Holiday in Ibiza

What makes Ibiza special as a destination?

Ibiza is the island of contrasts — world-famous clubs and DJs on one side, hippie markets and untouched pine coves on the other. The third-largest Balearic island has transformed since the 1960s from a hippie meeting point to a global party capital, but those who only think of nightclubs miss the true Ibiza. The UNESCO-protected old town Dalt Vila with its powerful 16th-century fortress walls overlooks the harbor and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the sea. The northern side of the island is the counter-program to the south: Hidden coves like Cala Benirrass with live drumming at sunset, the hippie markets of Las Dalias and Es Canar, the sleepy village of San Juan with its Sunday market, and the mystical island Es Vedrà — a 382-meter-high rock that rises from the sea and has inspired countless legends. The salt flats of Ses Salines in the south are a nature reserve and home to flamingos. Culinary-wise, Ibiza has experienced a renaissance: In addition to traditional island cuisine with Bullit de Peix (fish stew), Flaons (cheesecake with anise flavor), and Hierbas Ibicencas (herbal liqueur), there are now several Michelin-starred restaurants. The club scene is concentrated in the south — Pacha, Amnesia, Privilege, and DC10 are legends of electronic music. The best travel time is from May to June or September to October, when the heat subsides and the island becomes quieter.