Ibiza is a small Balearic island found just under 80km off the coast of Valencia in Spain. Ibiza is also considered to be the world's best party destination as hundreds of thousands of people across the globe flock here during the summer months between July and September to soak up the party atmosphere.
Even though Ibiza is a great party destination, there is much more to this small island than just its nightclubs. For those who love wildlife and nature visit Formentera and the Caves of San Marca. Or if you want to learn about the history in this area, Ibiza Old Town and D'Alt Villa are both a must.
There's also many exclusive shops and markets to choose from, including the various hippy markets and souvenir shops in Ibiza Old Town. However, if you feel the need to cool off there are many water sports to take part in from wakeboarding to jet skiing.
Cycling and mountain biking
There's no better way to explore Ibiza than by bike! There are many different routes to take from along the coast to the heart of the countryside.
Ibiza MTB offers guided tours through Santa Eulalia, San Antonio and Ibiza town. With over 20 years of riding experience on the island they certainly know the area. However, if you would rather explore the island on your own they also offer bikes for hire.
Head over to San Antonio and you will find E-Move Ibiza. Rent a stylish bike from here, however if you have a need for speed you can also rent out a beach buggy or an electric scooter. But remember to bring your driving license as these vehicles can pick up quite a speed!
Go-Karting
Speed junkies will be pleased to know that Ibiza has some great racetracks to choose from.
For a Formula One experience go to Karting San Antonio and go to head to head with your friends on the exhilarating racetrack. Take a pit-sop at the café bar on site and enjoy some pizza or sandwiches on the sun terrace. This racetrack also offers technology where you can compare your times to Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Jeep Safari
A great way to discover Ibiza is by jeep, as you go can go off the beaten track into the heart of the beautiful countryside.
Ibiza Jeep Safari offers guided tours through the north, west and east of Ibiza and will take you to areas hard to find by the average tourist. You will travel through the small streets and mountainous terrain of the island, whilst your guide will teach you about the history and natural environment of Ibiza.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is a great way to discover the islands hidden treasures without having to take a step on the ground.
Ibiza Horse Valley was originally set up to give neglected horses a new home and now it has turned into a flourishing sanctuary and riding stables for horses. You will be able to choose your very own horse to ride and decide on what type of tour you would like to go on, including a day trek to the beach or a ride through the countryside.
Boat Tours
There's a range of boat tour operators around the coast of Ibiza offering party boat cruises or more relaxing island excursions.
Ibiza Boat Cruises are the biggest boat suppliers in the whole of Ibiza. If you're up for a party climb aboard the '300 boat', which sails across the coast of Ibiza. This boat is equipped with a fully stocked bar and a full Audiotechnik speaker to get the party started. Or to experience the real Ibiza set sail on the '41 boat', which cruises off the coast at sunset. On the other hand Cesar's Boat Charter offers boat cruises captained by Cesar himself. He will take you off the shores of Formentera and past Ibiza's hidden coves, whilst sharing his expert knowledge of the area.
However, if you would rather rent out your own boat Ibiza-Boat-Charter loans out a range of high quality sailing boats and yachts for either the day or the whole week. Or a cheaper option would be Star Boats Ibiza, which rents out small motorboats for either half the day or a full day.
Shopping
Not only is Ibiza famous for its nightlife and beaches it also holds a very reputable and well-known hippy market on certain days of the week. The original hippy market is held every Wednesday in Punta Arabi at Es Cana. This market sells handmade items from all over the world in the cool shade of pine trees. Smaller hippy markets are also held on a Saturday at Las Dalias in San Carlos and on a Friday in Playa d'en Bossa.
There are also more exclusive shops found in Ibiza which sell anything from intricate jewellery to hand made artwork. Optica La Mar is located on the sea front promenade in Santa Eulalia Del Rio and showcases one of the largest selections of designer sunglasses on the island. Whilst the Octopus Shop in Santa Eulalia sells unique and quirky gifts from handmade bracelets to vintage bags.
If you're looking for a gift for your loved one look no further than Gecko Ibiza in San Antonio. Choose from a selection of handcrafted jewellery made from gold in the shape of a gecko! Another unusual shop to head to is Sal de Ibiza also in Santa Eulalia. This authentic shop offers a range of high quality food salt products, which are made from natural sea salt.
Historical Sites
There are many places of historical interest dotted throughout the island from castles and forts to traditional churches.
Eivissa (Ibiza Old Town) is not only the largest city in Ibiza but it was also made a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding beauty and significance in the area. This fortified town is considered as a well-kept secret to tourists so it is relatively unspoilt. One of the best places to visit here is D'alt Villa, a fortified castle in the upper part of town. It's best to bring sensible walking shoes as it takes a while to reach the top but the panoramic views are definitely worth the trek.
Iglesia de Sant Rafel is a small traditional Spanish church found inside D'alt Villa. This place is quite easy to miss but make sure to look out for it, as the architecture is stunning. This is also a great place to rest on a bench and do some people watching. The Church of Saint Agnes (Iglesia de Santa Ines) is another wonderful rustic religious building to visit whilst in Ibiza. This is also a hot spot to watch traditional Spanish weddings take place.
Natural Attractions
Don't just come to Ibiza for the nightclubs and beaches, this small island has many beautiful natural attractions to offer including the Caves of San Marca and the neighbouring island of Formentera.
The Caves of San Marca (Cueva De Can Marca) are found in the North of San Miguel. The caves are over 100,000 years old and were originally discovered by smugglers on the island over 100 years ago to store their treasures and goods. Nowadays the caves are open to the public and special walkways have been made for tourists to discover this hidden labyrinth.
Formentera is a well known as the sister island of Ibiza. This tiny little piece of land features unspoilt sandy beaches and turquoise waters. As it is so small this area receives hardly any crowds apart from the peak season in July and August. The best way to discover the hidden treasures of this island is to go round on a Cooltra Scooter.
Ses Selinas is a natural park situated in between Formentara and the south of Ibiza. This park houses many different varieties of flora and fauna, including over 210 species of birds such as the Flamingo and Audouin's gull. The best way to enjoy this park is to rent a bike and cycle around the park's salt marshes and lagoons.
Es Vedranell and the Western Inlets are located on the southwest side of Ibiza. These are a number of protected environmental areas featuring golden sand beaches, clear waters and the Es Vedra Mountain, which is a popular image for post cards on the island.
Museums
There's a few museums and art galleries around the island where you can learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Museu Puget is well worth a visit as admission is free. This small museum is found in Ibiza town and is solely dedicated to the artist Puget whose paintings tell the story and history of Ibiza.
Found in the chapel house of the Old Town is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE), which contains a collection of engravings and painting from artists including Tapies and Miralles as well as lesser-known artists. At certain times of the year exhibitions are also held in the small garden in D'alt Villa.
Water Sports
There are some really interesting unique water sports on offer in Ibiza including jetpacks, but there are also the favourites such as jet skis and banana boats.
Cesar's Watersports is located at S'Argamassa Beach and offers a wide variety of water-based fun from jet skis and parasailing to banana boats! Cesar himself provides boat excursions to Formentera and Ibiza's hidden coves.
Adrenaline junkies will love Take Off Ibiza at San Antonio Harbour. Have a go on a SEABOB, which guides you through the water at great speeds. Or why not experience the unforgettable JETLEV, the worlds most advanced water propelled jetpack. There's also the option of taking a ferryboat from San Antonio over to San Remo where you will find Ibiza Wake. Climb aboard one of the speedboats for an hour and a half boat ride or learn how to wake board and water-ski.
If you have always fancied having a go at scuba diving look no further than Big Blue Ibiza on Cala Vadella Beach. This popular diving centre offers PADI dive courses and scuba diving rental. You also won't have to worry about a language barrier as the instructors speak English, Spanish, French and German.
Amusement Parks
There are a wide variety of water parks and small theme parks on offer in Ibiza from hardcore adult rides to children's water slides.
Aguamar Waterpark is one of Ibiza's top attractions and is the biggest water park in Playa d'en Bossa. There's an exciting range of water slides here from the 'Kamikazee' to 'The Black Hole'. This is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summers day and an alternative to lounging on the beach.
Thrill seekers will love Air Zone in San Antonio. Climb into one of the 9ft indestructible balls and roll down the hill at a tremendous speed. Or challenge your friends and family to a battle in one of the body bumper balls. Or if this is not enough to get your heart pumping, head over to the famous Sling Shot Ibiza by Es Paradis. Experience an all time adrenaline rush as a giant neon-lit catapult launches you into the air at 160kmph.