This summer marked my third visit to Spain’s White Isle, and honestly I really can’t get enough of the place. While typically I’m there to party, this occasion was a little different. I took my mum to Ibiza for a relaxed few days away, staying at the indulgent Ca Na Xica hotel. It was a complete retreat for sunbathing and relaxing. We also hired a car to explore more of the island, so I thought I’d share some of the best places to visit in Ibiza.
Cala Boix, Santa Eulalia del Rio
I’d read all about Restaurante La Noria online. It’s one of those restaurants that’s without a website, and that relies pretty purely on reputation and wonderful food alone. The drive there is pretty nice too, so it’s definitely a worthwhile place to visit in Ibiza.
Just look at that wonderful view down to the beach below. One of my favourite things in the world is dining al fresco, so La Noria didn’t disappoint.
We nibbled on olives and bread and aioli (hello, my favourite thing ever) while perusing the menu and enjoying the view. Definitely take advantage of their amazing seafood paella for two. You won’t regret it.
Sant Carles de Peralta, Ibiza
Sant Carles de Peralta is a gorgeous village we stumbled across when driving back from the coast. We took a hairpin bend and came across a street of tiny bars, restaurants, and a little church. We stopped off to see what food was on offer, and discovered Restaurante S’Argentera.
Falling for the billowing smoke and barbecue aroma coming from the al fresco grilling of seafood and steaks, we took a table. We munched on more bread, aioli, and olives while soaking in our surroundings. I chose grilled sardines, and mum chose langoustines, both served up with barbecued vegetables. It was truly delicious.
Testament to the fact that Sant Carles de Peralta is one of the greatest places to visit in Ibiza is the fact we returned to the beautiful village again during our trip. We arrived in time for sunset and ordered a barbecued feast once more.
This time we picked a seafood feast – it was a tasty mishmash of barbecued prawns, squid, fresh cuts of fish and much more.
The sun began to sink as we ate. Everyone’s so friendly, and we ended up chatting to the chef and owner of the restaurant. Another memorable evening in Sant Carles de Peralta.
Formentera, Ibiza
You may have seen my previous post on travelling to gorgeous Formentera from Ibiza. The thing is, it really is so beautiful I had to go again and show my mum the incredible colours of the water. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ibiza. We caught a ferry from Ibiza Town over to Formentera. The trip itself takes just under an hour.
I love sailing out of the harbour past the luxurious yachts perched in the glamorous harbour. You see the iconic skyline of Ibiza town on your way out.
Before you know it, the navy water begins to melt into various shades of bright aquamarine. It’s truly gorgeous and the glamour persists as you sail into Formentera harbour.
We stopped off for an icy drink having disembarked the yacht. You can either walk or cycle towards the Playa de Ses Illetes, arguably the most famous beach on the island. It’s been voted one of the top 10 best beaches in Europe thanks to its gorgeous waters. It’s a pleasant walk, and en route you’ll pass dozens of fancy restaurants and boutique stores selling boho clothing.
In the background, you can watch the yachts bobbing up and down, carrying handfuls of sunkissed partygoers sunbathing before another crazy night in Ibiza.
We settled up in a spot near a gorgeous part of the ocean and sunbathed. It was crazily hot in the powerful sun. We dipped into the chilly ocean to cool off in between sunbathing sessions.
Having revelled in Formentera’s gorgeous Playa de Ses Illetes, we headed back to the ferry. We passed more glamorous yachts and took in the incredible blues of the sea.
If it’s not already, make sure a trip to the neighbouring island of Formentera is on your Ibiza trip to-do list.
Fish Shack, Ibiza
If you’re looking for some excellent Mediterranean food in an unpretentious capacity, look no further than the Fish Shack. It’s located in the island’s Talamanca area. You even get a pretty bloody decent view from your table.
The beauty of this place is its quirkiness – service may be a little interesting and there’s no menu. Instead, staff list off the market fish of the day and you choose from the list reeled off. We enjoyed a grouper and some sardines to share and it was all beautiful. It’s fun eating while you watch others cool off by taking a dip in the nearby ocean.
Its success is very much down to reputation and locals. Make sure you add the Fish Shack on to your list of places to visit in Ibiza for its simply excellent food.
Cala de Sant Vincent, Ibiza
After a lovely relaxing sunbathing session at our hotel, we decided to go and explore another area of Ibiza. Poring over a map, we spotted the seaside resort of Cala de Sant Vincent, and drove over.
The drive itself is beautiful, making it a place to visit in Ibiza. Although you do pass a number of hairpin bends and some coastal roads, it’s worth the journey. A small coastal town frequented by Dutch tourists, it’s a pretty beach. There are various restaurants along the seafront serving up tasty dishes and cocktails.
Santa Gertrudis, Ibiza
The historic town of Santa Gertrudis is quite literally in the heart of the island of Ibiza. It boasts houses painted in lemon and a hot hippie vibe in the proclaimed Ibizan equivalent of Notting Hill.
In the town itself you’ll find picture perfect architecture, and a good old fashioned plaza. Wander and you’ll find some wonderful restaurants and bars, covering the full spectrum from vegan to luxurious Mediterranean cuisine.
We meandered the adorable streets, watching the locals sip on al fresco coffees and eat bocadillas while chatting away to friends. In true Ibizan style, you’ll find plenty of chic boho market shops in the town, perfect for browsing.
Santa Gertrudis is an adorable town and one that’s certainly worth adding to a list of places to visit in Ibiza. We stopped en route to the airport to say a sad goodbye. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: until next time, Ibiza!
That’s my list of the top places to visit in Ibiza! Where are yours?
really helpful post. I plan on going here next summer 🙂
Glad it can help – definitely check out some of these places 🙂 It’s a beautiful island!
love the huge shrimp in Spain!
So delicious!