How to Spend 24 Hours in Ibiza

Begin the day on the right foot with a healthy breakfast at this popular locals’ haunt. Passion Cafe’s lip-smacking menu features over 100 different smoothies, juices and protein shakes with every added extra you could possibly imagine all lined with the likes of spirinula, chai seeds and goji berries. Tuck into a nourishing acai bowl topped with homemade raw granola or just go for it with pancakes, poached eggs and avocado galore. The coffee is pretty good too – and with the day ahead of you you’re going to need the hit.

Paseo Juan Carlos Primero 23, Edificio Mediteraneo Ibiza, Spain +34 971 314 566

Work off the full belly with a gentle stroll around Ibiza Town and up through the castle walls of Dalt Vila. The cobbled streets meander through a myriad of plazas dotted with cute whitewashed cafes and restaurants, before leading you to the top of the hill where you’ll discover some glorious views over the port. Pick up a souvenir or two at one of the many shops – José Pascual’s little workshop here has been hand weaving straw basket bags for decades, and you shouldn’t be seen on the beach later without one.

José Pascual, Carrer la Santa Creu, 30, Eivissa, Spain +34 971 310 874

Why not squeeze some art between the eating and shopping at the Museu d’Art Contemporani in Ibiza Town. MACE is a beautifully renovated historic building housing some superb exhibits and work from the 1960s onwards. Admission is free and there are three floors showcasing a range of art by local and internationally renowned artists, plus a sensitively preserved and interesting archaeological site under glass floors dating back to the 6th century.

Ronda Narcis Putget, Ciudad de Ibiza, Spain +34 971 30 27 23

Hop in the hire car and head to one of the hundreds of beautiful blue-flag beaches. Lounging, sunbathing and sipping on cocktails at one of the beautifully sophisticated beach clubs is a must. Newly opened Aiyanna or the popular Blue Marlin, for example, pull in an A-list crowd for their hipster vibe and lavish surroundings. Though the drinks are expensive, you will not be disappointed with the views of the picturesque bay, buzzing atmosphere and sweet tunes as they drifts over to you from the DJ booth.

Aiyanna, Avinguda Cala Nova, Cala Nova, Ibiza, Spain +34 971 33 04 56
Blue Marlin, Cala Jondal, Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain +34 603 70 87 96

With so many restaurants to choose from on the island it can be hard to decide on a spot to eat, so why not accompany lunch with some of Ibiza’s most breathtaking views. Aiyanna’s big sister, Amante, is nestled on the rocks overlooking the beautiful Cala Afueras and there is no finer place to share a fresh seafood paella followed by a siesta on a sun lounger. Equally pretty is the Sunset Ashram Restaurant perched on top of a little dusty red cliff edge on Cala Conta – a perfect pit-stop for sushi followed by a little dip in the bay’s crystal clear waters.

Amante Ibiza, Cala Sol d’en Serra, Calle Afueras, Cala Longa, Spain +34 971 19 61 76

Sunset Ashram Restaurant, Carr. de Cala Conta, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Spain +34 661 34 72 22

For the more active visitor to the island, shake off the post lunch slump with some watersports. Head to the wide open bay of San Antonio for windsurfing, sailing and jet skis. Surfers will appreciate the in-house Flowrider machine at the Surf Lounge in the same area, where you can take breaks with a cool caña or two. Playa D’en Bossa is the place to be for tackling the latest trend of flyboarding, or if that’s too wild Aloha SUP School offers a gentler afternoon of paddle boarding on the same stretch of beach.

Surf Lounge Ibiza, Camí des Molí, 10, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Spain +34 971 34 47 97

Shopaholics should not miss out on a little detour to the wacky but wonderful Sluiz Ibiza store in Santa Gertrudis. Renowned for its kaleidoscopic treasure trove of kitsch goodies, you will not leave empty handed, though be warned that you probably wont be able to fit a 50-foot acrylic giraffe into your hand luggage. Ibizan knotted rugs, hand embroidered kaftans, cactus candles, unique ceramic toothbrush holders – you name it, you’ll find it here. Take a little afternoon coffee if you are lagging behind on one of the many colourful tables nestled in and around the shop itself or outside in the shaded garden.

Sluiz Ibiza, PM-804, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Spain +34 971 93 12 06

Hippies are alive and drumming on the island so turn on, tune in, and test out your rhythm at an Ibango drum circle. Rock up on a Tuesday evening to old-time Ibizan Trace Harris’s house and find a place to perch in the mini ampitheatre in his garden where you can immerse yourself in the music, or pick up an instrument and join in the jam. Born out of a frustration with the over-population at Benirras Beach, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more authentic, synchronised and personal experience than here. Attendance is by invite only, so get in touch with Trace Harris via his FaceBook group Balearic Bliss.

Finish off a jam packed day with dinner under the orange-red sky of a setting sun. The restaurant at the boutique Hostal La Torre is one of the finest places to dine, with sensational panoramic views of the ocean. Watch the fishing boats bob on the water whilst you tuck into the legendary Cap Negret Seafood Platter and a chilled bottle of Cava (or two). Conceived by the Mambo brothers, owners of the famous Cafe Mambo which shares the same coastline, you’re in good hands.

Hostal La Torre, Urbanización Cap Negret, Ctra. Cap Negret, 25, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Spain +34 971 34 22 71

Be sure to hold onto some cash for the finale of your stay as you cannot leave the island without hitting at least one of the major clubs, after all this is the dance music capital of the world. Ushuaia’s open air space is like stepping into another world with its huge illuminated pool, spectacular sound system, hypnotic lasers, fireworks and of course superstar DJs banging out some (quite literally) earth shaking tunes. Avid clubber or not, you will be easily swept up into the electric atmosphere, just don’t get so carried away you forget to catch your flight home the next morning!

Ushuaia, Platja d’en Bossa, 10, Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Spain +34 971 39 67 10