Ibiza in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

When you hear Ibiza, the first thing that comes to mind may be the image of beautiful white sandy coves and wild parties until dawn, but Ibiza is so much more.

This mecca of hedonistic tourism is also known for its bohemian atmosphere and hippie markets, as well as its old town, which is worth admiring. So don't worry about a thing and let me guide you through this seven-day itinerary in which I'll tell you all there is to see and do in Ibiza.

First of all, I'm going to strongly recommend that if you have the chance, you hire a car to get around the island. Ibiza is quite small and easy to get around if you do it by car, as it is only 41 km long and about 15 km wide. This way, you will be able to move around at your leisure and discover all the secrets that the island hides.

The best way to get to know the city of Ibiza is to stroll through its streets on foot. So, for your first morning on the island, your plan is to take a walk from the historic centre to the La Marina neighbourhood.

After lunch in the city centre, you'll head to one of the liveliest beaches in Ibiza: Playa d'en Bossa, which has a host of activities to offer.

Start with a stroll along the highest part of the city.

We all know that the main tourist attraction in Ibiza is the beaches, but I can assure you that you won't regret it if you decide to invest some of your time in getting to know its history. To start your first day, I advise you to make an effort and leave early to take advantage of the cool of the morning and climb to the highest point of the capital: the Cathedral of the Virgin of the Snows, a particular construction that combines Gothic and Baroque styles and is built over an old Arab mosque.

Both the cathedral and the rest of the city centre are located at the top of Mount Puig de Vila and are surrounded by Renaissance-style walls known as Dalt Vila. Some of the architectural gems you can visit in this neighbourhood are the Almudaina Castle, the Church of Santo Domingo and the Portal del Ses Taules.

Continue your tour through the district of La Marina

At the end of the Dalt Vila neighbourhood, you will find the Ibizan neighbourhood of La Marina, which stretches all the way to the port.

This former neighbourhood of fishermen and harbour workers now has some of the busiest and liveliest streets in Ibiza, where you can find a wide variety of fashion shops, craft stalls, souvenirs, bars and restaurants. I encourage you to stroll around the streets, browse the stalls and, if you feel like it, have a drink on one of the terraces.

Make a stop for lunch at the oldest restaurant in Ibiza

Located in the La Marina neighbourhood is the legendary Bar San Juan, the oldest restaurant in Ibiza.

Although at first glance it may seem rather austere due to the simplicity of its premises, it is a fantastic place to eat if you are looking for traditional home-cooked food at a very economical price, especially considering the high prices on the island.

Another fun and interesting option for your tour of the capital is to book a gastronomic and cultural tour of Ibiza, where you'll be guided around the best culinary hotspots and get a taste of locally sourced food.

Discover Ibiza's liveliest beach

After a fabulous meal in the city centre, I'm going to ask you to take a trip to one of the most popular beaches: Playa d'en Bossa. Playa d'en Boss a is one of the longest beaches on the island with more than two and a half kilometres of fine golden sand.

There, you will find a festive atmosphere that never rests, although if you are looking for relaxation, you can lie on one of the Balinese beds in the numerous beach clubs, between umbrellas and chill out music played by DJs. If, on the other hand, you fancy a bit of action, you can choose from a host of water activities such as snorkelling, kayaking or renting a jet ski.

When it's getting close to dinner time, you can take a stroll around the abundant restaurants in the area, which offer a wide variety of gastronomic delights. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can always buy your dinner from one of the small takeaway street stalls.

If you're one of those who have come to Ibiza for the party, one option in the area is Ushuaïa, an exclusive club where the best-known international DJs perform. But it won't be cheap.

For your second day, I have prepared an expedition to two of the most beautiful coves on the island: Cala Vadella and Cala d'Hort. In the late afternoon, you will be able to enjoy the sunset from views that will make it an unforgettable experience, facing the islet of Es Vedrá. And finally, you will have the opportunity to stroll among the luxurious yachts and boats moored in the port of Ibiza.

Start the day in the tranquil Cala Vadella

Enveloped by a beautiful natural landscape, you will find Cala Vadella, a picture-perfect beach with white sand and transparent turquoise waters. One of the peculiarities of this beach is that it is located in a small sea inlet of barely 250 metres.

This means that the waters are always calm, shallow and protected from the tides, which makes it a fantastic plan to do with children in Ibiza. In addition, its calm waters make it perfect for water sports such as paddle surfing, diving and water skiing.

Change beaches and discover the Cala d'Hort beach

As you know, there are countless small and magnificent coves in Ibiza, so I recommend you visit more than one a day if you want to make the most of your trip. Cala d'Hort is just over ten minutes by car from Cala Vadella, so you won't waste much time on the journey.

It is a small cove just 150 metres long, protected by a rocky cliff and with marvellous views of the islet of Es Vedrà. Once there, I encourage you to treat yourself to a delicious local rice dish at the Es Boldadó restaurant, located at the top of the cliffs.

Admire the sunset from La Torre des Savinar

La Torre des Savinar, also known as Torre del Pirata, is located very close to Cala d'Hort, on a high cliff. This tower was formerly used as a watchtower and from it they supervised that no enemy approached the pirate ships that docked there, hence its name.

Although the aim is to get there to watch the sunset, I recommend that you leave in advance, as it is a walk that will take you some time and it would be a shame to miss the spectacle.

To get there, you will have to take the road that goes from Es Cubells to Cala d'Hort. At one of the highest points on the road, when you see the top of Es Vedrà, you should see a path towards the sea with a sign for Torre de Es Savinar. You can drive a few metres along this path, but the last part of the way will have to be done on foot along a signposted path and will take about 30 minutes.

Once there, enjoy the incredible views of the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell illuminated by the faint golden light of the sunset.

End the day with dinner and perhaps some partying in Ibiza harbour

After watching the sunset and retracing your steps back to the car, you can head back to Ibiza Town. And for the evening, your plan is to stroll around the port of Ibiza, a lively area of the city where the most exclusive restaurants, pubs and nightclubs are concentrated.

You can also see the famous nightclub parades, one of the most famous shows of the night. Another option would be to stroll through the craft markets, where you can find jewellery, records, clothes, caricatures and much more.

For dinner, I recommend the Calma Restaurant. I must admit that it won't be cheap, but its fantastic views of the illuminated harbour make it worth it. What's more, its dishes are among the best rated of the restaurants in the area.

Finally, if you fancy a bit of partying, this is where you'll find Ibiza's most iconic nightclub, Pacha. If you want to get to know the Ibizan party scene, you won't want to miss the chance to go to this legendary nightclub. But watch out for a hangover, because tomorrow there are more exciting plans in store for you.

For the third day of your trip, I have prepared for you a visit to a mysterious cave hidden inside a cliff. Afterwards, you'll head to the Cala de Benirrás, where if you're lucky you'll be able to see one of the most admired sights on the island.

Visit the thousand-year-old Cave of Can Marça

In the cliffs of Port de Sant Miquel, you will find the Cave of Can Marça, a cave more than 100,000 years old that hides hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as waterfalls and streams of water.

To get to the entrance you will have to pass by a viewpoint with privileged views where there is also a small bar with a terrace, where you may want to have a drink while you look out over the sea. The access is at a height of no less than 14 metres and to enter you will have to cross a staggered path between the cliffs.

A guide is essential for this visit, but you can buy tickets at the door, so it is not necessary to do so in advance.

• Where: Port de Sant Miguel. In the north of the island.

• Opening times: daily in winter (November to April): 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Every day in summer (May to October): 10:30 to 19:30 h.

• Price: from 12€.

Discover the small but extraordinary Benirrás Cove

Less than ten minutes by car from the Cueva de Can Marça, you will find the small Cala de Benirrás, which is only 150 metres long. This beautiful Ibizan cove is embraced by rock walls on either side.

As it is a bay, it is protected from the waves, and its waters are completely crystalline and have a rocky bottom. These characteristics make it an ideal place to enjoy a snorkelling experience. Another peculiarity of this legendary beach is its rocky formation known as the**"finger of God**", a small islet located just a few metres from the coast.

Furthermore, if you travel to Ibiza during the summer, you can find a hippy market in this cove almost every day of the week, except Wednesdays and Thursdays.

When it comes to eating, you can enjoy the gastronomic offer offered by its restaurants overlooking the sea. Another option is to enjoy your meal in one of the beach bars located right on the beach. However, the main attraction of this cove is its romantic sunset and the spectacle of timbales and drums with which a group of hippies entertain those who are on the beach at this time of day.

Traditionally, the drumming party was held on Sundays each week, but due to the popularity of the ritual and the large crowds it attracts, you can now enjoy the show on other nights of the week if you come to this cove during the summer.

End the night at a place where dinner turns into a party

After sunset, your next stop on the tour is back to Ibiza. Once there, you can go to one of the city's most luxurious establishments, STK Ibiza, an exclusive restaurant which later becomes a nightclub.

There you can enjoy different shows, performances by the best-known DJs, crazy parties and an endless choice of cocktails and drinks for an unforgettable night out.

As you may already know, Ibiza attracts a large number of tourists whose sole objective is to experience the famous Ibizan parties, which could be considered, along with its beaches, as the island's star attraction. That's why, although in this guide I've prepared plans of all kinds and for all tastes, you can't leave Ibiza without experiencing a real day of partying.

Take part in a party on board a boat

To start your fourth day, I'm going to ask you to go back to Playa d'en Bossa. From there, you will have the opportunity to sail along the coast of Ibiza aboard the Oceanbeat.

This excursion includes an open bar, lunch, a professional photographer so that you have a souvenir of this wonderful day, champagne and a welcome aperitif. In addition, during the party you can enjoy live music by a DJ, and if you feel like it, a swim in the sea, as the boat makes a stop for those who want to cool off in the crystal clear waters.

In the evening, the boat will return the floating party back to the coast. However, the excursion also includes your choice of entry to one of the after parties, so you can party on well into the night.

One of the island's best known venues is Bora Bora, which holds a party on the return from your boat trip, so if you want to check out this famous nightclub this is the perfect time to do it.

For your fifth day, I have prepared for you a tour of various spots in the northernmost part of the island. To begin with, you'll start with a visit to Cala Xarraca, known for having the clearest water on Ibiza. After a delicious menu based on typical local food, you will visit the small town of Portinatx. And finally, you can watch the sunset from the Faro des Moscarter lighthouse.

Visit a new cove in the north of the island

The small golden sandy beach of Cala Xarraca is located between two cliffs and is situated in front of a stone islet. Its most outstanding feature is the clarity of its waters, which makes it an ideal place for diving.

The cove is divided into two sections, the first is the longest and is the one that leads to the beach. To reach the second section, you have to take a small path to the left. This last section is more hidden, which has led many people to take advantage of this place for nudism.

When it comes to eating, I recommend that you choose one of the restaurants specialising in fish and take the opportunity to try one of the island's typical dishes: Bullit de peix, a fish stew accompanied by potatoes and rice "a banda".

Discover the popular tourist resort of Portinatx

The town of Portinatx is a small urban complex located on a rocky area on the north coast of the island. Although it is quite a popular area, the atmosphere is quieter than on other beaches on Ibiza.

In the bay of Portinatx, you will find three different beaches: S'Arenal Gros, the largest of them all, S'Arenal Petit, the most private, and Playa Porto, the quietest of the three.

Once you get tired of sunbathing on any of the beaches, you can have a drink on the stunning sea view terrace of the Hotel Los Enamorados.

As sunset approaches, I recommend a hiking route to the Faro des Moscarter lighthouse. To get there, you will have to take a path through the forest and it will take you a little over half an hour. Once there, you can enjoy the wonderful spectacle of watching the sunset from this spot.

On the way to Ibiza Town, you can stop for dinner at the charming Om Sweet Home - Sabores Naturales Restaurant in Sant Joan de Labritja.

On your sixth day of your trip, your plan will begin with a boat tour that, among many other activities, will take you to two of Ibiza's most famous coves. At the end of the tour, you can witness one of the most beautiful sunsets from the Café del Mar.

Start with a boat tour

Ibiza has countless coves and natural spaces to visit, but unfortunately, holidays don't usually last as long as we would like them to. For this reason, I recommend that you book a boat tour that starts in Sant Antoni de Portmany and stops, among other places, at Calas Salada and Saladeta.

This way, you'll be able to cover more ground in one day and, what's more, you'll do it on an exclusive boat with beautiful views of the coast of Ibiza. And if that wasn't enough, this tour includes a snack, entrance to the Cap Blanc Aquarium, drinks and snorkelling equipment, in case you want to try your hand at this water sport.

Have a cocktail at Ibiza's most famous café

Once you're back on the coast, you can take advantage of being in Sant Antoni de Portmany to take a stroll to the Café del Mar, the island's most famous place to watch the sunset.

After watching the magnificent sunset from the café, you can have a cocktail, or as many as you like. You also have the option of dining on the beautiful terrace, although the prices are not cheap. A tip is to book before you go, as it tends to get quite busy, especially at sunset.

To end the night, I recommend that you take a stroll through the town centre of Sant Antoni, as it is an area with a great atmosphere where you can find a large number of pubs and discos. One of the best-known clubs is Éden.

You can't leave Ibiza without visiting one of its famous Ibizan street markets, so for your last day, your first visit will be to the Mercadillo de las Dalias. For lunch, you'll stop at the beautiful Cala Jondal, and to end the day, I've prepared a paddle surfing excursion to watch the sunset.

Buy a souvenir at Ibiza's most famous flea market

The Las Dalias flea market is located in San Carlos, which was the birthplace of the hippies in the 1960s. More than fifty years later, their mark can still be felt in this flea market located in a rural setting surrounded by trees.

In the summer season, which runs from June to September, the market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00-11:00 am. However, if it doesn't coincide with the dates of your trip, don't worry, as the market is open all year round, although you will have to check the opening hours.

In this market you can find a wide range of products, such as clothes, decoration, jewellery, handicrafts, books and musical instruments, among many others. It is the perfect place if you want to buy a gift or a souvenir of your trip to take with you.

One of its peculiarities is that you can even find performances by music groups and other shows. It also has a restaurant, a tapas bar, several drink bars and small food stalls.

Visit Cala Jondal and eat at a fantastic beach bar

Once you've bought all the souvenirs, and why not, whims, that you liked at the Las Dalias flea market, I'm going to ask you to go to Cala Jondal. This beach is known for being one of the few beaches in Ibiza with large pebbles, as well as for its lively locals.

Once there, as well as having a swim and relaxing on your last day at the beach, I invite you to eat at the beautiful Casa Jondal beach bar, a gastronomic space where they serve delicious homemade food. The restaurant's speciality is seafood dishes.

Say goodbye to Ibiza with a sunset by the sea

I have prepared a very special plan for your last few hours on the island. Once you've had your meal, you'll have to head for Playa d'en Bossa, as that's where the sunset paddle surfing tour I've prepared for you starts.

On this tour, you'll take a relaxing paddle surfing trip in which you 'll visit different coves and caves until sunset. And if the views of the sunset from Ibiza's beaches are already impressive, imagine seeing it from the sea!

When you finish the tour, you'll return to Playa d'en Bossa. There, you can decide if you want to rest for your return journey, or if, on the contrary, you fancy one last party on Ibiza's most lively beach.