From secret beaches to lesser-known towns full of charm, discover the unexpected and little-known places this magical Balearic island has to offer.
You may not have known it, but since December 4, 1999, Ibiza has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title ” Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture “. UNESCO thus declares that the Balearic island represents a remarkable interaction between marine and coastal ecosystems that pays tribute to Ibiza’s long maritime history.
There are an incredible number of secret wonders Ibiza has to offer for those wishing to get away from the popular spots and nightclubs. Some of the places presented here have remained secret for years, and rightly so.
Here’s our selection of the best places to discover on your Ibiza vacation.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Pacha, discover Santa Eulària des Riu and its old town.
Santa Eulària des Riu is a popular Ibiza destination for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s a peaceful and charming town, ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the island’s busier tourist areas. It is located on the east coast and boasts a beautiful beach as well as numerous bars and restaurants.
This small town offers easy access to many places of interest, such as the hippie market of Es Canar, the village of San Carlos and the historic town of Ibiza. You can also enjoy a wide range of activities such as boat trips, hiking in the nearby mountains or cycling excursions.
The town is renowned for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and discos offering eclectic music. It’s worth noting that the old town, or upper town, offers a beautiful view of the sea and is a good sport for watching the sunset.
Vacations in Ibiza: Sant Carles de Peralta, another facet of the Balearic Islands
Sant Carles de Peralta is a small town on the east coast of Ibiza. It offers a very different vacation experience from that found in the island’s more popular resorts.
Sant Carles de Peralta is a picturesque and charming town with narrow streets lined with white houses and pretty squares. The town retains its quiet, rural atmosphere, offering an authentic experience of local life.
The town is famous for its hippie market, Las Dalias, which is open all year round. Here you’ll find stalls selling local crafts, clothing and jewelry. Several natural sites such as Es Figueral beach, the cliffs of Punta Arabí and the green hills of the San Carlos region are just a few kilometers from the town.
You won’t be left out in the evenings, as the nightlife is lively, with bars and clubs offering themed evenings, such as the famous Bar Anita, which is a meeting point for local artists.
Dalt Vila in Eivissa, a fortified town and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dalt Vila is Ibiza’s old walled town, situated on a hill overlooking the modern town of Ibiza. It’s one of the island’s most charming and picturesque districts, with narrow cobbled streets, stone walls and historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.
Here are a few reasons why you should visit Dalt Vila in Ibiza:
Dalt Vila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a rich and fascinating history. You can discover the city’s fortifications and ramparts, as well as churches, museums and art galleries.
- Panoramic views: Numerous viewpoints in Dalt Vila offer panoramic views of Ibiza town and the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t hesitate to climb the city walls for an even better view.
- Stores and restaurants : Dalt Vila is home to numerous stores selling local crafts, souvenirs and jewelry. It’s also packed with good restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
- Nightlife: Dalt Vila is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs offering a variety of music, theme nights and cultural events.
Visit Ibiza and its Es Amunts Protected Natural Park, an exceptional site in the Balearic Islands
The 15,000-hectare Es Amunts protected park stretches from San Antonio in the west to San Carlos in the east. It features a rugged coastline, mountain peaks, fields and abundant native wildlife. The coastal areas of Cala Xarraca (pictured), the port of San Miguel and Cala Salada are the easiest to explore, but as the island accounts for over 25% of its surface area, there are many more gems to be found, with itineraries to discover them.
Go to Ibiza and escape to Punta Galera, a taste of Formentera
A little further south of Cala Salada, on the west coast, lies Punta Galera, north of San Antonio, on the road to Santa Inés. Known for its rock formations that form unusual natural plateaus, where you can spread out your towel to enjoy the sun’s rays.
These plateaus also act as stairs down to the sea, making walking a little less hazardous. Totally unspoilt, just like on the island of Formentera, you won’t find any noisy beach clubs or loud music. What’s more, it’s one of the few areas without noise pollution. It’s bliss!
Explore Sant Antoni de Portmany and its marina
Sant Antoni de Portmany is a charming little town on the west coast of the island of Ibiza. This charming little town lies on a magnificent natural bay offering sublime scenery. Lately, the town has been gaining in popularity. Every summer, many visitors enjoy staying here. This has prompted the town to expand its range of accommodation and infrastructure, particularly around the Marina.
Discover Ibiza’s most beautiful secret beaches. A must-do in Ibiza!
Ibiza’s sandy beaches are world-famous. Sometimes it’s best to escape the crowds and find a secluded cove to fully appreciate the island’s wild side.
Two of our favorites are Cala d’Albarca and Cala Llentrisca. The former is protected by cliffs on either side, giving it that hidden, cocooned feel. Admire the natural stone bridge.
The second, Cala Llentrisca, offers superb views over Es Vedra. It is considerably less populated than the popular Cala d’Hort. What you need to remember: it’s peaceful and idyllic.
