The small party island of Ibiza is located off the south-east coast of Spain and is part of the Balearic Islands along with Mallorca and Menorca. Its hedonistic reputation is due to the fact that it is home to seven super nightclubs, including the worlds largest, Privilege, with a capacity of TEN THOUSAND people!
Every summer these clubs welcome the world’s biggest superstar DJs. Many tourists are drawn here only for the party scene, others for the pristine beaches and endless sunshine, but few have wandered from their sun loungers to find that Ibiza also provides a spectacularly beautiful and wild terrain that begs to be explored.
The perfect way to really connect with the island and its nature is to explore in a peaceful way, one of the many hiking trails that are on offer. You can take coastal routes that follow old fishermen’s tracks down to secluded and rugged shores. You can also explore the coastal routes in style by sailing in a yacht; consider charter with Proyachts.
Take a path inland and you will discover a rustic countryside, with red earth dotted with fruit trees and old fincas (traditional farmhouse). A clammber on a hill covered with pine often leads to rewarding views around the island and out to sea. No matter which route you choose, you’re guaranteed to be immersed in peaceful seclusion that feels a million miles away from bustling holiday resorts.
Most beaches are marked with route maps local to the area, including information on distance and gradients. A PDF of these maps is available to download from the Ibiza Travel website. You can also join one of the many guided walks available, a great way to discover the secrets of Ibiza’s history and flora. Information on guided walks can be found on the Walking Ibiza and Ibiza Walking Association websites.
To bring a challenge and a new dimension to trekking in the countryside, try doing it from the back of a horse. Having a higher perspective and bond of trust with a new and noble travel companion really ignites the sense of adventure. Ibiza Horse Valley and North Ride Ibiza are both based in the rural and mountainous north of the island, where the views of the hills will take your breath away. To make the experience more special, you can also enjoy a sunset trek, overnight camping or even swim in the sea with the horses.
Ibiza is a very popular destination for cyclists both on and off road. Off-road paths are often interconnected with walking routes, following quiet and winding Caminos (dirt paths) in remote countryside trails of varying gradients. Road cycling gives the opportunity to pass through some of the picturesque villages of the islands or even the flat salt flats, Ses Salinas, granted UNESCO world heritage status in 1999 for biodiversity and its natural beauty. Bike hire and equipment are widely available around the island but if you fancy an adventurous and guided tour then information can be found on the Ibiza Velo Club or Ibiza MTB Club websites.
For any small island adventurer, the sea will surely be begging for exploration. Those who answer the call will be spoiled for choice of water activities. The surrounding Mediterranean sea is crystal clear, calm and warm in the summer months making it a perfect paradise for sea frolicking activities.
Freediving in Ibiza has become popular in recent years. It involves diving deep into the sea, without breathing apparatus, using only your breath. Much more challenging and exhilarating than scuba diving, with more freedom of movement, ascent and descent. This is the ultimate way to connect with the sea and our own ability as diving mammals.
There are two freediving instructors on the island, Freedive Ibiza and Ibiza True Blue Experiences. They can take you to exciting dive sites and provide essential instruction and guidance to get you safely on your freediving journey.
Scuba Diving is commonly available around the island and has five dive sites recommended by PADI (Professional Diving Association) that include shipwrecks and magnificent underwater caves. The scuba diving schools include Subfari in the north of the island and Arenal diving on the west coast.
All dive schools listed offer guided snorkelling tours. An amazing way to enjoy the aquarium like the bass. Mingle with the many fish, play with cute octopuses or gaze in wonder at underwater caves and grottoes.
Of course, you don’t have to dive deep to enjoy the sea. There is a huge range of surface activities to choose from. Kayaking is by far the most popular way to discover hidden coves that are dotted around the coast. They can be hired from most beaches for a solo adventure or you can join a guided tour. Kayak Ibiza offers sunset, full moon and camping excursions.
If you really want to test your balancing skills, you can go stand up paddle boarding (SUP) which involves standing (or sitting for newbies) on a surf type board. Using one long paddle, similar to a gondola, you can guide and slide your way around the shores. SUP tours and rental information can be found on the SUP Ibiza website. Board rental is also available on some beaches.
July and August in Ibiza are quite hot, the average temperature is around 30 degrees so walking activities are better carried out in the cooler autumn and spring. Always take plenty of water on adventures and clothes that can protect from the sun. You will be happy to know that it rarely rains during the summer so waterproofing is not necessary. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals to be aware of.
The sea temperature is a cool 15 to 20 degrees from April to June so a thin wetsuit may be needed for water activities. In July and August, the sea temperatures reach the highest levels of 28 degrees which give the feeling of being in a warm and relaxing bath. Never venture too far into the open sea and be aware of boat traffic if you are exploring outside buoyed swimming areas. Only try diving activities under the guidance of professionals.
Happy and safe adventures!
Tanya can be found hiding in the rolling hills of northern Ibiza, Spain. Inspired by the surrounding sea and natural beauty, she is slowly rediscovering her passion for words and creation. She writes profusely about the thing she holds most dear to her heart, the magical island of Eivissa. You can read more about her adventures at https://liftaway.wixsite.com/islandinspired.