Ibiza has long been known as the Balearics’ wild child, but away from the nightclubs and party palaces of Ocean Beach and Amnesia, lies a truly soulful side. Once a haven for artists, free spirits, and hippies, particularly in the 1960s and ‘70s, the island has long been steeped in myth and folklore. Case in point: the wild claim that Es Vedrà, in the south-west of the island, is the tip of the lost city of Atlantis.
But as Ibiza got busier – especially with the rock and roll crowd of the Eighties and Nineties attracting the likes of Freddie Mercury and Grace Jones – and the mega-clubs began to take over, the island relinquished some of its grit and soul. Today, it promises a ying-yang blend of both, as much a party animal as it is a grounded guru. This dichotomy offers the best of both worlds – and we mean the very best. A place where the world’s biggest music stages rub shoulders with world-class yoga retreats, within a space of a few hours you can be dancing your heart out to electrifying DJ sets and then practicing your sun salutation on the mat. Nowhere does contrast quite like Ibiza.
However, for those looking to live purely on the slower side during their sojourn to the White Isle, look no further than our non-clubber’s guide. Explore Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved mediaeval architecture, ancient fortifications, and winding cobblestone streets, and take a trip to the rugged landscapes north of the island or to the waters to discover its glorious coves and cliffs. From vintage markets to boutique hotels, and day trips to delectable restaurants, here’s everything you need to know about Ibiza – Europe’s very best bohemian bolthole.
The hotels: Mikasa Ibiza and Cala San Miguel
Perched above Marina Botafoch with panoramic views of Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Mikasa Ibiza is a boutique adults-only hotel redefining conscious luxury. The perfect choice for those who don’t want to be too far from the hubbub of the White Isle – the buzzing marina’s luxurious boutiques and renowned restaurants are just a few steps away – Mikasa is designed for modern travellers. Inside, pick one of 16 uniquely styled rooms, each inspired by the island’s lunar cycles and changing seasons, and dine on delicious, locally sourced breakfasts at the plant-forward café.
From £220 per night.
Cala San Miguel
For those who’d rather stay among the undiscovered, rugged landscapes in the north of the island, look no further than Cala San Miguel. Every detail reflects the island’s authentic spirit, from its 292 rooms to its tranquil, nature-inspired surroundings. The adults-only resort’s seven distinctive dining venues, led by a former El Bulli (a world renowned restaurant in Catalonia) chef, offer culinary excellence with a seasonal, local-first approach, while three pools, two wellness areas, and exclusive beach access provide the ideal backdrop for transformative moments.
From £700 per night.
The beaches: Cala Gracioneta and Benirràs
Away from the hustle and bustle of Playa d'en Bossa, which teems with beach clubs and is easily the island’s busiest beach, there are far more intimate sunbathing spots we’d recommend during any sojourn to Ibiza. Just a short walk from San Antonio lies Cala Gracioneta: a pine tree-fringed secluded cove where you’ll find locals taking their pups for walks or bedding down for the day in fishermen’s huts. Unlike other balmy locales on the island, Cala Gracioneta is serviced by a restaurant where you can get your fill of sangria and seafood before resuming your sunbathing session.
Image: Shutterstock/Pat Moore
Benirràs. Image: Shutterstock/Pawel Kazmierczak
Elsewhere in the north, Benirràs is a wide, open and sandy beach ensconced by azure waters and high cliffs. One of Ibiza’s most talked-about sunset viewpoints, Benirràs certainly channels the spiritual-hippie vibe, with informal drumming sessions often heralding dusk and an artisan market setting up shop here three days a week throughout the summer. There are two car parks adjacent to the beach but they fill up quickly, so this is definitely one worth getting up early for.
The restaurants: Finca La Plaza and Jul’s
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Santa Gertrudis, Finca La Plaza is a destination restaurant where seasonal Mediterranean flavours, fine wines, and slow dining come together in a candlelit courtyard. Framed by historic stone architecture and housed inside one of Ibiza’s oldest buildings, the kitchen is led by culinary director Gennaro Vitto and executive chef Sergio Cardeñosa who, for 2025, are spotlighting farm-to-table cuisine with a standout selection of signature dishes, including charcoal-grilled Galician clams, langoustine served with Ibizan lemon zest, and La Finca beef Wellington. This is, of course, Ibiza, so dinner is naturally accompanied by live performances – but perhaps not what you’d expect. Throughout the summer, Finca La Plaza’s garden becomes a stage for the likes of poet-musician Juan Calero, Querencia Dúo and their authentic flamenco sets and Tupac Peralta, who blends ancestral beats with modern music.
On the south western coast of the island, Jul’s offers a cool cliffside locale where you can dine on authentic Mediterranean dishes with a clear conscience. Founded in 2018 with a passion for locally grown ingredients, Jul’s sources all of its vegetables and herbs from its nearby two-hectare farm, forming dishes of lobster and prawn tacos with yuzu and sumac tarama, souvlaki served with grilled pita and yogurt, and A5 Japanese wagyu ribeye cooked in ginger ponzu and served with asparagus and a vibrant green sauce. Closing the loop, kitchen waste is returned to the farm as compost to enrich the soil and Jul’s also collaborates with local craftspeople to showcase one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, clothing and art in the restaurant and in Jul’s Boutik.
The villas: Villa Sol y Luna and Villa Mabrun
Villa Sol y Luna
For those looking for longer stays on the White Isle, turn to Villa Sol y Luna. Set high in the peaceful hills of Benimussa and surrounded by pine trees, the property sleeps up to 10 guests, with four spacious bedrooms in the main house and an independent apartment offering added privacy, ideal for visiting friends or extended family. Interiors are calm and elegant, while an outside saltwater pool (with a shallow area for children), shaded terraces for long lunches, a solarium for quiet moments in the sun, and a yoga deck nestled in the pine trees will ensure you never want to leave.
From £5,845 per week.
Villa Mabrun
Tucked away in Ibiza's peaceful countryside, Villa Mabrun offers a stylish fusion of Mediterranean tradition and modern elegance. With its sun-kissed stone exterior, flat roof, and whitewashed walls, the villa exudes the essence of a traditional island home while, inside, soft white furnishings complement rustic wood details, and vibrant Aztec rugs and hand-crafted accents add warmth and personality. Accommodating up to 12 guests, the villa’s five spacious bedrooms feature a mix of vintage furniture, sculpted wood headboards, and hand-stitched linens. Step outside to discover large terraces surrounding an infinity pool, offering uninterrupted views of the island's natural beauty.
From £14,820 per week.
The retreats: Reset Yoga Treat at Aguamadera and MK Retreats at Sant Miquel de Balansat
Aguamadera
Ibiza’s spiritual sensibility dates back to 1500BC when the Phoenicians deemed the island to be blessed by the gods due to its red soil (some still find it so sacred that they wear pendants containing said dirt). The island has since gained a worldwide reputation as a wellness capital and, more recently, has harnessed this energy to launch a coterie of wellness retreats. You won’t be hard-pressed to find an array of yoga, Pilates and sound healing events on the island; case in point, the Reset Yoga Retreat hosted by Ruben De Monte from 28 October – 2 November 2025. Hosted at the boutique Aguamadera hotel, set in one of the island’s most calming corners, the retreat focuses on recalibrating mind and body through dynamic yoga, sound journeys, mindful breathwork and nutritious, plant-led cuisine.
Also in October, MK Retreats will host a five-day event with Matt Kendrick, a renowned health and fitness expert (who has just returned from touring with Ed Sheeran). Running from 13-17 October 2025, and set in a private villa in Sant Miquel de Balansat, this retreat blends expert-led fitness and holistic wellness with Mediterranean-inspired dining prepared by a private chef. Guests can enjoy daily sessions of Pilates, yoga, strength training, and meditation, as well as island excursions and downtime in beautiful surroundings.
The day trips: Formentera and Tagomago Island
After you’ve got your fill of the Old Town and toured the ancient fortifications of Dalt Vila, it’s only right to take to the water. While there are plenty of operators offering paddleboards, kayaks or boat trips to explore the local coves and reefs, another Balearic island within easy reach is Formentera. Book a ferry from the port to enjoy a day’s excursion to the stunning beaches of Ses Illetes and Cala Saona and take in the relatively-untouched island’s natural beauty. Another island within easy reach, but one that takes exclusivity up a notch, is the private Tagomago Island. Home to just one villa but countless serene coves, this is the place to stay if you need respite from the adult playground that is Ibiza – rates start at $33,000 per night.
The shopping: Old Town, Santa Gertrudis and vintage hippy markets
Ibiza Old Town is full of Spanish chains and antique gems, and it is well worth exploring its cobbled streets and rummaging through its racks for fashion finds. The quaint but gorgeous village of Santa Gertrudis sits at the heart of Ibiza, and offers an array of Mediterranean restaurants and local boutiques stocking the bohemian styles the island has become known for. We recommend Sluiz and Es Cucons for handmade crafts and clothing.
Vintage hippy markets are Ibiza’s calling card in the world of fashion, and you won’t be disappointed by Las Dalias Hippy Market: one of the largest and oldest on the island which sets up shop every Sunday in the northern town of San Carlos. Vibrant and fun, there are more than 300 stalls to peruse, each filled with wares from Ibizan fashion designers, as well as local craftspeople selling salt from Las Salinas, traditional products such as hierbas ibicencas, and offering palmistry and tarot readings.
Other must-see markets include Punta Arabí Hippy Market – the oldest on the island, dating back to 1973, and open every Wednesday in Es Caná – and San Jordi flea market, situated in the village of Sant Jordi between Las Salinas and Ibiza town and known for offering a bit of everything.
Read more: The most stylish fashion pop-ups at European hotels this summer
