Getting lost on the island of Ibiza is always a good option even if you only have a weekend. You will feel how the island gives you a warm welcome as soon as you arrive. It is the perfect place to disconnect from routine, enjoy incredible beaches and coves, dance until the early hours of the morning or contemplate exceptional views at sunset.
Ibiza is a small island that concentrates a large number of natural and cultural attractions in its scarce 45 kilometres from north to south. Many find here their source of inspiration while others find the peace they have been looking for. Discover this beautiful island and you’ll wish you never had to leave…
Dalt Vila, Ibiza town’s historic center
The capital of the island, a strategic place in Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman times, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Proof of this is its 16th-century fortified enclosure, built to prevent invasions by Ottomans and pirates, which is still to this day in a good conservation state.
Undoubtedly, the old town of the capital of Ibiza, with its streets full of white houses and crowned by its medieval fortification, is one of the essential visits. Although there are different entrance gates, next to the Mercat Vell you will find the main entrance to Dalt Vila, the Portal de Ses Taules, also known as the “Puerta de Mar” (Sea Gate). It is an impressive medieval gateway raised on a drawbridge. Inside it are some of the most emblematic buildings in the old town, such as the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves, the Town Hall, the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera, as well as the Episcopal Palace, among others.
We recommend leaving the old town through the bastion of Santa Lucía, which leads to one of the island’s liveliest areas.
The best coves and beaches of Ibiza
If there is one thing that makes the island of Ibiza stand out, it is its magnificent and beautiful coves with their turquoise, clean and transparent waters, many of them quiet and solitary, believe it or not!
Some of the ones we recommend are Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta, located in an exceptional natural setting; Cala Benirràs, a small cove in the north of the island surrounded by lush vegetation, famous for its sunsets with music and drums; Platges de Comte, better known as Cala Comte, one of the most beautiful on the whole island and with a wonderful sunset… Also worth a visit are Cala Vadella, a beautiful beach with turquoise waters, and Cala Gracioneta, very close to Sant Antoni.
If you are looking for another type of beach, one more crowded and full of celebrities, the beach of Ses Salines is one of the best known on the island. From here you can take a walk along the shore to the tower of Ses Portes, one of the seven towers that protected the island from pirate attacks.
Ses Salines nature park
The Ses Salines nature park, which stretches across the south of Ibiza and the north of Formentera, is one of the essential visits if you want to get to know Ibiza in a weekend. The park is home to a large part of the islands’ Posidonia oceanica meadows, declared a World Heritage Site in 1999.
In the park near Sant Jordi, accessible from the road that leads to the airport, you must visit the ponds of Las Salinas, the church of Sant Francesc and the Ses Salines Nature Park Interpretation Centre, located in the parish house next to the church. There you can find out everything about the flora and fauna of the area. Nor should you miss out on visiting the beaches of Ses Salines, Es Codolar, Es Cavallet or the cove of Sa Sal Rossa.
The ponds, with more than 170 plant species and 200 bird species, are a clear example of Mediterranean biodiversity. They are used by migratory birds as a space for nesting and resting.
You also should not miss out on a visit to Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, a charming village full of little white houses where you can also enjoy some of the island’s best sunsets and discover its coolest nightlife venues.
Es Cubells, to contemplate the cliffs; or Es Vedrà, an uninhabited islet located in front of the beach of Cala d’Hort, shrouded in myths and legends, are other recommended places.
Although it’s true that there are many places to visit in Ibiza in a weekend, a couple of days are still enough to get to know the island’s essence and fill yourself to the brim with all its charms. You’ll want to come back soon! You’ll see, you’ll see…
