Evening Tour of Ibiza Town with Las Dalias Hippy Market

Evening Tour of Ibiza Town with Las Dalias Hippy Market

The old walled fortress perched at the top of Ibiza town is an atmospheric tangle of cobbled lanes normally only accessible by foot. Known as Dalt Vila, it's mostly residential but as you explore it, you'll discover the cultural sights tucked away along the narrow streets. After time exploring the old town, you'll head to the renowned Las Dalias Hippy Market. Martina, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Back in 1985 the market started with just five stalls. Fast forward to 2023, its 38th year, and though it has expanded to 250 stalls, it retains its distinct hippie charm more than ever.'First up, stroll around Dalt Vila, enclosed by monumental defensive walls with seven bastions, each offering a unique viewpoint of the city and the sea. Located at the highest point of Dalt Vila, the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria offers more great views of Ibiza Town. Or perhaps you'd prefer to browse the designer boutiques and luxury shops of the modern Marina district down by the harbour. It's a vibrant and elegant area lined with waterfront cafés, bars and restaurants. After a couple of hours in the old town, you'll head for the famous Las Dalias Hippy Market. More of an institution than a market, it's a real potpourri of artisans and artists who design, make and sell their own handicrafts. Here you can pick up a fantastic variety of craft and fashion - from beads and bangles to original paintings of local beauty spots. You can even book a massage, or sit down for refreshments.

Ibiza Sunset Cruise with San Antonio Visit

As a mood setter, this Ibiza sunset cruise ticks all the boxes. Romantic views, the sea breeze and a glass of bubbly are all the ingredients you need for a relaxing evening cruise along Ibiza's west coast. You'll get front-row views of the shore as you meander past, indented with pretty coves and rocky stretches. Aina, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Ibiza sunsets are so spectacular and enjoyable that they've inspired a multitude of deep house mixes. To experience one at sea is the icing on the cake.'You'll sail past San Antonio's famous Sunset Strip bars and toast the Ibiza sunset while you take in the radiant setting. Sip on your glass of cava while taking it all in. Aina says, ‘With a local guide onboard, you'll find out some interesting insights about the island while you take in the scenery. But a sunset cruise is all about relaxing, so commentary low-key, so you can savour the moment.'After the cruise, once you set foot back on dry land, you'll have some free time to check out the funky and famous west end of San Antonio, to grab a bite to eat or a drink in one of the many bars before the return by bus to your hotel. Aina says, ‘Sunset Strip is one of the coolest places in Ibiza – and that's saying something. A place to chill, feel good about yourself, people watch and soak in the ambience. Delve a little further into the lanes away from the beach to reveal a calmer scene, where you'll find tapas bars and little cafés.'

Sound of Sunset

Raising a toast to your holiday in Ibiza is exactly what this stylish sunset cruise is all about. You'll hop aboard to sail past San Antonio and the west coast, where with luck, you'll catch the orange sun dip into the Med. Meanwhile, live saxophone music and a DJ set complete the atmosphere.Your night will get off to a snazzy start as soon as you step aboard in the early evening. Drift off into dusk, settling down to watch the west coast's rugged pine-topped inlets change from golden to brassy tones as the sun sets further into the Med.You'll also glide past San Antonio's famed ‘Sunset Strip', lined with bars and fashionistas. And grabbing a canape or two, you can raise your glass of bubbly to toast your nearest and dearest. A sunset cruise wouldn't be complete without music, so there's a smooth saxophone player and a DJ to round off the line-up.

Ibiza Hippy Market Visit with a Local Guide

The Es Cana Hippy Market is the stuff of legend. Swing back to the Sixties at this treasure trove of cubby-hole stalls, where your batik fantasies clash in a cloud of incense. Ibiza's number one and original hippy market, it has refused to move with the times. The stands are piled high with authentic and retro items, everything from kaleidoscope kaftans to beads and bangles. Silke, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The market is full of creative artisans and artistes, not just selling their wares but performing music. It's an eclectic and electric experience for all the family.'A wide variety of products are on offer, from handstitched leather bags and a huge range of jewellery right through to homewares such as hand-woven baskets and art prints. Clothing is also highly sought-after, and there's no shortage of cool, beach-ready apparel. Prices are reasonable for such unique and often handcrafted items. Silke adds, ‘In 1973, the hotel invited hippy artisans to sell their wares to guests. Today, there are more than 450 stalls. You'll find stands selling white dresses and shirts – the typical Adlib Ibiza style, which was created during the hippy movement and is still very popular.'If you fancy just sitting back to soak up the atmosphere, there's food and drink for all tastes in the foodie areas. There are even activities for the kids and a playground for your little ones. Even if you're eyeing not buying, the psychedelic time travel is worth the visit alone.

Ibiza Island Tour with Can Marca Caves, Las Salinas and Portinatx

This tour shines the spotlight on all four corners of the island. Calling by Las Salinas, Portinatx and San Miguel, you'll also stop by the party town of San Antonio or upscale Santa Eulalia. Lucia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Ibiza once relied on salt production, and while the salt pans are still in use, they are now protected as part of a much larger nature reserve in order to safeguard the wildlife – in particular the many species of birds that use the area as a staging post as they migrate from Africa to Europe. Look out for the distinctive pink flamingos wading through the ponds.'In the morning, you'll pass by the snowy-white salt flats of Las Salinas. A huge patchwork of wetlands, it was the isle's chief earner for over 2,000 years. In the cutesy village of San Jose, you can grab a coffee in the town square or visit the attention-grabbing 18th century fortress church. The village retains a traditional Ibizan vibe, and enjoys a scenic location on the foothills of Sa Talaia, Ibiza's tallest mountain, which reaches 475 metres.After a short photo stop in San Antonio or Santa Eulalia – depending on your departure point – you'll have some free time to potter around the pretty coastal resort of Portinatx and choose from one of the local restaurants for a typical lunch. Your final stop is the dinky port of San Miguel, clustered around its narrow cove, and the Caves of Can Marca. A tour of the caves rounds off with a short sound and light show before heading back to resort.

Good Morning Ibiza

Spending the morning out means that hitting the sunbed later on will feel all the better. And while you're out, you'll get to explore Ibiza town and all it has to offer. Enjoy a couple of hours of free time to hit the shops, head to the ancient fortress or sit down with a coffee and watch the world go by.After pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Ibiza town, you'll have a couple of hours to do exactly as you wish. You can head straight for the boutiques and traditional shops to stock up on souvenirs and designer gear, or sip on a coffee at a sunny terrace before heading off to explore.The ancient fortress in the heart of the old town is also well worth looking around – even if it's just for photos from the top over the marina below. Then navigate your way back through the cobbled streets to where your transfer will be waiting by the harbour.

Formentera Guided Tour from Ibiza by Fast Ferry

Formentera is Ibiza's idyllic island escape. There are no highrise hotels and locals zip from one beach to another on scooters. On this trip, you'll take the comfortable fast ferry over to visit Sant Francesc, Es Mirador lookout and the stunning beach of Es Pujols, all at a pace in keeping with the laidback island vibes. Toni, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘From the Mirador viewpoint you can see the whole island, which is shaped a bit like a seahorse. On the left you'll see playa Mitjorn – it is said that this is Bob Dylan's favourite beach. He used to get his nightcap from the beach kiosk there.'Catch the fast ferry from Ibiza to Formentera, and our first stop is Sant Francesc, the quaint little island capital. The hub of the village is undoubtedly the main square, Plaça de la Constitució, fringed with vibrant cafes and restaurants. On warm days, the square is usually thronged with locals and visitors making it a top spot to people-watch and soak up the relaxed island atmosphere. Look out for the 18th century church of Church of Sant Francesc Xavier, which is the essence of simplicity.Next up are the epic views from Es Mirador, the island's highest point, and the iconic La Mola lighthouse. And last but by no means least, you'll have free time in the seaside village of Es Pujols. Here you can enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant or just chill out on the silky sands lapped by turquoise waves. It's a scene that wouldn't look out of place in the south Pacific.

Ibiza Backroads Tour with Santa Gertrudis and Aloe Farm Visit

Locals know this island as Eivissa. And there's a few more secrets they want to keep, too. Uncover real, rural and authentic Ibiza on this half-day tour. Rosa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There's a hidden side to Ibiza that you can still find in villages like Santa Gertrudis. It's a bit of gastronomic hotspot of the island, largely due to the surrounding farms, which produce some of Ibiza's best fruit and vegetables. It's also home to the island's only herd of cows.'Kick off with a drive through the village of Es Cubells. Away from the party beaches and super-clubs, it's one of the few spots where the beauty and peace of old remain. It's not much more than a cute cluster of farms and a church with views over the sea. As you explore, keep an eye out for the famous white church of St. Augustine, a hallmark of the village. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the breathtaking coastal views before it's on to an aloe vera farm for a tour.Rosa adds, ‘In our local folklore, the island is home to sirens, sea nymphs and other mythical creatures. It's also said to have a powerful energy, and many people believe it to be a healing place.' You'll round off with free time to explore the charming village of Santa Gertrudis. Stroll through its quaint streets and discover an array of arty boutiques and galleries where you can pick up unique souvenirs. If shopping isn't your thing, simply relax at a local café and savour a cup of coffee while soaking up the laid-back vibes.

Anchors Away

Family days out are what holidays are all about, and this half-day catamaran trip has every member of the clan covered. There'll be a relaxing cruise along the west coast to Cala Conta, swimming and free time for lunch. After a bus transfer to San Antonio, you'll be in the right place to board the glass-bottom catamaran boat. The kids can spot the fish in the submarine viewing chambers and enter the drawing competition - with a very special prize at the end of the day. Your host will spin you a tale or two as you sail along the west coast and check out the many beautiful coves and caves.There's time to cool off in the blue waters or relax as you sip sangria and listen to some of the legends surrounding the mysterious Es Vedra. Once we reach Cala Conta bay, you can step ashore for some lunch or a spot more sunbathing.

Ibiza’s Patron Saint Festival – August 8th

Famous for partying the world over, Ibiza knows how to throw a fiesta – and they don't get much bigger than Saint Ciriac's day. Celebrating the end of Moorish rule in Spain, this annual event sees the island capital come alive. With parades, processions, market stalls and more, enjoy free time to explore topped with a dazzling display of fireworks to end the night. Party like a local and join the festivities on August 8th.