It’s impossible to talk about the best nightlife cities without mentioning Ibiza, the number one party city in the world–but there is a lot more to do in Ibiza than party into the night. This Balearic While Island in Spain is known for its hedonistic vibes, pulsating Balearic sounds, and party scene, but also has many places to have some fun-in-the-sun and is great for a family holiday.
The White Island of Spain has many faces, from relaxation and natural beauty, unending parties and celebrations, haute cuisine and luxury shopping, or anything in between, in Ibiza the choice is yours.
Like me, most travelers who visit Ibiza for the first time are surprised by Ibiza’s colors: green, blue and white. The pine-tree-covered hills and the coves and beaches with beautiful shades of blue explain the first two colors, but why white? Keep reading to find out why Ibiza is called the White Island.
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Why is Ibiza called the White Island, La Isla Blanca?
It was in the 40s when Ibiza started to be known as the “white island” when it was used as a tourism slogan, but this wasn’t the first time this name had been used as it dates back to the early 20th century. According to an article in the Diario de Ibiza newspaper, La Isla Blanca (The White Island), the multi-faceted Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol coined this name after his trip to the island in August 1912, when he described Mallorca as “the island of calm” and Ibiza as “the white island”. Not only is this description still alive after more than a century, but it has also become one of the island’s best slogans.
In the 1970s, the work of the Ibizan seamstresses on women’s shirts and petticoats started to draw the attention of the island’s visitors. The white petticoats and camisoles worn by the country’s women, along with espadrilles, straw baskets, and hats, soon captivated travelers and became another icon of Ibiza, reinforcing the name of the “white island.”
Best things to do in Ibiza (Eivissa)
Explore Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s historic center
With its cobbled streets with laundry-strewn balconies, Ibiza Town (Eivissa) is a stylish and elegant capital with a magical, fortified World Heritage–listed old quarter topped by a castle and cathedral. Set against a spectacular natural harbor, the magnificent fortified historical core was originally settled by the Phoenicians. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site back in 1999.
You can wander through the 16th-century ramparts until you reach the elegant hilltop cathedral (which is of 14th-century Catalan Gothic origin) and millennium-old castle. Visit on a weekday if you want the place to yourself.
Best Es Vedra & Sunsets viewpoints in Ibiza
Chasing sunsets in Ibiza makes for a fun pastime if you are not here for the techno beats and party scene alone. The Balearic Sea blends into a fiery orange-pink sunset in Ibiza every night. Walk up to the 18th-century Torre des Savinar watchtower to see the show over the mysterious islet of Es Vedrà, off southwest Ibiza’s golden-ochre cliffs. The sunset is equally magical from nearby Cala d’Hort.
On Sundays, Benirràs Beach on the north coast hosts a sunset drumming session. The vibe is surreal and they have a Sunday market to browse if you get there on time. Bring a blanket or picnic chairs.
Boho-chic Hostal La Torre and Sunset Ashram offer a cozy vibe, great food, a cozy restaurant, and a terrific view ideal for a lunch or a sunset aperitif. Good paella, and fish dishes, can be enjoyed on these sunset spots along the West Coast of Ibiza. There are many places to see the famous Ibiza sunset!
Dine by the Sea
On a sun-blessed Balearic day, nothing beats a long, fresh-seafood lunch at a low-key xiringuito (beach bar), where fuss-free grilled-fish platters mingle with Ibizan classics such as bullit de peix (spiced fish stew) and arròs a banda (rich seafood-infused rice). Our favorites Chiringuito de Aguas Blancas (on the east coast), and Fish Shack (near Ibiza Town). You’ll need to book ahead for the best places, and some are cash-only.
Aiyanna Ibiza, a serene beachfront restaurant on Cala Nova was one of our favorite spots for dining by the Sea in Ibiza. The drinks were delicious, the views gorgeous and the food healthy and tasty.
Wander the markets
Shop for local produce each morning at Ibiza Town’s lively 19th-century Mercat Vell, which bursts with just-baked bread, fresh flowers, Balearic cheeses, and other organic island treats. Most Ibizan towns host their own weekly farmers’ markets. On Sunday mornings in Sant Joan, musicians and craft stalls cram into the whitewashed village square, Benirràs Beach has a craft market till dusk when the sunset drumming takes over the beach.
Enjoy the nightlife & Dance into the night
few places rival Ibiza’s dance-until-dawn hype. Whether you are there to catch the world’s top DJs at glamorous Pacha, the original Ibiza club, or join the daytime clubbing scene at uber-chic Ushuaïa, there is something for everyone. There are many LGBTQI+ clubs along Carrer de la Mare de Déu. Big-name DJs visit every season, so check who’s playing where before planning a trip to Ibiza.
During Ibiza’s party season — April to October, the biggest names in Techno and electronic music set up the decks at clubs like Hï IBIZA, Pacha and Amnesia, which have become destinations in their own right. The daytime beach bashes and pool parties are just as fun. Dress to impress and make your way to Blue Marlin Ibiza for some people-watching on sun loungers. Enjoy pool parties at Ibiza Rocks Hotel, and don’t leave the island without jamming during one of Ushuaïa’s legendary daytime parties.
Partying non-stop for 24 hours is wholly possible for night owls, who come to Ibiza for just the weekend. Some revelers come with no hotel bookings! Want something quieter you can sip cocktails watching a blazing sunset, or relax at Ibiza Town’s lower-key terrace bars. Toast to Ibiza sunset at Café Mambo where killer sunsets and boozy cocktails are the jam!
Tour the island by visiting Es Vedra Viewpoint & Ibiza Stonehenge
On this 4 to 5 hour Ibiza tour, you will see the salt mines, Es Vedra is shrouded in mystery and Ibiza Stonehenge. This was something we wanted to do and missed out. Plan for the evening tour and catch the famous Ibiza sunset from some amazing viewpoints.
The Doors of Cala Llentia, i.e. Ibiza Stonehenge which is officially known as Time and Space – The Speed of Light is 13 huge columns standing out on a cliff by the sea. It was created by Andrew Rogers and financed by the founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté. They say that passing through the Doors of Cala Llentia will cleanse you and you can start a new life! I wanted to experience it. Maybe next time!
Sail over to Formentera
Formentera is reachable by hour and a half ferry from Ibiza, and makes for a popular day-trip destination in the summertime. The island is known for its clear waters and long stretches of beach and can be seen from Ibiza’s southern shores. It feels like the most blissful, barefoot, all-natural paradise. Development has always been strictly controlled here.
Caribbean-blue waves roll onto sparkling-white sand beaches and dunes lined with pine trees. Rent a yacht and or you can also do a boat trip to Formentera for some snorkeling and beach hopping.
Where we stayed in Ibiza
For this trip, we choose to be away from the party crowd and stay in Es Canar, Ibiza, one of the island’s quieter areas. Located just 25 minutes from the airport, our hotel was a great spot for Ibiza family holidays. Bless Hotel Ibiza’s version of luxury is more quiet and inviting. It was most authentic and luxurious. I loved the spa and rooftop pool with views of the cove and the Mediterranean Sea.
Bless Hotel Ibiza‘s elegant rooms were decorated in shades of black, white and pale pink, white — had a Chanelesque look to them. Our room had a King bed and a furnished balcony with views over the pine-clad hills around Cala Nova. The kids’ Deluxe room was just as nice with all the comforts you desire in a room. Full of lovely touches, like art, a desk, terrace furniture
Many come to Cala Nova, to not just marvel at the sandy cove but to enjoy unique flavors dreamed up by Martín Berasategui, the Spanish chef with the many Michelin stars at Etxeko Ibiza.
We mostly ate our meals by the pool downstairs or at the EPIC, Infinity Lounge that has blends of Asian and Latin American cuisine. The stunning sky bar overlooks a breathtaking infinity pool and the endless sea. We still talk about the Poke bowls we had here.
I LOVED THE SPA. At Beldon Wellness SPA they believe in holistic wellbeing that helps you relax and connect with your surroundings through revitalizing rituals and practices in the unique and serene setting.
We had a quick Inner Calm Massage and spent some time at the water circuit, enjoying a revitalizing experience in the hammam, raintune showers, cool pool and sauna. Book directly here.
Other Best Places to Stay in Ibiza Hotels
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is the island’s premier five-star destination, offering 152 designer rooms, with 90 of those rooms being suites. Facilities here include The Ibiza Bay Spa by Six Senses, a hair salon by John Frieda, the El Almacen boutique, three restaurants, a pool bar, an award-winning Kids Club, an adult only pool and plus a family friendly swimming pool.
You can forget your agendas and to-dos where you are here Nobu Ibiza. Breakfast is served at your leisure and relaxing lunches blend into deliciously free-spirited nights. After sunset, Ibiza Bay transforms into a chic nightspot. Here, indulgence and serenity cohabit peacefully. Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay has been featured in the 2020 Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards in the Top 20 Hotels in Spain and Portugal, making it a great place for your Ibiza Holiday.
Six Senses is another great option for a wellness and luxury stay in Ibiza. It is located on the northern tip of Ibiza, about a 35-minute drive from the airport at crystalline Cala Xarraca. The 150 guest accommodations, residences, mansions, pool suites and beachfront caves are set for deep spiritual experiences rooted in the local culture, celebrating music, art, sustainable fashion, wellness and spirituality.
The resort organizes many community gatherings with changemakers and healers, retreats, festivals, and exclusive transformational experiences. If are going to Ibizia to focus on your health, wellness, and well-being, this is the place to be. The vibe here is a slow-living, sensual experience all rooted in sustainability.
How to get there
The best and fastest way to get to Ibiza is by plane. The island is connected via direct flights from many European cities. We flew from Barcelona for our fun and relaxing family trip to Ibizia!
Ibiza known for its hedonistic vibes and pulsating party scene managed to capture our hearts. There is lot to do in Ibiza during a family holiday, we can’t wait to plan a trip to this lovely white isle again!
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