Great Daytrips From Ibiza – Spain – Part 1

Most visitors to Ibiza will find themselves shuttling between Ibiza Town, which is five miles from the airport, and San Antonio, about double the distance away on the opposite, western coast. These two main towns are where almost all of Ibiza’s restaurants, bars and clubs are located, along with other attractions. Like many things on the island, taxis are exceedingly expensive so it pays to hire a car if you plan to be moving about a lot.

A vehicle provides the best opportunity to visit other less-travelled areas of this beautiful island, beyond the nightclubs and the late-night bars. Areas like Sant Joan de Labritjain in the north remain largely untouched by tourism development despite being extremely popular when the island first opened up in the 1960s.

The beaches here sport crystal clear waters but are not subjected to the same crowds that plague the likes of San Antonio during the height of summer, when much of London and the rest of England transports itself to this popular Balearic island. The elevation here is also higher than in many other parts of Ibiza so there are great views out across the Mediterranean.

For a look at the exclusive side of life on Ibiza head to the southern region of Santa Eulària del Riu. This is where many of the large private villas can be found in towns like San Carlos and Port des Torrent, and the beaches here are among some of the best on the entire island. While this is an area of riches, it is also home to a number of popular markets specialising in counter-culture in the likes of Las Dalias and Punta Arabi.

For the best scenery on the island, take a drive to the southern region at Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The area, about six miles by road from San Antonio and close to 10 miles from Ibiza Town, features the island’s highest mountain at nearly 500 meters above sea level. On a clear day, it is possible to see most of the island from here. This area also features the longest stretch of coastline of any of the regions of Ibiza and many areas are protected.

Outdoor activities on offer here include horseback-riding, hiking, cycling and much more besides. The area is home to a cave which tunnels 25 meters into Cova Santa and there are also some historic Punic-Roman ruins in two towns just a short drive away which date back more than 2,000 years.

On the eastern side of the island, Santa Eularía des Río is a town with numerous attractions and makes for an easy daytrip from Ibiza Town. Puig D’Missa is the historical highlight here, a 15th century fort that sits on top of a hill overlooking the town and bay below with its attractive little marina. This is also where you’ll find the fascinating Living Museum which takes a look back at life on this simple little Spanish island before super clubs like Pacha and Space attracted the masses every summer. The town is home to a burgeoning fiesta scene, the best taking place during Easter when the town explodes in a sea of colour and all-night partying without the ubiquitous dance music.

For some, coming to Ibiza without dedicating 100 per cent of a holiday to the night clubbing scene is sacrilege, but those that want a bit of variety and a chance to realise they’ve arrived in a different and very beautiful part of the world will want to explore the island by car.

Making the effort to do so is well worth it and will no doubt make a night at a club that little bit more special when you finally make it back to San Antonio after a day away from the crowds.