Ibiza Guide 2023 - Attractions, Top Hotel & Restaurants
Ibiza is legendary for numerous reasons; the White Isle is still undeniably Europe's top party destination. DJs flock from all over the world to perform at its world-famous nightclubs, stylish beach clubs, and rocking pool parties. Many first-time visitors are unaware that this Balearic island also has a calm side, where hippy-ish yoga retreats meet elegant boutique hotels and family-friendly Spanish beaches create the setting for some of the Mediterranean's greatest sunset vistas. Today we list the top reasons why it's worth visiting Ibiza. Nevertheless, you will also find inspiration for the best hotels and restaurants there. Let's make Ibiza your travel destination this year with this full Ibiza Guide in 2023!
Reasons to visit Ibiza in 2023
- Banging nightlife. Every summer, the throng of partygoers rush to the island to hit the dance floor at some of the world's biggest and most famous clubs, largely clustered around San Antonio and Ibiza Town. From classic haunts like Amnesia, Pacha, and Privilege to the already legendary Ushuaïa and Hï, the island still has some of the greatest nightlife of any tourist location. From the season-opening parties in October to the season-closing parties in November, expect to witness world-class artists like Black Coffee, Nina Kraviz, Adam Beyer, and the Blessed Madonna on heaving dance floors overlooking azure pools or the lapping sea.
You may also be interested in the nightlife in sunny beach Bulgaria.
- Incredible beaches. It's no secret that Ibiza has some stunning beaches, from rocky coves to overall lengths of golden sand. So whether you want to embrace your inner hippy with a waterfront bongo session or just want a peaceful stretch of beach to recuperate after a night of partying, you'll find it here. There are also several diving areas on the island. Divers may go to the Cala D'Hort Marine Nature Reserve for an incredibly exceptional experience. With luck, they may come across a school of dolphins or perhaps a whale.
For sure Ibiza is one of the best beach destinations in the world.
Ibiza's beaches, with assured summer sun and a relatively casual approach to nudism, are also an excellent opportunity to work on that all-over tan. While you definitely shouldn't display your entire body on the more family-friendly section of the beach, there are plenty of quiet locations where you can.
- Easily nip over to Formentera. Suppose the beaches of Ibiza aren't enough for you. In that case, a half-hour boat ride brings you to the beautiful island of Formentera for a day's vacation. When you need a break from the heavy partying of Ibiza, the island's super-chilled atmosphere and natural beauty are ideal. Several boat companies will transport you there for an all-inclusive day excursion, with some bringing snorkeling gear and others stopping for a paella lunch.
- It’s a family-friendly destination. Some may be surprised, but Ibiza is really incredibly family-friendly. Aside from the apparent beaches with calm, kid-friendly waves, various boredom-busting choices are available, ranging from waterparks and boat tours to mini-clubs and jeep safaris. Explore the inner mountains and woods on horseback with Ibiza Horse Valley, take the kids to the Cap Blanc Aquarium, and if all else fails, drop them off at a beach club or Mini Ibiza for arts and crafts and free play.
- Thriving art scene. Ibiza has always drawn a continuous stream of artists of various tendencies, resulting in a vibrant art culture on the island and plenty of native talent. The island hosts some exceptional contemporary art galleries, pop-up exhibits, festivals, and creative events every year. Hotels like the legendary Pikes also help artists by sponsoring exhibitions.
- World-class restaurants. Whether searching for a romantic eating setting, freshly caught seafood, or a meat-free lunch, Ibiza has something for everyone. Sublimotion, branded "the most expensive restaurant in the world," serves a 20-course, multi-sensory tasting menu made by five different chefs who have a total of eight Michelin stars between them. The creative cuisine is only cooked for 12 diners at a time. It is set in the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, surrounded by 360-degree projections.
However, not everyone is looking for a €1,500 dinner. Instead, head to Finca La Plaza, a restaurant in a whitewashed structure behind Santa Gertrudis's central plaza, for creamy burrata drowned in spicy baba ganoush and Galician beef tartare. Vegans should head to Los Otros Harbour in Santa Eularia for the crispy jackfruit bao buns. At the same time, the famed Ibiza institution El Chiringuito Es Cavallet sears some of the finest tuna steaks you'll ever eat.
- Fabulous sunsets. Ibiza's sunsets have long been renowned, providing the ideal opportunity to unwind with a sundowner as the sky changes colors from red to orange and pink. There are several sites along the shore - and lots of pubs - to obtain the finest vantage position. Why not hit the water and enjoy it away from the masses aboard a boat?
Ibiza developed the beach club as we know it today, with its pristine whites, perfectly straight lines, and the steady throb of background rhythms. So it's only natural that the island has some of the best: from super-chilled elegance to a buzzing party feel, there's bound to be a beach club to fit your mood - and deliver the sunset views you seek.
- Hippy-ish souvenirs. While the first hippies came to the island many years ago, the island has since attracted a diverse group of drifters, wanderers, and bohemians. This has resulted in a distinct New Age atmosphere, even if it has gotten a touching commercial in the shape of the well-known Hippy Market. Ibiza also has a plethora of trendy boutiques and thrift stores, making it an excellent shopping destination. If high-end boho-chic is your style, you'll be spoiled for choice, but if you prefer searching through flea markets for a good deal, there's also plenty to keep you busy.
- History and nature. Dalt Vila, commonly known as Ibiza Town, is one of the most gorgeous cities in the Balearic Islands. It includes an old harbor and medieval city defenses erected in the 16th century to keep the Turks out. At the same time, the fortified Upper Town (Alta Vila) is an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture and a Unesco World Heritage Site. There are many natural wonders to visit outside of Ibiza's built-up regions for fresh air and stunning scenery. For example, if you visit the Cala d'Hort region, you will notice the famous Es Vedrà rock formation protruding abruptly out of the water. It is part of a protected wildlife reserve and stands roughly 400m (1,312ft) tall, providing a spectacular spectacle.
- Yoga or meditation retreat. Many of yesterday's clubbers are today's yoga bunnies. Ibiza now attracts the world's best instructors, providing retreats in gorgeous settings. Downward dog and sun salutations are best practiced on sandy beaches and pine-scented woodlands. Choose from various solo or group retreats, or finish your 200-hour yoga teacher training and return home with a fantastic new skill.
- Sexy accommodation. There are several fantastic locations to stay on the island, ranging from rustic-luxe retreats and quaint boutique villas to mega-suites overlooking the latest superclub. Groups looking to splurge may also choose from various villas, some of which take luxury rentals to new heights.
Talking about accommodation, let's jump on the list of Top hotels to stay in Ibiza in 2023.
TOP hotels in Ibiza
#5 Gran Hotel Montesol
Watching how the hustle and bustle of Ibiza Town's central plaza, Vara del Rey, has transformed since automobiles were banned last year has been fascinating. It's undoubtedly quieter, calmer, and more sedate. One corner, on the other hand, is busier than ever. The Montesol's ice-cream-colored façade remains a dazzling light in the sun. It was the island's first good hotel when it debuted in the 1930s and is still strong today. Surprising new owner Hilton has shaken things up by incorporating it into the Curio brand. Still, it has done so with finesse (the building is a UNESCO asset of cultural interest).
Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza
Spain, Ibiza Town
The Gran Hotel Montesol Ibiza is located in the heart of Ibiza's historic center. It is housed in a neo-colonial edifice and has 33 rooms, each furnished in colonial style by interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
This boutique hotel features a gastro bar and a terrace with views for special occasions, a patio on the Passeig de Vara de Rey street, and a rooftop with views of the UNESCO-protected medieval city center.
A variety of stores, restaurants, and pubs are just a few yards away from our hotel. The Ibiza Harbour is just a few meters away, and the pier from where traditional boats to Formentera depart is a 5-minute walk away.
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Located in the heart of Ibiza Town
The 33 bedrooms have retained their historic character. Lázaro Rosa-Violán (Palma's Hotel Cort, Soho House Barcelona) went for a contemporary-classic atmosphere with polished parquet, monogrammed linen, porthole mirrors, and black shutters on the French doors that overlook the plaza or the harbor.
The ground-floor Art Deco café features a remarkable Picasso-esque ceramic mosaic and a massive central bar, often busy late into the evening. Toni Riera's black-and-white photography, pictures of the island's hedonistic nightlife, covers the walls, and a dinosaur skeleton sculpture rests in the foyer. But the finest part is a roof terrace restaurant with a tasting menu (scallop ceviche with Santa Gertrudis olive oil, six-week-matured entrecôte) and stunning views of Dalt Vila that no one appears to know about. This hotel elevates Ibiza Town above Barcelona and Palma for a long weekend in the fall.
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#4 7Pines Resort Ibiza
This stunning hotel, perched on a cliff among beautiful pine woods, offers breathtaking views from every aspect. The designers correctly understood that the major selling points-signature restaurant The View, with unlimited sea panoramas and seafood-led tasting menus, deserves its definite article. On the other hand, sunset rituals at Cone Club are nothing short of magical. As the sun throws ambers and oranges over the sky, sink into comfortable recliners, soak in 270-degree vistas, and sip on mixologist-made drinks.
7Pines Resort Ibiza
Spain, San Jose
7Pines Resort Ibiza, part of the Destination by Hyatt, is located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia in the Ibiza Region, 18 kilometers from Ibiza Town. It is surrounded by pine trees and features views of Es Vedrà Island, two seasonal outdoor pools, and a spa center.
Each room at this resort is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV, cable channels, and resting space. In addition, every suite has a terrace or balcony, and some even have a private pool. Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries are provided for your convenience.
Guests can dine at one of the two restaurants and four bars. The View restaurant serves contemporary Asian cuisine. The Cone Club provides Mediterranean food in a communal setting.
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2 swimming pools
Wellness is as vital as gin & tonics and multi-course dinners throughout a visit. The state-of-the-art clinic takes a holistic approach, with deep tissue massages easing post-party muscular aches, facials enhancing holiday glows, and yoga sessions matched with nutritional counseling sessions for best results. Every accommodation at this all-suite resort has a balcony or patio. Suites are classified according to location, with the most luxurious alternatives on the cliff. Panoramic vistas, open-plan living areas, and a home-away-from-home (but better) vibe are guaranteed here—some even include enormous terraces with sun loungers and private pools.
#3 Six Senses Ibiza
Even the full-service, 116-room Six Senses resort is tucked away on a mountainside and accessible only by a steep dirt route, a perfect homage to Ibiza's unconventional spirit. If you make the trek, you'll be greeted by a shamanic smoke-cleaning ritual, which is just a whiff of the variety of health seminars and courses. The goal is to relax, recharge, and reset at a high level. From the bamboo-clad roofs that imitate Ibiza's traditional fishermen's huts to the minibars stocked with ashwagandha and CBD-infused soft drinks, the attention to detail is unparalleled.
Six Senses Ibiza
Spain, Portinatx
The large rooms and suites use locally sourced materials and a classic Finca style with contemporary décor. Many accommodations have patios with views of the sea or the sunset.
The resort's four distinctive restaurants and two bars, including The Farmers' Market, The Piazza, The Orchard, and shorefront tapas at the Live Cave, all serve organic, fresh, healthful food. Chef's tables and culinary workshops accompany them. This 5-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk as well as room service.
There is an outdoor pool with a view of the sea. Six Senses Ibiza provides a genuine Ibiza experience that values community, spirituality, and celebration. Five treatment rooms, a steam room, a hammam, and a Rose Bar with longevity programs are available at the Spa.
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1 swimming pool & free parking
The interiors are soft and classy, with pale wood, leather, and stone. While some rustic accents match the hotel's earthy enclave, it's mostly a grown-up environment that attracts an international audience of bohemians. Some people stay for a while, waking up to the terrace, pool, and sea views in junior suites before heading down to paddle-board—ladders fall right into the ocean from the rooms. Some never leave—several Six Senses Residences are for sale.
#2 Nobu Ibiza Bay
Now that it is nearly hard to develop anything from scratch in Ibiza, hotel groups must wait for previous tourist spots to go down. So, didn't Nobu's owners (a badass conglomeration of the MC collection - The Marbella Club, Puente Romano, etc. - and the Livingstone brothers - Cliveden, Chewton Glen) strike gold? They discovered a Talamanca hotel with direct ocean access, a long stretch of beach, and clear blue waves. And, despite the hotel's potentially frightening Ibiza-ness, with its chiringuito beach restaurant Chambao, stores selling €300 swimwear, and sashimi-serving Nobu, this is a laid-back, pad-around-in-your-bikini sort of place.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Spain, Talamanca
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is located on Talamanca Beach in Ibiza and features a spa, two pools, a kids' club, and rooftop terrace suites. Ibiza Town is 3 kilometers distant.
Each room is luxuriously designed and comes with complimentary WiFi. All include marble bathrooms with waterfall showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open patios with views of the sea or garden. The suites are extensive and include a comfortable sitting space and a separate dressing room. Some have a kitchenette as well as a private plunge pool.
The resort features four restaurants and bars that cater to a wide range of preferences. Bay Café offers gluten-free options, and Nobu offers Japanese-Nikkei fusion food. A seaside chiringuito-style restaurant serving fresh sea cuisine is also available.
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2 swimming pools & free private parking
Adults sip fresh watermelon juice, eat bento boxes, and sink their toes into the warm sand from bleached-wood double sun loungers as children vanish into the kids' club. While methuselahs of rosé are hustled around, mellow music compliments a continual tinkle of ice in glasses. Macramé and fringing in beige, blue, and white adorn the bedrooms. And here are some of the loveliest sights from bed: boats bobbing in Talamanca Bay, palm tree tips, and early risers running down the boardwalk leading to The Fish Shack. This is a cheerful, bohemian addition that is attracting dedicated south- and north-coast villa regulars.
#1 OKU Ibiza
OKU Ibiza is the place to go to achieve inner peace and reconnect with yourself. This relaxed luxury resort is a little paradise inside a paradise and the perfect spot to experience (or rediscover) the fabled White Island: think wabi sabi-inspired décor, two tranquil swimming pools, frequent yoga sessions, and fusion food. The hotel's location is particularly remarkable, giving you access to the island's most attractive beach areas, from the broad and sandy shoreline to secluded little coves, as well as famous beach clubs and restaurants with sea views.
OKU Ibiza
Spain, San Antonio
In San Antonio, OKU Ibiza has a restaurant, a fitness center, a bar, and a garden. The 5-star hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and a patio. The hotel provides visitors with a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange.
A coffee machine is provided in each of the hotel's apartments. In addition, every room at OKU Ibiza has a closet, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
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2 swimming pools
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The best restaurants in Ibiza right now
Ibiza is well-known for its thriving nightlife, with people traveling to this lovely island to experience one or several hedonistic summer evenings. However, there is more to Ibiza than meets the eye, as the island is home to a plethora of delectable eateries. From beachfront eating to gourmet dining, we've compiled a list of the top restaurants in Ibiza for the 2023 season.
- OKU Restaurant. There's little doubt that selecting Mark Vaessen as OKU Restaurant's chief chef was the perfect decision. In May 2022, the team debuted a new menu and style, providing a balanced and thoughtful atmosphere alongside a sophisticated and tasty eating experience.
The food reflects OKU Ibiza's laid-back, earthy surroundings and showcases Mark Vaessen's enthusiasm for Japanese cuisine with Spanish flavors. Each dish is unique, but a couple stands out: smooth Gambero rojo with zings of acidity for a fresh taste, deliciously crispy hamachi panipuri with a jalapeno kick, and oysters with sour ponzu sauce and fresh cucumbers. Finally, La Tierra, Mark's signature dessert, is a wonderful (and beautifully presented) blend of pure chocolate, cacao, pistachio, and mandarin. OKU Restaurant's crew works smoothly together to create a meal you will remember and an ambiance that will leave you wanting more.
- Seven Pines, Ibiza. Finally, something has been done with Ibiza's dusty old Club Calimera, located on the cliffs between Cala Codolar and Cala Conta. Seven Pines is a vast whitewashed number with matching small cottages and swim-up pools, a low-rise, traditional-style Truman show of a community. And once the gardens settle in and the restaurants (The View, with views down the southwest coast to Es Vedra, and The Cone, on the left) get into their stride, this enormous and brassy resort might be able to pull it off.
- Chiringuito Manolito, Formentera. Last summer, the proprietors of the restaurant Can Joana took over this old kiosk in Formentera's Playa Levante, but it didn't work out. Ida and Vittorio, the Swedish-Italian power couple behind beach club 10.7, have now jumped in with Chiringuito Manolito, a little boutique selling Reina Olga bikinis and Provençal rose. That doesn't mean it's chi chi. Not at all. Cuban music is playing, tables are put up among the sand dunes, and there are focaccia sandwiches and ice cream for those who just want to stop by. Here's a fantastic hangout with a history.
- Temakinho Formentera. Temakinho Formentera, located right on the port in La Savina, is always packed with Italians (they know the home-grown brand from its outposts in Rome and Milan). They've come for the Japanese-Brazilian fusion food - ceviches and tartares, mango and pink-pepper Caipirinhas - and the bossa nova and jazz music. The sushi is delicious and responsibly sourced.
- Mikasa, Ibiza. Surprisingly, Mikasa is the first restaurant in Ibiza to market itself as a hotel with rooms. The restaurant has a solid Lebanese flavor (including coconut chia-seed bowls and grilled peaches on toast for breakfast), and meals are served on a Mint Julep dream terrace with views of Ibiza Town. Owner Sofija Mehta (who also owns the funky Beachouse in Playa d'en Bossa and Finca La Plaza) commissioned French designer Isabelle Stanislas to create the bed-rooms, which are modest but charming, with rattan ceiling fans, Balinese furniture, and little balconies. A secret alternate hideaway.
- Finca La Plaza, Ibiza. Finca La Plaza, Ibiza's lightbulb-strung garden restaurant, has found its place behind the main plaza in Santa Gertrudis, with Ibiza's big guns - La Paloma, Macao, Wild Beets, Il Buco. There are cactuses and flickering candles, Aztec-bright pillows, and natural woven seats - it is yet controlled and mature, contemporary but seems anchored. Along with bowls of burrata and smoky babaganoush, the Josper oven serves juicy Galician T-bone, charred baby chicken, grilled artichoke with lemon, and blackened corn on the cob. Chef Antonio Laruso's confident cooking will be fascinating to see.
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