A weekend in Ibiza: travel guide, things to do, food and drink
Everything you need to know for a beach and party break in the Balearic Islands
Why you should visit Ibiza
The party island, Eivissa, the White Isle… it may go by many names, but there is only one Ibiza. Known for its unmatched hedonism, pristine beaches and glorious scenery, this small Balearic rock has imprinted itself on the hearts of millions of tourists, including many, many Brits. But while some will simply know it for its infamous nightlife, there is more to this beautiful island to discover.
Where to stay: ‘Casa San Miguel’
Las Cicadas is about as landlocked as it is possible to be in Ibiza, but its position in the centre of the island makes it the perfect base for travellers to explore from.
Plus, with the property being just a short drive from Ibiza Town, Playa d’en Bossa and San Antonio, it is also accessible for those who want to party, and its peaceful atmosphere is great for recovering the next day.
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This 500-year-old farmhouse has views over the lush Ibizan countryside and is near the pretty village of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. With a private pool, fairy-lit courtyard, and rustic aesthetic, it feels like you're staying in a rural finca, albeit one that is distinctly more luxurious.
This summer the house has been commandeered by beer company San Miguel, and it is treating 24 lucky competition winners, and their plus ones, to a few days on the White Isle in the coming months. Offering an authentic Spanish experience, the luxury villa is a perfect spot to enjoy those famous Ibizan sunsets and to indulge in a couple of sundowners or cold beers.
There are six bedrooms at “Casa San Miguel”, plus a BBQ, professional kitchen, wood burning fireplaces, and 10,000 square metres of mature gardens and fruit trees.
Top attractions and things to do
Ibiza Town, shopping and markets
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Make sure to enjoy your days in Ibiza as much as your nights, as this island is the gem of the Balearics. Ibiza Town, also called Eivissa, is absolutely not to be missed. You’ll find winding lanes, colourful, traditional architecture, and some of the best shopping there is.
This is definitely the place to pick up a few items to take home a reminder of the classic, bohemian Ibizan style. You will also find retail therapy at some of the local hippy markets, with Punta Arabi at Es Canar being the oldest and biggest. It’s held every Wednesday and Friday.
Dalt Vila
For history be sure to head to the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Dalt Vila, the oldest part of Ibiza Town dating back to the Renaissance. Here you will find Ibiza Castle, the 13th-century Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows), and Phoenician artefacts at Sa Capelleta Interpretation Center.
Boat trips and outdoor activities
This is an island after all, so be sure to get on the water at some point. The best way to explore some of the more remote beaches is by boat, and you will find day trips leaving from both San Antonio and Ibiza Town harbours. You can try kayaking and stand up paddleboarding in some of Ibiza’s picturesque coves.
There’s plenty to do inland too, so if you can stand the heat try hiking in the island’s lush countryside. Sa Talaia is the highest mountain in Ibiza, giving you stunning panoramas, while there are plenty of cliffside walks to choose from as well.
Island hop to Formentera
If you have time, a trip to the nearby island of Formentera is always worth the short journey by ferry. This is the southernmost Balearic island, and it is famous for its almost-impossibly blue water and long stretches of beach. You can hire cars and scooters to explore, but one of the most popular ways to get around is by electric bike. You can buy ferry tickets via GetYourGuide.
Best restaurants: where to eat
1742
1742 is a brand new experience for Ibiza, brought to the island by Dutch two-Michelin star chef Edwin Vinke, who is serving a modern interpretation of traditional local cuisine. Its location is unique in that it sits in a building that used to be a Bishop’s Palace in the Dalt Vila, but customers are picked up by the restaurant’s branded car to avoid the hot hike up.
Three amuse bouche and three courses of the tasting menu are served on the roof terrace as the sun sets and you can enjoy the changing colours of the Mediterranean. The remaining courses are served in the dining room inside, and take you on a culinary journey that is full of flavour and excitement.
The service is friendly and helpful, and each guest gets a personal introduction to Vinke, who takes time to explain his menu before you sit down. You are also treated to a private tour of the wine cellar, where you can select from some of the most exclusive and rare vintages in the world.
Nassau Beach Club
For a totally different vibe, head to Nassau Beach Club on Playa d’en Bossa, west of Ibiza Town. In the evening this is a bustling night spot with DJs and shows. This summer even the London Symphony Orchestra is coming along to perform.
By day, it is a serene spot to relax and enjoy the Ibizan sun and warm waters. You can order food straight to your beach bed, where the waiter will set up a table for you, complete with linens and full dinner service. The beef and truffle rigatoni was wonderfully decadent, while the jamon croquettes were way too moreish. There is an extensive wine list and cocktail menu, and you can even buy a bathtub of champagne if you’re feeling extra flush.
Best bars: where to drink
Hostal la Torre
Ibiza has a plethora of bars to choose from, so it can feel daunting at first when deciding where to go. Those in the know head for sundowners and beers at Hostal la Torre, which is situated north of San Antonio on a clifftop with breathtaking views. This side of the island has the best views for sunsets and you can’t get a much better vantage point than the terrace at this bar and restaurant.
This season Hostal la Torre has partnered with San Miguel to create the exclusive “San Miguel Experience” – a special dinner for two people or groups which is available all summer. The experience features a menu that is inspired by the Spanish tradition of tapas and paired with San Miguel beer. Guests will also get to enjoy a “San Miguel Sundown Cocktail”, which is made using the beer itself as well as gin. Available only at Hostal la Torre, this cocktail is a refreshing sundowner to enjoy with the stunning views from the terrace.
Casa Maca
On the opposite side of the island, Casa Maca is another special spot to enjoy a tipple or two. The rural hotel’s bar and restaurant sits on the Can Palau hills outside of the island’s capital Eivissa, with panoramic views of the Renaissance fort town of Dalt Vila.
The bar is known for its cocktails, and the smoked pinarita, which is made with mezcal and pineapple syrup, particularly stood out. This is a place to be seen, and we are informed by our waiter that French DJ David Guetta is a regular, as well as Bosnian-German DJ Solomun.
Best clubs: where to party
Pacha
I’m not sure anywhere screams Ibiza more than Pacha does, and this year it is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The superclub still attracts some of the biggest names in the business, with masked German DJs Claptone taking to the decks on a Saturday, and Solomun following on a Sunday. It attracts a crowd of mixed ages who are all there ready to have fun. The club opens at midnight and the party keeps going until the sun comes up once again.
Pikes
Pikes is another Ibiza institution, but is an altogether different affair. Sitting in the mountains behind San Antonio, it is famous for being the filming location for Wham’s “Club Tropicana” music video, and the location for Freddie Mercury’s infamous 41st birthday bash in 1987 – still thought of as the most hedonistic party in the island’s history. Under-25s are not allowed and although there are, of course, areas for dancing, there is plenty of space to lounge outside in the late night heat for a more civilised experience.
Hï Ibiza
Billing itself as the “most technologically advanced club on the planet”, Hï Ibiza attracts artists like David Guetta and Eric Prydz to do residencies for the season. And in May it was voted the world’s No.1 club for the second year in a row in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs poll.
Jaymi McCann was a guest of San Miguel. Enter the competition to win a stay at Casa San Miguel Ibiza at winwithsanmiguel.com
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Jaymi McCann is a freelance journalist who writes extensively on travel for The Week, as well as publications including The Telegraph, National Geographic, Rough Guides, The i Paper and The Mail on Sunday. She has a degree in English literature from the University of Glasgow, a master’s in newspaper journalism from City University London, and 15 years of experience on Fleet Street. She specialises in writing about Scotland, as well as cruising, city guides and foodie travel. Jaymi loves to discover new places, particularly in Switzerland, Germany and southern Europe. Her Glasgow guide for The Week won a gong at the annual Media Getaway Awards.