Ibiza · Eivissa

Ibiza Town, known as Eivissa in Catalan, is the heart of the island – and far older than its reputation as a party capital suggests. The fortified upper town of Dalt Vila rises above the harbor, while boutiques, bars, and yachts crowd in below. If you're planning a trip to Ibiza, you'll find a mix of history, Mediterranean cuisine, and nights that don't end until sunrise.

2,700 Years of History on One Hill

The Phoenicians founded a settlement on the hill by the harbor around 654 BC, and the Carthaginians later turned it into an important trading post. The Puig des Molins necropolis, one of the largest Punic burial sites in the Mediterranean, lies in the middle of the modern city. Romans, Byzantines, and Moors followed, and in 1235 Catalan troops conquered the island. The massive Renaissance walls that enclose Dalt Vila were built under Philip II in the 16th century to defend against pirate attacks. In 1999, UNESCO added the old town, the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta, the necropolis, and the seagrass meadows between Ibiza and Formentera to its World Heritage list.

Sights in Ibiza Town

The route up to Dalt Vila begins at the Portal de ses Taules, the main gate with its drawbridge. From there, cobbled lanes climb between whitewashed houses to the Cathedral of Santa Maria de les Neus, whose forecourt offers a sweeping view over the harbor and the sea all the way to Formentera. You can walk the fortifications along bastions such as Sant Bernat and Santa Llúcia. The Museu d'Art Contemporani, housed in a former arsenal, shows works by artists who came to the island starting in the 1950s, and the Archaeological Museum tells the story of the Punic past. Below the walls lies the old harbor district of La Marina, with narrow lanes lined with fashion shops and small bars. Sa Penya, the former fishermen's quarter at the tip of the harbor, hugs the rock with its colorful houses.

Beaches and Surroundings

The nearest city beach is Ses Figueretes, a few minutes' walk from the center, followed by the long Platja d'en Bossa with its beach clubs and large hotels. South of the airport begins Ses Salines Natural Park, with salt flats, flamingos, and the beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. Ferries run from Ibiza harbor to Formentera in about half an hour, where the water glows a Caribbean turquoise. Inland, the whitewashed fortified churches of Sant Miquel and Santa Gertrudis are worth a visit, and on the west coast, people gather in Sant Antoni for the famous sunset.

Eating and Drinking

Ibizan cuisine is rustic and hearty. Bullit de peix, a fish stew, is served with arroz a banda, rice cooked in the fish broth. Sofrit pagès, a farmer's stew of meat, sausage, and potatoes, is the classic holiday dish. For dessert there's flaó, a cheesecake flavored with mint, along with a glass of hierbas ibicencas, the island's herbal liqueur. Fruit and vegetables are sold at the Mercat Vell at the foot of Dalt Vila, and restaurants in Ibiza range from simple seafood eateries to gourmet addresses at Marina Botafoch.

Nightlife in Ibiza

Ibiza is a place of pilgrimage for electronic music. The big clubs are located between the town, Platja d'en Bossa, and Sant Rafel, some with room for thousands of guests; the season begins with opening parties in May and ends with closing parties in October. If you prefer something calmer, stick to the bars of the marina or a terrace beneath the city wall. For several years now, the island government has been trying to curb excesses – for example, with restrictions on alcohol sales in certain zones.

Getting Around and Best Time to Visit

Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is only about 7 kilometers southwest of the city, and buses run regularly to the center. On the island, buses connect the towns, with night buses in summer as well; a rental car is more practical for reaching hidden coves, though. The best times to visit are May, June, and September: warm water, open clubs, and fewer crowds than in July and August, when prices and visitor numbers peak. In winter the island goes quiet, and many venues close.