It's no secret there's a whole other side to to Ibiza beyond its nightlife, full of quiet coves and laid back fincas. We've done the hard work for you with our complete guide to Ibiza island, from the best and most beautiful beaches to the unique, boutique hotels you'll find hard to leave behind.
Cala Xarraca beach
Coffee and brunch spots
In Ibiza Town, try Passion in the marina. Surrounded by greenery and palm trees, it's got a bumper brunch selection. Cappuccino has outposts across the Balearic Islands as well as Marbella, Valencia and Madrid. The Cappucino Marina Ibiza is right on the waterfront, and a perfect spot to linger over coffee or lunch.
Inland, Musset café in Santa Gertrudis is a popular for brunch, with an excellent menu of coffees, fresh juices and poke bowls. Bar Costa is a traditional spot for espresso or small plates of Serrano and Iberian ham, Manchego cheese and chorizo, or for a total contrast and also in Santa Gertrudis, head to urban and organic Wild Beets for a modern, fresh, plant-based menu. In the north-east of the island, The Giri Café on the main square in San Juan grows much of its own produce and serves excellent, locally roasted coffee.
The Giri Cafe, San Juan
The best restaurants
On the east coast, book ahead at El Bigotes at Cala Mastella beach— it’s where you’ll find some of the best seafood on the island. Inland, you’ll find Finca La Plaza restaurant just behind the main square in Santa Gertrudis. The spacious garden is strung with lightbulbs for a beautiful atmosphere day or night, whilst the menu is inspired by the island itself.
Finca La Plaza, Santa Gertrudis
Try La Paloma in San Lorenzo, a small village in the centre of the island, for wholesome, down to earth lunches, with ingredients that are locally sourced as far as possible — the Italian owner brings a Tuscan flair to the menu.
Arguably one of the most famous restaurants in Ibiza, El Chiringuito on the beautiful Es Cavallet beach is a destination unto itself, and just a 10 minute drive south of Ibiza Town. Come evening, the candlelit transformation is second to none.
The View, Seven Pines
On the west coast, Seven Pines is a luxury resort with restaurants worth a write-up — The View is perfect for a special occasion, with uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean and the magical rocky island of Es Vedrà, or try the Cone Club for a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Las Puertas del Cielo restaurant is a low-key dining spot that serves up some of the best views on the west coast.
Where to stay
The Petunia hotel in the south-east is a beautiful boutique hideaway with unspoiled views of rural Ibiza. Gatzara Suites in Santa Gertrudis is charming and secluded — the renovated finca retains its original features but has been brought beautifully up to date. EC Escapes hand pick the best luxury villas around the island, perfect for family stays or group trips.
Gatzara Suites
Self-identifying as the best luxury hotel in Ibiza, Atzaró Agriturismo Hotel & Spa is a magical estate. Set out as a meandering village of terraces, pavilions and courtyards, there are 13-acres here of perfectly manicured gardens, set amidst the original orange farm.
Atzaró Agriturismo Hotel
OKU Ibiza on the north west coast is a five-star stay that opened this summer, and is just a short stroll from Gració Bay.
EC Escapes, Villa Can Terra
In Ibiza town, check out the Sir Joan or Gran Hotel Montesol by the Experimental Group — both are by the marina. Just beyond the city lies the sanctuary that is Pure House Ibiza, another beautiful 30-acre estate surrounded by forest, fruit trees and olive groves. Rustic rooms are of the highest standard — this is a hotel with soul.
Pure House Ibiza
Things to do
Make space in your luggage and head to the Es Cucons La Tienda boutique in Santa Gertrudis, the homewares are impossible to resist, but it also stocks an eclectic mix of swimwear and accessories. The Rose, also in Santa Gertrudis, is a hub for fashion.
Es Cucons, Santa Gertrudis
San Rafael, a village just south of Santa Gertrudis, is well known for its ceramics workshops so head to Ceramics Icardi for a unique piece to bring home. Further north, wander around the market on a Wednesday at Punta Arabí and explore Pou d'es Lleo, a charming, quiet cove surrounded by fishermen's huts and favoured by the locals.
Want to turn your full trip into a wellness retreat? There are plenty to choose from, like those offered by Dreamy Wellness Retreats, run by experienced yoga teacher Sanya Ormiston. There's still some last minute availability for the next retreat starting this Friday 20th August 2021, or book in to one of the outdoor classes Sanya runs every Tuesday morning in Cala Llonga, overlooking the ocean.
The best beaches
Naturally, you'll want to tick off plenty of the best beaches — don't miss unpretentious Cala Carbó or Cala Comte on the west coast for long, lazy days in the sun, whilst Cala Saladeta is hard to beat for its crystal clear, turquoise waters. Make sure to catch a sunset from the cliffs overlooking Es Vedrá.
Cala Saldeta
On the north of the island, there's a beautiful walk along the coast at Es Portitxol, or spend a day snorkelling at Cala Xarraca, then take advantage of the natural mud baths for a free facial. In the south east, along from Ibiza Town, Cala Llonga is great for families, with safe, shallow waters, whilst Cala Olivera is rarely overcrowded.
Cala Carbó
Sharpen up your look ahead of your trip to Ibiza with a set of new luggage — our award-winning Clifton suitcases come in ten contemporary colours.
Up next on the blog — which of the style set travel with Antler?.