Beyond the famed clubs, resorts and beaches, Ibiza boasts stunning pine-scented forests, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs. Here, you can hike through some of the Mediterranean's finest natural landscapes, breathe in the fresh, herb-scented air, admire gorgeous scenery, and experience the island's ancient character.
Ready for an odyssey into deepest Ibiza? Here is our selection of some amazing places to immerse yourself in and discover Ibiza's authentic and wild side.
Es Broll
Set amid some of Ibiza’s most lush and historic landscapes, Es Broll is an artesian spring in the countryside near to the tiny hamlet of Buscastell (between San Antonio and San Rafael). A serene spot, it reveals the deep connection between Ibiza’s water, its land, and its people.
The scenery here is truly captivating: a living patchwork of terraced orchards, vegetable plots and tranquil ponds through which runs a network of irrigation channels created by the region’s masterful agrarian dwellers, the Moors. The area is particularly enchanting in springtime, when myriad wildflowers adorn the landscape.
Es Amunts Natural Park
The densely wooded mountainous area covers 15,000 hectares of land, roughly a quarter of the island. The hills - dotted with fascinating remnants of earlier ways of life - and the towering cliffs with their spectacular sea views - make it the ideal spot to commune with nature.
Wander its well-marked paths alone, in small groups or avail yourself of one of the expert companies such as Balearic Outdoor Adventures that offer informative guided walks, and leave the world behind for a few hours of sheer natural bliss.
En route, look out for native species such as falcons, eagles, and smaller birds, butterflies and dragonflies, and Ibiza’s endearing lizards (lagartijas).
Another option is to visit Es Amunts Interpretation Centre - located in the rural village of San Lorenzo. Serving as a gateway for visitors to understand the wild flora, fauna, and the traditional rural lifestyle of the protected area, it is a great starting point to explore the natural wilderness beyond. Free guided tours of the surrounding natural area are also available.
Las Salinas Natural Park
Venture inland from the renowned beach and you will encounter the salt flats that gave Las Salinas its name. Indeed, it may be hard to believe now but - back in Roman and later times - the production of salt here made Ibiza Town one of the greatest ports in the Mediterranean.
Nowadays it is a protected conservation zone that encompasses sand dunes, forests, beaches and wetlands, making it ideal terrain for breathtakingly beautiful walks. On the way, keep an eye peeled for local wildlife, above all the brightly coloured flamingos* that stop over here while migrating. There are designated viewpoints and a visitor centre to discover more.
*Fun fact: flamingos’ characteristic pink/red-orange colour comes from their consumption of tiny algae, brine shrimp, and crustaceans in the salt flats. Some even use secretions from their own glands to boost their vibrant colours during breeding season, a behavior some call "applying makeup”.
Can Marçà caves, Puerto de San Miguel
This stunning underground cave network is set in the cliffs above the resort of Puerto de San Miguel. Formerly a hangout for smugglers, it houses geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites* along with neon-dyed rock pools and a 10-metre cascade of water brought to multicoloured splendour by a spectacular music and light show.
Open year-round, the site also has several visitor facilities. The sea views from here are simply astounding.
*unsure which is which? Just remember: the mites grow up while the tights go down!
Punta Moscarter lighthouse
Perched high on cliffs overlooking the sea, close to the resort of Portinatx in the north of the island, this impressive blue-and-white-striped lighthouse (the tallest in the Balearics at 52m!) offers panoramic views of the sea and coast. The surrounding coastline is rugged, with sheer cliffs. You can hike to it from Portinatx - it takes about three hours there and back.
Sa Talaia
Just outside the charming village of San José, in the southwest of the island, Sa Talaia (the watchtower in Ibicencan) is Ibiza’s highest peak. Its 360° panoramic vistas of much of the White Isle, including the islet of Es Vedrá, the bay of San Antonio, Las Salinas and Formentera are breathtaking.
The landscape is a classic example of Mediterranean woodland and scrub, replete with native species such as rosemary, juniper and thyme, along with a wide variety of local fauna. In spring, the area blooms with orchids and other wildflowers.
La Mola
La Mola is a rugged limestone plateau that forms a dramatic cliff-lined coastline on the eastern tip of Ibiza’s sister island, Formentera. A windy, wild, isolated spot with vast open skies, it’s a must for those in search of reflection, dramatic clifftop walks and spectacular sunrises.
Local outdoor pursuit experts Ibiza Outdoors offer round-the-island guided walking tours of Formentera that take in this unforgettable scenery.
An alternative way to enjoy the scenic splendours of both Ibiza and Formentera is to hire a mountain bike or an e-bike from Bike Ibiza.
