Hippies, raves and hidden coves: Why Ibiza is one of Europe's most enigmatic islands
- Peregryn travel writers
- Apr 17
- 8 min read
Updated: 8 minutes ago
As a travel destination, Ibiza has legendary status. Its name is instantly recognisable and its charms are undeniable. Still, rather than having one definable quality, this is an eclectic island that means different things to different people.
For some, it’s a hedonistic paradise, with a notorious nightclub scene that’s among the best in the world. For others, the best things to do in Ibiza involve an idyllic retreat with a blissed-out spiritual side, offering dreamy beaches and secluded countryside havens, perfect for a restorative wellness experience.
However you see Ibiza, this tiny island makes a monumental impact on all those who visit.
An island steeped in stories
While the very idea of this island seems built on modernity, the rich, fascinating history of Ibiza underpins everything. It has always been a cultural crossroads and is, in fact, one of the oldest urban settlements in the Western Mediterranean – the island's earliest inhabitants lived over 4,000 years ago.
Ibiza’s kaleidoscope of cultures and stunning natural beauty led to it becoming a countercultural hub in the 1930s, inspiring poets, painters and novelists from all around the world. In the ’60s and ’70s, Ibiza cemented its status as a creative refuge and today, the island’s hippie heritage is as evident as ever.
This hippie spirit has infused the musical movements that have formed over the years. The island’s own Balearic beat of the ’70s transformed into the electronic invasion of the ’90s, when Ibiza became the home of the best DJs and nightclubs in the world.
From its ancient history and its hippie heyday to a modern spiritual vibe, Ibiza’s past informs its present. This gives the island a unique allure, with seemingly endless delights to discover.
What to expect from Ibiza today
Today, Ibiza is reinventing itself once again. The nightlife decadence defined by its famous nightclubs is still there. But there’s so much more to the island. The essence of Ibiza is in its diversity of experiences.
On the west and southeast coasts, the all-night parties rage on. Meanwhile to the north, new wellness hotels and spiritual retreats are blossoming, while the serene beaches of Santa Eulalia in the east offer the perfect destination for a family getaway. What’s more, Ibiza is increasingly catering for high-end tourism, with gourmet restaurants, beach clubs and luxury resorts springing up all over the island.
This new focus on high-end experiences has led to a boom in luxury accommodation. There are now some stunning places to stay in Ibiza, with every season welcoming new openings all across the island. The latest, the Parador de Ibiza, will open in D’alt Vila this year, the latest in this state-owned collection of hotels in incredible buildings and locations.
You’ll find everything from ultra-modern cool boutiques to rural retreats, from the countryside to the coast of the island. Here are some of the very best.
For country escapes
A leading light in the island’s agritourism movement, Atzaro features a traditional Ibiza-style design, lush gardens, an open-air spa, two swimming pools and two fine dining restaurants, all surrounded by ancient orange groves.
A sprawling luxury resort located a short distance from the island’s cosmopolitan capital, Ibiza Town, Casa Maca is built around an old olive oil mill. The infinity pool affords romantic views of the silhouette of Dalt Vila – the old quarter’s famous skyline.
For wellness
With a design that blends old-school glamour with a Mediterranean touch, this incredible wellness resort provides bespoke relaxation programs that cover beauty, sleep, fitness and post-party detoxing. The onsite ‘longevity club’ promises to delay the aging process and extend a healthy lifespan, with cutting-edge cryogenic treatments.
A spectacular luxury resort hotel, the 7Pines is just 2km from Cala Comte beach, affording blissful blue Mediterranean views. The 50-meter infinity pool, Balinese day beds and attentive service are major draws, as is the perfect location for catching an epic Ibiza sunset.
This idyllic escape is the perfect relaxation getaway, focusing on every last detail to ensure you leave in a state of bliss. The elegant designs blend beautifully with the rural surrounding, while the state-of-the-art spa and swimming pool offer the perfect way to unwind.
For parties
Located just two minutes away from the picturesque Cala Gració beach and a short stroll from San Antonio, TRS Ibiza is the only all-inclusive adults-only hotel on the island. There’s a restorative spa, three restaurants and a rooftop bar with DJ sessions and as good a sunset view as any hotel on the island.
One of the best clubbers’ hotels in Ibiza, Ushuaia Tower is located on the promenade of Playa d'en Bossa, right next to the Ushuaia Club. Minimalist decor meets next-level technology, with indoor jacuzzis, canopy beds, swim-up rooms with direct pool access and superb restaurants, all beside one of the island’s best clubs.
One of the best hotels in Ibiza; certainly the most famous. The setting for Freddie Mercury’s 40th birthday celebration, Pikes Ibiza is a 500-year-old renovated country estate set within the rural hills on the outskirts of San Antonio. The original Ibiza house party locale, the Pikes hotel brings a playful, hedonistic atmosphere for the epitome of luxurious island indulgence.
Ibiza’s newest hotel, this stunning five-star stay is situated amid the pine-clad hills perched above the serene bay of Cala Llonga. Whitewashed decor and open, light-filled spaces evoke a classic era, while luxe amenities and à la carte dining are decidedly modern.
Where to party
The centre of Ibiza’s party scene, with more world-class clubs within a two-mile radius than pretty much anywhere on the planet, Playa d'en Bossa is a partygoer’s paradise. Home to the island’s world-famous open-air venue Ushuaïa, one of Ibiza’s most famous clubbing destinations, as well as the likes of Hï Ibiza, which features an incredible lineup for 2025, and SWAG, specializing in reggaeton, R&B and Afrobeats, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for an unforgettable night out.
San Antonio was once considered the downmarket party area of Ibiza. But a slew of five-star hotels opening up around San An, as it’s fondly known, is creating a more upmarket vibe. This is the place for sunset bars, where revellers are treated to world-class DJs as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea.
Iconic Ibiza nightclubs Eden, which has hosted famous DJs like Pete Tong and Disclosure, and Es Paradis, which celebrates its 50th year in 2025, are located in the heart of San Antonio. And Ibiza Rocks Hotel is the self-proclaimed 'home of the pool party' and a dream for day clubbers.
Aside from the famously epic parties of Playa d'en Bossa and San Antonio, Ibiza Town – also known as D’alt Vila and the island’s capital – brings its fair share of shenanigans, with some up-and-coming night spots that are becoming increasingly popular with clubbers.
Ibiza Town’s Marina Botafoch hosts the world-famous Pacha, opened in 1973 and considered to be the island’s first ‘super club’. Meanwhile D’alt Vila hosts one of the year’s biggest outdoor parties, the International Music Summit, at the end of April each year and drawing some of the world’s most renowned DJs.
You’ll also find the brand-new Club Chinois, an exclusive 1930s Shanghai-themed nightclub, with international DJs performing epic sets in flamboyant, luxurious surroundings.
Where to explore
The capital
Ibiza’s capital is a historical treasure trove, including the best-preserved fortress in the Mediterranean. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Dalt Vila is a window into the lives of early Phoenician settlers. Nowadays, the ancient citadel stages concerts, poetry readings, exhibitions and all kinds of cultural events throughout the year.
Picturesque towns and villages
Ibiza is home to 15 beautiful towns and villages in which you'll find a peace and serenity that contrasts with the island’s party side. With angular whitewashed buildings that pop against the pure blue of the Mediterranean sky, fruit trees that sway in the breeze and gorgeous coastal views, the likes of Santa Gertrudis, Es Cubells, Santa Agnès de Corona and Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera are well worth a visit.
Santa Eulalia
The perfect place for a quieter, altogether more peaceful Ibiza experience, Santa Eulalia is a family favourite. You’ll find a long palm-lined promenade, a wonderful sandy beach, artisanal markets and some of the top restaurants in Ibiza. It’s also the cultural capital of Ibiza, with a thriving music and art scene that’s cultivated by Santa Eulalia’s passionate community of creatives.
Natural beauty
Just a stone’s throw from the island’s capital, you’ll find the captivating beauty of the Ibiza Salt Flats. A protected natural park and home to hundreds of natural species, the Salt Flats, or Ses Salines were created by the Phonecians in 800 BC. Today, they’ve become saltwater lagoons, acting as a natural habitat for the island’s wildlife, including flamingos.
There’s also a wide range of hiking and cycling across the island, ideal for exploring the island’s natural beauty all year round. Whether you want to wend your way through the pine-clad interior of the island or follow the coastline along cliffs and beaches, you’ll find the perfect way to disconnect and enjoy nature.
Beautiful beaches
Ibiza is home to all manner of stunning beaches, each with its own distinct vibe. These are some of the best beaches on the island.
Aguas Blancas
Gorgeous golden sands overlooked by dramatic rocky cliffs, Aguas Blancas is one of the best beaches in Ibiza and the perfect demonstration of north Ibiza’s natural beauty.
Cala Jondal
A spectacular pebble beach on the west coast of the island, Cala Jondal offers crystalline waters, rugged red cliffs and one of the best places in Ibiza to see the sunset.
Cala Mastella
An unspoilt paradise in the northeast of the island, this cute little cove is one of the most spectacular yet serene places on the island. Despite its secluded nature, there is a kiosk selling snacks and refreshments, with a local owner who will tell you about the history of one of Ibiza’s best-kept secrets.
Cala d'en Serra
Cala d'en Serra’s azure waters and white sand are pure bliss, while offering a phenomenal view over the bay. The cove brings an added curiosity in the form of the ruins of an unfinished hotel, turned into a street art exhibition.
Es Cavallet
An unrefined paradise, this southern beach is protected by sand dunes, bringing a rugged, natural beauty. In keeping with the au naturel vibe, Es Cavallet is one of the island's only official nudist beaches and one of the nicest beaches in Ibiza.
Las Salinas
Las Salinas has long stretches of golden sand surrounded by a spectacular nature reserve. You’ll find famous chiringuitos, (beach bars), DJ sets and all-night beach parties at one of the island’s most popular party destinations.
Bountiful beach clubs
Besides blissful beaches, the island has some incredible beach clubs. Here are some of the best.
An intimate, exclusive beach club set in one of Ibiza’s prettiest coves, Cala Bassa comes complete with beach boutiques, a massage area, a restaurant and bars. Surrounded by soft sands and ancient juniper trees swaying in the Mediterranean breeze, it is a favorite with the A-list.
Located on Es Cavallet beach, this elegant, upmarket beach club offers spacious wooden daybeds and a shaded terrace to while away the hours, enjoying a long, lazy lunch and sipping cocktails.
On the other side of the salt flats on Las Salinas beach, you’ll find the Jockey Club – a relaxing, family-run restaurant that serves delicious food and excellent cocktails, with some chilled-out tunes adding to the laid-back vibe.
Squirrelled away in a secluded cove, this is one of Ibiza’s best beach clubs. Kick back and relax on one of Amante’s luxury day beds, then revel in the romance of Ibiza at sunset, with a fresh Mediterranean dinner from the multi-level restaurant.
Set at the peaceful far end of Santa Eulalia’s famous promenade, where the river meets the sea, this contemporary beach club blends Spanish cuisine with Afro house rhythms in lush surroundings.
Ibiza island guide
It’s the island that has something for everyone. And while it’s been renowned for decades as a partygoer’s paradise, some of the best things to do in Ibiza involve disconnecting from the pace of modern life, and reconnecting with nature.
With majestic natural landscapes, incredible beaches, beautiful towns and villages and a unique bohemian vibe, Ibiza is a truly blissful travel destination.
