza Town and beyond represent something of a pilgrimage site, with legendary clubs, such as the Pacha, Space (now Hi Ibiza, where you might catch David Guetta performing) Amnesia and Privilege forever etched into the collective consciousness of ravers everywhere, as well as the annals of this cultural rich island. If you're going to lose yourself to the night and let the party take you wherever it takes you, summer in Ibiza would be the time and place to do so. 

6. Dive into the amazing marine wildlife of Ibiza

6. Dive into the amazing marine wildlife of Ibiza

For those looking to explore the diverse marine life of the Meditterranean, there are few better places to do so than in Ibiza! With its abundance of beautiful beaches and secret coves, Ibiza offers plenty of spots for spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving. We at Villanovo recommend La Cueva de la Luz, in the northern tip of Ibiza, or La Isla de Las Margaritas, just north of San Antonio, for an experience not easily forgotten!

7. See the sunset over Es Vedrà

7. See the sunset over Es Vedrà

Located in clear view of the southwestern coast of Ibiza near Cala d’Hort stands the magnificent, fabled rock of Es Vedrà, proudly emerging from the water and shrouded in a thick veil of mystery and myth. Sat on a powerful meeting point of lay lines, this limestone formation is said to be one of the most magnetic sites in the world, lending it the status of Ibiza’s centre of energy. The myths don't end there, with some claiming Es Vedrá to be the site of Homer's famous sirens, while others believe that Es Vedrá represents the tip of the sunken city of Atlantis. How much credibility should be lent to some of these claims is up to you, but there's no denying that as dusk approaches and the sky melts into a confluence of hundreds of orange pink and yellow tones, there are fewer more unforgettable holiday experiences than being sat on the cliff with your loved ones opposite the bay and breathing in the wondrous sight of the sun disappearing into the sea behind this magical rock. the perfect way to end your day on this spactacular island. Truly, it's one the most magical sunsets you could hope to see anywhere.

 

8. Eat with your toes almost touching the water at ones of Ibiza’s beach restaurants

8. Eat with your toes almost touching the water at ones of Ibiza’s beach restaurants

With a delightful climate and 300 days of sun per year, Ibiza’s weather is optimal for enjoying al fresco dining all summer and perhaps even all year round! With Spanish gastronomy renowned for its excellent cold meats and cheeses, alongside heartier dishes such as paella, it would be a shame to deprive your tastebuds of such pleasure. Villanovo recommends El Chiringuito, a trendy and elegant beach restaurant in the middle of Es Cavallet. The two owners, Olivia Fleury and Jonathan Thorogood provide top quality service from breakfast to supper, and ensure an explosion of flavour with every bite. Meanwhile, the remote seafood restaurants of the Fish Shack on Talamanca beach just outside Ibiza Town and Aiyanna in the delightful Cala Nova in the north-east are among the best parts of the island in which to spend a few hours sampling the local cuisine (and a couple of drinks!) while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. In short: everything you could hope for from a Mediterranean getaway. 

>>> The most instagrammable restaurants in Ibiza

 

9. Rent a boat and spend the day basking on deck

9. Rent a boat and spend the day basking on deck

As charming as Ibiza’s beaches are, there is nothing like the tranquility of being on a boat, surrounded by beautiful warm water far from the hustle and bustle of the island's larger towns. Renting a boat for a few hours is ideal for those in search of something a bit different from their holiday. Ibiza’s wonderful coves may sometimes be a little difficult to access, especially for young children. Therefore, renting a boat may be the ideal solution for a family holiday of adventure with children.

10. Rent a luxury villa with Villanovo

10. Rent a luxury villa with Villanovo

At Villanovo, our mission is to offer you a holiday which matches your every desire and inspires future adventures. This begins by providing you with the perfect villa for your holiday. We offer a range of properties which can be filtered according to criteria so as to perfectly meet our guests' requirements, from a private swimming pool, to a breathtaking sea view, as well as, villas which are suitable for children or large groups, with the finest in comfort and luxury guaranteed.

>>> Discover all our luxury villas in Ibiza

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Ibiza

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