Perched on the southeastern coastline, the White Isle’s capital city is steeped in history. Eivissa is home to the centuries-old Dalt Vila, with its storied castle, cathedral and winding cobbled streets telling stories of the previous civilizations that resided here. It’s also an area beloved for its upmarket shopping districts, experimental eateries and luxury marinas, demonstrating Ibiza’s unique ability to blend the past with the present. Outside of the metropolitan centre, there are secluded beaches and hilltop restaurants aplenty.
If you’re looking to make the permanent move, this region offers a range of different neighbourhoods to choose from. Roca Llisa is one of Ibiza’s most exclusive residential areas, positioned by the island’s only golf course, while the village of Jesús has traditional charm, plus an annual fiesta centred around the Nostra Mare De Jesús church. Cap Martinet’s secluded atmosphere belies its close proximity to the nearby bars and clubs; a smart choice for those who like to dip their toes in and out of the action. Then there’s the inimitable pull of of Ibiza Town, which has morning-to-night amenities and a rich cultural legacy.
Named after an ancient tree in Rhodes that attracts butterflies with its sweet scent, Zitya brings the taste of Greece to Ibiza with a captivating atmosphere. Found along the infamous San José road, an array of textured linens, candlelit tables, tangles of greenery and fairy lights make for a romantic dining setting. In traditional Hellenic fashion, the menu consists of flavourful plates designed to be shared.
Barcelona-native chef Óscar Molina has been spearheading Ibiza’s gastronomy scene since 2008, with La Gaia being his most personal project to date. There are two tasting menus to sample: “Tanit” is a compilation of La Gaia’s best past dishes, a celebration of their evolution as a restaurant, while “Posidonia” features completely new inventions — those that dine regularly can always be surprised on their visit.
A 300 year-old hillside finca with views of the iconic Dalt Vila skyline, Casa Maca is a quintessential island setting. Surrounded by fruit and nut trees, the open-air dining space is filled with vibrant bougainvillaea and towering cacti — and at its centre, a large grill is adorned with hanging organic produce from the onsite farm.
With its unassuming façade and no overt signage, there’s a sense of secrecy to this speakeasy-style sushi restaurant. Hidden away in Ibiza Town, Omakase by Walt is the island’s ultimate private dining spot. An eight-seater wooden bar is Chef Walter Sidoravicius’ culinary stage; here, he prepares an intriguing Edomae-style tasting menu that pays every respect to the art of traditional Japanese food.
A dinner at 1742 is part theatre, part pilgrimage – a sensory odyssey set in Dalt Vila. With an 11-course seasonal tasting menu crafted by acclaimed chef Edwin Vinke and a commitment to local sourcing, it’s a culinary love letter to the island.
In the rugged hamlet of Sant Francesc de s’Estany, an 18th century parish has sweeping vistas across Las Salinas’ glistening salt flats. Contained within its restored whitewashed walls is The MAINE, a destination for epicures who may or may not already be familiar with its outposts in London and Dubai. Their food focuses on fresh Balearic ingredients and harmonious flavours, plated to aesthetic perfection.
If you’re looking to make the permanent move, this region offers a range of different neighbourhoods to choose from.
Tucked away behind a golf course in Roca Llisa, this intimate beach is just 30 metres wide. With rustic fisherman’s huts and pine trees, there’s a true sense of escapism to Cala Olivera. Once you’re finished snorkelling, there’s an easygoing chiringuito serving fresh fish, tapas and sangria.
Hidden between coastal cliffs of Es Cubell, Cala Llentrisca is well worth the search. The calm conditions are perfect for snorkelling, backdropped by rustic fisherman’s huts. Pack a bag for the day; the absence of any businesses is what gives this cove its charm.
At the southernmost tip of Ibiza, Las Salinas is named after the mesmerising salt lakes of the surrounding nature reserve. When winds pick up, the azure waters are perfect for body surfing. With its array of chiringuitos, cocktail bars and live music spots, it’s the type of beach that runs with an upbeat tempo through the day and into the night.
This little cove near Ibiza Town offers the best of both worlds. Hidden by rocky cliffs and verdant pine trees, it’s a secluded spot with sparkling waters. A boardwalk delivers you to the sea, where there’s underwater caves to explore. In the summer evenings, there are often in-the-know music events and afterparties taking place on the sands.
Built by the Phoenicians, this historic Ibicencan town dates back over 2500 years. Dalt Vila – translating to ‘upper town’ – is perched high above the sea, and once held the position as one of the most important coastal ports in the Mediterranean. With its 16th-century bastions visible across southern Ibiza, this UNESCO World Heritage site is introduced through the striking Portal de Ses Taules stone drawbridge. There are official routes to follow, but it’s just as atmospheric to make your own way around the storied streets, artisanal shops and galleries.
Each September, a range of local and international jazz artists take to the streets of Dalt Vila in this annual music festival. The concerts are held at different open air locations, including the Reina Sofía Park and the Santa Lucia Bastin, welcoming long-standing jazz enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
Situated within the walls of Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s historic cathedral is an awe-inspiring landmark. It was first built in the 14th century with Catalan gothic style, before Valencian baroque additions and reconstructions were made in the 18th century. A building that’s highly regarded for its architectural diversity, it sits at a high point with sweeping vistas across the port of Ibiza, Playa d’en Bossa and the island of Formentera.
The Roca Llisa Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the best in the Balearics. Two different courses are suitable for competitions and informal games, while the driving range and putting green are set for warming up. Surrounded by verdant landscape, it’s a secluded and relaxing setting complete with a clubhouse and dedicated restaurant, Hoyo 19.
With a total of 428 moorings, this Ibiza Town port is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re looking to charter, purchase or simply admire a boat, Marina Botafoch is a sophisticated promenade to stroll down – stopping off at the various eateries and fashion boutiques along the way.
At the very base of Ibiza, this expansive natural park is a site of historical, ecological and cultural significance. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the centuries of salt production have created an inimitable landscape, in which over 210 species of birds have formed habitation. The wetlands are also home to over 170 species of plants – including the dense oceanic Posidonia, found only in the Mediterranean sea.
Marvel at the cultural heritage and beauty of Ibiza’s Dalt Vila – the Mediterranean's most important old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Iconic beaches with breathtaking sunsets; trendy restaurants that set the scene for high-octane summer nights; ancient architectural and ecological landmarks. This is South West Ibiza.
