Ibiza, also known as the White Isle, is famous for its nightlife, yet there is another side to the island that many visitors never discover. From secret beaches to boho boutiques and seafood restaurants, here are the best Ibiza hidden gems for you to discover.
The Best Hidden Gems of Ibiza
One of the most popular Balearic islands, Ibiza is a great place to enjoy beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. For those who enjoy hiking, you can walk through tranquil olive groves and pine forests, and find hidden coves along the rocky coastlines.
The island of Eivissa, as it is known in Spanish, has a special energy and Ibiza living is increasingly popular with digital nomads. The lively resorts of San Antonio and Ibiza Town can get very hectic in Summertime.
If you’re seeking quiet resorts in Ibiza, head to the picturesque North or Eastern side of the island for an altogether more relaxing experience. Portinatx, Santa Eulalia, Puerto de San Miguel and Port des Torrent are all good places to stay in Ibiza.
There are many Ibiza secret places, from beaches to restaurants and bars, luxury boutiques and sunset viewpoints. Here’s our pick of the best Ibiza hidden spots away from the hustle and bustle of this beautiful island.
Ibiza Old Town Hidden Gems
Ibiza Old Town, or Dalt Vila in Spanish, is the fortified upper town that dates from the Middle Ages. Construction of Ibiza’s citadel was overseen by the engineer Juan Bautista Calvi, commissioned by King Philip II.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a car-free zone and a great place to start your exploration of Ibiza. The most impressive entrance is at Portal de Ses Taules.
Cross over the drawbridge and through the weapons courtyard. Baluard de Santa Lucía, the largest bastion in the fortified city, is a short walk from here. This historical landmark offers great views and is a prime Ibiza photo spot.
Ibiza Hidden Beaches
Whilst there are some very busy beaches like Playa d’en Bossa, it’s not hard to find hidden Ibiza beaches if you know where to look. Here are some of the best ones:
- Aguas Blancas is close to the village Sant Carles de Peralta and very unspoiled.
- Cala d’en Serra is a secret Ibiza beach near the village of Sant Joan de Labritja.
- Cala Llentrisca in San Josep is pebbly but extremely tranquil, being surrounded by pine trees.
- Cala Salada is a quiet cove near Sant Antoni de Portmany with golden sands.
- Cala San Vicente beach has golden sand and very clear water.
- Cala Xuclar is a tiny cove close to Portinatx that is known for snorkelling.
- Platja de Cala Xarraca is just 90 meters long and has crystalline turquoise waters.
- Portixol Beach takes about a 30 minute walk down to the bay. It is rather rocky but the water is a lovely shade of turquoise.
- Ses Salines (Las Salinas) is popular in the afternoon, but great for an early morning swim.
- Sa Pedrera, also known as Atlantis is a series of bathing pools and rock formations in a former quarry in the Cala d’Hort nature reserve. It is accessed by a steep slope leading down from the cliff above.
Another good option is to take the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera, which has some great secluded beaches. The journey time is only 32 minutes, and you can then enjoy hidden treasures such as El Tiburón and Calo d’Es Mort.
Beach Clubs in Ibiza
You may already have heard of famous Ibiza beach clubs like Nikki Beach, Pasha and Ushuaia. They can get a bit full on at times, so seek out some Ibiza secret spots instead for relaxation and a more chilled out vibe.
- Amante at Sol d’en Serra is set in its own private cove. It has outdoor yoga and cinema screenings.
- Babylon Beach in Santa Eulalia has a laid back ambiance and is popular with families.
- Beachhouse is a casual Mediterranean restaurant on Playa d’en Bossa, known for its DJ sets and complimentary beach yoga classes.
- Cotton Beach Club is a hotspot decorated in white, with a Mediterranean fusion restaurant and spectacular views of the coast.
- El Chiringuito is a relaxed Ibiza beach club with a kids’ club and stylish boutique.
- Elements Ibiza has a Heal In massage room, a juice bar, restaurant and boutique.
- Experimental Beach Ibiza oozes Balearic cool, from the stylish design by Dorothee Meilichzon to the delicious cocktails.
If you can’t resist the party atmosphere, check out Ibiza Secret Sessions at El Patio each Thursday. This daytime rave was originally created for Ibiza locals, but has become popular with visitors in the know.
Ibiza Hidden Restaurants
If you want a change from the party restaurants such as STK Ibiza, these off the beaten path Ibiza places are fantastic. While you’re there, try a glass of Hierbas Ibicencas, an Ibiza spirit flavoured with aniseed.
- Aiyanna Ibiza in Cala Nova is the sister restaurant of Amante. It has a laidback luxury vibe and serves organic produce.
- Aubergine Ibiza is a farm to table restaurant with a gorgeous terrace.
- Bar Costa in Santa Gertrudis is good for a simple bocadillo and beer.
- Cala Bonita is hidden in a small cove and is great for seafood.
- Can Balafia does the island’s best chicken and tomato salad, and you dine under the lemon trees.
- Can Mussonet has a charming outdoor terrace and specializes in Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.
- Can Pilot is an unpretentious local grill in San Rafael, known for its barbecued meat.
- Corsario Restaurant & Terrace in Dalt Vila is located in a 10th century building and has panoramic coast views.
- Finca La Plaza has a romantic courtyard and serves tasty Mediterranean food from its Josper grill in Santa Gertrudis.
- La Huerta Organic Food Market is held on Sundays and features music sessions as well as children’s activities.
- La Oliva in Ibiza Town has a creative menu inspired by Asia and the Mediterranean.
- Restaurante la Paloma in Sant Llorenç de Balafia specializes in Italian food and has a boho-chic vibe.
- The Giri Cafe is located within a 300 year old townhouse garden in San Juan.
- The Jockey Club is good for early morning coffee as you’ll have the whole beach to yourself.
- Macao Cafe in Santa Gertrudis is ideal for a relaxing dinner in the bamboo garden.
- Terra Masia is an organic farm that organizes farm to table dinners with guest chefs in Summer.
Ibiza Shopping
- Charo Ruiz has been going strong since 1989. Their shop in Eivissa has beautiful cotton clothing and luxury beachwear in vibrant colors.
- Code on the way from Ibiza town to Santa Eularia is also worth a look.
- Forada Market is a fun destination on a Saturday for local food suppliers with all kinds of delicious snacks.
- Las Dalias Night Market is a popular “hippy market” in Sant Carles de Peralta.
- Oliver is a stylish design store in Ibiza old town that’s good for gifts and furniture.
- There’s an eclectic mix of ceramics, clothing and jewelry at Los Enamorados boutique hotel in Portinatx.
- Handmade shoes and soaps can be bought from the street market in San Juan on Sundays.
- Sluiz is a lifestyle store, bar and restaurant spread over 6000 m2 in Santa Gertrudis.
Ibiza Secret Sunsets
- If you like hiking, do a sunset walk to Cala D’Albarca cove. This is one of the best Ibiza hidden gems.
- Cone Club within Seven Pines Resort Ibiza is a comfy and chic spot to catch the setting sun.
- The plateau looking towards Es Vedra is a great viewing spot.
- Experimental Beach Club on Playa des Codolar Salina is another good spot to watch the sunset in Ibiza.
- Ibiza Stonehenge is an art installation with 13 basalt columns on the South-West coast otherwise known as Time and Space.
- Kumharas is a casual beach bar on San Antonio bay with DJs and fire dancers.
- Punta Galera has distinctive stone formations jutting into the water.
- Sunset Ashram is a cool bar in Sant Josep where you can admire the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
What Is Ibiza Style?
The style of dress in Ibiza is hard to sum up. It is very eclectic, and people here are incredibly free in their expression of personal style. If you feel like wearing a feather headdress or go out on stilts that is fine. No one will take a second glance.
In general of course the style is more bohemian, loose, natural fabrics like cotton, silks. fringing and tribal elements are seen more then city suits. What is very noticeable is that you see more tattoos in Ibiza then in London for example. But the community here is pretty diverse and there are all sorts of styles.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
There are some amazing Ibiza villas for rent, if you would like to experience the White Isle like a local.
You can also find many stylish and cool Ibiza hotels. These are some of the best places to stay in Ibiza:
- Agroturismo Atzaro has traditional Ibicenco architecture, a spa and La Veranda restaurant.
- Ca Na Xica in San Miquel de Balansat has a luxurious in-house spa using natural Ibiza products.
- Los Enamorados is a quirky hotel in Portinatx with a cool restaurant serving locally caught fish.
- Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay has a great location close to Ibiza town and two spectacular pools.
- Pure House Ibiza is located in a former farmhouse in Carrer del Llobarro.
- The Giri Residence in San Juan is beautifully decorated and the restaurant specializes in slow food.
- Wi-Ki-Woo in San Antonio could well be the most Instagrammable Ibiza hotel, with its pastel decor and picture perfect pool.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ibiza Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a more authentic and off the beaten track experience, be sure to check out some of these lesser known Ibiza beaches and sunset spots. And don’t forget to explore some of the amazing restaurants on the island – many of which are still relatively unknown to tourists.
For more Spain travel inspiration, be sure to check out our other posts. We hope you have an amazing time on your next vacation in Ibiza!
Have you ever been to the White Isle and if so, are there any luxury Ibiza boutiques, restaurants or places to stay that you would recommend? We’d love to hear your tips about other Ibiza hidden gems. Don’t forget to check out our guides to hidden gems in London, Paris, Rome and Venice too.
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What a fantastic destination, great to get tips from an insider! The Cala D’abaca sunset hike sounds amazing so does dining under lemon trees!
Miriam xx
I wouldn’t mind doing that one myself, it does sound fantastic
It’s such an iconic island isn’t it!
I’m very glad that you found it useful, Rena!
I think many people have missed out on the lesser known parts of the island! Hope you get to return and to see the sunset on a hike there
It certainly does sound like a great place to live!
Thank you for shining the spotlight onto a different side of Ibiza. It’s great to see that there’s so much more to do than party. (I’m the type of person that is fine with going out once or twice, but I love exploring nature).
Same here, I’d hate to miss all the interesting things to do!
Thank you for sharing. I do love going off the beaten tracks and hate touristic spots. I always try to mingle with locals to get to know the country and it´s culture. Honestly, I only know Ibiza as a party island, glad I found your post to get to know the other side of the island.
I’m really glad that you found it helpful, Claudia! Have a lovely week ahead
What a great list there chick, I am definitely adding a couple of these to my list for next time I am in Ibiza. I am all for the hidden gems but don’t tell to me people 🙂
Ha ha that’s true, the secret is out now!
I’d love to return to Ibiza and see the more sedate side to it.
It’s funny that such a party island has a really serene aspect to it! Hope you get to experience that soon
She came up with some great suggestions, didn’t she! I do hope that you manage to visit
Ibiza definitely has a different side to its reputation, the swim wear designs by Nina are beautiful Lucy x
Oh I love this! Thanks so much for sharing. The Balearic islands are on the top of my list for whenever it’s finally safe to travel. Can’t wait to explore some of these hidden gems.
Glad you liked it!