Where to Stay In Ibiza If You Don’t Want to Go Clubbing
Discover tiny inland villages, coastal havens, and the best fish you’ll ever eat
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Cast aside all thoughts of Ibiza as a party island; there’s plenty to discover on this beautiful spot in the Balearics that doesn't involve dance floors and DJs. Our fastidious home critics here at Plum Guide have scoured the length and breadth of the island to discover where to stay in Ibiza, and here are the places that topped the charts.
Island of Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Ibiza’s old town
Ibiza's Old Town, Balearic Islands, Spain
Ibiza’s capital is a perfect display of the contrasts that make this island so magical. On one hand you have the razzle dazzle of the clubs and casinos, glitzy cruisers pulling up into shining marinas, rows of designer boutiques, and glamorous yachters slinging back cocktails in even more glamorous bars. But it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for the incredible fortress that towers over the sea in the old town of Dalt Vila. Take a tour around these imposing walls to learn about the battles fought on these shores, and appreciate the incredible panoramic views of the city. If you’re craving something a bit more modern after all that history, pop into the Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa to view their exceptional collection of Ibizan art, some from the 1960s, and refresh at the rooftop of Café Montesol with freshly caught wild fish and some excellent local wines.
Of course, no matter how charming the town, you’ll want a little distance to avoid a 3am wakeup call when the clubbers pour out onto the streets. We think you’ll sleep like a baby in this luxury finca just outside the old town; and if you need a nap during the day, well, that’s what the poolside loungers are for.
That'll be Finca, Plum Guide home in Ibiza
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
Can’t decide where to stay in Ibiza? Whether you’re eager to explore absolutely everything the island has to offer or you’re just the indecisive type, our advice is the same - stay slap bang in the middle of the island in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. This village may be small, but it's bursting with authentic character - explore the winding streets and the whitewashed church, stop for a drink in Bar Costa where the walls are papered with works exchanged for drinks by penniless but talented artists, and pick up some local wines at boutique winery SOMM to take back and enjoy on the terrace of your nearby Plum home. Green hills and orange groves fill the village’s outskirts, and avid hikers will be more than willing to take a 45 minute drive to the island’s highest mountain, Sa Talaiassa. If you’ve no head for heights, it’ll take just 20 minutes to reach the western beach of S’Arenal; go for a swim in these shallow waters and end the day with gourmet seafood in Ibiza’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Es Tragón.
Wildflowers, Plum Guide home in Ibiza
Sant Carles de Peralta
It may be known for big-name DJs and super-yachts nowadays, but back in the 1970s, Ibiza was hippy heaven. The free spirit of the flower children can still be sensed throughout the island, but nowhere is it as strong as in the village of Sant Carles de Peralta. This is definitely where to stay in Ibiza if you want to hark back to your hippy days. Here’s where you’ll find the island’s famous Las Dalias weekly market which sells crafts from over 200 artisans, works by local artists, and enough tie-dye to clothe the whole of Woodstock. Other highlights include traditional tavern Bar Anita, which serves up unpretentious, uncomplicated tapas, a beautiful whitewashed church, and a gorgeous 17th-century farmhouse where you can see an ancient olive oil mill. Take a short drive out of the village and you’ll reach the sandy shores of Cala Mastella - the beach is lovely, but the real draw here is cult restaurant El Bigotes where everyone’s equal in the sense that if you don’t have a reservation, you’re not getting in. They’ve reportedly turned royalty away at the door so if you want to be in with a chance of trying their legendary fish dishes, call ahead.
The Hippy Trail, Plum Guide home in Ibiza
Right on the beach
One of the best things to do in Ibiza is to go to the beach, but let’s be honest - there’s nothing worse than fighting for space on the sand at an overcrowded beach, and the world-famous beauty of Ibiza’s coastline is a double-edged sword in this regard. We recommend bypassing the most popular coves and beach clubs unless you plan on getting there very early in the morning. And no one wants to set an alarm on holiday. Fortunately, there are still some secluded spots on the island including the secretive Cala Olivera (which is hidden away down a dusty, unassuming road), and the quiet little Platja Pou d’es Lleo which is still lined with traditional fisherman’s huts. But if you want our advice (and trust us, you do), we’d cut straight to the chase and book a home with a private beach. Yes, they exist, and yes, we’ve found one. With our home Cliffhanger, you’ve got gorgeous views over the cliffs, the blue waters, and the sparkling white sand of your very own beach.
Cliffhanger, Plum Guide home in Ibiza
