Things to see and do in Ibiza

Attractions in Ibiza

Archaeological Museum

The museum explores the ancient history of Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera. With some excellent displays and explanations in English, the museum sits amongst the well-preserved Ibiza Old Town, over a Carthagean burial site thought to contain over 4,000 graves.

Atlantis Quarry

This former coastal quarry (the source of Ibiza Old Town's defensive walls) is now a popular destination for hikers who come to see the stone hand carvings created by the hippie population over recent decades.

Cala d'Hort

This is one of the local's favourite beaches on the southern tip of the island. It's by no means large, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the view of the dramatic Es Vedra rock rising out of the sea is magnificent. This is also one of the most magnetic (literally) points on the planet.

Can Marça Caves

The multilevel labyrinth of caverns was once a hotbed for alcohol and tobacco smuggling. Today these caves now offer multilingual tours amongst the ancient formations that culminate in a spectacular sound and light presentation.

Dalt Vila (Old Town)

The narrow and well-preserved alleys and streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site are an outstanding example of a fortified citadel. The walled 16th-century Old Town crowns Ibiza Town. It offers charming selections of shops and restaurants, museums, Santa Maria Cathedral and one of the best views on the island.

Es Vedra

Es Vedra is the most famous part of Ibiza's landscape, almost 400m (1300 ft) of limestone jutting out of the Mediterranean Sea. Steeped in legends, it is reputedly the tip of the sunken city of Atlantis, was the island home of Homer's wailing sirens, and is the location of numerous UFO sightings in Ibiza. Head up to the lookout point of Torre des Savinar (the old pirate watchtower) for a truly breathtaking sunset view.

Formentera Island

The 30-minute ferry crossing to Formentera takes visitors to the unspoiled beaches and clear waters of Cala Saona, Illettes and Llevant. Catch a bus, hire a car, moped or bicycle from La Savina and explore this lovely tranquil island.

Hippy market

Like a time warp back to the 1970s, this market has an enormous variety of exotic batik clothing, tailor-made leather moccasins and East Asian silver jewellery. It's held every Wednesday on the grounds of Club Punta Arabi, Es Canar and every Saturday in San Carlos (Las Dalias).

Ibiza Rocks House

Recently refurbished and rebranded, the legendary Pikes Hotel now goes by the name of Ibiza Rocks House (www.ibizarocks.com). It’s still where the rich and famous hang out though: Wham's 'Club Tropicana' video was filmed around the pool and though drinks are far from free, you can still breathe in the atmosphere left by guests such as Kylie Minogue, Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones and Ed Sheeran, to name but a few.

Las Salinas

'White Gold' can be found at the salt fields on the island's southern tip. One of Ibiza's most visited landmarks, this area has been mined for salt for over 2,000 years and now offers a sparkling natural attraction and a wealth of flora and fauna. The long, wide crescent of pale sandy beach is bordered by pine woods, the water is crystal clear and, on windy days, the waves are perfect for body-surfing.

Museum of Contemporary Art

This small gallery holds an impressive sample of permanent and touring contemporary art which shares the island of Ibiza as a common theme. Located in an emblematic 17th-century building in the Dalt Vila, it contains an outstanding representation of the artistic creativity that emerged on the island in the 1960s, as well as an important collection of engravings and beautiful gardens.

Portinatx

Portinatx is on the northern-most tip of Ibiza. This small, pretty resort is known for the crystal clear waters of its two bays (ideal for snorkelling) as well as some lovely coastal hiking along the cliff tops.

Puig des Molins

The archaeological site of the Puig des Molins, situated at the foot of the mountain of same name, was the cemetery of Ibiza since the foundation of the city by Occidental Phoenicians at the end of the 7th century BC. The burial grounds are spread over the hill (puig) dotted with olive trees and you can make a descent into one of the interconnecting burial chambers.

Santa Maria Cathedral

Ibiza's cathedral is located in the crown of the Old Town and is bursting with gothic and baroque splendour. Admission is free and inside there is a fine collection of silver and gold, tracing the history of worship on this site back to the 13th century.

Santa Rafel

The village is the island's main centre for pottery. A good choice of shops will be happy to sell you their ceramic wares whilst you enjoy the views of nearby Ibiza Old Town by day and night.

Tourist offices

Spanish Tourist Office in the USA

This office is not open to the public; enquiries via the website only.

Spanish National Tourist Office in the UK

Mon-Thu 0900 to 1600, Fri 0900-1400.