An Insider’s Guide To Ibiza’s Hidden Spots
@LStevensonPR
I first went to Ibiza in 1999. Back then, we danced on the beach in the afternoons, drank sangria as the sun set and sat on the rocks at Café del Mar. You could go to Space or Pacha in flip-flops, wearing a bikini and a beach cover-up, and no one cared how old you were, what you looked like or how much money you made. It was magical. I’ve been going every year since, but the island has changed a lot. There’s a much more expensive side to it now. Clubs are filled with VIP areas, and there’s this emphasis on money now that didn’t exist before.
But there’s still a special part of the island – and you can still find hidden gems. Most people go to party and never leave Playa d’en Bossa or San Antonio. If you stay longer – for two weeks, or even four – you can explore the real beauty of the island. My mum, my friends and I will rent a house, and we’ll explore a different beach or cove. This year I found a beautiful spot called Es Broll in the countryside.
The best way to experience Ibiza is by car, bike or foot. I go cycling or hiking to visit little towns, old villages and castles. The north side of the island is breathtaking. The beaches on the west are stunning too, but if you head north, you find real, unspoiled beauty. You can explore the Old Town and walk through narrow streets, discovering places that aren’t expensive or crowded but are true to the old Ibiza spirit. The best times to visit the island are from May to June and then September to October. It’s quieter and not so hot.
For a long lunch, I go to Ses Boques near Es Cubells. The drive is unbelievable, with sheer drops along the coast, and then you have to go down this steep hill to get to it. It’s not for the faint-hearted because, of course, you’ve got to drive back up that hill. It’s a bit of a one-in-one-out situation. But once you arrive, it’s breathtaking. This little shack is set in a cove on the side of the island, and it feels like old Ibiza. It’s all sand underfoot, so you can kick off your shoes and enjoy a barefoot meal. It’s not expensive – paella, fresh fish – it’s just stunning.
Jorge Percival/Unsplash
Another lunch spot I love is Sa Caleta near the airport. Like Ses Boques, it’s set in a cove and is low-key but beautiful. Then there’s S'illa Des Bosc at Cala Comte which serves excellent paella and calamari, and Cafe Giri in San Juan is a lovely Mediterranean restaurant. All of these places are cheap and cheerful, and full of locals – not the glam hotspots you read about.
Away from the glitzy restaurants, I always visit Juntos House in Santa Agnes for dinner. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and the food is delicious. I also love Can Limo in San Josep for super fresh Peruvian dishes, including some of the best ceviche and pisco sours I've ever tasted. Finca del Plaza in Santa Catruda is really special. Finally, Zitya, a new Greek restaurant on the main road from Ibiza town to San Rafael, is worth a visit for cocktails and sharing dishes.
I love heading to Cala Bassa Beach Club for a fun Friday night with friends. It’s on one of the best beaches on the island, with a great vibe. The paella is incredible, and it’s a spot where you can go a bit more glam while enjoying excellent food. Another favourite is El Chiringuito, an old-school classic located at Salinas. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s done so beautifully that it doesn’t feel too flashy. For something a bit off the beaten track, Es Torrent is a great choice. It’s like Blue Marlin in its layout, but without the over-the-top vibe.
Experimental Beach is great if you’re travelling with little ones. It’s not a secret anymore, but it never fails to impress – my mum and I absolutely love it. It’s home to a gorgeous pontoon and the vibes are always laid-back but fun. For a more iconic Ibiza experience, La Paloma is fantastic, with a children’s playground. Trattoria del Mar, an old, family-run Italian restaurant at Marina Botafoch, is perfect for a romantic yet family friendly meal. The food is amazing, and the setting is beautiful, with views of all the boats.
For a boozy brunch, Passion Cafe is my go-to. Though a few of their locations have closed, the food is consistently fantastic. I also love Jockey Club, where you can enjoy your meal while overlooking the clear, Maldives-like waters and white sand beaches.
For a long weekend, I recommend visiting Beach House, another fun beach club. It can be a bit busy at Playa d'en Bossa, but it has a great vibe. If you're looking for a quieter option, try El Silencio at Cala Molí or Cala Gracioneta, though they only have a few sunbeds.
I still go to my three favourite clubs: Pacha, DC10, and Amnesia. For me, they embody what Ibiza always was. You walk in, and while they’ve been updated, they still feel like the old Ibiza. I also love Ushuaia because it’s open air, but different. It’s more VIP, while Pacha, Amnesia, and DC10 have that original Ibiza vibe. I went to DC10 this year for a Michael Bibi event, and it was a no-phones-allowed night. It was one of the best nights ever; phones completely change the atmosphere in a club.
When it comes to accommodation, I prefer renting a house. It’s the best way to experience the island. You get to drive around and see different parts, rather than staying in a hotel where you probably don’t explore much. This summer, we rented a house in Santa Agnès, which is just above San Rafael. It was in the farmland and cost around €400 a night for the family. I always recommend renting houses around San Rafael, Santa Agnès and San Antonio. You can find peaceful spots, and if you explore further north, you'll discover the real magic of the island that’s a bit hidden from the party scene.
I’m also a big fan of the ‘agroturismo’ hotels, which are set in beautiful gardens and farmlands. They use produce from the gardens for their food, so there’s a sustainability focus. My favourites are Can Lluc in San Rafael, Can Na Xica to the north near San Miguel, and Can Vista Bella near Portmany Bay. Can Lluc is on a cycling route called Benimussa, which is beautiful. These hotels are like mini villas, with rooms dotted around in a way that feels like you’re in your own little retreat, rather than a big high-rise hotel.
If you want to hike, the island has plenty of off-the-beaten-track routes. One of my favourites is the castle walk in Ibiza’s Old Town. Starting from the port, you can wander through little boutiques and up towards the top, where you’ll find S'Escalinata, a bar with baskets of lemons and cushions on the steps. I love sitting there with friends, sipping cocktails, and soaking in the atmosphere. There’s also Las Puertas del Cielo (Gates of Heaven) in Santa Agnes, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and landscape. For a more adventurous hike, check out Atlantis near Es Vedra. You can follow a somewhat hidden route down to a man-made pool, clamber over rocks, and swim in a secluded cove. It’s a bit tricky to find, but worth the effort. Alternatively, there are hikes organized by Ibiza Hike Station that will take you to these hidden gems.
Some of my favourite spots for swimming include Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta. Both are quiet and have the most beautiful views. Cala Escondida is also great, as is the cove by restaurant Ses Roques at Cala Comte. There are steps down to the sea where the water is so clear.
Sunset Ashram is one of the island’s best sunset spots. Set in Cala Conta, it’s an old hippie spot with a 360° view of the sunset. You can sit with a jug of sangria and just watch the sun go down – it’s magical. Driving around the island is a must. The road from Santa Eulalia to Cala San Vicente and then over to San Juan is also beautiful.
There are lots of sandy beaches that are perfect for kids. My favourites include Cala Nova, Las Salinas, Cala Leña, Cala Bassa, Cala Conta and Cala Gracioneta. These beaches are perfect for little ones to swim and play. I was surprised to find play parks on the island, but I recently discovered a great one between San Rafael and San Antonio, which was fun for my daughter.
I can’t resist shopping on the island. There’s a brilliant shop in Playa d’en Bossa, next to Ushuaia, that looks touristy from the outside, but I always find amazing crochet pieces and cute beach cover-ups. There’s also Annie’s Ibiza in Ibiza Town, which is full of incredible finds. I’ve found some beautiful pieces at the carpark shop outside El Chiringuito, which has lovely raffia bags and handmade jewellery. If you’re after more luxe pieces, Experimental Beach is home to a great boutique. It’s a bit more expensive, but the swimwear, accessories and jewellery are all beautifully curated.
The local markets are a must-visit. The fish market in Santa Eulalia doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find the freshest fish, fruit and vegetables – perfect if you’re staying in a house and want to cook.
You might not think Ibiza has many cultural spots, but there are plenty to discover. We found some incredible historic sites this summer. There’s a place called Es Broll, an old water system from the Arabic era with wells, waterways and bridges. We also found ancient ruins near Sa Caleta that are stunning. The history here is so rich, and most people don’t even know these places exist.
Formentera, just a short ferry or boat trip away, is also beautiful. We use the amazing boat guys at Holistic Sailing, who I cannot recommend enough. We recently hired a catamaran for the day. It’s different from Smart Charter, which is more about bigger yachts, as it’s more relaxed and even more magical. We usually go to Beso Beach for lunch because it has sand underfoot, great music, excellent food and the best atmosphere. After sailing around Formentera, end the day in Es Vedra to swim while the sun sets – an unforgettable experience.
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