Have you heard about this amazing small island located in the Mediterranean sea? Barcelona Connect has all the information you need if you want to leave Barcelona for the weekend to visit the glorious island of Ibiza.
Ibiza may be a small island, but it’s got lots to offer! Eivissa is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, located to the east of the Spanish Peninsula. It is part of the Pitiusas islands (Pine Islands) along with Formentera and other small ones.
Althought Ibiza is especially known as a party destination, it remains a family destination too. Designated World Heritage by UNESCO, the island has a lot to offer whatever the time of the year, from culture and sports activities to idyllic beaches.
Come and discover this holiday destination with our insider guide, for those who like going out, relaxing, or both.
Summer holidays
Between June and September, Ibiza is a popular international party hotspot. Many will say that Ibiza has changed and has lost some of its magic, but other will say that’s just a cliché. It has much more to offer than just parties, sun and sand. Paintings, cuisine, architecture, amazing landscapes… There are plenty things to see in Ibiza town and throughout the rest of the island. This is an amazing place to discover, any time of the year.
If you’re planning a trip, the capital town of Ibiza could be a good place to start. Santa Eulària des Riu is several kilometres to the northeast and the Cala Portinatx resort with its beautiful seaside coves could be your third stop. Sant Antoni de Portmany also has some great beaches, on the eastern side.
Visiting Ibiza Town
The monumental area of Dalt Vila, the necropolis of Puig des Molins and archaeological site of Sa Caleta present an interesting legacy from all the different cultures that have populated the island.
You can also explore the fishing districts of Marina, Sa Penya and Dalt Vila, an area of monuments located in the upper part of the city.
The city inside the walls
The Portal de Ses Taules is the entrance to the walled area where you’ll find the Town Hall. In the historic quarter, you can visit the Archaeological Museum and learn more about the city’s rich past. If you want to discover the popular architecture of Ibiza, you’ll just need to wander around the streets of the historic quarter until the port.
The most famous golden sand beaches and coves of Ibiza are Figueretes, Es Viver and Talamanca.
Ibiza: A family destination
The island is quite small – 45 km from North to South and 25 Km from East to West – which makes possible to visit many towns and cities. You’ll find different beaches to surf and more relaxing ones to splash around inthroughout the island.
The beautiful and quiet municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu offers a lot of attractions: numerous and beautiful beaches, green fields, rich artistic and monumental heritage such as a bridge and the remains of a Roman necropolis, and a fortified church from the 16th century on top of Puig de Missa. There are also several museums such as the Ethnological Museum of Pitiüses, and the Museum of Barrau.
Sant Antoni de Portmany: This is a beautiful town with an interesting historic quarter and crystal-clear waters. There is plenty of accommodation and many leisure activities which make it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the island. Also famous for its exciting night life, the city has two different side to discover.
Sant Josep de Sa Talaia is only 15 kilometres from the capital Eivissa. This part of the island is known for the quality of its beaches and coves, its beautiful rural landscapes, and its cultural heritage. Sant Josep Mountain is the island’s highest peak, reaching 475 metres above sea level, which offers a spectacular viewpoint. The famous coves are Cala Comte, Cala Bassa and Cala Vedella, with crystal clear waters, surrounded by pine groves that stretch right to the beachfront. You’ll find the typical Mediterranean landscapes of the inland area, with small white houses, traditional regional architecture and medieval churches. Ses Salines, Cala d’ Hort and the Phoenician village of Sa Caleta are worth a visit. You’ll also discover its traditional folk dances, such as the “ball pagés”.
Food and traditions
Ibiza gastronomy combines a wide range of Balearic specialities: sobrasada – a chopped meat sausage that is cured with spices – frità de polp – fried squid – and the bollit de peix made from rice and fish are also typical. The traditional desert is the flaó which has Arabic origins and made from ricotta cheese and spearmint. You should also try the puff pastry and almond cakes, and frígola, the famous liqueur produced in the Balearic Islands.
Ibiza spotlight clubbing
Ibiza is the first choice clubbing destination since a few years now. The main clubs include Pacha, Amnesia and Space Ibiza, as well as other smaller venues.
If you want to party on Friday, you should go to the Pukka Up boat party that starts in the afternoon and finishes after sunset. On the Saturday, the Ocean Beach Club for Soul Heaven Pool Party is a famous event in the island. You might need to rest a bit on Sunday, but not during the night! Head off to Space for We Love, one of Ibiza’s most legendary night clubs!
