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What to See in Ibiza

Discover the top Ibiza 'must see' sights and attractions

Updated

There are a wealth of places to visit in Ibiza, from top class art museums to the remains of ancient Bronze age settlements. Many of the highlights are in Ibiza Town, but to see the best that Ibiza has to offer, a car or scooter is recommended.

Thanks to the varied history of Ibiza, you will find reminders of the Romans, Moors and Spanish conquerors throughout the island, from watch towers to castles and ruins to churches. Much of this history is documented in a number of museums.

But it is not just man-made artefacts that are worth seeking out. Ibiza is blessed with fabulous scenery, from the mountains in the south to the salt flats in the east and the olive groves in the north. A number of Natural Parks have been created, which provide not only protection to the land but informative guides and trails to follow. Some of this natural beauty are ear-marked as beauty spots rather than Natural Parks. In the west of Ibiza you will find a rejuvenated wine growing industry, and a visit to a vineyard is highly recommended.

Ibiza is home to a vibrant arts scene as evidenced by the number of excellent art galleries and museums found throughout the island. There are plenty of small independent galleries and studios that you can visit and of course the hippy markets have a whole host of artists looking to sell their work. The hippy heritage of the island is particularly evident in the art scene.

Of course, one of the popular things for visitors to do whilst on holiday is shop, so read on to find out about where the hotspots are, and what kind of souvenirs you may like to bring home.

Castles & Ruins

As may be expected for an island that endured continuous invasion and conquering during the Middle Ages, the coastline is dotted with stone watchtowers. A visit to the Dalt Vila will ensure that you experience the Ibiza Castle in the old town, with ramparts and cannons for defence you can now enjoy the area as a kind of open air museum.

Ibiza was first settled by the Phoenicians back in the 7th century BC and remains can still be seen dotted across the island today. The Moors the invaded the island in 900 AD and the ruins and restored buildings of the Moorish villages and communities are prevalent in every corner of Ibiza. Their legacy can also be seen in much of architecture.

Caves & Rocks

Underground cave systems are dotted throughout Ibiza thanks to the limestone bedrock. The best are the Cova de Can Marca on the west coast around Puerto de San Miguel. They are tastefully lit and you follow a trail through the caverns with their stalagmites, stalactites and undergound lakes.

Of course, the major 'rock' to be seen around Ibiza is along the coast in the sea cliffs and rocky coastline. The island of Es Vedra also offers a particularly special experience if you manage to either visit the island or just sit on the mainland and watch the sunset over it. The rock formations at Atlantis are also pretty special and definitely worth finding if you prefer exploring the coves rather than lying on a beach.

Churches & Cathedrals

The highlight has to be Ibiza's cathedral. Known as Our Lady of the Snows, it offers amazing views over Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town and along the coast. Founded in the 14th century this sandstone building appears relatively plain from the outside, however the interior has a mixture of Catalan and Gothic styles. The museum inside offers a wealth of information and historical artefacts.

Each town or village on the island has its own church and most commonly these are kept in pristine condition with white washed exteriors and traditional bell towers. A tour of these is a must if you are on the island for a while. Not only will you get to see a lot of the island but each one holds its own charm and is worth visiting for different reasons. Amongst the most beautiful and best situated is the church of Es Cubells in the south of the island.

Museums & Galleries

There is a superb range of public art galleries on Ibiza. They mainly specialise in contemporary Spanish art, with some galleries devoted to specific Spanish and local artists. Of particular note is Museum of Contemporary Art in the Old Town of Ibiza. The museums cover all aspects of the island history from their land and cultural history to their religious history.

Nature Reserves & Parks

There are several Natural Parks in Ibiza, offering a very diverse range of geology, flora & fauna. The Las Salinas National Park in the south east comprises not only the salt flats and land mass but also the sea with its abundance of oceanic Posidonia (seagrass). A popular area to visit for bird watching as well you can see the flocks of pink flamingos as they take a quick rest on their migration route.

Shops & Boutiques

The central hub for shopping is without doubt Ibiza Town. It has a good range of well known brands in addition to the quirky independent boutiques offering a more local style. Other good towns for shopping include San Carlos and Santa Gertrudis. Some of the towns and villages have weekly markets, selling the usual local produce and touristy trinkets. But perhaps the most popular shopping can be found at the notorious hippy markets where you can buy anything from locally made leather goods and jewellery to products brought over from India and other Asian countries.

Vineyards & Estates

There are two main areas where vineyards flourish on Ibiza, around the towns of Sant Mateu and Sant Agusti, both in the west. If you enjoy wine, try to make a visit - the vineyards are beautiful and the wine makers very enthusiastic about their produce. Enjoy!

a square in santa gertrudis, lined with trees
Café culture and boutique shopping in central Ibiza

Culture & shopping in Santa Gertrudis

Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera (of the fruits) was, as the name suggests, once famed for its orchards and the fruit produced on the fertile acreage surrounding it. These days although the area is still farmed, the town itself is far more...

A selection of fabric on a stall at las dalias market ibiza
An Ibiza must-see for shopaholics and people watchers alike

Day out at Las Dalias Hippy Markets

If you tire of the boutiques and glitzy glamour of Ibiza town but still have an itch to shop till you drop then the Hippy Markets are where you need to head to.

Discover the charming villages of Ibiza
It's not all sun, sea and sand in the beautiful island of Ibiza

Discover the charming villages of Ibiza

Exploring the island will make your holiday more special, memorable and more authentic.

Exploring Cova de Can Marca Caves
Magical cave in the north east of Ibiza

Exploring Cova de Can Marca Caves

Hang out like a smuggler in the north of Ibiza in this magical underground cave system, the largest on the island.

A view of Necropolis del Puig des Molins, ibiza town
Close to the buzzing heart of the town is an historically rich archaeological site

Exploring Necropolis del Puig des Molins in Ibiza Town

Puig des Molins is a gravesite dating back to the 7th century BC where of thousands of ancient Ibizan residents were buried or cremated according to various religious and cultural traditions.

situated in the old town - MACE museum in ibiza town
Art, history and architecture in Ibiza Town & the Dalt Vila

Exploring the Museu d'Art Contemporani

The MACE contemporary arts museum in Ibiza town is worth a visit for the building itself as much as for the extensive art collection within.

A family is riding a yellow and purple pedal boat on the beach
Where to go and what to do on your family holiday in Ibiza

Family fun in Ibiza

The White Isle is not only a party hotspot for avid clubgoers, it's also a great place to visit with the whole family. There are quiet towns perfect to stay in with kids, and lots of hotels have facilities and services for the little ones, plus the...

Ibiza celebrates hippie heritage
A new statue honours hippie culture in Ibiza Town's marina

Ibiza celebrates its hippie heritage

Donated by Pacha's owner, Ricardo Urgell, the bronze sculpture is based on a legendary photograph taken by Toni Riera of a hippie father and his daughter, which became an icon of Ibiza's love and freedom movement.

Torre de ses Portes 16th century watch tower
Taking a trip to the southern tip of the island

Keeping watch for pirates on Ibiza

Perched out on Ibiza’s most southern tip is the ancient defence tower Torre de ses Portes. Still standing and in remarkably sturdy condition this 16th century look out tower is well worth a visit, if not for the tower itself then definitely for...

view over the cannons to the cathedral in ibiza town
Get a sense of Ibiza’s history, culture & some amazing views

Meander through Ibiza's Dalt Vila

It’s impossible to visit Ibiza Town and not see Dalt Vila, the walls of the fortified old town rise up above the rest of the streets leading the eye ever upwards to the Cathedral perched at the summit, over looking the port, the new town and out...

Es Vedra south ibiza
Our guide to what you must see in Ibiza this year

Must-see Ibiza

There is so much to do in Ibiza - here are just a few reasons visitors keep returning.

Rainy day activities in Ibiza 2018
What to do in Ibiza when it rains autumn and winter

Rainy day activities in Ibiza

For when it’s raining we’ve pulled together a list of the best activities.

a view through the bushes to a stone art installation
A visit to some wonderful art on the south west coast of Ibiza

Stonehenge Ibiza-style

A bare and somewhat desolate stretch of rocky headland on Ibiza’s south west coast has been transformed into a place of international interest due to the creation of contemporary art installation Time and Space. The...

Underground caves at the Cap Blanc Aquarium
Enjoying the caves & underground waterways of this unusual aquarium

Trip to Cap Blanc Aquarium

Located within easy walking distance from the centre of San Antonio, and perched on the very edge of the rocky coastline is the Cap Blanc aquarium; underground caves where you can see a collection of typical Ibizan marine life and if you’re lucky...

things at punta arabi es canar ibiza
Shopping in Ibiza's most popular hippy market

Visit to the Punta Arabi Hippy Markets

The infamous hippy market in Es Canar near Santa Eulalia has been a popular destination for years and it's easy to see why.

Interior of the museum in dalt vila ibiza
See Dalt Vila as it once was; a powerful Islamic city

Visiting Madina Yabisa

Dalt Vila, the fortified old town in Ibiza Town, has undergone many changes over the years, set as it is in a location desirable for trade and for its defensive standpoint. Occupied and fought over and reoccupied many times over the years by, the...

the exterior of the museum in ibiza town
Combine art & history in this Ibiza museum & gallery

Visiting Museu Puget in Ibiza's Old Town

This art gallery and museum is housed in a beautiful 15th century mansion in the old quarter of Ibiza town. It displays a permanent collection of work by father and son Ibizan artists Narcis Puget Vinas and Narcis Puget Riquer.

artefacts in Sa Capelleta ibiza twon
An archaeological site chronicling 3 distinct stages of Ibizan history

Visiting the Old Town & Sa Capelleta

In just one location at Sa Capelleta in Ibiza's Old Town you will find an archaeological site dating from Punic, Roman and Islamic times.