Destination Idea: Ibiza, Spain

Looking for a new and exotic destination to explore? Ibiza, or Eivissa in Catalan, is a stunning island in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the east coast of Spain.  Ibiza is known for its party scene. It is essentially Las Vegas for Europeans. But like Vegas, there is so much more to Ibiza than just partying. There is no shortage of great spots to shop, historic landmarks, world-renowned restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The island’s capital, Ibiza Town is located in the southeast and has two main parts. Eixample – New Town – is the more modern part; meanwhile, Dalt Vila – Upper Town – is older and more historic. Ibiza Town is the perfect place for first-time Ibiza visitors to go to as it has so much to offer.

Vara de Rey is Ibiza Town’s widest avenue and acts as the central hub of the city. This modern part of the city off of Vara de Rey has smaller boutiques and bigger chain stores, so there is something for every shopper’s budget. An important monument in the center of the large avenue is dedicated to General Joaquín Vara de Rey y Rubio, who was born in Dalt Vila and died during the Spanish-American war.

Dalt Vila is over 2,500 years old and was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.  This part of Ibiza Town is a unique spot with historical landmarks, old buildings, and quirky art galleries that line the cobblestone roads.

Ibiza Castle is a not-to-be-missed landmark, erected at the highest point of Dalt Vila. It was built in the 12th century and is now in a derelict state. It is accessible by two bastions: Sant Jaune and Sant Pere. Sant Jaune Bastion is now a military museum that shows Ibiza’s role during the past wars. Sant Pere Bastion tells the castle’s history.

Right beside the castle is the cathedral. Catedral de la Verge de les Neus, or The Cathedral of Our Lady Snow, is a baroque-style cathedral built in the 14th century. It is grandeur and dramatic on the exterior yet muted inside compared to other Spanish cathedrals.

Just a short walk from the cathedral is Ibiza’s Contemporary Art Museum. This museum is located in a modern building spread over three floors. Small but mighty, it has a variety of old and contemporary art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography, videos, and other mixed media.

In addition to landmarks, travelers also can enjoy a variety of fantastic restaurants all over the island of Ibiza.  With a mix of international and traditional Spanish cuisine, visitors can expect delicious local seafood, fresh produce, and a great atmosphere. For a casual, family-friendly spot that is great for people-watching, try La Cava Tapas Bar. For brunch, Mira Ibiza is a great spot. Plus, there are local DJs in the evening, making it perfect for those who don’t want to fully commit to going to a club but don’t want to go to bed when the sun does. For South American food, try Casa Sudaca. This restaurant offers flavorful and succulent meats and classic cocktails with a twist. Nobu Ibiza Bay is the go-to place for Japanese fusion cuisine and island-inspired food.  Sidewalk cafes and quaint little diners are also plentiful.

When it comes to beaches, Ibiza has many to choose from. Only a 15-minute walk from the city center, Ses Figueretes is a fantastic beach to hang out at for the day. The area has options for renting kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It also has many bars and restaurants along the coastline. Talamanca is a laidback beach that is easy to get to; it’s about a 25-minute walk from the city center of Ibiza Town. It is approximately 5.6 miles in length, so although it is an easily accessible beach, it usually isn’t too crowded due to its large size. The beach Sa Caleta is less busy and accessible by car. It is about a 20-minute drive from Ibiza Town, but it is well worth a visit. Beautiful red cliffs drop into clear teal waters. It is a great spot to relax, get a suntan, or snorkel. A lovely beach in the north of the island is Pou des Lleo, meaning Well of the Lion. It is only accessible by car and is about 40 minutes from the city center of Ibiza Town. This beach is one of the most tranquil and idyllic beaches in Ibiza and is more popular with the locals. Cala Comte beach is small but also very popular, located 5.0 miles west of the village of Sant Agustí des Vedrà.

We can’t talk about Ibiza without mentioning a couple of the best clubs on the island. For people that want to experience Ibiza’s clubbing scene, Pacha is the ultimate place to party. Although it has been closed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there are plans to reopen sometime in 2022. A fun disco-themed club is Lolas Club Eivissa. This place is more laidback than Pacha, but still fun with some great disco music.

In addition to all this, Ibiza offers underground caves to explore, lighthouses to visit, Vespa tours, and boat cruises.  Visitors will never be at a loss for something to do. So put it on your bucket list. Or, better yet, just go!