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Perhaps the most well-known of the Balearic Islands, there’s no denying the allure of Ibiza. It resonates with a deep sense of calm and beauty on one hand, and has a well-established status as a party island on the other. This reputation dates back to the 1970s, when its crystal-clear waters, pleasant climate, and bohemian culture made Ibiza a magnet for free-spirited artists, musicians, and hippies.

Today's island boasts a rich artistic culture and embraces an alternative pace of life. Away from the frenetic music venues, Ibiza is a place of expansive sandy beaches, mountainous peaks, and dramatic sunsets, and you can take in the island’s natural beauty by trekking, e-bike, or kayak. Or you could explore Ibiza’s food scene in the old town of Dalt Vila or by spending time on a sustainable farm crafting your own Hierbas (a traditional liqueur).

Ibiza may grab the headlines with its glamorous music scene, but at heart it has a creative, laid-back, and alternative approach to life. Its mindful and bohemian culture, along with its natural beauty, make it an inspiring island to visit.

Things to see and do in Ibiza

Exploring Dalt Vila

Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, traditional whitewashed Ibizan architecture, and cultural scene. Its Renaissance-era fortifications, built in the 16th century, are the best preserved in the Mediterranean and as impressive as the Portal de ses Taules entrance gates suggest. Meanwhile, the ancient fortress Castell d’Eivissa offers you panoramic views over the island and a glimpse into its past. You can wander the narrow streets, relax and soak up the local atmosphere in the fashionable local square of Plaça de Vila, or you may choose to join a connoisseur gourmand on a private gastronomic food tour of the town.

Catching an Ibizan sunset

Watching the sunset in Ibiza is one of the island’s most celebrated activities. You can book a table at the sophisticated Edén Restaurant at Hacienda Na Xamena and watch the sun dip into the sea in front of you as you eat, or, if you’re a guest at the hotel, enjoy evening cocktails on their sunset terrace alongside the pool. If you’re in Dalt Vila, the sweeping sunset views from Castell d’Evissa embrace the kaleidoscopic sky reflected in the water. Alternatively, for a true Ibizan sunset ritual, head to the Cone Club at 7Pines, where frontline tables have clifftop views over Es Vedrà, accompanied by a live DJ set.

Kayaking hidden coves

The coastal town of Portinatx is surrounded by steep cliffs topped with pine forests and peppered with sea caves. The best way to explore this region is from the water. You can join a guide for three hours to kayak a route that hugs the shore and links the hidden coves and beaches. Along the way, you can dip in for a refreshing swim and snorkel in the crystal waters.

E-biking in the mountains

Opting for an e-bike takes the strain out of exploring Ibiza’s mountains, and we’ll help find the right route for you. Whichever you pick — from a tour of the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila to a rural loop around the countryside of Sa Caleta — you’ll go at your own pace and with a guide to lead you. Expect scenic stops overlooking the clear blue waters and steep red cliffs of the island, as you follow dirt tracks through pine forests and rural villages while you gain insights from your guide into the Ibizan hinterland.

Best time to visit Ibiza

With its Mediterranean climate, Ibiza enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers. We recommend visiting in early summer (May to June) or autumn (September to October), to avoid the high-season crowds and make the most of the pleasant temperatures. Hotels on Ibiza close for the winter (November to March).

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• Dalt Vila loves a festival. The Ibiza Carnival takes place every March, and in May you have the annual Medieval Festival, with three days of street parties, medieval re-enactments, and live performances.