I first visited Ibiza all the way back in 2006. We sailed across on a friend’s yacht, headed straight to Pacha and I was instantly hooked… The atmosphere, the places, the people… there was just something magical about the island. I’ve been back many, many times since and last year, Carl and I lived in the sweetest little house in Dalt Vila for the full summer before getting married on the island on the last weekend of the season, so it’s pretty safe to say that Ibiza has a very special place in my heart! The island has changed unbelievably so since I first visited, but there’s still so many incredible places to visit. Over the past couple of years we’ve spent more and more time in Ibiza so we’ve really taken the opportunity to try out all those places we’d always said we must try one day. I get asked where to go, eat, stay and party all the time so this post has been a long time coming and hopefully it’ll be a super helpful guide if you have plans to visit the island, or maybe it’ll provide a little inspiration to book a trip to the magical isle… Happy holidays!
RESTAURANTS FOR LUNCH
Es Xarcu
Area: Porroig (South West)
This traditional secluded restaurant is one of our favourites for lunch by the sea. They serve some of the best grilled fish and seafood on the island and the ladies who work there are not only super kind and friendly, but seriously know there way around a fish! I’ve never seen sea bass filleted so beautifully…
Experimental Beach Club
Area: Cap Des Falco (South)
I think this is my number one recommendation in Ibiza… It’s such a great all rounder and has the most amazing atmosphere and views, particularly at sunset. It’s also where we held our post-wedding beach party! You can get sunbeds and spend the day there, or just go for sunset drinks, lunch or dinner. The food is incredible (try all of the tapas!) and the cocktails are delicious and never too sweet. There’s also an amazing shop which stocks some of my favourite Ibiza designers.
Ses Boques
Area: Porroig (South West)
It might take a little time to get down the steep dusty track to this restaurant, but once you arrive, it’s a haven. It’s a super chilled spot with great food and a gorgeous setting on the edge of a rocky beach.
Es Torrent
Area: Porroig (South West)
Another great fish restaurant for a relaxed long lunch. Es Torrent is set on a pebble beach and we’ve never actually seen a menu here – the waiter just reels off what’s good.
Cala Bonita
Area: S’Estanyol (South)
Once you’ve descended the bumpy, dusty track to Cala Bonita, you’ll be ready for a dip in the sea and a delicious lunch. Great food, and a beautiful setting.
Fish Shack
Area: Talamanca (South)
A super simple fish shack where there’s no menu – just a list of what the fishermen brought in that morning. Get the grilled prawns, sardines and squid, and maybe a dorada to share. No reservations and cash only.
El Chiringuito
Area: Es Cavallet (South)
The iconic El Chiringuito on Playa Es Cavallet is still as good as ever. Fresh juices and some of the best food, with sunloungers on a long sandy beach.
Beachouse
Area: Playa d’en Bossa (South)
Great food and a fun atmosphere at this beachfront restaurant at the far end of Playa d’en Bossa.
Beso Ibiza
Area: Salinas (South)
The famous Beso Beach from Formentera has landed on Salinas in Ibiza! A great spot for a beachfront lunch.
Cala Xuclar
Area: San Juan (North East)
If you’re looking to explore further afield, head to this tiny cove in the far north of the island for a relaxed day on the beach with great food, wine and service at the beachside chiringuito. It’s the perfect place to switch off as there’s no phone signal. Make sure to book in advance and take cash to pay.
RESTAURANTS FOR DINNER
Casa Maca
Area: Can Palau (South)
Casa Maca opened last year and it’s such a beautiful spot! I think it’s my pick of the season for a fun group dinner or a romantic date. The restaurant sits on a pretty terrace and lots of the dishes are cooked on a huge open grill. There’s also a garden where they source some of the ingredients on the menu and mixologists pour cocktails from an Airstream trailer. Don’t be surprised if you spot some serious DJs or a superstar or two – it’s become the place to go! It’s also a hotel with cute rooms and a beautiful swimming pool on the terrace. It feels a bit like a relaxed country farmhouse but it’s super close to Ibiza Town.
Jul’s
Area: Sa Caleta (South)
Jul’s opened in 2018 and despite rave reviews from our friends we weren’t huge fans… This year it seems completely different and we’ve LOVED it! It’s a super pretty setting with a Greek inspired menu and it’s perfect for a fun date or a lively group dinner.
Macao Cafe
Area: Santa Gertrudis (Centre)
The best Italian food on the island! Sit on the terrace in Santa Gertrudis and enjoy their delicious pasta dishes.
Cipriani
Area: Marina Ibiza (South)
Great Italian food (I always start with proscuitto, and have veal milanese with a side of spaghetti pomodoro), the best people watching and always the biggest bill.
El Zaguan
Area: Ibiza Town (South)
If you’re looking for a traditional tapas restaurant, El Zaguan is the place to go! We love to sit at the bar and pick at pintxos and tapas.
Lio
Area: Marina Ibiza (South)
Lio has become a bit of an institution in Ibiza. The show is still incredible and the food has really got pretty good over the years. The setting is incredible, with an amazing view over the Old Town. If you want a big fun night out – go here!
La Granja
Area: San Mateo (Centre)
This place is STUNNING… It’s actually a beautiful small hotel with a farm attached but you can book to visit for dinner and sunset drinks. They source as many ingredients as possible from their own farm and we didn’t even realise that some of the courses were vegan until they later told us. It’s just delicious, fresh and really special!
Sa Punta
Area: Talamanca (South)
A lovely restaurant on Talamanca Bay. There are actually 3 parts to it with different menus – Spanish, Asian and Lebanese.
A Mi Manera
Area: Can Negret (Centre)
A new restaurant for 2019 but an old favourite if you’ve ever stayed on Formentera. This beautiful restaurant is set amongst a vegetable garden with candles and sparkly lights. Perfect for a date night or a big family dinner.
HOTELS
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Area: Talamanca (South)
Super chic, super luxe, super expensive but so worth it. A great all rounder for party people, parents, and families as there’s plenty of space and a separate family pool. There’s also a number of great restaurants (Nobu, Peyote and Chambao) as well as a spa, hairdresser and a brilliant shop with the best resortwear edit.
Destino
Area: Talamanca (South)
This is one of my favourite hotels on the island. It’s a resort style hotel but it’s spacious and modern, the staff are great and the location is perfect. The price can really vary depending on the time of your stay during the season so sometimes it’s incredible value, other times not so much, but it’s definitely worth it. The rooms are pretty small but perfectly formed and the pool area is gorgeous. There’s also a great restaurant, particularly for long lazy lunches and on certain evenings throughout the summer they have amazing parties with big name DJs and a great atmosphere
Gran Hotel Montesol
Area: Ibiza Town (South)
Montesol feels a bit more like a city hotel. It’s in a great location on Vara del Rey in Ibiza Town in one of the more traditional style buildings but it’s been beautifully renovated with really well designed, spacious rooms, some of which have views over the main square and the old town. There’s a restaurant and terrace downstairs and a lovely rooftop bar for evening drinks. It’s also open year round so if you fancy a visit in the off season, this is the place to stay.
Ibiza Gran Hotel
Area: Marina Ibiza (South)
I’ve stayed at this hotel so many times over the years and it always feels like a haven amongst the madness but it’s still a fun spot for people watching. They have one of the best breakfasts on the island and it’s also right next door to Cipriani and Pacha so a great option if you’re only there for a short trip.
OD Talamanca
Area: Talamanca (South)
A great location and a reasonable price for the area. This new hotel has 3 pools to sunbathe around, if you’re ever spending time at the property.
Ca Na Xica
Area: San Miguel (Centre)
This is where we got married and it’s such a beautiful place! I LOVE an agroturismo but I also love a modern, luxury hotel and this property fuses the two seamlessly – the main house is over 200 years old but the rooms are all brand new. There are only 20 suites and it’s adults only so it’s super relaxed and spacious, and it feels like such a retreat.
La Finca
Area: San Jordi (South)
This is a super sweet family owned hotel that we stayed at a couple of times a few years ago. The rooms have all been renovated and they surround a small central swimming pool. It’s a great chilled spot for a weekend away or it would be fun to take over all of the rooms for a party.
THINGS TO DO
Visit Dalt Vila
Ibiza’s walled old town was awarded UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1999. The views from the top are stunning and the sweet cobbled streets are steeped in history. If you visit in the day, stop for a fresh orange juice and some small tapas at the little cafe on Carrer de Joan Roman (we lived nearby and would stop by for breakfast as and when the owner decided to open up) or if you visit in the evening, stop by the hidden hole-in-the-wall bar called San Ciriaco on the walk up to the cathedral for a mojito from the crazy Italian owner, and sign (or kiss) the wall to mark your visit.
Go to Formentera
Hire a boat for the day or jump on the ferry in Ibiza Town and spend the day on Formentera. The pale blue water is incredibly clear and the island has some amazing restaurants for a long lunch. We love Es Moli de Sal, Beso Beach, Juan y Andrea, and Chezz Gerdi.
See Es Vedra
Standing at almost 400 metres high, this uninhabited limestone island off the west coast of Ibiza is shrouded in myths and legend. Apparently it’s the third most magnetic spot on earth, the birthplace of the goddess of Ibiza: Tanit, and the tip of the sunken civilisation of Atlantis… We stopped at the Sal de Ibiza shop on the way and picked up some white truffle crisps and a bottle of Cipriani Bellini as a picnic.
Watch the sunset
Ibiza is famed for it’s magical sunsets. Watch it at one of these beautiful spots: Sunset Ashram, Hostal La Torre or Benirras.
Need a sun hat for your trip…?
You can check out my previous post with all the best sun hats for summer, or for more fashion, travel and interiors posts, click here.
