8 absolute must-do things in Ibiza

8 absolute must-do activities in Ibiza

It may be famous for its party scene, but the Balearic ‘White Island’ has a whole host of attractions to keep active groups and families entertained which have nothing to do with nightlife. Whether you have a passion for challenging coastal hikes and exploring the local sea life, or you fancy meandering through the labyrinthine alleyways of Ibiza Old Town, there is something on offer. Take a peek at our top eight things to do in Ibiza.

Hit the trails at your own pace with a wide variety of options across Ibiza, from challenging cliff-top hikes to leisurely strolls through picturesque pine forests.

Many of the island’s best trails take in the spectacular coastline and drop you off at a secluded bay, perfect for a relaxing swim or beach picnic set up by your charter yacht crew.

Although the trails are generally well maintained on Ibiza, be sure to bring decent footwear that is up to rougher terrain.

The panorama from the Mirador des Savinar on one of the island’s southwest peninsulas is superb; from here, the 2.5km, hour-long round trip reveals knockout views of the prominent Es Vedrà island before you descend to the bathing pools at Atlantis for a refreshing dip followed by a hike back up the hillside.

For a more rugged experience, set off from the beach at Calla Mastella in the northeast and enjoy the three-hour, 10-kilometre loop that is suitable to those with intermediate fitness.

Take in the sunset with an easily accessible, 90-minute walk past Heaven’s Gate at Santa Agnes in the northwest; you start at an elevation of 200 metres and carve a route through fragrant pine trees while admiring the gemstone hues of the water in contrast to the ochre skyline.

Those with a head for heights may wish to try cliff jumping, which is a popular activity in Ibiza. For the safest and most enjoyable experience possible ask your charter broker or yacht captain to arrange for a professional guide, who will be able to adapt an excursion to your experience level.

Combine with hiking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, and picnicking for the ultimate day out in nature. Always be aware of your level of comfort and confidence before jumping, and bring protective footwear to avoid injury when ascending rocky areas. 

An entertaining day at the beach is an absolute must for anyone visiting the White Island during a Balearic Island yacht charter. Cala Bassa bay is a picturesque spot where fragrant Sabina trees trace the shoreline of white sand that leads down to the sheltered, turquoise water.

Head by tender straight to the Cala Bassa Beach Club for a more exclusive ambiance, where you can recline on the shaded beach loungers while the resident DJ supplies cool electronic beats. Take a break from the lounger to swim in the beautifully clear water, hop on a jetski for a little more action, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the Beach Club’s four restaurants.

No Ibizan yacht charter is complete without a visit to the Old Town, also known as Dalt Vila, which translates as ‘High City’ in the local dialect. Dating back over 2,500 years, Ibiza Old Town is an ancient walled city positioned on a hilltop overlooking the port, with a famous clifftop cathedral at its uppermost point. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila’s picture-perfect whitewashed buildings and winding cobbled streets are a living piece of history that reflect the island’s fascinating and varied cultural heritage.

With a comfortable pair of shoes and camera at the ready, walk along any one of the roads that lead up to the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves while pausing to learn about the Old Town’s history from the informative plaques. Stop at the Church of Santo Domingo to buy some typical Ibizan sweets and red pepper ‘coca’ made by the convent’s nuns, or pop into a boutique to purchase stylish, locally crafted souvenirs like woven baskets, ceramics and linen kaftans.

There’s no better place to base your underwater exploration of the Balearic Islands than from a charter yacht, with your captain able to move anchorages as your curiosity commands. Snorkelling makes for a highly accessible family activity in Ibiza, while those who like to get a little closer to the action can pull on some scuba diving gear.

Not far from Ibiza Town, you will find the wreck of the 142m ship Don Pedro, which sank in 2007; already teeming with sea life, at 46m the deepest point of the wreck is only suitable for advanced divers, particularly if you wish to explore inside. For divers of all abilities, the Ses Margalides islands offers a wide choice of features to navigate including caves, crevasses, arches and tunnels spanning 15-45m depth.

To the east of Ibiza, the Lighthouse (in reality an immersed marine beacon) is suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving alike; from the rock platform you will find three separate dive sites ranging from 2-12m, with regular inhabitants including lobsters, barracuda and octopus.

Atlantis is the site of an old sandstone quarry that was used to build the fortification walls of Dalt Vila. Having cut away asymmetrical sections of the rock for construction purposes, the remaining deep holes filled with seawater to create majestic pools that are used today by adventurous visitors who come to swim and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The site can only be reached by hiking down a narrow pathway from the clifftops above, which helps to keep the crowds away.

Known locally as Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort, the mesmerising Atlantis was named after the mythical island and its sunken temples by a community of hippies who discovered and became enamoured by the cove in the 1960s. It remains as striking today as it was then, and is a fun must-see spot to visit during your Balearic Islands yacht charter; be sure to come early to enjoy Atlantis before the sun gets too hot and you are joined by other visitors.

The Aquarium Cap Blanc is surely one of the most beautifully located aquariums in the world, finding itself nestled in an underground cavern. Previously the site of a large lobster nursery, today you will find fishes, crustaceans and sea sponges native to the Mediterranean Sea on display in the aquarium’s 300qm ‘lake’, as well as in six tanks of various sizes to showcase smaller aquatic species.

The Aquarium Cap Blanc is also home to many recovering animals that are receiving treatment before they are released back into the wild, including many species of sea turtle. A fun and educational day out for all the family, it is a great activity for a day ashore during a yacht charter to Ibiza.

To the north of Ibiza in Puerto de San Miguel you will find the caves of Can Marçà. At 100,000 years old and 14m high, the caves have survived both glaciers and extreme temperatures, and at one point they were even used by smugglers to store contraband.

Enjoy a 30-minute tour of the caves of Can Marçà, including a waterfall light and sound show; as one of the most renowned attractions on the island, it is best to come early to avoid the crowds.

Discover more about our Mediterranean yacht charters and get ready to explore the wonders of the White Island this summer. Talk to one of our charter brokers about yachts cruising the Balearics.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.