5 THINGS TO DO IN IBIZA (Besides Party)
Situated off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea you’ll find one of the world’s premier party destinations, the one and only, Ibiza. But this notorious island actually has a lot more to offer tourists than its over-the-top nightclubs and big-name deejays.
While its reputation may have been what brought me here (I was hired to co-host a show centered around its party scene) it was the other side of the island that really captured my attention.
With that said, here are Mar Gone Wild’s 5 Things To Do In Ibiza, Besides Party . . .
It would almost be a sin to not strap on a helmet and bike your way around Ibiza’s beautiful countryside. Luckily there are a number of tour operators on the island that offers bike rentals and guided tours (including motorized options for anyone unenthused about the idea of getting a workout while on vacation).
During my visit, I opted for a guided bike tour through Ibiza MTB, and I’m glad I did. Oliver, the company’s owner, grew up in Ibiza so he knew all the good off-the-beaten-path spots to show us, including some hidden trails that accessed a gorgeous hidden beach (see below). Other reputable bike rental companies around Ibiza include Ibiza Bicycle Rental, Ibiza Sport, and Kandani.
One of the highlight from my time on the island was visiting the famous Punta Arabí hippie market. Here tourists can shop unique clothes, jewelry, and other cool crafts, all while enjoying an eclectic ensemble of live music acts and some damn good food. Of all the creative stalls at this market, my personal favorite was Dani’s Puppets.
Every Saturday puppet maker and puppeteer, Hugo, along with his wife can be found selling their handmade puppets.
The coolest part is their willingness to give customers a mini-lesson in puppeteering, because, as Hugo himself puts it, the best part of owning a puppet is being able to “gives it life”.
Like most places with a rich historical past, this place has quite a few landmarks worth checking out. Probably the most famous of the island’s historical sites is the fortress of Ibiza’s Dalt Vila (aka old town).
Built in 6th century AD the Dalt Vila fortress boasts an impressive combination of high stone walls and strategic vistas of Ibiza’s port, which helped protect the city from being besieged by enemies. Today, the hilltop fortress still offers tourists some of the best eye candy on the island, see for yourself . . .
If you’re like the majority of budget travelers (myself included) it’s unlikely you’ll be chartering a yacht while visiting the island. But that doesn’t mean you’re totally S.O.L when it comes to floating along the Mediterranean and taking in the island’s gorgeous shoreline-views because, for us non-Jay and Bey level travelers, there are these things called kayaks.
Turns out kayaking is actually one of the best ways to spot (and access) all the hidden gems the island has to offer, like its secluded beaches and nook-ish coves.
Two reputable companies offering kayak rentals and guided tours around the island are Kayak Ibiza and Anfibios Ibiza. Some of their popular tours include sunset kayaking, snorkeling add-ons and, for all you hardcore adventurers, kayak expeditions up to 9 days long!
From flamenco dinner shows like the one hosted at B12 Gallery, to piano, jazz, and blues bars like Teatro Pereyra, Sa Questió, and Can Jordi Blues Station, this place has a pretty happening performing arts and (non-club) music scene.
There are even classical and contemporary concerts throughout the year, like those performed by Ibiza Symphony Orchestra and City of Ibiza Big Band. For more information about the island’s cultural performances and its (non-club) music scene check out THIS events page.
So there you have it, Mar Gone Wild’s 5 Things To Do In Ibiza (Besides Party). For more must-do things in some of my favorite must-see beach destinations, check out the Related Posts below!
