Travel guide

Ibiza

For a holiday with no room for mistakes. By Julie Couto.

01

Hola cariño

So you're going to Ibiza again? Yes, yes, yes.

Hola qué tal, soy Julie. A Libra, but a decisive one. Obsessed with beautiful places, good food and the best table in the restaurant or a front-row sunbed. I don't think everything good has to be expensive, but if I'm paying a lot, it had better be memorable.

The first time my husband and I went to Ibiza together was in 2012. Since then it has become our favourite place in the world and we go every year. We work for it. We have been as a couple dating, married, pregnant, with a child, without children… And in 2025 and 2026 we went with my parents and our two kids.

Ibiza is about much more than parties, and every summer we hunt for new places to stay, restaurants, beaches and shops, to widen our discoveries and keep sighing as if it were the first time. We do try to resist, but the one year we skipped Ibiza, we regretted it. So we keep going back, and every year we stay longer and become more expert on the Isla Bonita.

This guide is for anyone who has no time to waste on holiday and wants to get it right at every meal, every beach, every sunset and every shop. Every place has a direct Google Maps link.

Ibiza surprises those who take it slowly. It has a reputation for excess, but it holds quiet corners, simple food made with care, hotels full of soul and still, transparent water. It's an island that blends the rustic and the sophisticated effortlessly. From the countryside to the beach clubs, everything seems to run on its own time.

It's not about rushing to see everything. It's about choosing one place, sitting down and staying. Ibiza never stops. But if you want it to stop, it stops and waits for you.

02

Is Ibiza only about clubbing?

No. Ibiza is everything, and it comes with the bonus of having the best clubs in the world, with the best DJs in the world playing in them.

When I talk about Ibiza, almost everyone immediately asks about the clubbing. And I understand where that reputation comes from, because you feel it the moment you arrive: the airport is entirely wrapped in party adverts. You leave, take the main avenue, and it is one club billboard after another.

But after that it stops. You only see the clubs if you want to see them, if you go looking. They must be about 10% of the island. Or less.

The rest is something else. It is European families, lots of older people, lots of children, everyone at the beach, in the restaurants, in the little towns, in the centre. It is families, genuinely.

And that is the bonus: you spent the day at the beach, had a good lunch, a cold glass of white wine, and you are perfectly happy. Then you pick up your phone and check what is on tonight. There will always be someone huge playing, almost always in more than one place, and you even get to choose where to go. But if you want to go to bed early and start the next day at dawn, that is fine too. Nobody here is obliged to do anything.

03

When to go?

Ibiza has a season. And a real season, the kind where getting it wrong by two weeks means you end up visiting a different island.

We went in April and I don't recommend it. You do get a few days of good weather and you can sit on the beach, but the sea is cold, people. Really cold. In the sun you are fine, but one little cloud passes and it turns chilly. And at night there is no arguing: jacket. There are few days of full sun and you are at the mercy of the weather for the whole trip. May, same story.

The hot season, the one you picture when you think of Ibiza, runs from the second half of June to the first half of September. That's it. Outside that window I would not go.

And inside it there is an even better window: from the last week of June to the first week of July. Those fifteen days are the peak. All of July is beautiful, August works too, but August is packed, very packed, and we have had rainy days there. From late September onwards the cloudy days begin. If you can choose, choose June turning into July.

And about the weather, which is what matters: in those last two weeks of June and all through July you get sun every single day. Not one cloudy day. Perfect.

One thing has changed, and it is worth knowing. The summer high used to sit around 28, 29 degrees, a lovely warmth. In the last four or five years it has started hitting 34.

04

How to get there?

If you are already in Europe, it's easy. There are direct flights from several European cities, and very frequent ones.

And there is something that makes a difference to the whole trip: Ibiza airport is close to everything. It is not one of those airports in the middle of nowhere that take an hour on the road before you even see the sea. You land and you are already in the buzz of the island.

So much so that you will pass by it often. To go to the beach at Ses Salines, you pass the airport. To go to the beach or have lunch at Cala Jondal, you pass the airport. And if you go clubbing at Circoloco, at DC10, the party is practically at the end of the runway.

05

How to get around the island?

Rent a car. Full stop. No discussion.

Taxis in Ibiza are expensive, Uber takes forever to turn up, and there is also a local app they use over there, but honestly: a car. It is the best option and there is no runner-up.

The car is what gives you freedom. It is what lets you see three beaches in one day, or have lunch in one place and leave for a swim somewhere else whenever you feel like it, without depending on anyone.

And there is plenty of choice. There must be around twenty rental companies on the island, so the prices end up being quite competitive compared with other parts of the world.

Ideally you book ahead, of course. But if you left it to the last minute, relax: even in high season you can rent from one day to the next and still find a car. People are coming and going from the island all the time, so there is always a car available.

And parking, which is the question everyone has before going: it is fine. At the beaches you will hardly ever struggle to find a space. There is usually room to spare, you pull in and that is it. It rarely causes trouble.

If you are going in a big group with the whole schedule set, a van is worth it. But if there are two of you and you want to explore, a car, always.

Now, one rule you never break: if you are going clubbing, leave the car at home. Go and come back by taxi or Uber. Outside any club in Ibiza there are always plenty of taxis waiting, that never fails. If you drink, do not drive.

06

How many days to stay?

Ten days. That is my honest answer.

Ibiza has a lot, a lot, a lot to see. Seven days go by and you come home happy, but you come home wanting more. Three days is just so you can say you went, to clock in. You cannot really live anything in three days.

Look at the list of restaurants and things to do further down. It is a lot. There is no doing all of that in less than ten days, and I will be honest: even staying ten, you leave feeling you left things behind. It happens to us every year, we board the plane saying “I wish we had gone to that place, but there was no time”. You will never need to repeat a restaurant, a beach or a beach club. And believe me, you will want to repeat.

And there is a very practical reason behind that number, especially if you are into clubbing: in Ibiza each club has its own fixed resident DJ, always on the same day of the week. The whole island’s programme repeats every seven days. So if you stay less than a week, you do not see what is going on, you see a fraction of it.

There is also the tiredness, and nobody warns you about that. In Ibiza it gets dark at 8, 9 at night. Then you blink and the day is gone: you stayed at the beach until sunset, it is already 9, back to the hotel, shower, out for dinner, and by the time dinner is over it is time for the club. You go, you come back, and it is already breakfast time and time to head to the beach again. It is delicious and it is exhausting. If your schedule is intense, there will be days when you simply need to stop and rest. And those days count towards the total.

So: the more days, the better. A week is the minimum. Ten days is ideal.

07

Where to stay

Choosing where to stay in Ibiza is half the experience.

Here you'll find my personal selection: the hotels that win you over with their details, the houses that welcome you, the corners worth every cent (and a few that aren't quite, but have their charm). From unpretentious finds to places that have become destinations in themselves.

Each stay comes with honest comments, things to watch out for, and the kind of eye you only get from living the island this many times. It's not about luxury for luxury's sake. It's about energy, aesthetics and soul.

And before choosing the hotel, choose which part of the island to stay in. The area completely changes the kind of trip you are going to have.

If your Ibiza is the clubbing one, stay near the centre or Playa d'en Bossa. That is where the main clubs are: Ushuaia, Hi and Pacha. You will want to be a few minutes from everything so you do not spend a fortune on taxis.

Now, if you want the other side of the island, the one more about wellbeing, my advice is the north. It is about 40 minutes from the centre, and that is already the furthest you will ever drive there. Forty minutes is the maximum distance in Ibiza, so do not let the map scare you.

And the north is a delight. I joke that the locals, the people who really live in Ibiza, escape to the north. They love it, they worship it. It is another thing entirely. It is still Ibiza, but an Ibiza that belongs more to those who live there than to those coming to spend the summer.

08

Restaurants

A good restaurant is about more than the food. It has to have a vibe, charm, or at least a playlist that makes you want to stay longer. These are my favourites: for the flavours, the settings and the energy.

Where a restaurant publishes its menu online, I've added the link. That way it's easier to choose before you book.

Important: book ahead. Most of them do not accommodate surprises. Turned up without a booking? High chance of an effortless “no”.

Tip: when booking, say it's a special date (honeymoon, babymoon, birthday…). Sometimes you get a treat or the best table in the house.

Lunch: for a lovely midday meal

  • Jondal

    The most hyped one. And it lives up to the hype. The decor is truly drool-worthy. Even the bathroom is beautiful. Spectacular food. Expensive, and getting a table is a real challenge.

    Menu

  • Elements

    One of the few places you can turn up at without a reservation. Unpretentious, tasty and almost on the sand. Open all day and a great base if you're spending the day at Benirrás. The little shop has a wonderful selection. Bonus: Monday to Saturday there's drumming on the beach at sunset.

    Menu

  • El Silencio

    Rustic, beachy decor, absolutely beautiful. It has a few bad reviews, but every time we went we loved it.

  • Mar y Sal

    Tucked away behind the beach, inside a very charming hostal. No showing off, no fuss. Pleasant and delicious. Almost a refuge for the days you want a break from the sun without leaving the beach vibe. The little shop has cute finds like kids' floats.

    Menu

  • Los Enamorados

    A must-stop. Everything on the menu is spectacular. The view is wonderful, the decor is maddeningly good. The shop is so incredible that I give it its own entry in the "Shopping" section.

  • Cala Gracioneta

    Another very hyped one. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! The food, not so much. But it's worth it for the experience: lunch and then straight to the beach, sprawled on the sand or in the sea. Every now and then there are parties at night with wonderful DJs.

    Menu

  • El Chiringuito

    It's on the official tourist trail. Very pretty, and their salt-baked fish is wonderful. Their shop is drool-worthy.

    Menu

  • La Escollera

    Right next to El Chiringuito. Far less hyped but really lovely. Practically on top of the sea. The setting is beautiful.

    Menu

  • Nudo

    Pretty in every detail, from the menu to the glassware cabinet. Delicious food! One of our favourites in 2024.

    Menu

  • Es Xarcu

    We stumbled into this place years ago and I still dream about their lubina (sea bass). The best I've ever had. They've just reopened the seafront spot! And if you want to escape the sun, there's another one on a little square.

    Menu

  • Can Muson

    A farm with real animals. Perfect with kids. Do the tour and then have a very fresh lunch. You can also buy the farm's own fruit and vegetables.

  • Es Fumeral

    Chic and beachy. The view is unreal and the dishes, mostly made for sharing, just as unreal. The bathroom is gorgeous.

    Menu

  • Um Beach

    I've never been and I don't know anyone who has. I want to go if only to see up close that whole ceiling of fine woven reed and the barefoot-on-the-sand decor, which look wow in the photos.

    Menu

  • Al Mar

    Haven't been yet but it's on the list for the location alone. There used to be a wonderful beach club/restaurant in this exact spot and we have lovely memories of those days. At some point I need to go and see whether it's as good as the last one...

    Menu

  • Ses Boques

    Run by the same family for years, in a paradise of a setting, it has real status. The kind of place that needs no advertising because local word of mouth does the job.

    Menu

  • Sa Caleta

    The best paella I have ever had, in the most beautiful setting! It sits on Sa Caleta beach, a private little paradise. The trick is to have lunch there and go down to the beach afterwards, once the sun has softened... Since this beach has no facilities, arriving already fed and happy on wine is a treat.

    Menu

  • Xiringuito Xuclar

    In a tiny bay full of charm. Well known by locals and perfect for a lunch off the beaten track. The restaurant is small, so plan ahead if you're a bigger group.

  • Chiringuito Fusta

    On a beautiful beach that almost nobody makes it to! There's a steep little scramble to get down. Don't be put off. The place is simple, but the view and the sea make it all worth it. It feels like finding a hidden gem in the middle of the island.

  • 4fu3gos

    It just opened, so there aren't many reviews on the food yet. But it sits inside the Nômade hotel, which means just breathing in that wonderful Moroccan decor in the middle of Ibiza already makes the visit worth it. Even if only for a drink.

Dinner: for a meal you will not forget

  • Aguamadera

    Beautiful place, good food, lovely vibe. If you're with a big group, ask for the table under the tree and stay for hours! Get there before sunset.

  • Can Domo

    The restaurant inside the Can Domo hotel is pure poetry. Get there before sunset to fall for the contrast between the blue linen tablecloths and the last rays of sun. Recommended by the Michelin Guide.

    Menu

  • A Mi Manera

    Feels like an episode of White Lotus. A thousand characters around you. Buzzy and happy! I don't remember the food, but I remember laughing a lot.

    Menu

  • Juntos House

    Beautiful, welcoming, lovely, and the shop has the chicest selection of them all. A happy place full of happy people. Also one to go to before sunset.

  • Edén

    The best view on the whole island. Inside the Hacienda Na Xamena hotel. So romantic it makes you want to be proposed to right as the sun goes down. A memorable experience. Only worth it if you go while there is still light, okay?

    Menu

  • Es Cucons

    Inside the rural hotel Es Cucons. Simply gorgeous. They used to have a wonderful shop in Santa Gertrudis, so good taste comes naturally here. There is usually live music at dusk. Check their schedule.

  • Casa Linda

    A restaurant in a garden strung with little lights is a guarantee of warmth and good mood. Mediterranean food.

  • Aubergine

    Another garden full of charm. Almost poetry. Open all day, but when we went for lunch in high season it was really hot. The little shop has a beautiful selection.

    Menu

  • La Paloma

    And another garden... this one is the most beautiful, no question! It is open for lunch too, but late afternoon here is even more special, and so is the menu!

  • Hambre

    Delicious food, a spot-on playlist and a vibe that wraps around you. Like the house of a friend who knows how to host. And best of all: it is off the tourist radar.

    Menu

  • Los Enamorados

    Yes. Here again. Beyond lunch, dinner here is a real scene. And the sunset is beautiful too. I love this place at every hour.

  • Bistro Mondo

    From the same owners as Taller Sa Penya. This one is open all day, much more casual, with pizzas and sandwiches, perfect for a dinner where you do not have to dress up. Good for lunch and breakfast too.

    Menu

  • Sa Capella

    One of those dinners that stays with you. It is inside a chapel, very dramatic. Very beautiful. Impeccable service and wonderful food.

  • Cipriani

    The classic, buzzy Italian. I have never been to the Ibiza one, but it is always good to have a proper Italian up your sleeve for when you tire of lubina and paella. Rare, but it happens.

  • Taller Sa Penya

    A tip from a Dutch friend who has lived in Ibiza for years, has excellent taste and is very demanding about food. I have not been yet, but from the little I have seen it is intimate and chic without showing off.

    Menu

  • The Maine

    It has been on my list for two years, but I can never get a table. Very buzzy, since it became the (very chic) pre-party spot.

  • Casa Maca

    A chic farm with a view over downtown Ibiza. The food is cooked on the big open fire in the middle of the restaurant. There is even someone whose only job is carving the jamón. The chicest carnivore vibe I have ever seen.

    Menu

  • Omakase by Wald

    So exclusive that the Instagram is private. Only 8 seats at the counter. A real show from start to finish. So intimate that they ask you to go easy on the perfume so as not to spoil the olfactory experience of your counter neighbours. No children under 12.

  • Roca House

    Very cool, lovely, brand new, and up to summer 2026 it was the cheapest of all the restaurants I went to that season. I went for lunch, but I think it suits dinner better.

    Menu

  • Il Dek

    At the foot of the castle. Very laid-back. I thought it would be a cliché tourist trap. But the pizza surprised me. And I am not even that big a pizza fan.

    Menu

  • La Oliva

    Right in the middle of the buzz of Dalt Vila! Perfect for a noisy dinner watching life go by. But it is only worth it if you sit outside.

    Menu

  • La Dispensa

    If there is no table at La Oliva, the next option is La Dispensa, where you can still watch life go by, just a little more calmly. The point here is the atmosphere more than the food itself.

    Menu

  • Amalurino

    From the same owners as the well-regarded Amalur (which is not on this list because I was not treated well for having a child with me). This new Amalurino even has a kids area, and it is open all day without a break. Rare, and very handy for when hunger hits at odd hours.

09

Beach clubs

In the European summer, I'm the type who goes to the beach to be served. I work for it: I want white wine, oysters, prawns… and if the sea is good, let lunch come right there. Table laid, tablecloth and everything I'm entitled to.

The beach clubs on this list deliver exactly that: full service, a lovely atmosphere and good food, on the beaches I like to be on. But make no mistake, this is the chicest beach picnic you will ever see.

  • Beso Beach

    Ses Salines

    A perfect beach for kids. But I have been without them and made it my favourite last summer. The sunbeds literally kiss the sea. In high season, though, people may settle on the half metre of sand right in front of you. The sea is perfect, service and food are wonderful, and it is not cheap.

  • Sa Trinxa

    Ses Salines

    The beach party with no fuss. No sunbed free? Throw your sarong on the sand, order a sangría and a salmon sandwich and forget the time. Access to the sea is via a walkway. Not my thing. But the vibe on the beach is so wonderful that we just cool off under the big shower. Bring 1-euro coins to secure your minute of shower.

  • Jockey Club

    Ses Salines

    An easy-access wild card. It is the first restaurant you reach from the car park. There are usually sunbeds free, but the "hamaquero" in charge of them will tell you they are reserved. Say you will eat and drink at the restaurant and he "finds a way". Not the cheapest place in the world, but cheaper than Beso Beach.

  • El Chiringuito

    Es Cavallet

    One of the most beautiful beaches, if there is no wind. Which is rare. There are the regular sunbeds, where you can order from the Chiringuito restaurant, or the restaurant's super sunbeds, which I do not find worth it because they are far from the sea.

  • Cala Gracioneta

    Cala Gracioneta

    A small bay between rocks that takes your breath away. The restaurant sunbeds are very far from the sea, but the vibe is a delight. Quite exclusive. I like to have lunch at the restaurant and then do an "after" in the sea. Drop your things on the sand and go float.

  • Pomelo Playa

    Cala Gració

    From the same owners as Cala Gracioneta. It opened this year and I think the food has a lot of room to improve. The sunbeds, like at its older sibling, are far from the sea. The decor was the only thing I liked. I said it would not make it into my guide. But it is good to have an option near Cala Gracioneta in case you cannot get a table there.

  • El Silencio

    Cala Molí

    A spacious, spectacular bay. There are sunbeds on the beach, and if you are more of a pool person, this is the place. As night falls, the party takes shape.

  • Chiringuito Cala Tarida

    Cala Molí

    It is on my wishlist. It looks unpretentious and lovely. I love a cala (a small bay), it feels cosy. This year I tried to book and the price was out of line. I gave up. Maybe next year.

  • Jondal

    Cala Jondal

    To see and be seen. The kind of beach club Anitta shows up at. The beach is not the best, but the service, decor and food certainly are.

  • Tigre Morado

    Port des Torrent

    I went twice in 2025 and simply loved it!!! The sea is wonderful. There is sushi and some wonderful Mediterranean dishes. And best of all, you can book sunbeds on their website.

  • Es Torrent

    Playa de Es Torrent

    Simple and very well attended. A while back it was so sought after you could not even get a booking. No music at all. It is for relaxing and eating well. Lovely and unpretentious. The only downside is the pebble beach.

    Menu

  • Amante

    Cala Sol d'en Serra

    It is on the tourist radar for lunch and dinner, but few people know you can spend the day on the loungers. Perfect for a day for two. We went years ago and it was a delight. We lay in the sun, had a nice lunch at the restaurant and then walked down the stairway to the beach. The beach is made of giant rocks. Not my favourite, but it was different. I would not recommend it with kids.

10

No-frills beaches

Ibiza doesn't live on beach clubs alone.

Some days all you want is a sarong, a good swim, a friendly little kiosk and no pressure to spend. These are the beaches that keep the island's freest spirit: some with simple facilities, like loungers with umbrellas (7 euros each), others that practically call for a picnic.

Bring your water, your crisps and get ready to enjoy the Ibiza that still holds out beyond the flashy circuit.

  • Benirràs

    One of the most special beaches on the island. There are loungers and umbrellas to rent and a kiosk for food and drinks. Monday to Saturday, the sunset comes with a soundtrack: the drum ritual with the real hippies. The tribal energy is unforgettable. On Sunday, Tuesday and Friday there is the beach market (a hippie market full of finds). You can do the whole sarong routine, have lunch at Elements and then head back to the sarong or a sunbed for a nap. PS: the market days change through the year, check before you go.

  • Cala Saladeta

    No facilities at all; getting there means a simple trail. In high season it can lose its charm from the sheer crowds. I always give up on going for those reasons. But if you go, tell me how it was so I can decide whether to try next time.

  • Cala Escondida

    Not hidden at all, everyone knows it. The sea is well sheltered by the rocks and always delivers a good swim. A perfect spot for sunset.

  • Cala d'Hort

    The view of Es Vedrà charges you up the moment you set foot on the sand. There are loungers to rent and you can buy drinks at the restaurant and stay on the beach. The sunset there is beautiful too.

11

Sunset

Sunset in Ibiza deserves a chapter of its own. That is not a figure of speech, it is exactly that.

There is a spot for every taste, from feet in the sand to a smart restaurant. I will start with ours.

Benirràs is our favourite. A free beach, no fuss, and the famous hippie drumming when the sun starts to drop. Sunday used to be the official drumming day, but there was a fire there during a Sunday circle and the police banned it. The hippies did not give up: they still go and play the drums at sunset every day, except Sunday. As it is not official, there is no guarantee, they go if they feel like going. But every single time we have been, there was drumming.

Cala Escondida is incredible. Along with Benirràs, they are our three favourite places on the island to watch the sun go down.

Other options are: Cala Comte, Los Enamorados and Hostal La Torre.

Now, if you want something smarter: Hacienda Na Xamena has the most surreal sunset of your life. We have stayed at that hotel precisely because of it, because of the view. And if you are not staying there, you can have dinner at the restaurant and secure your spot. Far too romantic.

Finally, there is the San Antoni promenade, home to Café del Mar and Café Mambo. About that one I have to be honest: I do not recommend it. The crowd is very young, it is packed, really packed, and it is quite a tourist trap. You will struggle to get a table, you will not eat well and you will not relax. I am mentioning it because everyone asks, but there are far more beautiful places on this island to spend your time and your money watching the sun go down.

12

Shopping

Everything different that I own, whether clothes, objects or accessories, probably came from Ibiza. The selection in the shops here is unreal: unique, elaborate pieces, unearthed in the most unlikely corners of the world.

Even when the euro isn't on my side, I make a point of visiting. I get inspired, I breathe, and I come back with my head full of ideas.

Set aside a few hours of the day to dive into this universe. The ones I never skip: Los Enamorados, Parada and Atelier 74. Even if it's just for a browse.

  • Le Petit Atelier Nº74

    One of the most beautiful shops. The clothes are handmade, timeless and delightful. The colour palette is a treat for the eyes. And there are creative workshops for kids almost every day.

  • Parada

    A cave full of nooks, and every nook packed with beautiful things. A chic, playful selection. It opened in 2024 and the owners are full of energy to keep everything impeccable.

  • L_Mental

    One of those shops where you get lost among so many things and want to buy several of them. There are two: in Santa Eulalia and Santa Gertrudis (the bigger one).

  • Origins

    Also in Santa Gertrudis. Lots of things piled up, but you can strike gold with unique pieces like a gorgeous hemp hat. Better to skip it if you have kids with you.

  • Galeria Elefante

    You can feel Victoria's love for her gallery from a distance. She is always in the shop, now based in Santa Gertrudis, and the mix of finely chosen pieces runs from books to charming embroidered dresses. Worth a visit.

  • El Pelut

    Home of the chicest cotton mosquito nets. The cool hotels Los Enamorados in Ibiza and El Corazón in Mallorca use them in their decor. Beyond nets, there are gorgeous handmade clothes.

  • Los Enamorados

    To enter the shop you have to take your shoes off. Struck right at the door. After that it is one gasp after another. There is a boat hanging from the ceiling, an E.T. plush toy, the most beautiful macramé fitting room in the world. The selection is so special it makes you cry. Set aside some euros to spend here.

  • Bohême

    You will not believe it, but this shop is in the beach car park. The owners travel all year to bring the most beautiful bags to this little corner. I go every year and pick my summer bag in 5 minutes. Worth a visit!

  • Cocoq

    Furniture, decor, rugs, a thousand beachy things and inspiration everywhere! If you pass by, stop and pop in for a quick look!

  • Annie's

    A magic cave full of treasure. You might walk past the door and think it is a little hedonistic costume shop, but the truth is it holds very expensive pieces that look like works of art. If you like investing in carnival or Burning Man looks, this is the place.

  • Happinez Ibiza

    A selection straight from Bali. It makes you want to live in Ibiza just to furnish a whole house in Happinez.

13

Otras cositas más

  • Las Dalias

    If you like a market, this is the place! Open Saturday to Tuesday. Beyond the shopping, there is an open-air party that welcomes every tribe and every age and, best of all, it is free. Rare to see! We went about 4 times this summer! Since 2024 there has been a Mexican restaurant, Palo Santo, practically on the dance floor! It is soooo good (if you enjoy a bit of gentle chaos). My parents were on cloud nine: a little shopping, a little music and delicious food. Children are very welcome!!!! The hours shift a bit through the summer, so check their Instagram before going. But seriously, do not miss it!

  • Juntos Farm

    I cannot even explain this place. It is a farm with music, activities, a little market with fresh food, tastings, quick bites, wine, great taste and beautiful people. Great to go with kids and just be happy. Authentic rural hippie chic.

  • Dalt Vila

    The historic part of Ibiza is beautiful and worth at least one late afternoon. The light is unreal, the vibe very happy and the shops around the castle are wonderful.

  • UNVRS

    Parties are not the focus of this guide, but if you can fit one in, go to UNVRS. Considered the biggest club in the world, this electronic paradise is pure spine-tingling technology. Check the calendar to see if there is a DJ you like! I went to Anyma and El Row. The latter was my favourite night. Beautiful to watch and to dance!

  • Hike Station

    Hikes through hidden corners of Ibiza... this one is trending and really does look breathtaking. On their website you pick what appeals to you most and you also meet new people on the same wavelength! Every year I say I am going to do it and back out at the last minute. If you do it, tell me??

  • The Other Face

    Another hiking option, but with your own group of friends. With more than 3 people it can work out cheaper.

  • Retro boat trip

    I do not love life al mare, I get seasick even on a pedal boat, but this beautiful, few-hour option was ideal for me! I did not have to spend a fortune on yachts with long trips, let alone on dull little boat rides. The retro boats are called llaüts and Jaime is one of the few still doing this out there. Fits up to 6 people.

  • Sailboat trip

    Fabio and Mari, a high-spirited Brazilian couple, bought a sailboat and spend the whole summer between Ibiza and Formentera. Homeonsail works as accommodation. It sleeps up to 5 people and includes all meals. I got lucky this year and we managed to squeeze in a sunset trip on board!! Even not being a sea person, it left me wanting to fall asleep and wake up rocking on the water!

If you've made it this far, you're already intimate with the island.

I hope this guide has inspired you to live Ibiza with calm, beauty and presence, exactly the way it asks for. If you find a special sunset, a hidden corner or a decor worth sighing over, raise a glass for me. And if at some point you think “wow, this is so Ju”: mission accomplished.

Follow me over on @julie_couto so you don't miss the next destination and more live tips from the European summer.

Want a personalised itinerary, tailor-made for you? Write to me at oi@juliecouto.com. It will be a pleasure to help you plan beautiful moments.

With love, Julie.

Ibiza tips on Ju's Instagram