Local Ibiza Things to Do: Exploring 10 Hidden Gems in Island Paradise
Welcome to Your Local Ibiza Things to Do Guide
Welcome to the enchanting island of Ibiza, where breathtaking beaches and world-renowned clubs are all over the map. But there’s far more to this Mediterranean paradise than first meets the eye. There are also many magical lesser-known local Ibiza things to do.
Away from the bustling tourist hotspots lies natural beauty and secret local treasures waiting to be explored. Indulge in the serenity of hidden coves: where crystal-clear waters wave you in for a refreshing dip. Get lost in Ibiza’s stunning countryside: where forests and picturesque villages offer a glimpse into traditional island life. From secret beach hideaways to charming local markets, Ibiza’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a nature lover, spiritual seeker or simply seeking a tranquil escape from the crowds: Ibiza has it all. So pack your bags, leave the tourist trail behind, and get ready to discover the secret side of local Ibiza with these beautiful things to do.
Part 1: The special energy of local Ibiza restaurants and shops:
For me, Ibiza has always had a special energy. Right from the airport, it feels like exciting times are around the corner. Serendipity; international, friendly people; jaw-dropping nature and unique culture awaits you.
When I travel, I try to seek out the most beautiful and tranquil spots. I’ve been coming to Ibiza every year since 2006. I now spend several months a year here across the high and low seasons.
My experiences here have grown up as I did. Trips in the noughties were packed with back to back nights out in legendary clubs like Amnesia, Pacha and DC10. I then moved on to visiting restaurants and beaches to support my earlier bedtime(!). Since the pandemic, I’ve been spending my trips with locals in central and northern Ibiza. Once again discovering new facets to this island gem.
Friends have lived on Ibiza for thirty years and still regularly discover incredible new things to do. It’s all part of the beauty and creativity of this magical Mediterranean Island. A place with so much to do; the sense of freedom to be who you want to be; all surrounded by crystal clear sea.
An introduction to this local Ibiza things to do guide:
Most of the recommendations in this article are in the areas in North East of Ibiza. My favourite wild, calm and least touristic parts of the island. When you know where to look there are: secret spots down dirt paths; chringuitos (beach cafes) in hidden coves; beautiful design stores where you least expect them; and gatherings in the forests. You can definitely steer clear of places that feel overly-commercial, or like hectic rip-off tourist traps.
This article is a guide to my top 5 favourite local Ibiza restaurant and shopping spots. I’ve chosen places that feel welcoming and peaceful, with good quality ingredients (food and otherwise) and beautiful surroundings. They also have ratings of 4* or above on Google maps at the time of writing.
I’m have no formal affiliation with these places. They are simply ones I keep going back to and recommend to visiting friends the most.
Here are my top 5 local restaurant and 5 shopping experiences to check out on your next trip to Ibiza
Local Ibiza things to do: top 5 restaurants / cafes:
Why not make the most of dining out in Ibiza on delicious food with local, healthy ingredients, friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. My personal happy place is eating outdoors with sea or sunset views.
Note that some of these are smaller establishments; some without websites. The best way to check where they are and if they are open is via Google maps or Instagram. I have linked their website or Instagram account to the restaurant name, and their Google maps locations to their location. You could also just turn up. After all, they are mostly surrounded by other beautiful spots if there is no availability. When you’re meant to be there, Ibiza is a perfect place for serendipity and good luck to run wild.
If you want to avoid over-priced food; stressed-out service and chaotic vibes that can be normal in busy holiday destinations like Ibiza – these restaurants and cafes are for you:
1. S’Illot des Renclí, Carretera Vénda de Portinatx
A local sea-side spot that’s a go-to solo, for a romantic meal or with friends. I ask what the fresh local fish is, and have it grilled a la plancha with delicious chewy potatoes and juicy peppers roasted in olive oil. The bread and aioli with olives is so moreish. If paella is your jam, theirs is traditional and tasty.
Run efficiently by locals, S’illot des Renclí scores top marks for the view and food. It’s nothing fancy, but you can go here to get away from hectic summer island vibes. On an outside table, you’ll breathe in sea air as you look out to over the bay under fragrant pine trees. Bring your towel and swimsuit to visit the gorgeous cove that faces towards the distant Six Senses resort built into the rocks. You can usually find parking down the dirt track to the restaurant, but may need to park on the side of the main road to Portinatx.
2. Can Guimo, Sant Joan de Labritja
A cute cafe and favourite meeting place for locals in the North. I love it as somewhere to take my laptop and bump into new and old friends year-round. Their bright garden always feels homey and tranquil, and the managers greet you with a warm smile. Everything on the hand-written menu is tasty and nutritious.
Serving healthy, tasty, locally-sourced food, juices and hot drinks. I highly recommend getting one of their healthy cookies or energy balls from inside at the end of your meal. They also sell indigenous art, spiritual gifts and natural products from the shelves inside. It’s on the main road, so you’ll need to pull up suddenly outside the restaurant to park here.
3. Aubergine Ibiza, Sant Miquel de Balansat
Surrounded by citrus trees near the beautiful village of Santa Gertrudis in the heart of the island. Aubergine serves up tasty, farm-to-table and seasonal cuisine in its gardens. The vibe is calm, relaxed and upscale and it’s a top romantic date spot. There’s live music on certain nights throughout the summer. Also a cute shop selling reasonably priced boho Ibiza clothing on site. The service here is refreshingly friendly and attentive. It’s one to book in advance as it gets busy during peak season.
Aubergine is owned by nearby high-end countryside agriturismo (farm-hotel) Atzaró. If you have time to visit there too, the grounds are also stunning.
4. La Escollera, Sant Jordi de ses Salines
In the protected nature park of Ses Salines (Las Salinas) on the southern tip of the island. This is a popular “first stop” from the airport for friends who have just landed in Ibiza. When I first came to La Escollera, I could see why it’s a popular wedding venue. The glass-walled / outdoor restaurant serves lovely local seafood and fresh veggies; with friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere looking out over the waves.
To get to this remote-yet-convenient part of the island, you’ll drive down narrow scenic roads. You’ll be raised above millenia-old sea salt flats, past old windmills and the legendary club DC10. This is where local company, SAL de IBIZA, makes salt from sun-drying sea water in shallowly flooded fields. You’ll find its distinctive turquoise branding (and yummy crisps) all over the island.
Nearby Salinas beach is long with gorgeous soft sand and clear water. Facing the smaller neighboring Balearic island of Formentera. It does get crowded in peak season due to its accessibility from busy tourist areas. If you want to go to a sceney beach bar nearby, you can check out Jockey Club afterwards.
5. Overall Ibiza, Santa Gertrudis
An outlier right by the traditional Spanish central village square in Santa Gertrudis. Its unassuming front door transports you like a portal into a surprising restaurant-bar that would look edgy in Brooklyn. Overall is run by a friendly mixologist and chef, inspired by the world’s best restaurants and bars to bring tasty ingredients and innovative techniques together. They successfully push creative boundaries, in a quest for exceptional food and drinks.
Clean lines and fluorescent mood lighting give an cool but friendly feel. Glass flasks of homemade potions, such as deliciously clear distilled local tomato juice, line the walls. Retro vinyls are stacked behind the bar for customers to choose from as the soundtrack to a delicious meal. It’s expensive here so for sure a special treat. However, this restaurant embodies one of my favorite things about Ibiza. It has the international people, culture and innovation of a global city; but in the calm of cute villages, beaches or forests. They also have a fresh new bagel and coffee shop.
Local Ibiza things to do: 5 shops & markets for clothes & design:
Ibiza has its own legendary beautiful bohemian style. A pinch of summer cotton and linen. A sprinkle of sparkly Burning Man vibes. A dash of boho chic. All with cowboy boots on top. Anything goes if it’s aesthetic and authentic to you.
Always check if stores are closed at lunchtime or for a national holiday. Also, most markets are only on certain days or times of year – best to look online in advance.
If you’re looking for shops and markets with stunning gifts and Ibiza-style outfits, that are well-priced with gorgeous designs, here are five local places I keep going back to:
1. Las Dalias Market, Sant Carles de Peralta
A well-proportioned outdoor market in San Carlos, towards the East of the island. Selling clothes, homeware, jewelry, accessories and local natural cosmetics and goods. From soaps to incense, crystals to candles. Great if you’d like to take some Ibiza style or gifts home with you. I’ve bought some of my favourite Burning Man outfits at this market (like a care bear-covered jumpsuit!).
Many vendors live in Ibiza and are happy to chat about their goods and the island. You can get great tips from the local people you shop from. Like most markets in Ibiza, you can pay at most stalls with credit card or contactless payment.
Las Dalias is outdoors and gets hot, so try to go on cooler times / days if you can. There are also restaurants, food and drink vendors, night markets and events on various days. It’s a vibe. Namaste is a favourite local summer party here that happens alongside the night market on Wednesdays. You can dance to DJs outside or, as the night gets later, in the small on-site club – Akasha.
2. Ibiza Old Town (Eivissa)
The compact capital of Ibiza is one of my favourite shopping areas in the world. There are many unique stores amongst the usual international chains – even those feel better-curated here. You can buy from local designers, often at decent prices (but this varies from shop to shop), with stunning items you won’t see anywhere else. Many are owner-run by locals passionate about the clothes they design or curate.
Street parking is limited, so I tend to pay to park here, and walk over towards this street. If you walk from there on the grid of cobbled roads parallel to and behind Eivissa Harbour, you’ll find lots of cool shops. Opposite Mercat d’en Nico, near yummy snack bar Croissant Show, is also a ramp that goes up to the old castle and fort. This area of town is full of gorgeous cafes, shops and ancient cultural sites too.
There is a lot to see so, if you like clothes shopping, you can easily spend half a day here. My favorites include: Oliver Decoración for clothes and homeware; Angel’s Shop (Vara de Rey) for reasonably priced / good quality sandals and shoes; Envy for the dresses; Sombrerería Bonet for woven hats and bags – it’s been there since 1916! If you want a full guide to shopping in Ibiza town, you can get access to my upcoming Ibiza guide here.
3. Los Enamorados Hotel shop, Portinatx
One of the chicest shops I’ve ever stepped inside. By the clear-turquoise Portinatx water, inside sultry, petite Los Enamorados boutique hotel. This design concept store looks like a quirky, cosy, living room of my dreams. Everything is carefully chosen to look and feel in a seventies sumptuous style. From the gorgeous whale-shaped leather seat (not for sale), plush velvet lobsters, a pendulous wood burning stove; to cosy sweaters edgy slides and kimonos.
I always feel happy when I take off my shoes to protect the deep-pile carpets and browse here. Your eyes are almost overwhelmed by beautiful objects. Many items here are in the special-treat to purse-busting price range. You can find the odd things that aren’t, however. Towards the autumn you might find decent sale discounts in this design-lovers paradise. You can also go for lunch on the beautiful hotel terrace, or a swim, snorkel or scuba dive from the adjacent dock, or small beach nearby.
4. Es Cucons La Tienda, Santa Gertrudis
A favourite for beautiful homeware, clothes and accessories for women, men and children. Laid out across a stunning, compact 300-year-old Ibizan finca house. From the eye-catching soft furnishings and lampshades on the front patio, you’ll wander past beautiful kitchen and bathroom pieces to clothes, shoes and a new beachwear room. The kids toy room is super cute – my niece loves her technicolour Ibiza turtle from here.
You’ll find stunning stuff both inside and outside the boutique – impeccably chosen, with an emphasis on local and artisanal brands. From chic trousers, wall art, handmade mugs, chic and comfy cushions, and unique tableware.
This area in Santa Gertrudis is great for unique shops in general. If you have time to wander the surrounding streets you’ll find other stylish gems. The shop is owned by equally stylish Es Cucons Hotel, a rural wellness-focused retreat and restaurant in Santa Agnès.
5. Benirràs Market, Cala Benirràs
Overlooking the mystical bay of Cala Benirràs is this reasonably well-priced mini outdoor market. It’s a bit like a small version of Las Dalias and is a favourite market of friends who come to visit.
It’s super manageable – you only need 15-60 minutes here to have a good look at everything. The compact size is useful if you have a non-shopper in tow with you. There are colourful dresses, beachwear, jewelry and other accessories – even for your dog! It definitely has a hippy vibe.
If you get hungry, head to the Italian pizzeria on the side of the beach by here. I often order a pizza to take away and sit and eat it overlooking the sea and sunset on the beach.
Like most vendors in Ibiza, nearly all stalls accept card and contactless payments. Benirrás Market is not open every day, so definitely check in advance before you go. It’s there several times a week from May until the end of October. If you’re in this part of the island on a Sunday morning, you should also check out nearby Sant Joan market (around 10 minutes drive away). Laid out across a beautiful small, traditional village. This weekly market sells food, local crafts, gifts and internationally-inspired handmade clothes. Check out The Giri Cafe for lunch there too.
I hope you added new places to your local Ibiza things to do list
Want to avoid tourist-packed, over hyped areas areas, but still unsure where to start?
I know the feeling, and I’ve got you covered. After always being asked for tips by friends, I’m putting together the Ultimate Local Ibiza Guide. Whether you’re popping over for a short break or settling in for a full week, this guide will be your bestie.
Including: Itineraries for 3, 5, or 7 Days to make the most of every sunny moment; Interactive Google Maps: so your recommendations are ready before you fly; Handpicked Lists: From jaw-dropping beaches, to hikes and dancing spots under the stars that only locals know about.
And here’s the best part: my recommendations are beautiful, friendly, unbiased, and have the right price-vibe-quality ratio. It’s the Ibiza I love, and I’m sure you will too.
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Curious about who’s behind this guide? You can get to know me here.
