Ibiza island is a well-known playground, packed with parties, beaches and water sports. Sailing at sunset is the perfect way to end a lazy day tanning or checking out the creatures that live under the wrecks and reefs. Ibiza isn’t just about the seaside, however, as cycling and hiking through the cliffs and interior are perfect for those looking to appreciate the history and natural beauty of this Mediterranean gem.
Beaches are what made Ibiza a popular tourist destination and there are an estimated 60-80 on the island. Ibiza Town has just one, Figueretas Beach, which is lined with fancy hotels. Playa d’en Bossa is the country's longest beach, but there are five more strips of sand at San Antonio bay. Sant Josep has the greatest number of beaches, while Santa Eulària has several charming seaside village shores. Ibiza Adventure Centre offers daytrips to the beaches by motorized rubber dinghies, while Viator offers scooter excursions.
Ibiza has several prime dive spots, such as Tagomago off the east coast, where lobsters and octopus dwell along the lighthouse walls. Ibiza Diving Holidays offer full PADI courses and excursions to various wrecks and reefs. Some of the best sites in the Mediterranean can be found around the 15 or so islands off the Cala d’Hort Marine Reserve, which can be accessed with the help of specialists such as Seahorse Diving Ibiza. This company offers daytrips to various reefs to see giant grouper, barracuda, moray eels, and more.
The varied terrain of Ibiza is perfect for cycling, particularly during spring or autumn when the weather is most clement. Bike routes crisscross the island to take in ruins, watch towers, windmills, cliffs, coves, mountains, pine forests, and olive groves. Ibiza MTB and Ibiza Sport both offer rental, guided tours or full packages.
The Mediterranean is synonymous with sailing, and Ibiza is no exception, with San Miguel being a popular anchor point. Yachts and catamarans, with or without a skipper, can be chartered through Sailing Dreams. Alternatively, San Antonio-based Boats Ibiza offers a variety of packages, with their signature three-and-a-half hour sunset sail.
Lumberjacks, miners and mountaineers originally made the trails that are now used for hiking the scenic interior of Ibiza. The trek from the village of Sant Josep up through pine forests to Sa Talaia, the highest peak on the island, is one of the most popular. Nordic offers guided walking tours that depart from San Antonio. Alternatively, the tourist office in each town has route cards for those who prefer a self-guided trip. The seven-mile circular hill hike from Sant Mateu takes in the coast, two ruins of pirate towers and views of Cala dÁlbarcar’s rocky beach.