What to do in Ibiza during the day, before the discos and beach clubs kidnap tourists with their promises of fun and craziness? Before you indulge in the transgressive Ibizan nightlife, or if nightlife just isn’t for you, you can fill the daytime hours of your holiday on the White Island with exciting excursions and activities.
The sea is the big star of summer in Ibiza, to be experienced as a gentle background noise while basking in the sun on one of the island’s beautiful beaches or as a spectacular view from a sailboat or catamaran. To experience it to the fullest, whizz along the surface of the water on a jet ski or under the surface on an underwater seascooter; if these activities are a bit too much for you, opt for something more relaxing like a snorkelling tour.
Spend at least one afternoon sightseeing in Ibiza Town and then explore the length and breadth of the island with a hire car, stopping off at the most characteristic villages or the most popular resorts.
An unexpected pleasure in Ibiza is buying souvenirs, thanks to the many lively handicraft markets scattered all over the island. Another great pleasure is the typical cuisine, which you can try in the chic restaurants of Ibiza Town or in the traditional taverns of the smaller villages.
After doing so much during the day, you deserve a cocktail with a sunset view in one of Ibiza’s legendary sunset cafés.
The ferry from Ibiza to Formentera takes between 30 and 50 minutes and is fairly inexpensive, which is why many holidaymakers in Ibiza also choose to visit its smaller ‘little sister’ on a day trip.
Much less fashionable and transgressive than Ibiza, Formentera is a natural paradise, with enchanting beaches and a landscape dotted here and there with nostalgic windmills and romantic lighthouses overlooking the sea that will take you back in time.
Formentera is especially recommended for those who like to travel slowly. You can explore it by following one of the 32 green routes on foot, by bike or on horseback created by the local administration to introduce you to the island’s scenic and cultural beauty.
It’s quite true that Ibiza’s beaches, with their chic lounge beds, invite endless lazing about, but don’t miss the chance to explore the island’s picturesque coastline. With a boat trip, you can explore the most beautiful beaches and remote coves, diving straight into the crystal-clear waters that bathe the island.
For your boat excursion around Ibiza you can choose from a variety of boats including a trimaran, sailboat and speedboat; some cruises also stop at the beach or include lunch.
If, instead of beautiful sea and relaxation, you are looking for unbridled fun, book your boat party now, the boat excursion in full Ibiza style! You can’t say you’ve experienced Ibiza’s movida if you don’t take part in at least one of these music and drinks-based fun cruises: champagne showers and dives into the sea await, isn’t that a tempting combination?
With a predominantly youth-oriented tourist offer, it is not surprising that Ibiza is a paradise for active holidaymakers. From classic snorkelling tours to adrenalin-fuelled water sports, the White Island knows how to make you leave your deckchair under the parasol.
If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, a holiday in Ibiza could be the perfect opportunity thanks to the beginners’ diving tours, where a qualified instructor will teach you the basics and take you on a safe discovery of the fascinating underwater world.
If you are looking for something a little more energetic, there are plenty of activities to choose from, such as parasailing, jet skiing or submarine sea jumping. For an electrifying adventure with your friends, you can take a ride on the Jet Boat, a group jet ski that will make you feel its power and speed with its dizzying jumps.
Are you attracted by the beautiful beaches of Ibiza but think that it is not a suitable destination for families with children? You are wrong! Avoid resorts that overtly cater to nocturnal animals, such as San Antoni, and you will find several family-friendly beaches and activities dedicated to children such as water parks and adventure parks.
Just move away from the more crowded resorts or travel in the low season to discover a completely different Ibiza, immersed in nature, sly and atmospheric. The ideal thing is to explore it on foot by following one of the island’s nature trails: there are several, suitable for all levels of fitness.
Ibiza Town with its numerous shops and boutiques offers numerous shopping opportunities, but much more fun and original is shopping in the typical markets.
Various markets and craft fairs are organised all over the island where you can buy local products. The most famous is the hippy market in Es Canar (also known as Hippy Market Punta Arabi), whose origins date back to 1973, well before the advent of mass tourism!
It clashes with the image of Ibiza as the home of transgression and fun, but in reality the island with its beautiful natural landscapes is the ideal setting for yoga retreats, outdoor classes and holistic treatments.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and treat yourself to a massage in a spa centre or have a holistic therapist come to your hotel: the ‘therapist on demand’ service, with the masseur coming to you instead of you going to him or her, is very popular in Ibiza.
If you want to disconnect completely, you can even try a meditation class: if you can do it here, then you will be able to meditate anywhere!