The capital of night clubs, the island of eternal celebration, the most popular resort in Europe… But did you know that the legendary Ibiza, whose attractions include many historical, natural and architectural sites, is known not only for beaches, bars and discos? Let’s dispel the myths and look at this island from a completely different angle! So, what to see in Ibiza as part of a classic sightseeing program? We offer you the TOP 8 most popular places.
Es Buckets
When thinking about what to see in Ibiza in one day, don’t forget Es Vedra, the most unusual and mysterious island in the Pitiusa archipelago. There are many myths and anomalous phenomena associated with the place, the outlines of which resemble a giant dragon. “Eyewitnesses” claim that alien ships regularly land here, and the island itself is inhabited by seductive sirens, whose sweet songs have brought more than one hundred guys to their graves. References to these creatures are found in Homer’s Odyssey. And they also say that any household appliances that have been within a few meters of this place immediately fail.
Once upon a time, people lived on Es Vedra, but due to the frequent disappearances of local residents, access to it was blocked by an official order. Now the island is uninhabited – only mountain goats, birds and lizards live on it. You can only look at it from afar during a boat trip. Boats depart from Ibiza and San Antonio. The approximate cost of the trip is from 15 to 25€.
Of course, there are daredevils who rent boats and sail to Es Vedra on their own. They are mostly thrill seekers and followers of various mystical cults. Such a pleasure is not cheap, and boat owners confirm that not everyone returns from such trips. The island really has a disorienting effect on travelers. And the reason for this is not some kind of mysticism, but a very real magnetic field that puts mobile phones, compasses, navigators and other equipment out of action.
Location: Cala d’Hort, Ibiza.
Ibiza Old Town
Among the main attractions of the island of Ibiza is the Old City, built by immigrants from Carthage in 654 BC.e. Over the course of several centuries after its foundation, Dalt Vila managed to change several owners, each of whom brought new features peculiar only to its people to the appearance of the city. So, from the ancient Romans there are two majestic statues installed at the central gate, from the Moors – the remains of fortress walls with watchtowers, and from the Catalans – the Cathedral built on the site of an Arab mosque. The greatest pride of this building is the central altar, decorated with a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary, the main patroness of the island.
As in any other Old Town, there are museums, souvenir shops, monuments, galleries and other important sites. Most of them are located in the central Plaza de Villa area. Of particular note among all these institutions is the Museum of Archaeology, which houses a unique collection of artifacts belonging to the Bronze Age.
Walking through the narrow streets, you can see not only traditional medieval mansions, but also watch the archaeological excavations conducted by one of the scientific institutes of Spain. There is also a hotel that once hosted many world celebrities (including Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin). Currently, Dalt Vila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under State protection.
The Fortress of Ibiza
If you decide to see photos and descriptions of the sights of Ibiza, pay attention to Castell de Eivissa, built in the 12th century and considered the oldest building on the island. The castle, built for purely defensive purposes, is located in the heart of the Old Town. At one time, its powerful fortress walls hid the dwellings of citizens, the Cathedral built on the site of an Arab mosque, the Governor’s House, which hosted many famous personalities, and other objects of medieval “infrastructure”.
Over the long years of its existence, the city fortress has undergone numerous alterations and reconstructions, thanks to which elements of various architectural styles have appeared in its appearance. It is quite nice here during the day, but with the onset of evening, when the bastions and towers are illuminated by illumination, everything looks even more beautiful. And most importantly, the defensive walls offer a beautiful view of the bay, the port and the surrounding area of the city. There are several cafes at the entrance to the fortress. There are also street musicians and sellers of various souvenirs.
Location: Carrer Bisbe Torres Mayans, 14, 07800, Ibiza.
Port of Ibiza
Among the most visited attractions of Ibiza in Spain, it is worth highlighting the port located in the capital. You can get here not only from other islands of the Balearic Archipelago (Minorca, Majorca and Formentera), but also from the mainland of the country (Denia, Valencia and Barcelona). Puerto de Ibiza, built in the old fishing district, has everything you need for a comfortable stay-cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, casinos, hotels, night clubs and many other facilities. In addition, it is from here that most of the sightseeing boats that make sightseeing trips in the surrounding area depart.
Another special feature of this harbor is the presence of a small craft market with ethnic souvenirs, dishes, clothing and jewelry. In different directions from the port diverge picturesque streets, and in the heart is the monument “Corsair”, established in memory of those who defended the island from pirates.
Location: Calle Andenes, 07800, Ibiza.
Puig de Missa Church
Puig-de-Missa Church, perched on top of the hill of the same name, is a beautiful white-stone structure equipped with its own defensive tower. In the middle of the 16th century, it was an important strategic point where the inhabitants of the city took refuge from numerous pirate raids. Now – almost the most visited attraction of the resort.
The interior of the sanctuary, complemented by a variety of intra-wall burials, is characterized by modesty and simplicity. The only exceptions are the Catholic altar, made in the Churrigueresco style, and the multi-arched porch with powerful columns, dating from the beginning of the 17th century. But as you climb to the church, you will have a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea and the streets of the city. Near the church there is an ancient cemetery, a columbarium and a small ethnographic museum. But to see the old watermill, you will have to go a little further.
- Location: Plaza Lepanto s / n, 07840, Santa Eualia del Rio.
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10: 00 to 14: 00.
Cap Blanc Aquarium
If you don’t know what to see in Ibiza, head to Cap Blanc, a huge aquarium set in one of the natural caves. Once upon a time, smugglers were hiding in this hollow. Then they bred fish, lobsters and octopus for the bazaars of Barcelona. And only in the late 90s of the last century, after a major reconstruction in the cave of lobsters, as the locals call it, a unique aquarium was opened, sheltering the main representatives of the Mediterranean fauna.
Currently, Cap Blanc is not only one of the best attractions on the island, but also an important scientific center, whose employees are trying to increase the population of endangered species of marine life. Inside the cave is an underground lake, divided into 2 parts. Each of them contains relatively large marine fish and other animals that need the same conditions. You can take a closer look at them from the wooden bridge that runs directly over the water. In addition to this lake, the cave has several reservoirs designed for smaller animals – stars, skates, sponges, crabs, etc. The volume of the largest is about 5 thousand liters. And even in the Cap Blanc aquarium, rescued sea turtles are often placed, which are then released back into the wild.
Address: Carrera Cala Gracio S / N, 07820, San Antonio Abad.
Opening hours:
- May-October: daily from 09: 30 to 22: 00 (May and October – until 18: 30);
- November-April: Sat. from 10: 00 to 14: 00.
Cost of the session:
- Adults – 5€;
- Children from 4 to 12 years – 3€.
Las Dalias Market
While exploring the best attractions of the island of Ibiza in Spain with photos and descriptions, you will surely come across Mercadillo Las Dalias. The famous Hippie market, which has been operating since 1954, is a huge trading platform, where life does not stop for a minute. During the day, you can buy a lot of different goods here, just sit in a cafe, listen to local DJs or watch mimes. As the evening progresses, Las Dalias hosts theme nights where you can learn reggae, salsa, flamenco and other types of dance.
Among other things, there is another interesting place here. We are talking about the bar of the same name, where artists, philosophers, representatives of different subcultures and other colorful characters gather. Especially interesting there on Wednesdays-despite the fact that the market itself is closed on this day, the bar regularly hosts Indian-vegetarian jazz-rock parties.
Where to find: Carretera de Sant Carles Km 12, 07850.
Opening hours:
- April-October: Sat. from 10: 00 to 18: 00;
- November-March: Sat. from 10: 00 to 16: 00.
Santa Gertrudis Township
The island of Ibiza, whose sights will delight you with their diversity, boasts many authentic villages with a long and rather interesting history. Such places include Santa Gertrudis, a small town located in the heart of the famous resort. In addition to beautiful nature and beaches with turquoise waters, there are a huge number of antique shops, craft centers, art galleries, museums and other cultural sites. For the convenience of tourists, there are bars, restaurants and shops.
Most of them are concentrated in the central square of the city. What is most unusual – all this is perfectly combined with the agricultural landscape, which is home to goats, sheep and the only dairy cows of the island.
