About Eivissa (Ibiza) Town
A beautiful old port town with plenty to explore & stunning views
Eivissa (Ibiza Town) is the capital of Ibiza and should be a definite, at least, day trip for any visitor to the White Isle.
Centrally located on the eastern coast of the island, travelling to Formentera and the north is easy from here as boats and transport links are in abundance. The town is split into the old town (Dalt Vila) and the new town, what lies in-between is the stunning La Marina area and Vara del Ray. There is plenty to see and do in Eivissa, be it sight see, shop or eat in one of the lovely restaurants. There are many luxury hotels to chose from, however the fincas and agroturismos are further out of the town.
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History & Culture in Ibiza Town
With a history dating back some 2500 years the town of Eivissa thought to be one of the oldest towns in Europe. The official name of the island is in Catalan "Eivissa" but its name in Spanish, Ibiza, is probably better known to most of us. The Dalt Vila, or Old Town, is now a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Upper Town is the oldest area, which emerges above the port facing the sea. The architecture and layout have not been changed since the fortifications were built in the 16th century, and the defensive walls and bastions have incorporated those which existed before.
The local economy was originally based on the collection of salt from the pans, wool, and figs. After a period of alliance with Rome, the island came under the control of the Arabs in AD 902. In 1235, the town was dominated by Christians, who built the Catalan castle, visible from the inside of the present building, the medieval fortifications, and the Gothic cathedral. From 1530 to 1540, Philip II drew up a strategic plan to defend communications between Spain and Italy. In 1584-85, new fortifications were erected with the help of specialized Italian architects: Giovanni Battista Calvi and Jacobo Paleazzo Fratin.
The town now offers a fantastic walk through history with narrow cobbled streets lined with gift shops and art galleries as you walk up to the cathedral. These treasure troves of the unusual and unique sell the work of talented local crafts people.
Sights & Attractions in Ibiza Town
There are a whole host of museums and galleries to visit in the town of Ibiza, mostly in the narrow cobbled streets of the Dalt Vila. Situated at the very height of the old town is the Cathedral which offers views over the entire coastline from Las Salinas in the south all the way to the marinas in the north.
Sights in Ibiza Town
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Art Projects Gallery
This art gallery showcases some of the best names in contemporary art in Ibiza Town.
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Vara del Rey
As part of the "new town" this lovely promenade was built in 1912 and named after the Ibizan soldier Joaquin Vara del Ray who was killed in action, whilst bravely fighting against America in 1898. As a dedication, there is a monument in the pedestrianised square opposite Vara del Ray.
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Sacred Heart of Jesus Monument, Monte Cristo
Standing at 23 metres in height this impressive monument sits nestled amongst the trees in the small residential village of Monte Cristo just 3.5km to the north of Ibiza Town.
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Esglesia de Nostra Mare de Jesus (Church of Jesus), Jesus
This pretty church was founded in the mid 15th century and has been very well preserved. Inside there is an impressive alter painting illustrating significant stages in the life of the Virgin Mary.
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Puig d'en Valls Windmill, East Ibiza
When you travel across the island you will see many remnants of windmills, once glorious, and now just a few spokes sticking out from a ruined tower.
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Punic Necropolis of Puig des Molins, Old Town
This is the largest necropolis in the world, housing up to 4,000 tombs from all over the Mediterranean. The ancient cemetery was set up by the Phoenicians at the end of the 7th century.
Beaches in Ibiza Town
The beach of Talamanca is just a 20 minute walk north from Dalt Vila, and is a popular family beach resort. To the south you will find the beach of Playa d'en Bossa which is better known for being home to some of Ibiza's super clubs!
Beaches in Ibiza
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Figueretes Beach, South-East Ibiza
The perfect beach right on your doorstep in the resort of Figueretas.
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Talamanca Beach, South-East Ibiza
Talamanca is a lovely golden sandy beach stretching over 900m long. It's the closest beach to Ibiza town, and a popular destination for locals and families.
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Playa d'en Bossa Beach, South-East Ibiza
Known for cool bars, endless sand and sun loungers, by night Playa d'en Bossa hosts some of the world's most famous DJ's in Ibiza's well known clubs.
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S' Estanyol Beach, East Ibiza
This is a beach that you will only get to if someone "in the know" takes you there.
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Es Cavallet Beach, South-East Ibiza
A beautiful white sandy beach just over 1km long, surrounded by sand dunes.
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Sol d'en Serra Beach, East Ibiza
If you find nearby Cala Llonga too crowded and built up, then less than a kilometre away is the pretty little cove of Sol d'en Serra.
Dining in Ibiza Town
You will not be short of places to eat and drink in the town. From 5 star quality and michelin-style cuisine to snacks and cocktails you will quickly find something to suit. there are of course the old favourites, many of which are nestled within the walls of the Dalt Vila and some that are situated in the prime location of the most expensive marinas overlooking the sea and the town.
Restaurants in Ibiza Town
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Nobu
This restaurant is ideally located on the beachfront in Talamanca and offers high-end contemporary Japanese cuisine.
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Ushuaia Beach Club
The coolest chill-out music in Ibiza, the most exclusive ambience, quality cuisine and customer service that redefines the real meaning of VIP have turned this beach club into one of the most exciting places on the island, summer after summer.
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Pacha Restaurant
Enjoy the excellent fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine under the command of expert chefs.
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Tatel Restaurant
Founded by partners Rafa Nadal, Enrique Iglesias, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pau Gasol, this restaurant in Ibiza is the third of a chain that opened in Madrid and Miami. They serve updated traditional Spanish recipes and boast a chic 1920's dining room with sea views inside the Hard Rock Hotel.
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Cafe Montesol Restaurant & Bar
Offering uninterrupted service throughout the day, at this restaurant & bar you can have breakfast, brunch, gourmet lunch & dinner and tapas with wine or a cocktail.
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Cipriani Downtown Ibiza Restaurant
This restaurant is part of the Cipriani's brand, which started in 1931 with the infamous Harry's Bar in Venice. Their Ibizan restaurant serves a selection of international cuisine in a glamorous setting.
Events in Ibiza Town
There are numerous events on in Ibiza town, especially throughout the summer months. One of the most famous is the Medieval Festival in May which celebrates the declaration of Ibiza's Old Town (Dalt Vila) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The old town hosts vibrant celebrations including three days of street parties, musical performances, artists and medieval re-enactments.
Events in Ibiza Town
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Mercat des Port - Ibiza Town harbour hippy market
First celebrated in 1974, this is the oldest artisan market on the island. It is celebrated every day during the summer from 18:00 until late at night.
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Cinema Paradiso (outdoor cinema)
Ibiza’s original outdoor cinema brings you classic, cult and contemporary movies under the starry Ibiza sky.
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Ibiza Light Festival
This new project aims to transform Ibiza Town's most emblematic neighbourhoods, the port and marina, through light, video, music and performances.
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Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day), Ibiza and Formentera
The Noches de Reyes (Night of Kings) takes place the evening before, on the 5th January each year and then the Day of Kings is celebrated by people across Spain on the 6th January.
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Ibiza Carnival
Mardi Gras signals the start of Carnival festivities on the island of Ibiza. At this time of year, fancy dress outfits and the traditional ‘mariol-lo’ costumes will be a common sight, as everyone has fun with tortilla competitions and all kinds of entertainment.
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Cursa Patrimoni Ibiza race
Ibiza Town celebrates its declaration as part of the UNESCO World Heritage list with a running race around the town centre.
Nightlife in Ibiza Town
Many of the superclubs are situated out-with the town itself, but most are within either a walk or short taxi ride. with an endless choice of quirky bars, dingy cellars and classy wine bars the town plays host to some of the most interesting night spots. The marinas offer a more upmarket night out with entertainment, table service and plenty of champagne!
Bars & Clubs in Ibiza Town
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Ushuaia nightclub
Located in Ushuaia Beach Hotel, this nightclub hosts legendary parties with the biggest names in electronic music, stunning stage production, amazing dancers and a great VIP area make it a must visit when in Ibiza.
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Destino Restaurant & Poolside Bar
From buffet breakfast to tapas lunch and all-night menu, this restaurant located at Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort serves delicious international cuisine indoor or at their terrace around the pool. You can even book a sunbed and enjoy their cocktails and poolside menu all day.
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Cafe Montesol Restaurant & Bar
Offering uninterrupted service throughout the day, at this restaurant & bar you can have breakfast, brunch, gourmet lunch & dinner and tapas with wine or a cocktail.
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Hï Ibiza nightclub
Located in Playa d'en Bossa, this nightclub belongs to the Ushuaïa group. The best DJs in the industry and an out of this world production.
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Pacha Nightclub
Probably the most famous of all Ibizan clubs, this legendary place retains its status as the most beautiful club in the world.
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Lio Nightclub
In a prime spot in the middle of Ibiza Town's marina with spectacular views, this restaurant and nightclub will give you a night that you will never forget.
Hotels in Ibiza Town
The narrow, cobbled streets of the Dalt Vila contain some real hidden treasures when it comes to accommodation and there is no better place to stay to experience the real Ibiza than in the old town. Having said that, just minutes along the coast you will find some of Ibiza's most iconic hotels, including the Hard Rock hotel and Ushuaia.
Hotels in Ibiza Town
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Las Brisas Boutique Hotel, Es Porroig
This unique hotel is situated at the top of a cliff over looking the bay of Es Cubells, at the little cape of Porroig.
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Hotel Garbi Ibiza Hotel & Spa
Beautifully located on the front line of Ibiza’s Playa d'En Bossa beach, the hotel offers every facility imaginable to make your stay the resort unforgettable. This newly renovated, 4-star superior Ibiza hotel is just 4km from Ibiza town and within walking distance of the island’s best bars and clubs.
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Sa Talaia Hotel
This rural hotel is a stunning manor house with 12 rooms surrounded by lush gardens and featuring an outdoor swimming pool.
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Can Pere Rural Hotel, Cala Llonga
Beautiful finca in a 16-hectare area in the countryside, near the island's main beaches and towns.
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W Ibiza Hotel
Located on the palm-lined beachfront promenade of Santa Eulalia, this five-star hotel boasts boho design and high-end amenities.
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Xarc Agroturisme Hotel
This rural hotel is located at the bottom of Puig d'Atzaro, is 5 km away from the village of Santa Eulalia. Its location allows a fast and easy access to interesting sights in the North of the Island but, at the same time, it has maintained the flavour of the Ibiza that has not been transformed by mass tourism.