When you think of Ibiza, the Spanish island floating in the Mediterranean, you probably picture endless parties, buzzing nightclubs, and lively nightlife. But there’s another side to Ibiza that’s often overlooked—one with charming villages, peaceful yoga retreats, and quiet sandy coves backed by pine-covered hills. I just came back from a beautiful and relaxing week in Ibiza, and it’s this calmer, more serene side of the island that I’m excited to share with you in this post :)!
I’ll be honest—I started my trip feeling a bit skeptical and disappointed, only seeing tourist traps and very few locals at first. But as we explored more of the island, we stumbled upon a different, more authentic side of Ibiza. In this post, I’ll let you in on all my favorite (and some secret!) spots where you can find privacy, peace, and quiet, far away from the noise and crowds.
If you’re looking for those Instagrammable spots where people go more to be seen than to truly enjoy the moment, the beauty of the place, or the quality of the food, this guide might not be for you ;). Here, I want to show you some more authentic, local gems that aren’t crowded—places where you can really soak in the atmosphere, savor the food, and feel that incredible, exclusive sensation of being in your own little world.
This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
Tips for a Unique & Authentic Adventure
First off, I’d suggest renting a car or, if you’re up for a bit more adventure, a scooter. This way, you can easily move around and explore the island at your own pace. I found that the most beautiful and interesting spots—the hidden gems—are often tucked away inland. The island has three main towns: Ibiza Dalt Vila, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Santa Eulària des Riu. I’d definitely recommend visiting Dalt Vila (the charming old town, especially the Castell d’Eivissa) and Santa Eulària des Riu. As for Sant Antoni de Portmany, you might want to give it a miss—it’s not the prettiest town, filled mostly with English supermarkets, Irish pubs, fast food chains, and nightclubs that only come alive during the high season.
Be adventurous! The best places we stumbled upon were those that didn’t appear in any guides, had no online reviews, and sometimes weren’t even on the map. Also, keep in mind that all the “calas” (little coves) get pretty crowded in summer, especially in August. I’d suggest going there after 4 p.m. when it’s cooler; plus, it’s often too hot to enjoy the beach from noon to 4 p.m. anyway.
Having traveled to different places, I must say that the service in Ibiza is fantastic! Everyone is so friendly and takes the time to chat with visitors. My partner speaks pretty good Spanish, which I’m sure helps a lot! But even if you don’t speak Spanish, I’d recommend learning a few essential words—just to be polite and make a bit of an effort :).
Where to Stay
Since we didn’t know the island very well (we’d been here once a few years ago but only stayed around Dalt Vila), we decided to try something different this time and stayed outside of Dalt Vila at Hotel Los Felices Ibiza, which just opened this year in 2024 in Sant Antoni de Portmany. The hotel itself was great, but as I mentioned before, I wouldn’t really recommend staying in Sant Antoni de Portmany.
If we could do it again, we’d definitely choose one of the many charming rural hotels located inland, away from the crowds and the busy beach resorts. These places are real havens of peace, perfect for a quiet and relaxing stay. Ibiza has plenty of fantastic rural hotels to choose from. We happened to stop at Es Cucons Rural Hotel for a detox juice on our way to Cala Saladeta and immediately fell in love with the place! The only sound you’ll hear there is the gentle song of the cicadas—it’s pure bliss!
Where to Eat & Drink
Being French, I’m a foodie, even when I’m on vacation ;)! But that doesn’t mean I’m into fancy restaurants or overpriced dishes—far from it! I’m always on the hunt for cozy places with generous, tasty food, and I love discovering new flavors. In Ibiza, you’ll find plenty of spots serving up delicious tapas and classic Ibicenco dishes like “frita de pulpo,” made with onions, peppers, and potatoes (it’s so good!). Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and bars that I think you’ll love:
- Restaurant Las puertas del Cielo: The view here is absolutely stunning—it’s worth a visit just for that! It’s also the perfect spot if you’re into grilled meat dishes.
- Bar Costa: Simple, no-fuss tapas that locals love. Make sure to try the sobrasada, Ibiza’s traditional sausage—it’s delicious! I recommend getting there before 6 p.m. for a terrace spot and before 8 p.m. to avoid the queue.
- Restaurant Can Mestre: Fantastic, hearty family cooking. Definitely try the “frita de pulpo” here—it’s amazing!
- La Paloma: Delicious homemade dishes with a lovely terrace shaded by fruit trees. It’s a great spot for lunch.
- Restaurante Ses Casetes: We loved it so much we went twice for dinner! It’s in the charming, quiet village of Sant Mateu d’Albarca. The food is delicious, the owners are super friendly, and the scenery is beautiful!
- Los Enamorados: Such a beautiful view! I’d suggest coming just for a drink in the afternoon.
What to See & Visit
There’s so much more to see and explore in Ibiza than you might think! First up, I’d definitely recommend spending a day or afternoon in the charming old town of Dalt Vila. It’s such a beautiful area with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, chic boutiques, and lively squares shaded by trees. Make sure to climb up to Plaça de la Catedral—the views over the bay and the city of Ibiza are just stunning!
If you love peace and quiet, consider exploring the island by car or scooter and take the smaller roads marked “PMV” or “PM.” These routes are so pretty, with beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace! Another village I fell in love with is Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. It’s a perfect spot to spend a few hours, especially if it’s too hot on the coast—it’s much cooler inland. Grab a “café con leche y hielos” (iced latte) and enjoy the peaceful vibe. There are also some lovely little shops where you can pick up clothes or souvenirs. I picked up some Sal de Ibiza, a natural salt sustainably harvested from the Ses Salines Natural Park. For a fun shopping experience, head to Las Dalias, a “hippy” night market that’s open only on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. It’s just a short drive from Santa Eulària des Riu. It’s a must-see for the Ibiza vibe and a great way to soak up some local color, though, to be honest, there isn’t much that’s truly “hippy” about it anymore ;)!
The southwest part of the island is absolutely gorgeous! You’ve got to check out the mystical rock of Es Vedrà, which stands 413 meters tall! There are so many myths and legends around it, including that it’s the third most magnetic spot on Earth. You can admire Es Vedrà from Cala d’Hort, where a few (very touristy) restaurants offer great views with your meal. Or, head to the parking area for Mirador des Vedrà; from there, it’s a 20-30 minute walk to a stunning viewpoint. Just a heads up, it’s more like a hike, so make sure you have good shoes (we couldn’t do it ourselves because we didn’t have the right ones!). Another great spot to take in the view is from the Necropolis Punico Romana in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The views of Es Vedrà from here are breathtaking—you’ll feel like you have the whole world to yourself!
And of course, Ibiza is packed with beautiful beaches and “calas”! In the north, you’ll find more pebbly, wild beaches that are less crowded, while the south boasts some of the most stunning beaches with turquoise waters and white sand. I loved Cala Benirrás—it’s a great spot to relax for an afternoon. Platja de ses Salines is another favorite, with its beautiful white sand and plenty of space to spread out. Just a little tip: there isn’t much shade, so bring an umbrella if you have one. If not, there are always vendors on the beach selling them. Now, just relax, soak up the sun, feel the warm sand under your feet, and take a deep breath—you’re in paradise!
