Cala Saladeta
Photograph: Cala Saladeta
Photograph: Cala Saladeta

The best things to do in Ibiza

From sunset drumming ceremonies to perfect beaches and iconic party nights, here are the best things to do in Ibiza

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Ibiza’s reputation as one of the most notorious party islands on the planet may turn a lot of people off (and turn plenty on), but there is much more to this place than hitting the clubs and throwing shapes until the sun comes up.

Ibiza’s beaches are delightful, the seafood is tremendous, and the rugged landscape is a joy to behold. Of course, the clubs are fantastic, but don’t make the mistake of thinking Ibiza is a one-trick pony. The best things to do in Ibiza cover plenty of ground, from lazing on the beach to all-night parties. What a wonderful, wonderful place.

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This guide is by travel writers Alice Tait and Heidi Fuller-Love. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines

Best things to do in Ibiza

1. Make a wish at Cala D’Hort

What is it? A sandy beach overlooking mystical Es Vedra.

Why go? Rumour has it that if you make a wish while looking out to Es Vedra, it comes true, so wish wisely. Shrouded in myth, Es Vedra is an uninhabited limestone rock that stands almost 400m tall in the ocean off of Cala D’Hort bay. Once you’ve made your wish, get comfy and watch the sunset — one of the most beautiful on the island — as it shadows Es Vedra on its way down.

Address: Cala d'Hort, 1, 07830, Illes Balears

Hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

2. Drink and dance the night away at Cafe del Mar

What is it? A sunset beach bar that’s been serving up sundowners since 1980.

Why go? An Ibiza institution, this is where you want to be to watch the sunset. Set off the main strip on Sant Antoni, Cafe del Mar is a chilled-out spot with good drinks, blissful beats and some of the best views. Go early doors (well, it opens at 4pm) to bag a seat with a view and any chance of getting near the bar.

Address: Carrer Vara de Rey, 27, 07820, Sant Antoni de Portmany

Hours: Cafe del Mar is open from March to October 

Price: Non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails range from €8 to €35, and full bottles can go from €43 to a wopping €3500 for elite champagne

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3. Discover the hidden Can Marçá Cave

What is it? A really cool, slightly eerie limestone cave in Ibiza's northern coastline by the Port de Sant Miguel with some interesting geological features like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, lava flow markings and more. 

Why go? This little hole in the rock (and by little, we mean 8,500 square metres) is a geological gem for geologists and archaeologists alike. It's said to be over 100,000 years old, and that former smugglers used the cave to hide and sell their smuggled goods. When you visit, you can still make out the black and red painted signs that marked paths and emergency exits from the cave to prevent from being caught. You'll come across some stunning views of the port, a man-made waterfall and secret passages made by the aformentioned smugglers. 

Address: Mirador Cova de Can Marça, 07810, Balearic Islands

Hours: Open daily from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm

Price: Guided tour costs €15 per person

4. Swim the turquoise waters of Cala Saladeta

What is it? A rocky beach with crystal-clear waters, not far from Sant Antoni.

Why go? As with most of the best beaches in Ibiza, you'll need a car, and a 10-minute drive out of Sant Antoni will get you here. Follow your internet map of choice, and it will lead you to a shady parking area in the forest, where you can leave the car and hike down the steep steps to the waterfront. Cala Salada is pretty, but clambering over the rocks (wear trainers!) to reach the quieter Cala Saladeta is where you really want to be.

Address: Carrer Xaloc, 13, 07820, Sant Antoni de Portmany

Hours: Open 24 hours daily 

Price: Free entry

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5. Take a day trip to Formentera

What is it? Ibiza’s more glamorous sister - it’s an island just off the south of the main island. 

Why go? If you’ve done Ibiza a few times or are visiting for more than a few days, it’s worth jumping on a ferry and getting over to Formentera for a day or two. The smallest of the Balearic Islands, Formentera is just 20 minutes away from Ibiza on a fast ferry. Expect more of the same world-class beaches, only with a more laid-back pace of life. Party in Ibiza, chill at Formentera. 

Address: Ferries to Formentera depart from the Ibiza Port, located at 07800 Eivissa, Balearic Islands. 

Hours: Formentera is open 24 hours daily, but ferry companies vary. 

Price: Ferry operators can range from €15 to €45 on the port per person. 

6. Stroll and explore around Dalt Vila

What is it? The historical centre of the island, in all its whitewashed glory. 

Why go? You’re missing a trick if you come to Ibiza and don’t spend at least a morning (and ideally, a sun-kissed evening too) getting lost in the cobbled web of streets that make up Ibiza Old Town. Wander through the gate to reach Dalt Vila, with its glistening whitewashed buildings, colourful flora and towering cacti, all overlooking the coastline and the rest of the city. It’s picture-perfect, so don’t go without your camera. 

Address: Dalt Vila, 07800, Eivissa

Hours: Open 24 hours daily 

Price: Free entry

More great things to do in Ibiza

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