Ibiza

Cala Benirras (Benirras Beach) is located on a small bay about 10 minutes drive from San Miguel. This little gem becomes very busy at the height of the summer tourist season - the clear water is great for swimming and snorkeling and the beach is lined with little bars and cafes serving delicious tapas and refreshing drinks – try ice-cold sangria for a true taste of the island. Every Sunday at sun set, a group of hippie drummers descends on the beach to entertain in true hippie fashion – everyone is welcome to join in. The sunset ritual commemorates a peace protest against the First Gulf War which took place on the beach in 1991.

Benirras Beach, Lugar Venda de Benirras 154, Ibiza 07815

The Ibiza Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE) is a must-see attraction for all art lovers. The museum is housed in a very interesting historic building which includes an underground archaeological complex which has unearthed ancient elements belonging to thousands of years of Ibiza history. The museum hosts regular temporary and visiting exhibitions as well as showcasing a wonderful permanent collection of art from the 1960’s to the present. Highlights of the collection include Carl van der Voort posters from the 1970’s, the Mari Ribas drawing collection and beautiful Japanese engravings from the 1972 Ibizagrafic Biennial. Other interesting displays include videos and photography.

Ibiza Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE), Zona Dalt Vila, Ronda de Narcis, Puget Vinas, Ibiza 07800, Phone: +34-971-30-27-23

Located on the south-western side of Ibiza, Cala Comte is one of the island’s most beautiful and popular beaches. You can drive to Cala Comte in just 15 minutes from San Antonio, but parking is notoriously difficult to find and you may be better off taking a ferry. The beach is famous for its crystal-clear water which makes it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The sands on this Blue Flag beach are clean and white and once you have found a spot to lay your towel you can enjoy beautiful views of the off-shore islands and the rich and famous on their fancy yachts. On-site facilities include umbrella and lounger hire as well as toilets and showers, great bars and restaurants.

Cala Comte, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza 07830

The Hippy Markets on Ibiza are one of the island’s most popular attractions. The markets offer a wide range of artisan crafts, hand-made clothing and jewelry and many other bits and pieces that you can take home to remind you of Ibiza. The markets are held all over the island – one of the most popular is the Las Dalias Night Market on Monday and Tuesday nights from June to September. On Wednesdays you can visit the Punta Arabi Market in Es Cana, while on Thursday it is the turn of the Cala Llonga Market during the day and the San Rafael Evening Market. You can check the website to see the latest days and hours.

Hippy Markets, Ibiza

Dalt Vila is Ibiza’s historic fortified Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you will find perched on a little hill overlooking Ibiza town. The Old Town (or Upper Town) is over 2,500-years old and was once the most powerful coastal city in the Mediterranean. Dalt Vila is a joy to explore on foot – as you make your way along the winding cobbled streets you will find surprises around every corner. You can pick up a map of Dalt Vila at the Tourist Office and wander around at your own pace or, better still, join a guided walking tour. Highlights include the Renaissance city walls, the beautiful city gates (with stone draw-bridge) and the main square, Plaza de Vila.

Dalt Vila, Ibiza 07800

The Puig des Molins Necropolis and the Monographic Museum forms part of the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera (MAEF). The hill is named for the windmills which were built there in the 14th century. The ancient Phoenicians, who were the founders of Ibiza, decided that this hill would be a fitting place to bury the dead. The necropolis has undergone many archaeological excavations since the early 1900’s and much of the remarkable collection of artifacts is on display in the Monographic Museum. Taking a tour of the necropolis will take you on a fascinating journey back in time to learn about the burial rites, traditions and culture of the ancients.

Puig des Molins Necropolis, Via Romana 31, Ibiza, 07800, Phone: +34-971-17-60-90

Es Vedra is a tall rocky island which lies off the south-western coast of Ibiza island. There are all manner of myths and legends about the rock and many locals will tell you that it is magical. Es Vedra is the largest of a cluster of similar rocky islands which form part of an uninhabited off-shore nature reserve. You can get a good view of the 400-meter high rock from the Cala d’Hort beach, a popular viewpoint where many locals gather to meditate and practice yoga. If you would like a closer look there are a few options. You can charter a boat or sign up for a boat trip (glass-bottom boats tours are available) from Port Magnus in San Antonio. Guided kayak excursions to the rock are also a possibility.

Es Vedra, Cala d’Hort, Ibiza Town, Ibiza 07800