Article published on May 21, 2014 in LF Guides
A Guide to Ibiza: renowned for its beautiful countryside, sandy coves and international party scene
Ibiza has been attracting the alternative set for years and is renowned for having some of the best nightclubs in the world.
However, the island also boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean, with dozens of hidden coves to discover, some excellent restaurants, independent and designer shops as well as some of the most striking contemporary architecture you will see anywhere in Spain.
The island has a growing reputation as a destination for lovers of agroturismo and also offers some of the most stylish boutique hotels in Europe as well as several 5-star hotels.
Beaches
Cala Gracio, San Antonio
Cala Gracio is situated within walking distance of San Antonio in the west of the island and boasts delicate sands and pristine water. This private and secluded beach is not overlooked, even by the nearby hidden hotels, and is the perfect beach for children, with many rocky areas to explore. There is also a beach bar serving snacks all day.
Cala Conta, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
15 minutes’ drive from San Antonio, Cala Conta is considered one of the best beaches on the island with its fabulous views of the surrounding coastline, beautiful turquoise waters and amazing sunsets. There are two stretches of sand, one backed by a rocky coastline and the other by sand dunes. There is also an unofficial nudist area in a small cove at the far end of the beach.
Cala Llenya, San Carlos
Cala Llenya is situated 10 minutes’ drive from San Carlos in the north east of the island. Its boasts fine white sands and gently shelving waters making it a safe beach for children. Surrounded by a sloping pine forest, it also offers excellent water sports facilities and several beach bars.
Las Salinas, Ibiza Town
Named after the famous salt pans in the south of Ibiza, the beach at Las Salinas is situated at the southern most tip of the island, 10 minutes’ drive from Ibiza Town. It is the ‘in’ beach during the summer months and attracts a beautiful and wealthy crowd. This long, wide beach is surrounded by pine forests, and boasts crystal clear turquoise waters and lots of funky beach restaurants.
Cala d’Hort, San José
Situated at the end of a steep road, Cala d’Hort is one of Ibiza’s most magical and laid back beaches. Surrounded by beautiful pine trees, this magnificent arc-shaped beach boasts a fantastic view of the famous island of Es Vedrà and incredible sunsets.
Restaurants
Lío Ibiza
Situated on the waterfront in Ibiza’s luxury marina, Lío Ibiza is a cabaret supper club created by the owners of Pacha that provides one of the most original and glamorous dining experiences in the world. From the amazing Japanese Robata grill and the breathtaking views of Dalt Vila across the port, to the Burlesque performers, musicians and acrobats, Lío Ibiza provides the ultimate in decadent dining.
Paseo Juan Carlos 1
Ibiza
+34 971 310 022
Es Xarcu, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
One of Ibiza’s hidden gems, Ex Xarcu is situated in a small and tranquil bay in the south of the island at the bottom of a rough, steep path. Offering fantastic wines and exquisite fresh fish, Es Xarcu is not cheap but definitely worth the money. After lunch you can have a swim in the crystal clear blue waters or relax on the sun beds that are provided free of charge by the restaurant. A pick-up service is also available for those arriving by boat.
Porroig
Sant Josep de sa Talaia
Ibiza
+34 971 187 867
Amante Beach Club
Perched on a cliff in an idyllic spot overlooking the Sol d’en Serra bay, one of the most beautiful coves on the east coast of Ibiza, the Amante Beach Club offers a fresh, contemporary Mediterranean menu and exquisite cocktails. Luxurious day beds, stunning views and excellent service make Amante the perfect place for a light lunch or a romantic evening at the “Amante Table”, a table for two set within a Balinese hut. A tender service is also provided for those arriving by sea.
Sol d’en Serra
C/Fuera s/n
07850 Santa Eulalia des Riu
Ibiza
+34 971 196 176
El Chringuito, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
One of the island’s most beautiful beach restaurants, El Chringuito is dedicated to more than just comfort and style, priding itself on the care and quality of its simple, honest and great tasting food. Each meal starts with home baked bread, followed by incredibly fresh fish, organic vegetables and free range meats.
Playa Es Cavallet
07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia
Ibiza
+34 971 395 485
Can Curreu, San Carlos
This excellent restaurant is located in a charming and rural hotel in San Carlos. It is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening dining on exquisite food in a beautiful and peaceful setting.
Ctra San Carlos Km 12
07840 Santa Eulalia des Riu
Ibiza
+34 971 335 280
Es Restaurant, Cala Nova
Situated on the beautiful Cala Nova beach with its crystal clear waters, Es Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy an incredible selection of Mediterranean dishes in an unbeatable location. This chic restaurant attracts an uber cool crowd, confirming its reputation as “the” place to be on the island’s east coast.
Cala Nova
Ibiza
+34 971 078 228
www.atzaro.com/the-beach/the-restaurant
Bars
Anita’s Bar, San Carlos
Located opposite the church in the beautiful village of San Carlos in the north east of the island, in Plaza de la Iglesia, Anita’s Bar is a favourite with both locals and tourists.
Known as the “first hippy bar” on the island, its roots stem from the days, back in the 60s, when writers, artists and musicians used to gather in its charming vine-covered courtyard, often playing musical instruments, whilst enjoying delicious tapas and a glass of Anita’s own special hierbas (island liqueur). Anita has long since retired but her eponymous bar remains offering mouthwatering, authentic Spanish food and the best hierbas on the island.
Plaza de la Iglesia
Sant Carles de Peralta
Santa Eulalia des Riu
Ibiza
+34 971 335 090
Lo Cura, Ibiza Town
Located in the backstreets of Ibiza Town, just behind the port, Lo Cura is a local’s favourite. It is open all year round, with closing time being as arbitrary as its passing occupants. Drinks are inexpensive (although everything is relative in Ibiza), but the cocktails are of the highest quality, as are the local resident DJs that drop by to play an eclectic mix of tunes. Hang around long enough, and you might even get to hear some real island gossip.
C/Antonio Marí Ribas 4
Ibiza Town
Ibiza
+34 971 193 640
Rock Bar, Ibiza Port
Not to be confused with anything relating to the Ibiza Rocks guys, this is the original Rock Bar, although it is very unlikely that you will ever hear any actual rock music here, with the likes of Groove Armada playing for free, as well as the cream of the island’s DJs before they move on to play in front of thousands at the super clubs later on. Situated right next to Base Bar in the port, clubbers and party goers move between the two and watch the exotic parades from the big clubs go past. The ever present “hostess with the mostess”, Beverley, is always on hand with a smile and some handy Ibiza advice.
C/Cipriano Garijo 14
07800 Ibiza Town
Ibiza
+34 971 310 129
Sa Trinxa, Las Salinas Beach
Jon Sa Trinxa started this beach bar with his brother back in the 70s, with the intention of offering good food, good service, and good music on one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. And this continues right to this day. Located at the end of Las Salinas Beach, past the more expensive beach bars, Malibu and Jockey Club, Sa Trinxa is where you can find the most hedonistic of the Ibiza clan, chilling out on the sand and the rocks by the clear blue waters, taking in that old school Ibiza vibe, and enjoying healthy food. A place to enjoy both the wildest of natural settings and a fair few statuesque bodies to boot.
Sa Trinxa
Playa de Ses Salines
Ibiza
+34 637 826 183
Nightclubs
Pacha
Probably the most famous nightclub chain in the world, Pacha Ibiza is the original and the best of them all. Many clubs come and go, but Pacha is a mecca for clubbers all over the world and will always be at the top of the Ibiza party-goer’s To Do List. Pacha is the only club that opens during the winter in Ibiza, and is open seven days a week in the summer, with such mainstay nights as David Guetta’s, Flower Power and Bob Sinclar. Split over many levels, with several bars, a sushi restaurant, a Funky Room, a Global Room, and an amazing terrace, Pacha is the best of the best.
Avenida 8 de Agosto s/n
Ibiza
+34 971 313 612
DC-10
If you like to take your clubbing experience to a darker place, then DC10 is the place to go. Situated just under the flight path close to Ibiza airport, this club is pretty basic, with an outside area, two inside rooms, and no seats! DC-10 is famous for its Monday “Circoloco” parties which last all day and long into the night, as well as their one off New Year’s Day bonanza. As the sunlight enters the club’s main dance area when the night is turning into morning, you will soon realise you are in another world. Brace yourself for a full on hedonistic experience.
Paseo de Vara de Rey 9
07800 Ibiza
+34 971 393 495
http://dc10-ibiza.ibiza-clubs.net
Amnesia
Amesia is another classic Ibizan institution, going back almost as far as Pacha. Once an open air venue where the now famous Alfredo learnt his trade, it is recognised around the world as a clubbing trademark of quality (winning World Club of the Year in 2012). This venue lies on the road from Ibiza Town to San Antonio. The world’s most popular DJs such as Marco Carola, Tiësto, Danny Tenaglia, Danny Rampling, Laurent Garnier and Carl Cox are just some of the legendary stars that have entered the DJ Booth over the years. Sven Väth’s Cocoon and Cream are two famous parties held in Amnesia (with Cocoon selling out Monday nights to rammed audiences for over 10 years). Whether you are a party lover, or an Ibiza island enthusiast, Amnesia is a must – just don’t stand too close to the ice cannons!
Ctra Ibiza a San Antonio Km 5
07816 San Rafael
Ibiza
+34 971 198 041
Privilege
It is alleged that Privilege holds the record of being the biggest club in the world with a capacity of over 10,000 people. With ceilings over 25m high and a huge swimming pool in the middle of the main dance floor, it has to be seen to be believed. Every night is different and changes every year, with the infamous Manumission running for 10 years, and various artists such as Tiësto stepping into the DJ booth to blow you away with the huge sound system and laser and light shows. Privilege is located between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, and its glowing glass dome and light cannon can be seen from miles around.
Urbanización San Rafael s/n
07816 San Rafael
Ibiza
+34 971 198 160
Underground
Underground lies between Amnesia and Privilege in a beautiful location. It does not advertise, and is more of a word of mouth venue. A much more intimate club than the well known superclubs, “U” is very popular with island residents as well as tourists. Entry is normally free and includes a drink. You will find the friendliest, in the know and up for it crowd on the island here.
Ctra San Antonio – Ibiza Km 7
07816 San Rafael
Ibiza
+34 971 198 015
Shopping Areas/Centres
Las Dalias Market, San Carlos
With over 200 stalls offering everything from handmade clothing and jewellery, and crafts made out of recycled materials to soaps and natural perfumes, Las Dalias Market has become a must-see for both locals and tourists alike. Over 20,000 people visit the market every Saturday all year round, and it has become so popular that night markets are now set up too, usually on a Monday and Tuesday night.
Plaza del Parque, Ibiza Town
The charming tree-lined Plaza del Parque is an elegant shopping area, home to boutique stores selling designer items including clothes, gifts and jewellery.
Ibiza Nueva Marina
With many boutiques offering haute couture, shoes, handbags and accessories to die for, the island’s upmarket Ibiza Nueva Marina is more than a mooring for exotic yachts. Shop til you drop, then eat, drink and watch the beautiful people pass by.
Sluiz, Santa Gertrudis
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Sluiz is a wonderful warehouse style store offering everything you could ever wish for including the funkiest furniture and home decoration with a twist, as well as original and unique clothes. More than just a shop, this fabulous Dutch store also boasts a coffee, juice and cocktail bar and a lovely restaurant.
Ctra Ibiza – Sant Miquel Km 4
Ibiza
+34 971 931 208
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town offers something for everyone in terms of style, taste and budget, from vintage and one-off made-in-Ibiza pieces to numerous high street brands such as Mango and Zara. For those up early on a Saturday morning, there is also the San Jordi market, a cross between a flea market, a car boot sale and a hippy market.
Sports Centres/Activities
Nirvana Fitness Centre
Nirvana has two locations, one in Sant Jordi and one in Playa d’en Bossa overlooking the Mediterranean. The first offers a full schedule of aerobics classes such as step, cardio, toning, strength training and cycling, as well as yoga and pilates classes and dance classes including tango and samba. It also has a full beauty centre offering numerous beauty and spa treatments. The second location on the beach is only a gym but the fabulous views are enough to motivate anyone.
Sant Jordi
Centro Comercial Can Mariano Palerm
Ibiza
+34 971 308 856
Playa d’en Bossa
C/Algarb 8
Ibiza
+34 971 394 371
SUP Boat Ibiza
Stand up paddle surfing is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage, where a paddle is used to propel an individual across the surface of the water while standing on a surfboard. Located in San Antonio on the west coast of the island, SUP Boat Ibiza offers beginners and well-experienced paddlers the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Ibiza, stroke by stroke.
Avenida Dr Fleming
07820 San Antonio
Ibiza
+34 666 255 803
Hot Yoga Ibiza
Hot Yoga Ibiza is a yoga centre on the outskirts of Ibiza Town, open all year round and attracting locals and holidaymakers alike. Hot yoga is a demanding series of 26 postures (asanas) and 2 breathing exercises (pranayamas), suitable for all ages and levels of ability.
C/Corono 1 1ª
07800 Ibiza
+34 971 194 241
Punta Dive
Punta Dive was established in 1987 and has grown to become one of the leaders in dive education in Spain. With four dive bases strategically located around the island, Punta Dive’s highly trained professionals can take you to the best sites the Mediterranean has to offer. Punta Dive also provides free transfers from anywhere on the island.
Cala Martina
Ibiza
+34 971 336 726
Ibiza Club de Campo
Founded in 1975, this sports and social club was originally a tennis club but now offers numerous activities such as swimming, squash, football and padel. Located on the road from Ibiza Town to San José, on a large plot of 30,000m², the Ibiza Club de Campo boasts 7 tennis courts, a swimming pool, squash court, football pitch and 4 padel courts.
Ctra San José Km 4
Ibiza
+34 971 300 088
Golf Clubs
Club de Golf Ibiza
Founded in 1992 and located just 7km from the capital of Ibiza, halfway between the towns of Santa Eulalia and Jesús, Club de Golf Ibiza offers a new 18-hole course as well as an older, slightly easier, 9-hole course which previously belonged to the now-closed Club de Golf de Roca Llisa. Both courses combine to form a unique 27-hole course, the only one on the Balearic Islands.
Ctra Jesús a Cala Llonga
07840 Santa Eulalia
07080 Ibiza
+34 971 196 118
City Sights
Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town
Dalt Vila, the old town of Ibiza, is accessed via a long, cobbled ramp and a drawbridge through the Portal de Ses Taules which is flanked by imposing roman stone statues. There is much to explore but two highlights are the14th Century Cathedral of Santa Maria D’Eivissa which overlooks the town and provides a stunning view of the harbour, and the Necropolis of Puig des Molins, a vast, thousand year old cemetery with over 3,000 burial chambers.
Dalt Vila’s beautiful architecture and network of cobbled streets and interconnecting walls have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Teatro Pereira
In a quiet Dalt Vila back street, the legendary Teatro Pereira is a relaxing, wood-beamed espresso bar in the day, but transforms by night into a buzzing music venue offering live jazz, soul, funk, blues and Latin music.
Outside, the white arcade gives the feel of an early 20th Century New Orleans jazz house, providing a sense of occasion that continues inside with lush red velvet, grand chandeliers and a comfortable elevated lounge above the stage and dance floor.
C/Conde de Rosselló 3
07800 Ibiza
+34 971 304 432
Es Vedrà
This mysterious, magical limestone rock off Ibiza’s south west coast is an impressive 400m high and the perfect place for a daytime cruise, a spot of trekking or a spectacular sunset. Largely uninhabited except for a few wild goats and the endangered Eleanora’s falcon, the rock’s attraction is as literal as it is spiritual, with many believing it is the third most magnetic spot in the world.
Marina Botafoch
Marina Botafoch, on the north side of Ibiza’s port, is home to the island’s regular jetsetting crowd, and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling around the quays and jetties. By night, the excellent bars and restaurants provide a fantastic view of the port as the sun goes down and the nightlife begins.
Paseo Marítimo s/n
7800 Ibiza
+34 971 311 557
Ses Salines Natural Park
The beautiful Ses Salines Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to hundreds of protected bird and plant species. Situated between the south of Ibiza and the north of Formentera, it comprises nearly 14,000 hectares of islets, sand dunes and salt flats along with some of Ibiza’s most pristine, unspoilt beaches and calm crystal waters.
