An Alternative Guide to Ibiza

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Ibiza, the flag-waving, trumpet-tooting party capital of Europe is synonymous with clubbing, foam parties and boozy wild times. But glow sticks and trance beats aside, look a little deeper and you’ll find that there’s more to the White Isle than first meets the eye. For an alternative approach, take a look at our suggestions for your next Ibiza beach holiday.

Inner Zen

Also known as the Magic Island, Ibiza has a long spiritual history and is a Mecca for the yoga set. Es Vedra, the dramatic limestone rock island near Cala d’Hort, is the world’s third most magnetic point after the North Pole and the Bermuda Triangle, and is said to be the source of Ibiza’s spiritual energy. Imbibe some of this energy with Ibiza Retreats, which offers tailor-made yoga holidays, boot camps and meditation retreats all over the island. Or invest in the Body Camp, a full body, mind and spirit overhaul amidst the olive and citrus groves of the north.

Secret Beaches

Boasting some 200km of coastline, Ibiza is crammed with secret beaches and hidden coves. Moments from the brash shores of San Antonio, Cala Salada is a quiet sandy crescent with shallow turquoise waters and is popular with the local crowd. Don’t miss the Bronze Age cave paintings nearby at Ses Fontanelles. If you’re looking for complete peace and solitude, head to Cala Llentrisca near Es Cubells. Only reached by a 2km rocky path, few make the effort to visit this beautiful unspoilt beach so you’re likely to be entirely alone.

Ancient Vibes

Of course, there’s more to the White Isle than beautiful beaches and banging tunes. Explore the island’s Phoenician history in Eivissa, also known as Ibiza Town. Its narrow cobbled streets are crammed with chichi bars, top notch restaurants and various designer boutiques. Perched above the Old Town is Dalt Vila, an ancient walled fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to 4th century BC. Grab a café con leche and head to one of the fort’s seven bastions which overlook the harbour for the best views in town.

Get Active

Escape the Balearic beats of Playa d’en Bossa and take time to explore Ibiza’s rugged interior. Hire a mountain bike from Into The Wild and try out one of the 30 or so cycling trails which criss-cross the island. Too hot to ride? Then delve into deeper waters and sample Ibiza’s best scuba diving sites. The island boasts a varied marine life including octopus, barracuda and moray eels, as well as several shipwrecks to explore. Don’t miss a dive in Ses Salinas National Park, whose warm, crystal-clear waters offer exceptional visibility thanks to the ancient Posidonia Oceanica seagrass found here.

Special Sunsets

The southwestern coast of the island is best for Ibiza’s famous sunsets, but rather than risk the cringy applause at Café Del Mar, head a few miles south of San Antonio to Cala Conta, whose soft, sugar-white sands and marbled aquamarine shoreline are generally reserved for Instagram and Wham! videos. Witness Mother Nature’s daily marvel with a goldfish bowl-sized G&T and good music at Sunset Ashram, a boho beachfront bar and restaurant.

Despite its reputation as a party island, there are plenty of alternative activities for your Ibiza beach vacation. See what other hidden gems you can discover when you visit the island.”