10 Things To Do in Ibiza by Day

We want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your luxury villa holiday in Ibiza, so we’ve scoured the island and found 10 of the best things to do in Ibiza during the day. If clubbing is breadsticks, everything else on offer here is surely the rest of the meal…

1. Get back to nature on the way to the beach

A fun fact about Ibiza is that the island has a surprising amount of pine forests. Not only do they make a great change of scenery from the bars and business of the towns, but they also provide ample opportunities to enjoy a picnic together or see a side of the island you didn’t even know existed.

There are a number of forests across the island, but our top tip is to head to the island’s less-populated northeast side, specifically towards the village of Sant Joan De Labritja. Five miles north of there (and through a wonderfully calm and fragrant pine forest), you’ll eventually find yourself at Cala d’en Serra, a beautifully secluded horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by steep cliffs and offering some of the clearest water in Ibiza for swimming and snorkelling.

2. Take in some tipsy delights

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a tipple or two, and Ibiza’s climate makes for some great grape-growing weather. While many of the vineyards on the island are principally there to produce wine for families, a larger and more commercial wine industry is starting to emerge – which is well worth a look.

When exploring Ibiza’s wine scene, your first port of call should definitely be Sant Mateu. It’s a bit of a trek but easy to find thanks to ample signposting, and tours of the winery itself can be arranged. You’ll learn everything about the wine-making process on the island and its history, and afterwards, you can sample some of the vineyard’s produce over a meal in the attached restaurant. Also well worth a look is Can Rich, an estate that (in addition to wine) produces olive oil and Hierbas Ibicencas, the local herb liqueur. It’s open to the public on Monday afternoons.

3. Stonehenge Ibiza style

Ibiza’s answer to Stonehenge is this contemporary monument by Andrew Rogers that sits atop a rocky coastal shelf, just 10 minutes south of Cala Codolar along an un-signposted dirt path. ‘Time and Space, The Speed of Light’ was commissioned by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. This intriguing monument comprises 13 basalt columns in the Fibonacci sequence, with the tallest column at 10 metres high. This spot is a great vantage point for watching the sunset, so make sure you drop by towards the end of the day – you can even catch a glimpse of the Es Vedra Islands!

4. Discover Formentera

Formentera should not be overlooked, and this magical little island is an excellent choice for a day out. With some of the best beaches in Europe, it would be easy to think you’d taken a ferry to the Caribbean! There’s plenty to see on this white-washed isle, including striking lighthouses, gorgeous nature reserves, and breathtaking views. Head underwater if you want to see the island from a different perspective – we promise you won’t be disappointed! To make the most of your trip, you can even charter a boat over to the island, as plenty of little nooks are best discovered from the comfort of your own boat.

If you want to find out where Formentera’s best beaches are, check out our guide to Formentera…

5. Dive into the past in Dalt Vila

Dalt Vila – which literally means ‘High Town’ – is the older and (predictably) higher half of Ibiza Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s where you’ll find some stunning examples of Ibiza’s history and culture – a story told through architecture, art and the various museums that can be found in the area. Inside the fortified walls, you’ll also find shops, bars, and restaurants, so take some time to wander around and enjoy the views across the Mediterranean from the bastions.

Try the Museum of Contemporary Art on the Ronda Narcis Putget if you feel like something a little more hands-on. Celebrating the work of modern Ibizan artists, it makes a great change of pace and offers a gentler perspective on life on the island. Another Dalt Vila can’t-miss is the Archaeological Museum, which is full of fascinating artefacts and objects that trace the island’s rich and fascinating history – for instance, did you know Norway invaded it in the Twelfth Century? Now you do!

6. Explore some lost caves

If you find yourself wanting a break from the fierce Ibizan heat, head towards the Can Marca Caves in the north of the island. On the path leading to the caves, you will be greeted with stunning sea views, and then inside, you can follow the same route smugglers once took to bring their contraband onto the island. At the centre of the caves, there’s a spectacular music and light show to allow you to admire the centuries-in-the-making rock formations – stalagmites and stalactites galore! 

7. Try your hand at some water-sports

With such calm and tranquil waters, there’s no better place to try something you’ve always wanted to! Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a popular choice at the moment. Paddle Ibiza not only offers standard SUP classes but also SUP yoga and pilates classes, which are great for any yoga fanatics.

Old favourites like kayaking are always a safe but good option; the calm waters mean you can discover the dramatic coastline from the water. Kayak Ibiza offers a range of guided tours for all ages and levels.

As you’d expect from an island rightly famed for its beaches, there’s some pretty impressive diving to be done in the waters around Ibiza. If you’re new to Scuba or can already hold your own, one of the best companies to arrange a dive through is Orca Sub at Cala Tarida. With 20 years of experience diving the waters around Ibiza, particularly the iconic Es Vedra area, their rates are reasonable, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale or a school of dolphins during your excursion.

If that sounds a little too adventurous, you can always pick up a cheap pair of goggles and a snorkel and enjoy some snorkelling in one of the island’s many wonderful bays and coves!

8. Go bird watching at the Ibiza Salt Flats

Salt flats… at first thought, they might not be your first port of call for things to do in Ibiza. However, these salt flats are truly a sight to behold. They glisten beautifully as the sunlight hits the enchanting, pink-hued water. The marshes are also used as a layover for migratory birds, so keep your eyes peeled for flamingos from August to October and other rare birds. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what a two-storey-high pile of salt looks like, you’re in luck! Follow the dirt track drive and the salt mountain is unmissable, it is quite spectacular in the sunlight! This attraction is excellent as it’s free, and you can visit the salt flats all year round. Don’t forget to buy some “Sal de Ibiza” to take home as a memento.

9. Visit the Atlantis Seaside Quarry

Many people don’t know that Ibiza has its own Lost City of Atlantis. Now we know what you’re thinking: how does Ibiza have its own Atlantis? Well, centuries ago, this area was quarried to provide rock for watchtowers and the citadel of Ibiza. What remains is a labyrinth of caves, rocks, holes and sea pools, christened Atlantis by hippies who used to frequent the island in the ’60s. Originally called Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort, this spot is a little off the beaten track but is definitely worth the little hike for the coastal vistas alone. We think this place is one of Ibiza’s best-kept secrets, but we recommend that people with reduced mobility don’t try to explore the quarry as the walk is steep and slippery at points. We’ve got a selection of villas in Cala d’Hort, too.

10. Local crafts and artisan markets

All throughout the island of Ibiza, various hippy markets are just waiting to be explored! Local artisans sell their produce and crafts, and browsing the market makes for an excellent way to spend the day. Countless stalls have unique gift or souvenir ideas, and many even have live music and street performers. The medieval market in May is certainly a highlight in the market calendar. Expect to see various stalls, produce, animals, performers, and historical reenactments. Check out this website for further details on where to go and when.

Hopefully, this has shown you that there’s more to Ibiza than all-night beach bar parties or booze cruises. This list of things to do in Ibiza gives you an idea of how to explore the lesser-known parts of the island for a more low-key holiday. And if you need a place to stay, we have a wonderful range of luxury villas in Ibiza to choose from! Once you’ve chosen your ideal villa, contact our friendly Concierge team for activities and advice.