Ibiza, Spain: Best Guided Tours and top places to visit
This island often gets slapped with the “party capital” label, and it definitely delivers on that front,but I’ve always felt there’s so much more to Ibiza. It’s got this incredible natural beauty, ancient history, and a really unique, laid-back vibe if you know where to look. It’s a fascinating place when you dig into its tourism story.
Guided Tour Offers in Ibiza (Explore Easier!):
To really get under Ibiza’s skin, a guided tour can be brilliant, especially for finding those hidden gems or getting out on the water.
Ibiza Boat Trip: Caves, Beaches & Snorkelling (All Inclusive):
You have to get on the water in Ibiza! Many tours offer fantastic half-day or full-day boat trips from places like San Antonio or Ibiza Town, exploring hidden coves, stunning sea caves, and stopping for swims and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Some even include an open bar (beer, sangria, soft drinks) and snacks or lunch on board. A 3-6 hour trip like this typically ranges from €60 to €80 per person. Check out reputable providers like Float Your Boat Ibiza or Sea Experience Ibiza on sites like CheckYeti or Arenal Diving.
Dalt Vila (Ibiza Old Town) Private Walking Tour:
To truly appreciate the history and charm of Dalt Vila, a private walking tour is fantastic. An expert local guide can lead you through the labyrinthine streets, sharing stories of pirates, Romans, and hippies, pointing out hidden courtyards, and giving you insights you’d never get on your own. A 2-hour private walking tour can range from €59 to €100+ per person, depending on the group size (often cheaper per person for more people). This is perfect for those who want a deeper dive into the island’s cultural heart. You can find options on sites like Tour Travel And More or through various local guides listed on platforms like Viator.
10 Must-Visit Places in Ibiza (Beyond the Club Scene!):
The nightlife is legendary, but Ibiza has so much more to offer. Here are my top 10 places that really capture the island’s diverse beauty and charm:
Dalt Vila (Ibiza Old Town): This is absolutely essential! The ancient walled city of Ibiza Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its steep, cobblestone streets, explore the cathedral, and enjoy incredible panoramic views from the ramparts. It’s magical, especially at sunset.
Cala Comte (Platges de Comte): Widely considered one of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning sunset views (often with little islands dotting the horizon) are just breathtaking. Perfect for a chill day by the sea.
Es Vedrà: This mystical, uninhabited rock island rising dramatically from the sea off the southwest coast is legendary. You can see it from various viewpoints (Cala d’Hort is a popular one) and feel its powerful, almost spiritual, energy, especially at sunset. Many people believe it has special powers!
Hippy Market Punta Arabí (Es Canar): If you’re there on a Wednesday, don’t miss this! It’s one of the oldest and largest hippie markets on the island, bursting with handcrafted goods, bohemian fashion, live music, and amazing food stalls. It’s a vibrant, colorful experience.
Cala Benirrás: Famous for its “Drumming Sunset” on Sundays, where drummers gather to create a unique, spiritual atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon. Even on other days, it’s a beautiful, sheltered cove, great for swimming and relaxing.
Sant Antoni de Portmany (Sunset Strip): Okay, yes, it’s famous for its sunsets and bars (like Café del Mar and Mambo), but even if you’re not a big clubber, watching the sun disappear into the sea here is a quintessential Ibiza experience. The atmosphere is electric, even if you’re just grabbing a casual drink.
Las Salinas Beach (Ses Salines Natural Park): This long, wide stretch of golden sand is popular with trendsetters and families alike. It’s part of a natural park, so you’ll see salt flats and beautiful, clear water. Great for walking, swimming, and spotting a celebrity or two!
Formentera Day Trip: Take a ferry from Ibiza to its smaller, quieter sister island, Formentera. It’s famous for its even more pristine, Caribbean-like beaches (like Playa de Ses Illetes) and incredibly clear waters. Rent a scooter and explore – it’s a slice of paradise.
Santa Eulalia des Riu: This town on the east coast offers a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe. It has a beautiful promenade, a lovely beach, and a charming marina. It’s a great base if you want a calmer holiday with good restaurants and shops.
Cova de Can Marçà: Explore these impressive ancient caves in the north of the island, which were once used by smugglers. A guided tour takes you through chambers with stalactites and stalagmites, ending with a light and water show. It’s a cool escape from the sun and a fascinating natural wonder.
Ibiza seen beyond the beat
Ibiza, like its sister islands in the Balearics, is an absolute economic powerhouse thanks to tourism. It’s a huge part of Spain’s summer draw, and the numbers are truly staggering. Looking at the latest data, for 2023, Ibiza and Formentera combined saw tourist spending hit nearly €4.5 billion! That’s a new record, blowing past pre-pandemic levels by a significant margin. Tourists were spending, on average, about €192.38 per day in 2023, which is a jump from previous years. The British market continues to be super important for Ibiza, with their spending going up by over 20% in the last year, Germans also contribute massively. So, while you might think of dance floors, this tourism translates into huge revenue for local businesses and tons of jobs across the island, from hotels and restaurants to yacht charters and tour guides. Source: Ibestat (the Balearic Islands Statistical Institute) and sites like Living on the Cote d’Azur.
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. While the money keeps flowing in, Ibiza is also at a bit of a crossroads. Recent reports from May 2025 (like the one by Travel and Tour World) highlight a growing “anti-tourist sentiment” among residents. Imagine having around 160,000 residents, but welcoming over 3 million tourists each year! That kind of influx, especially during peak season, puts a huge strain on infrastructure, housing, and the general vibe for locals. There have even been protests, with calls for stricter regulations on party culture and mass tourism. It’s a classic case of balancing the economic benefits with maintaining the quality of life and the unique charm that draws people there in the first place. This pushback is actually causing a noticeable drop in travel interest for the 2025 season, with some sources reporting a 56% decline in search interest for holiday accommodations compared to last year. It just shows that sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about social harmony. You can read more about this evolving situation on Travel and Tour World and Sky News. Despite the challenges, there’s a strong push for sustainable tourism and showcasing Ibiza’s more tranquil, eco-conscious side. Organizations like Ibiza Preservation are actively working on projects like Plastic Free Ibiza and promoting responsible tourism practices, from water usage to waste management. They’re encouraging visitors to embrace eco-friendly transportation and support local produce. It’s all about protecting those stunning natural landscapes and the precious marine life that surrounds the island. This is where the future of Ibiza’s tourism really lies – finding that sweet spot where everyone can enjoy the island responsibly. Check out their efforts on Prestige Properties Ibiza.
