Off the East coast of mainland Spain sits Ibiza Island and its capital city, Ibiza Town. Known to the majority as “party city” for its night scene, thousands flock to Ibiza Town every year to spend their summers in the hot and bustling city. But after the night has turned into dawn and the party goers go to sleep, the city transforms into a beautiful and unspoiled gem sitting on the Mediterranean Sea.
From castles, white beaches, museums, cathedrals, and art, to water sports - there is much to discover in the city. Ibiza offers its visitors a wide selection of attractions and activities that can guarantee you a very relaxing stay. Here are 10 of the best things to do while in the capital of the White Island:
1. Hike up the Castle of Ibiza
What better way to start the morning than a hike up one of Ibiza’s most important sights? Sitting on a hill in Old Town, it’s hard not to see the castle looming over the city. The castle is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites along with other establishments found in Old Town. The fortress compound consists of the caste itself, the Governor’s House, Almudyana the citadel, and twelve towers.
Aside from its impressive 12th to 18th-century architectural design, the interior itself deserves praise. The castle is littered with signs leading to different parts of the area as well as a little history about the place. Once at the top of the castle, visitors are rewarded by picturesque views of the city and the fresh ocean breeze.
Castle of Ibiza
Address: Eivissa, Ibiza, 07800, Spain
Entrance Fee: Free of charge
2. Walk the streets of Dalt Vila
Considered as one of the most well preserved towns in Europe there is no wonder why Old Town has been added to UNESCO’s Word Heritage Sites. The two-thousand year old town is one of the city’s most famous highlights. Watch this place transform from party central at night into a town from the 1300s by dawn. There really is no off-time for walking the streets of Dalt Vila as it is as beautiful from morning until evening. The establishments in town are a mix of ancient and modern where we can see high-end fashion boutiques on the left and Medieval restaurants on the right.
Dalt Vila
Address: Old Town, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Entrance Fee: Free of charge
3. Ibiza Cathedral
You will never miss this cathedral when you visit Old Town. The Ibiza Cathedral sits just below Ibiza Castle and is the first thing you will see if you’re ever heading towards the latter. The cathedral dates back to the 14th-century and its architecture is majorly Gothic in contrast to its interior, comprising of a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. Like the castle, the way to the cathedral is a bit steep so it may prove difficult to some people. However, it is all worth the climb as it also rewards its visitors with spectacular views of the city scene.
Ibiza Cathedral
Address: Dalt Vila, 07800, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Contact Number: +34 971393232
Operating Hours: 10:00 am-2:00 pm and 5:00 pm-8:00 pm daily except in July and August when it starts and ends on 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Masses start at 10:30 am on Sundays and holidays
Website: Ibiza Cathedral
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4. Visit the Museo Puget
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Also located in Old Town is the Museo Puget. The museum was originally a Gothic mansion which has been renovated into what it is now. Before his death in 1983, Ibizan artist, Narcís Puget Riquer, donated his and his father’s works to the state. The museum holds a total of 136 pieces of which 58 belong to Narcís Puget Riquer and 48 belong to his father, Narcís Puget Viñas. The museum is closed every Monday and on bank holidays.
Museo Puget
Address: C/ Sant Ciriac, 18, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Entrance Fee: Free of charge
Website: Puget Museum
5. See the famous rock of Es Vedra
Mysterious, unknown, uninhabited - sounds like something you should stay clear of but it’s also what makes this island so interesting. Es Vedra is an island west off the coast of Ibiza and its most prominent feature is a rock, which shoots out from the island base into the sky. From UFOs, mythology, and even to Egyptian linkages, this island has its fair share of myths and legends. However, there’s no denying the claim that the island has some magical healing powers because the island itself is a sight for sore eyes. The island can be seen from the beaches of Cala d'Hort and is part of its nature reserve.
Es Vedra
Address: Cala d'Hort, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Entrance fee: Free of charge
6. Relax in Cala Comte's waters
White sand and crystal clear waters - the best combo for beach goers. Cala Comte is a 30 minute ride away from the capital and is located in San Antonio. The beach also features a view of a few small islands and uniquely placed rock formations. It has seen a surge in the number of people visiting the beach but it still is relatively more quiet and peaceful down in Cala Comte.
Cala Comte also has some restaurants in the area like Sunset Ashram, which boasts an interesting architectural design. It does turn into a heart thumping scene at night with music blasting off its spaces but in the mornings and afternoon, it’s the perfect place to just eat and relax.
Cala Comte
Address: San Josep de Sa Talaia, No Esta en Ibiza-Ciudad, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Website: Cala Comte
Sunset Ashram
Address: Carr. de Cala Conta, s/n, 07829 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Islas Baleares, Spain
Contact Number: +34 661347222
Website: Sunset Ashram
7. Go horseback riding
Ibiza Horse Valley is both a sanctuary and a rehabilitation facility located in the natural park of Es Murta. It was created in 2010 primarily for the purpose of saving horses from ill fates and later it started to offer people tours on their rehabilitated horses to aid their cause. The Horse Valley is open to not only trekkers of all levels but also to fashion and wedding photography.
Each horse has his or her own story, everyone who has been to the valley can attest to the connection that can be made with human and horse. There is really a no more unique and refreshing way to end a day in Ibiza than a ride through the valley.
Ibiza Horse Valley
Address: Calle de Ibiza, 07810, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Contact Number: +34 664613625
Operating Hours: Summer 7:00 am-12:00pm for morning rides and 5:00 pm-11:00 pm for evening rides, winter timings are more flexible
Duration: 4 hours
Website: Ibiza Horse Valley
8. Shop in Santa Gertrudis
At the heart of the city lies this small village of Santa Gertrudis. This village is a quaint, clean, and friendly neighborhood which features newer architectural styles compared to Old Town. The village square is lined by shops and restaurants making it the perfect place to do some shopping. If you were ever tired by the proceedings of the day then Santa Gertrudis is a good spot to just sit back and relax.
Santa Getrudis is also home to the Libro Azul, an international book shop offering many European works of all shapes and sizes. If you’re in a bind when thinking of a good souvenir from Ibiza, then you may find what you’re looking for in Libro Azul.
Libro Azul
Address: 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Contact Number: +34 971197454
Website: Libro Azul
9. Iglesia del Puig de Misa
Atop a small hill in the middle of Santa Eulària des Riu sits this church seemingly untouched since the 16th-century and the boom of tourists flocking to the Ibizan scene. The Puig de Misa, along with the other churches in Ibiza, is also an architectural gem. They have a Baroque altar piece inside and an unusual cemetery outside. Climbing up the hill is also rewarding as it offers some great views of the city and sea below. Santa Eulària des Riu is 21 km (13 mi) away from the capital. Visitors can either drive or take a train to reach the church.
Puig de Misa
Address: Plaza de Lepanto, s/n, 07840 Santa Eulària des Riu, Islas Baleares, Spain
Contact Number: +34 971330072
Operating Hours: 10:00 am-2:00 pm, mass is celebrated regularly on Sundays and holidays at 11:00 am
10. Puerto de Ibiza
No Ibizan getaway would be complete without a visit to the city’s port. Another timeless spot, the port is a sight to see whether you go in the morning or the evening. The port is used by both commercial, private, and passenger boats so expect some expensive and luxurious-looking yachts on display - a boat lover’s dream come true.
The views aside, the port itself holds a great historical and cultural value because other than Old Town and any other place in the capital, it is the port which has stayed the same all these years. The boats may have changed, the appearance might have changed, but the port has never let go of what its true purpose is. It still is and will forevermore be the gates of the city.
Puerto de Ibiza
Address: Calle Andenes, 07800, Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
Website: Puerto de Ibiza
Where to stay in Ibiza
Ibiza is a vibrant and bustling island that is a must-visit destination for avid partygoers. Situate yourself near the city’s lively nightlife and beautiful beaches and stay in neighborhoods like Dalt Vila and Talamanca.
Dalt Vila
Dalt Vila is a great spot to base yourself when in Ibiza. This coastal city is where old architecture and history thrive, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy stunning city views. Dalt Vila is home to the renowned Cathedral of Nuestra Senor de las Nieves. This neighborhood is surrounded by old apartment buildings that have been transformed into chic and trendy homestays, while hotels and villas are also available for those who want to be pampered.
Talamanca
Another great location to reside in when in Ibiza is Talamanca. This neighborhood is just a few minutes away from the frequented Ibiza Town. This beach town is filled with villas, condos, and beach houses for tourists to check out. Talamanca is situated on the north side of Ibiza Town and is frequented by travelers all over the world for its white-sand beaches and turquoise-colored waters.
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Sometimes, it's not what's shining that is the most beautiful
The pretty night lights may seem more appealing to the human eye than unpolished whites and sand, but the latter certainly hold more than what meets the eye. Because before the night clubs, the high-end fashion boutiques and the imported establishments newly added to the city, Ibiza will still be a peaceful island for you as long as it stands.
Are you ready now to have to have some lazy and relaxing times by the Mediterranean Sea? Get packing and come to Ibiza now!
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