We want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your luxury villa holiday in Ibiza, so we’ve scoured the island and found 10 of the best things to do in Ibiza during the day. If clubbing is breadsticks, everything else on offer here is surely the rest of the meal…
1. Explore Hidden Pine Forests & Secluded Beaches
A fun fact about Ibiza is that the island has a surprising amount of pine forests. Not only do they make a great change of scenery from the bars and business of the towns, but they also provide ample opportunities to enjoy a picnic together or see a side of the island you didn’t even know existed.
There are a number of forests across the island, but our top tip is to head to the island’s less-populated northeast side, specifically towards the village of Sant Joan De Labritja. Five miles north of there (and through a wonderfully calm and fragrant pine forest), you’ll eventually find yourself at Cala d’en Serra, a beautifully secluded horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by steep cliffs and offering some of the clearest water in Ibiza for swimming and snorkelling.
2. Wine and Olive Oil Tastings in Ibiza’s Vineyards
It wouldn’t be a holiday without a tipple or two, and Ibiza’s climate makes for some great grape-growing weather. While many of the vineyards on the island are principally there to produce wine for families, a larger and more commercial wine industry is starting to emerge – which is well worth a look.
When exploring Ibiza’s wine scene, your first port of call should definitely be Sant Mateu. It’s a bit of a trek but easy to find thanks to ample signposting, and tours of the winery itself can be arranged. You’ll learn everything about the wine-making process on the island and its history, and afterwards, you can sample some of the vineyard’s produce over a meal in the attached restaurant. Also well worth a look is Can Rich, an estate that (in addition to wine) produces olive oil and Hierbas Ibicencas, the local herb liqueur. It’s open to the public on Monday afternoons.
3. Time & Space: Ibiza’s Stonehenge-Style Monument
Ibiza’s answer to Stonehenge is this contemporary monument by Andrew Rogers that sits atop a rocky coastal shelf, just 10 minutes south of Cala Codolar along an un-signposted dirt path. ‘Time and Space, The Speed of Light’ was commissioned by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. This intriguing monument comprises 13 basalt columns in the Fibonacci sequence, with the tallest column at 10 metres high. This spot is a great vantage point for watching the sunset, so make sure you drop by towards the end of the day – you can even catch a glimpse of the Es Vedra Islands!
4. Day Trip to Formentera by Boat or Ferry
Formentera should not be overlooked, and this magical little island is an excellent choice for a day out. With some of the best beaches in Europe, it would be easy to think you’d taken a ferry to the Caribbean! There’s plenty to see on this white-washed isle, including striking lighthouses, gorgeous nature reserves, and breathtaking views. Head underwater if you want to see the island from a different perspective – we promise you won’t be disappointed! To make the most of your trip, you can even charter a boat over to the island, as plenty of little nooks are best discovered from the comfort of your own boat.
If you want to find out where Formentera’s best beaches are, check out our guide to Formentera…
5. Discover Dalt Vila – The Historic Heart of Ibiza Town
Dalt Vila – which literally means ‘High Town’ – is the older and (predictably) higher half of Ibiza Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s where you’ll find some stunning examples of Ibiza’s history and culture – a story told through architecture, art and the various museums that can be found in the area. Inside the fortified walls, you’ll also find shops, bars, and restaurants, so take some time to wander around and enjoy the views across the Mediterranean from the bastions.
Try the Museum of Contemporary Art on the Ronda Narcis Putget if you feel like something a little more hands-on. Celebrating the work of modern Ibizan artists makes a great change of pace and offers a gentler perspective on life on the island. Another Dalt Vila can’t-miss is the Archaeological Museum, which is full of fascinating artefacts and objects that trace the island’s rich and fascinating history – for instance, did you know Norway invaded it in the Twelfth Century? Now you do!
6. Venture into Can Marca Caves
If you find yourself wanting a break from the fierce Ibizan heat, head towards the Can Marca Caves in the north of the island. On the path leading to the caves, you will be greeted with stunning sea views, and then inside, you can follow the same route smugglers once took to bring their contraband onto the island. At the centre of the caves, there’s a spectacular music and light show to allow you to admire the centuries-in-the-making rock formations – stalagmites and stalactites galore!
7. Try Water Sports: SUP, Kayaking & Scuba
With such calm and tranquil waters, there’s no better place to try something you’ve always wanted to! Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a popular choice at the moment. Paddle Ibiza not only offers standard SUP classes but also SUP yoga and pilates classes, which are great for any yoga fanatics.
Old favourites like kayaking are always a safe but good option; the calm waters mean you can discover the dramatic coastline from the water. Kayak Ibiza offers a range of guided tours for all ages and levels.
As you’d expect from an island rightly famed for its beaches, there’s some pretty impressive diving to be done in the waters around Ibiza. If you’re new to Scuba or can already hold your own, one of the best companies to arrange a dive through is Orca Sub at Cala Tarida. With 20 years of experience diving the waters around Ibiza, particularly the iconic Es Vedra area, their rates are reasonable, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale or a school of dolphins during your excursion.
If that sounds a little too adventurous, you can always pick up a cheap pair of goggles and a snorkel and enjoy some snorkelling in one of the island’s many wonderful bays and coves!
8. Hidden Coves: Cala Xuclar, Cala Comte & Cala Benirrás
Ibiza’s charm isn’t just in its iconic beach clubs and party scenes; it’s also found in the island’s secretive, rugged coastline. These three hidden coves offer some of the most authentic, tranquil and naturally stunning spots to unwind during the day.
Cala Xuclar – Ibiza’s Secluded North Shore Secret
Nestled in the remote north of the island, Cala Xuclar is a compact, pine-fringed cove surrounded by rocky cliffs, dense foliage, and peaceful blue waters. It’s one of Ibiza’s most undisturbed beaches, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape or a romantic swim.
- Top experiences: Snorkelling, cliffside hikes, visiting rustic fishermen’s huts.
- Why visit: There are no loud beach clubs here — just nature, calm and crystal-clear waters.
- Facilities: Limited — a seasonal beach shack (chiringuito) occasionally serves fresh seafood.
- Tip: Bring snorkel gear — the rocks on either side of the cove shelter schools of fish and small caves.
Cala Comte – Postcard-Perfect with Turquoise Waters
Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Ibiza, Cala Comte (also known as Cala Conta) is a collection of sandy coves and small islets located on the southwest coast. The vibrant turquoise sea, gently sloping seabed, and jaw-dropping sunsets make it a must-visit spot during the day.
- Top experiences: Swimming, sunbathing, watching the sunset from Sunset Ashram.
- Why visit: It’s ideal for families and swimmers thanks to the calm, shallow waters.
- Facilities: Restaurants, sunbed hire, lifeguards, parking.
- Tip: Arrive early — Cala Comte can get very popular by mid-afternoon.
Cala Benirrás – Bohemian Vibes and Drumbeat Sunsets
Located in a sheltered bay on the northwest coast, Cala Benirrás is famed not just for its pine-covered hills and aquamarine water, but also for its Sunday evening drumming rituals. A haven for free-spirits and boho beachgoers, this cove blends beautiful scenery with cultural flair.
- Top experiences: Snorkelling, paddleboarding, sunset drum circle (Sundays).
- Why visit: A unique mix of natural beauty and cultural expression; it’s where Ibiza’s hippie soul lives on.
- Facilities: Restaurants, shops, kayak rentals.
- Tip: Visit on a Sunday for the drumming sunset — but come early to get a parking spot.
9. Local Culture: Markets & Villages
To truly soak up Ibiza’s soul, step away from the beaches and dive into its colourful markets and charming inland villages. Start your cultural adventure in Ibiza Town, where Dalt Vila’s narrow cobbled streets spill into artisan stalls, boutiques, and lively cafés. Don’t miss a guided Ibiza Town market walking tour, where you can uncover everything from handmade jewellery to locally produced leather goods.
Head north to the heart of the island and discover Santa Gertrudis, a picture-perfect village known for its whitewashed church, art galleries, and boho-chic boutiques. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and café tables overflow with both locals and in-the-know travellers.
No trip would be complete without a visit to the iconic Punta Arabí Hippy Market, Ibiza’s original and largest market. Held every Wednesday in Es Canar, this vibrant open-air bazaar offers live music, local street food, and hundreds of stalls selling ethnic clothing, hand-carved décor, and vintage finds. It’s more than a shopping trip — it’s an experience of Ibiza’s free-spirited legacy.
10. Sunset Spots: Experimental Beach Club & Amante
Ibiza is world-famous for its sunsets, and there’s no better way to end your day than with a drink in hand and the sun melting into the sea. Experimental Beach Club Ibiza, tucked inside the Las Salinas Natural Park, offers a front-row seat to one of the most breathtaking sunset views on the island. With its laid-back luxury vibe, designer cocktails, and DJ-curated soundtracks, it’s a favourite haunt for style-savvy travellers. Whether you come for sunset mojitos or a long, lazy lunch, the backdrop of Es Vedrà on the horizon adds magic to every moment.
If you prefer your sunsets with a side of serenity, head to Amante Ibiza, an upscale beach club perched on a rugged cliff above Sol d’en Serra bay. This eco-conscious hideaway is renowned not just for its sunset dinners but also its sunrise yoga sessions, complete with sweeping sea views and tranquil energy. With a focus on local, seasonal cuisine and mindful living, Amante offers a soulful escape from Ibiza’s faster pace.
Hopefully, this has shown you that there’s more to Ibiza than all-night beach bar parties or booze cruises. This list of things to do in Ibiza gives you an idea of how to explore the lesser-known parts of the island for a more low-key holiday. And if you need a place to stay, we have a wonderful range of luxury villas in Ibiza to choose from! Once you’ve chosen your ideal villa, contact our friendly Concierge team for activities and advice.
