Beyond the hippy days and techno raves, the best things to do in Ibiza can be attributed to the island’s staggering natural beauty of windswept beaches, coves, rocky red cliffs and pine forests. Spend your days swimming and snorkeling, hiking, or renting a boat to explore hard-to-reach bays. Away from the beaches, visit the cute villages and town squares that make this Balearic Island beat, each with its unique vibe but full of local cafes, restaurants, and shops. With a Phoenician settlement founded in 654 BC, much of the island is steeped in history, with UNESCO heritage sites of ancient settlements dotted around. Spend some time traipsing around Ibiza Town, a labyrinth of bustling shops and restaurants with an ancient past seen in its cobbled stone streets and castle that looms large over the island. Here, we share a snapshot of things to do in Ibiza, including what to see and explore to get to know this mythical island.
Best things to do in Ibiza
View of Ibiza townSophie Knight
Visit Dalt Vila and the castle of Ibiza
A World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is Ibiza Town’s old quarter. It’s located above Ibiza Town inside a magnificent ancient fortress with Renaissance town walls, cobbled stone streets and tight alleyways. Originally built to defend the island, it’s now a charming labyrinth of bustling restaurants, bars and shops such as Annie’s Ibiza (a favorite amongst the fashion set, including Kate Moss when she’s in town) and La Oliva. This cheerful restaurant spills out on to the cobbled stones. Visit during the evening to see this old part of town at its liveliest.
Shopping in the old townSophie Knight
Go shopping
Pound the pavement around Ibiza Town for a wonderful hodgepodge of shops. Start at the newly pedestrianized boulevard of Vara De Rey, shopping at haunts like Ruta Market, a colorful store selling affordable fun fashion. Here, you’re also surrounded by high-street stores like Massimo Dutti, Mango and Zara. Head inwards along the winding streets of Ibiza Town for a pick‘n’mix of high and low international and local fashion, including local Balearic label Charo Ruiz. Pick up a traditional straw basket from Can Vinyes, one of the oldest basket weavers on the island, now in its third generation. For vintage finds, stop at Holala Ibiza for all manner of thrift ware, or head to Vincenta Ganesha, a treasure trove of collectable vintage, including the original Paula’s Ibiza. Further towards the port and around the marina is where the glitzier shops live—Dior, Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana, etc.
