Who said Ibiza is all about nightlife and heavenly beaches? Since 1999 the island has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to a cultural richness that is the envy of many other places. In light of this, in our guide on what to see in Ibiza we have decided to focus both on the most suitable activities for leisure and entertainment (beaches, discos, excursions), and on the historical heritage of the island.
Ibiza What to See: Historic Center and Monuments
Our tour starts from the historic center of Ibiza and therefore from the places that have allowed the most famous of the Balearic Islands to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and culture. The island has an extension of 572 km² and is made up of 5 municipalities: Ibiza (capologuo), Santa Eulària des Riu, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Sant Antoni de Portmany and Sant Joan de Labritja.
The population reaches 140,000 inhabitants, but this number grows exponentially in the summer months. However, it must be said that even in the first months of the year (and especially in April) Ibiza is full of tourists. That is why in this first part of our guide we will focus on the places to see in Ibiza in spring, autumn and winter. Further down, however, we will provide a focus on the beaches and summer attractions of the island.
Dalt Vila
A real open-air museum! If you want to fully breathe the culture and history of this island, it is mandatory to start from the historic center of Ibiza, Dalt Vila, the so-called ‘upper town’, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Muslims: every corner of Dalt Vila is a mixture of all these cultures. The tour obviously starts from the “rastrillo”, the drawbridge that in the past was used to defend the city. Once you pass Portal de ses Taules (the main gate), you can explore all the corners and alleys of the old town of Elvissa. Obligatory stops: 1) The Hospitalet church; 2) The Cathedral (the most important church in the city); 3) The Castle, located in the Cathedral square and surrounded by a wall with seven towers. This structure is based on the Almudaina, originally the administrative and military headquarters of the wali, the Muslim governor.
Sa Penya and La Marina
In this area is located the port of Ibiza, which has always been the commercial hub of the city. In the past, these neighborhoods housed the poor of the island, who could not afford a house in Dalt Vila. As the name suggests, we are located in the lower part of Ibiza, practically a stone’s throw from the sea. Commerce by day and vida loca by night: Sa Penya is one of the reference places for the gay community, which is mainly concentrated around Carrer de la Virgen, a colorful alley about 400 meters long, located a few meters from the famous Pacha discos Boom. This road offers one of the most evocative viewpoints of the island since it ends with the arrival at the square of Sa Torre, from which it is possible to admire theisland of Formentera.
Puig des Molins Necropolis
Obligatory stop for lovers of history and culture. As anticipated, Ibiza has undergone various dominations throughout history: from the Phoenicians to the Carthaginians, passing through the Romans and Muslims. The first ones, during the 7th century BC, built the first catacombs in the village where they had settled. Over the centuries, mills were also built (this explains the reason for the name ‘del Molins’). We recommend a visit to the Monographic Museum annexed to the Necropolis, inside which it is possible to admire the remains of the civilizations mentioned above.
Cova de Can Marcà
In the list of things to do in Ibiza we cannot fail to include this splendid cave, located in the north of the island, precisely within a cliff of the Port of San Miquel. In the past this cave was used as a refuge by smugglers. Since the 1980s, however, La Cova de Can Marça has become a real tourist attraction in Ibiza. The itinerary lasts about 40 minutes and inside it will be possible to admire artificial waterfalls and plays of light. Admission costs € 10.50 for adults and € 6.50 for children aged 4 to 12.
The Best Beaches in Ibiza
Admiring all the coves of Ibiza live (about 50) is somewhat complicated, which is why we at ViaggioIn have selected for you the 10 most beautiful beaches in Ibiza based on our personal experience on the island. The order of this list is purely random. We only recommend that you take a pen and paper and write down the names of the following places:
Cala Conta: it is located to the west of the island; is 600 meters long ( here the boat tour )
Talamanca Beach: located near the city of Ibiza (south-east of the island); ideal for families.
Ses Salines: is located south of the island; famous for the various Beach Clubs.
Cala Salada: is located north of Sant Antoni (north west of the island); it is about 80 meters long.
Cala Vadella: located south of the island; it is about 260 meters long.
Cala Bassa: located west of Ibiza; is 250 meters long ( here the boat tour )
SA Caleta: located south of the island; about 80 meters long.
Cala Jondal: this beach, located in the south of the island, is home to the famous Blue Marlin Club.
Agua Blanca: is located in the northeast of the island and is 300 meters long
Cala D’Hort: located in the southeast of the island; 300 meters long.
Ibiza beaches cost: prices vary according to the chosen beach. On average, umbrella and sun lounger cost between € 10 and € 20 per day. The situation changes if you opt for exclusive and latest fashion clubs such as the aforementioned Blue Marlin. In this case, the rental of an umbrella and sunbed can cost as much as €100.