I just got back from a whirlwind weekend in Ibiza, and the island surprised me in so many ways. Ibiza is famous for an over-the-top party scene, but there are plenty of other things to do that will satisfy any traveler. If you’re looking to plan a trip to the island, here are the 5 activities you can’t miss in Ibiza, Spain.
Mercedes
#1: Eat at an agroturismo
Traditionally, agroturismos are country houses (“casa rural”) that operate almost like bed & breakfasts. It’s a similar concept to the masseria in Italy, where everything is farm to table. If you’re staying elsewhere but looking for a more local dining experience, I recommend having dinner at an agroturismo.
Most agroturismos are either in the center of the island or towards the north. But I recommend Casa Maca which is just a 10 minute drive from Ibiza town. Between the chic decor, organic house music, beautiful view, and of course delicious food, it reminded of my favorite beach club in Mykonos. A few tips for your visit to Casa Maca:
- You can message or call to request a table in a specific area. The outside near the Airstream or inside the tent next to the DJ are both good spots, depending on the vibe you want.
- The food is very good but pricey, so be prepared for an expensive meal.
- I recommend one of the steaks if you’re a carnivore as they are all dry-aged. The Spanish-style cheesecake was my favorite dish of the night.
#2: Take a ferry to Formentera
One of the best decisions my husband & I made on our recent trip to Ibiza was to take a ferry to Formentera. Formentera is the smallest Balearic island just off the coast of Ibiza, and it’s very easy to get to. Ferries leave from Ibiza town every half hour (around €45 roundtrip, no need to book ahead).
I recommend renting a bike to explore Formentera. You can do this at any of the rentals spots in the harbor for €15 for the day. There is a stunning pink sand beach about 15 minutes up the coast by bike that is a must see, called Ses Illetes. It’s really crowded in the summer but absolutely worth a visit. And halfway to the beach is Beso Beach Club, which has a fun party vibe later in the day (be sure to make reservations).
#3: Visit a beach club
It wouldn’t be a guide to Ibiza without mentioning beach clubs! I love good music and drinking a glass of rosé in the ocean, so this is high on my list of must-do activities for this island. There are two that I recommend depending on what you’re looking for.
Best for lunch: Cotton Beach Club
I visited Cotton Beach Club during my recent weekend in Ibiza, which is on the west side of the island. The beach itself wasn’t quite what I was expecting, since it’s public and was a little bit crowded. However, the views were stunning and there are several tall rocks & a dock where you can jump straight into the ocean.
If you want a party vibe, the restaurant at Cotton (separated from the beach) is a must visit for lunch. It was some of the best food we had during our trip! The DJ was great, and they even brought in a saxophone player and a drummer. A few tips for your visit to Cotton Beach Club:
- Email ahead to request a table near the railings, with a view of the ocean.
- I recommend booking a table for lunch at 2pm, since the party gets started around 3.
- If you’re with a group, get the salt baked fish – the menu says it serves 2, but it’s enough for 3-4 people.
- There is parking, but I took a taxi. Just plan to wait (up to an hour) for another taxi to pick you up.
Best for chill vibes: Beachouse
The DJ who handles the music for Casa Maca also works at Beachouse, so you know the vibes will be good. If you want something closer to town with good food & music, check out Beachouse. I’ve added it to my list of places to explore on my next weekend in Ibiza.
#4: Explore Ibiza town
My husband and I decided to stay in the town of Ibiza, since we wanted to visit Formentera. However if you’re staying in another part of the island, I still recommend a quick visit. The shopping is great, since there are a lot of local boutiques as well as high end designer stores. Parts of the town are set within the old city walls, so exploring will give you a feel for the city’s history.
#5: Enjoy the local cuisine
My favorite Spanish dish is paella and Ibiza is famous for lobster, so I recommend getting the lobster paella. It’s served at many restaurants around the island (especially on Formentera or in Ibiza town). Anytime I’m in Spain, I also always indulge in some jamon iberico. It’s great alone, but even better with bread & traditional tomato sauce.
And of course, enjoying some of the local beverages is also a must. I’ve been learning more about wine, and one of my favorite things to do in a new place is to try the local grapes. I love cava sangria, and you can’t go wrong with a good bottle of tempranillo with your paella.
That’s all for this guide. Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you do any of these activities on your next trip to Ibiza!
Outfit details
Casa Maca outfit: White dress | straw bag | wrap sandals
Ibiza town outfit: Printed silk skirt | straw bag | heeled sandals
Hi Mercedes,
I absolutely loved reading your post about the five must-do activities in Ibiza! You really nailed the balance between the well-known hotspots and those more authentic, off-the-beaten-path gems.
Your first tip about dining at an agroturismo immediately brought back memories for me. I remember my dinner at Casa Maca like it was yesterday—the dreamy views, the vibe, the music, and yes… that cheesecake! You perfectly captured how it blends rustic charm with elevated style.
Taking the ferry to Formentera is also something I treasure every time I visit. I’m so glad you mentioned Ses Illetes—it truly is one of those beaches that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Biking around the island is one of the most freeing experiences I’ve ever had, and Beso Beach has such a great energy in the afternoon.
I couldn’t agree more about the beach clubs! Cotton Beach Club is such a vibe, especially when the live sax and DJ kick in. I also love that you added Beachouse—it’s one of my favorite spots for a more relaxed afternoon, with just the right mix of chill and chic.
Exploring Ibiza Town is one of my favorite pastimes too. I love how you highlighted both the shopping and the historic corners within the old walls. It’s such a vibrant part of the island with something for everyone.
And of course—food! You had me at lobster paella and jamón ibérico. There’s nothing better than ending a beach day with a glass of cava sangria and some local specialties. Your recommendations made me so nostalgic, and now I’m craving a return trip!
Thanks for putting together such a fun, informative guide—it felt like a friend sharing her best secrets. I’ll definitely be coming back to this post for my next Ibiza escape!
Warm wishes,
Tara