Discover the 7 most beautiful places in Ibiza
A tour of the island’s secret corners
Ibiza is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for party animals from all over the world. A corner in the Mediterranean where you can let your hair down and dance until the sunrise. Millions of travelers meet in Ibiza every year to live unforgettable experiences and make lifelong memories.
We’re not gonna lie, all of this is true, but Pitiusa (the other name for Ibiza) has so much more to offer. Discover its hidden face, and dive into its rural life!
Discover the best towns and villages in Ibiza
If you’ve had enough partying and you want to -finally- get to know the most genuine part of Ibiza, you’ve come to the right place. Ibiza has an outgoing side and another, more humble and homey one, but equally fascinating!
In this guide, we’ll reveal this side of Ibiza, and you get to decide which one you choose. Visit picturesque villages, admire the rural beauty of Ibiza and reconnect with your natural side.
A typical Iberian church in the neighborhood of San Juan Bautista
Santa Gertrudis
Our first stop is Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, a beautiful town in the center of the island. This flourishing town, surrounded by orchards, paths and fruit-bearing forests, is a perfect mixture of tradition and modernity.
Enjoy a calm walk in the old town and don’t forget to visit the church. The inhabitants of Santa Gertrudis are very hospitable. In fact, the past few years the village has become a shelter for foreign artists.
Time stops once you decide to rest by drinking a tinto de verano (red wine with tonic, an extremely popular summer drink among the Spaniards). You can do so on a terrace of a peaceful bar, chatting with bohemian people, and listening to music coming from street artists. Take a look at the town’s charming shops and buy a souvenir to remind you of the time you spent there.
Tip: if you want to spend some days in this small town, you can stay at one of the vacation rentals in Santa Gertrudis.
Santa Eularia des Riu
The third-largest town on the island is located on the eastern part of Ibiza and it’s called Santa Eularia des Riu. This endearing coastal community is ideal for family vacation or for couples that seek peace and tranquility.
Santa Eulalia is not so small, or too big to overwhelm you. Take a dive in one of the nearby coves or go on a boat ride. If you like walking, we advise you to climb to the top of Puig de Missa, the hill that has a panoramic view of the town. To get there, you’ll have to cross the old town, wandering through its cobblestone streets. The view from the top is breathtaking!
Tip: the nearest beach is Cala Llonga, only 3.5 km away! Don’t get lost along the way, and don’t forget to carry water and snacks.
Alley in the old town of Santa Eulalia in Ibiza
Santa Agnès de Corona
On an island where everything changes day by day, Santa Agnes de Corona remains unaltered over time. But don’t let this disappoint you, we say it in a good way!
This beautiful village is built on a plain on the northwestern part of Ibiza. With the arrival of spring, Santa Agnes de Corona becomes an amalgam of colors, joy and pleasure.
Tip: before you go, don’t forget to enjoy the view of the islets of Ses Margalides, only a few minutes from Santa Agnes. Make sure you have enough space for photos on your mobile phone!
Es Cubells
This iconic village is located on the southwest of Ibiza. Built on the edge of a cliff, Es Cubells offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean. In its wild surroundings, the pleasant scent of olive and orange trees will enchant you.
You cannot leave Es Cubells without visiting the local church and paying homage to the Blessed Francesc Palau. Beyond its fascinating history, the village has a couple of nice bars where you can taste local delicacies, along with some coves that will surprise you.
A square in Es Cubells, always a meeting place
Sant Carles de Peralta
This small rural village is found among the almond and fig trees that fill the fertile region of Sant Carles. Back in the 1970s, the village was the center of the island’s hippie movement. Today, you can still see the remnants of that period in the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.
Feel at home at Bar Anita and try its exquisite home-made Hierbas Ibicencas liquor. Continue your adventure by going to the small market of Las Delias, where you can find all kinds of gifts and local relics.
Tip: the market opens its doors to visitors every Saturday during the summer period. Make sure you pay a visit!
The church of Sant Carles stands out for its unique construction. When you want to take a break from walking around the village, rest your legs and have a cool drink in the beach bars of Cala Llenya.
San Juan Bautista
San Juan is the perfect union between the sea and the mountains. A dream place, covered with pine forests and bathed by crystal-clear waters.
San Juan has been hardly affected by tourism which makes the village even more irresistible. Here you can connect with your spiritual self and forget the stress of modern life for a while. Tune in to Ibiza’s recent past and feel a sense of inner peace wash over you.
Country house surrounded by trees and plants in San Juan in Ibiza
Sant Llorenç de Balàfia
We’ve reached our final stop on this different tour of Ibiza! Although we are on an island, not everything is about the coast. The inland has also something special to amaze you, and this picturesque village is the proof.
Sant Llorenç de Balàfia is a lively and youthful small community. Its inhabitants spend their days outside, chatting on the terraces or strolling through the wild nature.
In addition, you can visit important monuments such as the Poblado de Balàfia, an old fortification where the locals defended themselves against corsair attacks. Maybe Jack Sparrow will share his bottle of rum with you!
Useful tips for traveling to Ibiza
Before starting your rural adventure in Ibiza, how about some tips to make your trip even more unique?
- In terms of accommodation in Ibiza, you can always stay at a hotel or apartment. Bear in mind that you need to book your room in advance so as not to be disappointed.
- Do not miss a single detail or place in Ibiza! Plan your trip on time and move around the island by renting a car or a motorcycle.
- Leave a gap in your agenda to admire the legendary Ibizan sunsets. Es Vedrà, Dalt Vila or Ibiza's Stonehenge are the best places to enjoy the last rays of the day.
- For further info, you can also read about ferry schedules in Spain for 2023.
- We cannot close this section without recommending doing a day trip by ferry from Ibiza to Formentera.
Where to book ferry tickets to Ibiza
Can't wait to visit the hidden villages of Ibiza? On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets online with just a few clicks and continue your adventure to discover some of the most beautiful Ibizan towns!