Ibiza beyond the clubs: 10 can’t-miss experiences

Despite its glitzy reputation as the ultimate European destination for clubbers, Ibiza—the third-largest Balearic island, located off the coast of Spain—offers much more than an endless party. With a documented history that dates back at least as far as the Phoenicians in 654 B.C., the island has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for culture and biodiversity and remains a bastion of idyllic beaches, pine forests, and architectural landmarks. (Explore 10 family-friendly World Heritage sites around the world.)

Here’s how to experience Ibiza beyond the dance floor.

For the thrill-seeker

Fearless travelers seeking adventures on the water can try flyboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing, but nothing beats racing off a cliff and plunging feet first into the island’s crystal-clear waters. The west coast coves of Cala Tarida and Cala Bassa are popular spots for diving. After catching your breath from all the activity, relax on the white sand beaches with a well-deserved cocktail.

Trip tip: Rockid Ibiza Outdoor arranges adrenaline-pumping excursions around the island, including cliff-jumping with instructors.

For the hiker

Climb Ibiza’s highest peak, Sa Talaia, for peak views of traditional whitewashed Ibicenco homes, verdant pine forests, and panoramas of Sant Antoni Bay. Start the trek to the summit—roughly 5.5 miles round trip—a few hours before dusk to watch the sky turn a kaleidoscope of purples, pinks, and yellows as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Trip tip: Before beginning the hike, veer off Sa Talaia Street to visit the Can Jeroni Cultural Center for art exhibitions featuring regional paintings, sculptures, and photography.

For the explorer

A mystical landscape of asymmetrical walls, intriguing carvings, and natural seawater pools, the secluded Atlantis beach transformed from a 16th-century stone quarry into an explorer’s playground during the 1960s hippie movement. Officially known as Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort, the quarry yielded stones to build iconic Ibizan structures such as the Dalt Vila and Eivissa Castle. Travelers can dive alongside native flora and fauna and enjoy uninterrupted views of Es Vedrà, a rocky limestone formation rising from the sea. (Bliss out on one of Europe’s best beaches.)

Trip tip: The trek to the lost city takes perseverance. From Cala d’Hort beach, take Highway Cala d’Hort to Torre des Savinar until you reach a parking lot. From there, walk through the rough terrain to reach Atlantis.

For the historian

Blending Moorish and medieval architecture, Dalt Vila, or Old Town, is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets that offers a glimpse of history. Make your way toward Eivissa Castle, perched on Dalt Vila’s highest peak; this UNESCO site, constructed over a thousand-year period, includes the former governor’s residence, military barracks, and gatehouse tower.

Trip tip: Visit during the second weekend in May for the Medieval Festival, when acrobats perform jaw-dropping tricks on the castle walls for crowds dressed in medieval garb.

For families

Those traveling with children shouldn’t miss the Aquarium Cap Blanc, located in an underground cavern that originally exported lobsters to Barcelona and other regional cities. These days the cave provides a home for Mediterranean sea creatures including starfish and rainbow wrasse. Since the site has optimal water quality thanks to the tides don’t be surprised to spot sea turtles carefully tended through the Recovery Center of Marine Species initiative.

Trip tip: Pack a picnic and head to Caló el Moro, a small beach where children can splash around in shallow waters and build sand castles.

For the soul-searcher

The island’s carefree spirit attracts yogis and wellness gurus looking to unwind and connect with nature. Whether you celebrate your private practice on the beach or spend a week at a retreat, you are in the right place to find bliss. (Read how nature affects our overstressed brains.)

Trip tip: Several yoga studios host retreats focused on daily practice, workshops, teacher training, and revitalization therapy, including Ibiza Retreats, with all-female trips, or Wild Soul Retreat, which combines yoga and adventure excursions around the island.

For the foodie

Savor Ibiza’s approach to Spanish flavors with meals such as zarzuela de mariscos, a mouthwatering shellfish stew made with saffron-infused stock and fresh vegetables, or fideua, a paella-like dish made with noodles instead of rice. Ibizan wine, influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, uses Monastrell, Garnacha, and Malvasia grapes to produce a flavor well-suited to the island’s Mediterranean palate. Finish your meals with a chupito (shot) of hierbas ibicencas—a savory-sweet liqueur blended with wild herbs and aniseed.

Trip tip: After exploring Ibiza Town’s medieval streets, refuel on Ibizan and Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurante Arrocería Es Arcs or sample wine at Can Rich de Buscatell in Sant Antoni de Portmany.

For the music-lover

Feel the sand between your toes at one of the several beaches stretched around the island, including Benirrás beach, a 10-minute drive from San Miguel. Sundays from June to early October bring the local tradition of bongo drummers descending onto the beach to “drum down the sunset.”

Trip tip: Be warned: Roads to the beach are closed after 4 p.m. during drum season, so ditch the car and hop on the bus from the Sa Plana car park.

For the fashionista

Hippie markets quickly became part of the Ibizan culture when artists and designers flocked to the island during the 1960s. For that one-of-a-kind souvenir browse the handmade jewelry, colorful clothing, and exotic textiles at Hippy Market Punta Arabí or Las Dalias Hippy Market.

Trip tip: During the summer, Las Dalias Hippy Market holds an exclusive night market for select artisans.

For the Instagrammer

Although it’s technically not a part of Ibiza, nearby Formentera—the smallest of the Balearic islands—is too beautiful to miss. A popular day trip reached by a 35-minute ferry ride, the small island is a refuge of uncrowded and gorgeous beaches.

Trip tip: Look to the easternmost tip of the island to find a picture-perfect spot with sweeping ocean views, plunging cliffs, and El Faro de la Mola, the tallest and oldest lighthouse on the island.

Related: 20 of Europe’s best beaches

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Gozo, MaltaGozo is only a 25-minute ferry ride from Malta, but the scenery couldn’t be more different. The island’s interior—one-third Malta’s size—is scattered with farmhouses, baroque churches, and 5,500-year-old stone temples, while the rugged coastline gives way to some of Europe’s best dive sites, such as the famous Blue Hole, one of the filming locales for Game of Thrones. (Here are five must-do activities in Malta.)

Photograph by Ken Scicluna, Getty Images