For a small island, Ibiza has plenty to show you on your holiday: beautiful beaches, enchanting countryside, history and culture.
Inland you will find beautiful whitewashed villages, each with its own ancient church. Wander through narrow lanes, browse the local shops and then enjoy a lazy lunch on a shady terrace.
You can either hire a car or scooter and explore the island at your own pace - or choose a guided excursion where island experts show you their favourite places on Ibiza.
Hippy and artisan markets
A visit to one of the famous hippy markets is a must. At the markets, you have an enormous variety to choose from: the most exotic batik wraps and clothing to tailor-made leather moccasins and a tantalising variety of East Asian silver jewellery and trinkets. If you look around you can still find some of the original hippies, although most of them have grey hair by now.
Furthermore, you will find lovely artisan markets where handcrafted items and local food products from the island are being sold.
The large markets also offer food and drinks and entertainment like live music.
Las Salinas salt flats
One of Ibiza's most famous landmarks. On the southernmost tip of the island, the salt flats have been in use for over 2,000 years. As the water evaporates during the hot summer months, a sparkling layer of pure salt is left on the bottom of the lakes.
The salt flats are one of the most beautiful spots for sunset photos. At the end of the salt fields, you'll find the beautiful beach of Las Salinas.
Read on our page about the history of Ibiza and Formentera and how the Carthaginians first traded in the 'white gold'.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town's romantic medieval castle, Dalt Vila, is a must-see for all visitors to Ibiza. This UNESCO World Heritage site sets a stunning scene, not only from within its fortified walls, but as an unmissable backdrop to the bustling town below.
By day, explore the winding streets and pretty lanes, then later at night, enjoy a cocktail in the buzzing port area and see the best of Ibiza under the moonlight.
Es Vedrà
Lying two kilometres off the island’s southwest coast near Cala d’Hort, Es Vedrà and its smaller sister, Es Vedranell, form one of Ibiza’s most emblematic landmarks.
The pair of islets are part of a protected nature and marine reserve and home to several species of local fauna, including rare lizards and a colony of the endangered bird of prey known as Eleonora's falcon.
Many local legends and myths surround Es Vedrà, some stretching back in time as far as the Ancient Greeks. Make sure to read more about how and when to best catch sight of the magic and natural beauty before planning your visit.
Watchtowers
Torre de ses Portes near Salinas beach
The watchtowers of Ibiza are a striking reminder of the island’s turbulent past, when pirate raids and foreign incursions were common along Mediterranean shores.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, a network of stone watchtowers and defence posts was built at strategic points around the coast to provide early warning of approaching threats and to protect the local population and valuable resources such as the salt pans.
These towers were often placed on high ground or cliff edges, allowing sentries to observe the sea for miles and relay signals — using smoke by day and fire by night — to neighbouring towers and inland settlements.
Easily reached is the Torre des Carregador, also known as Torre de sa Sal Rossa at the southern end of Playa d’en Bossa beach within Ses Salines Natural Park. During the summer season, the watchtower can be visited in the mornings and afternoons - call the tourism office in Playa d'en Bossa for the exact times.
Torre de sa Sal Rossa near Playa d'en Bossa
A small exhibition gives interesting insights and - from the top - you have fantastic panoramic views over Playa d'en Bossa and along the coast to the citadel of Ibiza Town, to Formentera in the distance, and, in the other direction, over the salt flats.
A lovely walk along the rocky coast at the end of Las Salinas beach takes you to Torre de ses Portes - small hidden coves invite you to take a quick dip in the sea along the way. Alternatively, take a 30- to 40-minute hike along the coast near Puerto de San Miguel to Torre des Molar, located high on the cliffs, offering fantastic views over the coastline.
The Ibiza sunset
The Ibiza sunset is revered all over the world, but can only truly be appreciated right before your eyes. Find your place on the famous Sunset Strip and enjoy the spectacle for yourself.
Can Marça caves
The Can Marça caves are dripstone caves near the small resort of Puerto de San Miguel. There are breathtaking sea views as you descend steeply to the entrance. Enter this multi-level, yellow-gold world, plotting the smugglers' ancient route with a multilingual guide.
Over aeons, stalagmites and stalactites have formed into figures, temples and rocket stations. At the heart of the caves, there is a spectacular music and light show with a 10-metre cascade of diamond-bright water.
BiBo Park
BiBo Park is a beautiful ecological space that offers a window into the stunning Flora and Fauna across Ibiza and Formentera. With several habitats and different garden spaces to explore, you can also enjoy guided tours to learn more about the plant life that grows there, and the animal life that has made the park its home.
Home to the ‘vegetable piano’, the park offers great interactive learning opportunities for children and adults. It also features Ibiza's first planetarium, where you can stargaze and learn fascinating facts about the universe.
Explore Ibiza's beautiful villages
Visit the sleepy, white-washed villages of Ibiza. Enjoy tapas in local bars and restaurants and later cool off in some deserted coves.
Find descriptions and photos of all villages on our page Ibiza's towns, resorts and villages - the villages are at the end of the list, starting with San José. Especially beautiful are San José, Santa Gertrudis, San Juan, San Carlos, and San Agustín.
If you discover the island with a hired car, try our self-drive island tours.
Explore the island by boat
If you’d like to see the island from another viewpoint, then why not charter a boat or join an excursion and set sail upon the calm blue seas that surround Ibiza? Secret caves, beautiful rock formations, and sandy coves dotted all around the island's coast are just waiting to be explored.
Drop anchor and enjoy swim stops at the many gorgeous, crystal clear locations, allowing for incredible views and changing vantage points of every beautiful side of Ibiza.
Visit Formentera
Formentera is regarded as Ibiza’s equally beautiful, although slightly more tranquil and relaxing, little sister island. Its stunning beaches, fantastic restaurants, and easygoing nature attract many Ibiza visitors across the water to explore this Balearic paradise.
Ferries regularly depart from Ibiza Town and other island resorts, making this a popular day-trip destination.
Ball pagés - the traditional dance of Ibiza
Steeped in ritual, the ball pagés folk dance is a powerful symbol of Ibizan identity and a genuine must-see for anyone interested in the island’s unique heritage.
Beyond simply a dance performance, it's a captivating story of courtship told through movement. Watch as the male dancer, dressed in crisp white with a striking red beret and a broad sash, leaps and turns with impressive energy, his beret flying with each high jump.
Across from him, the woman glides as if hovering over the floor, her steps quick and light beneath the many layers of her traditional long skirt. Her elegant evasions depicting her modesty create a playful dialogue with her partner. The entire scene is set to the haunting drone of bagpipes, the jaunty tune of a flute, the steady beat of a drum, and the rhythmic clatter of castanets making it a true feast for the senses.
You can experience this living heritage at patron saint festivals in villages and towns across the island, offering a beautiful and authentic glimpse into Ibiza's soul.
Find here a calendar with all fiesta days on the island and see our events calendar for the whole programme of activities and events, which happen in the weeks around those dates.
