Ibiza holidays – all you need to know before visiting Ibiza

Ibiza always associates in people’s minds with a single activity – partying. So why, you ask, should I spend my holidays in Ibiza when I can’t even party?

I am here to tell you that Ibiza has so much more to offer than just party. Think beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets and an amazing range of delicious food. Here is a list of reasons why holidays in Ibiza should be on your bucket list.

The beaches

Ibiza has some amazing beaches, with crystal clear waters and sand. Whether you prefer quiet coves or big, wide beaches, Ibiza has them all. The island is quite big (this was a surprise to me) and the beaches are not all close together, so the best way to explore is to hire a car.

Here is a guide to the beaches in Ibiza:

• Cala Bassa = this beach is one of the most popular ones. It is great for relaxing in the beach club and doing some cliff jumping
• Cala Xarraca = this one is a very small but a beautiful beach. Make sure to get here early as it gets very busy. There is also a hidden swing if you walk past the rock formation past the beach – make sure to bring water shoes to get a picture here!
• Cala de San Miguel = this beach has 2 different sides. If you don’t mind being among people, then go to the main side. However, the opposite side is more secluded and less full of people. The sun beds cost 7 Euros to hire.
• Cala de Sant Vicent = this beach was a favourite during our stay. It is the widest beach in Ibiza, and no matter how busy, you will find a spot here. Make sure to visit the beach bar ‘On the Beach Ibiza’ – they have the best cocktails and the coolest vibes!
• Cala Tarida = this beach is great for sunset watching and cliff jumping. It directly overlooks Es Vedra giving a spectacular sunset view.

And there are many more to discover!

The amazing food

Who doesn’t like some delicious food on their holiday? The best thing about food in Ibiza is that you have a range to choose from, in terms of cuisine as well as prices.

Some of the best restaurants in Ibiza are located in the center of the island and serve farm-to-table food. One example is Aubergine, a restaurant in Santa Gertrudis, where the rural vibes and the colourful flowers make you feel like you are in a village. The Mediterranean food is really special and very organic and fresh. This will cost you approximately €40 per person.

However, if you are looking for a fancier restaurant or have a special occasion to celebrate, I would recommend ‘The View’ restaurant in the 7Pines Kempinsky Hotel. This restaurant, admittedly, has the best service on the island and offers some of the most spectacular sunset views directly from your dinner table. They have set menus at €100 or €130 per person.

The sunsets

Ibiza is known for its sunsets, and it is true that you cannot leave here without watching the sunset at least once. Of course, being an island, the sun in Ibiza rolls down into the sea next to Es Vedra (a small island next to Ibiza) and it is one of the most inspiring moments of the day.

The most famous spots to watch the sunset include Cala D’hort, Cala Tarida, the Sunset Strip in San Antonio and Benirras beach. Benirras beach even has a sunset ceremony every Sunday, so do go if you get the chance!

The shopping

Perhaps you wouldn’t think to go to Ibiza for shopping, but there are actually lots cute shops in the Old Town. Here you can find the bohemian dresses to wear over your swimsuit, some very arty hats and beach bags, and generally everything beach related.

Some of my favourite shops included Alma Ibiza – they had very nice dresses, sunglasses and accessories. I also loved Taar Willoughby – they also have some very beautiful summery dresses and cool hats!

Formentera

Holidays in Ibiza in 2020 would not be the same without a visit to Formentera. Formentera is a is an island 30 minute ferry away from Ibiza, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. A day trip here is very easy from Ibiza and is a must for every traveller. The ferry will cost of €26.50 one way and €45.50 return. It is not the cheapest activity but definitely worth the money and the time.

Having visited Formentera in 2020, I can say that it gets very busy, even during a pandemic. We wanted to visit Ses Illetes beach, but they closed it because it got too crowded. Therefore the best tip I can give is to go there as early in the morning as possible!

Formentera is nowhere near as big as Ibiza, but it is still a relatively big island – I was expecting it to be much smaller than it was! So in order to get around, you can either take the bus, or rent a car or a scooter.

Overall, although there is no party, Ibiza is still a very beautiful island worth visiting. It guarantees you the perfect summer holiday, whether you are a foodie, just enjoy relaxing on the beach or if you seek adventure. So many reasons to put this island on your bucket list for this year!

Have you visited Ibiza? What did you enjoy the most? Let me know some of your favourite memories in the comments below!