Ibiza is the party capital of the world. When I tell people Ibiza is one of my favourite holiday destinations, they tend to raise an eyebrow and look at me in a knowing manner. When I tell them it’s to chill out and do yoga they roar with laughter.
But Ibiza has so much more to offer than nightclubs and twenty-four-hour drinking. This alternative Ibiza travel guide details everything you need to fall in love with the quiet side of Ibiza; well away from the crowds of clubbers.
Annie Scott
Annie fell in love with the quiet side of Ibiza many years ago and can’t stop returning to relax on the island paradise. Image © Annie Scott
The Quiet Side of Ibiza
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When I was a teenager I was desperate to go to this mythical island. I’d heard of the clubs, the DJs, and the “sleep when you’re dead” mentality and it sounded so darkly glamorous I was dying to be a part of it.
I was also desperate to marry anyone in the band Oasis, was deeply suspicious of doing exercise, and thought that wearing a skirt over trousers was the height of sophistication. So, my choices were questionable at best.
Life carried on, and I finally made it to Ibiza in my mid-30s, for a friend’s hen party. To be honest, I was terrified. I had visions of a concrete jungle of mega clubs, tacky bars, and teenagers being sick in the street.
My tastes had evolved by this point; I liked to sleep and good food, and my eardrums. The thought of spending a weekend cheek-by-jowl with drunk girls in PVC miniskirts shouting “oi oiiiii” to the deafening thump of relentless trance music was my idea of hell.
Imagine my surprise then, when I landed on one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever seen and found it to be full of exceptional restaurants, stylish beach clubs, and wonderful people.
Its recent history, certainly in the last century, is one of Bohemian coming together which is actually how the party scene emerged.
If you look for it, there’s still a strong hippy vibe, yoga everywhere and wonderful hiking and adventuring to be had; welcome to the quiet part of Ibiza.
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Gorgeous bubble gum clouds over Ibiza town, Ibiza. Image © Annie Scott
Why You Should Seek Out the Quiet Part of Ibiza
Ibiza is what you want it to be, which is one of the many things that make it magical.
You can have any holiday you want there, from a week of high-end relaxation to a hedonistic dance-til-dawn weekend.
You’ll find that once you “get” Ibiza it stays with you. For many people I know, it’s an annual pilgrimage (I confess I went back three more times that initial summer).
At the risk of sounding a bit “woo woo”, there really is a special energy there which some say comes from Es Vedra, the rock formation just off the coast which, extraordinarily, is the third most magnetic point on the planet.
Whether it’s a planetary force or just what happens when a critical mass of souls come together to enjoy themselves, good things just seem to happen there.
So, put your preconceptions aside, jump in, and see what happens on the quiet side of Ibiza. Welcome to my “I went to Ibiza and didn’t go to a nightclub” guide to having a great time.
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The scenery in Ibiza is breathtaking with plenty of space to hike and explore away from the crowds. Image © Annie Scott
What is the Quiet Side of Ibiza?
Ibiza island isn’t very big. You can drive across it in less than an hour. So, nowhere is out of reach.
So, where is the quiet side of Ibiza? Crudely speaking, the north of the island is the most untouched and hippyish and most of the well-known nightclubs and activity are contained in the southwest.
Don’t let that put you off though. The southwest is also beautiful and, if you want to check out Ibiza Town and some of the great beach clubs, this is a good spot to be.
If you really want to steer fully clear of the party scene, the places to avoid in Ibiza are San Antonio and Playa D’en Bossa. These areas can get quite hectic. Although the latter still has some great spots to eat at the far (most southerly) end of the beach.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
The Giri Residence
To truly experience the quiet side of Ibiza, retreat to The Giri Residence in the north. This beautifully refurbished farmhouse is an intimate, luxurious, and laid-back hotel, comprised of only five suites.
It prides itself on its exceptional service from catering to whatever you feel like eating, to allowing you to reserve the entire spa for yourself. It’s the place to go for sheer self-indulgence.
Atzaró
One of many agriturismo hotels on the island, Atzaró is a sumptuous family-run hotel nestled in a large agricultural estate.
There are 22 sophisticated rooms, a stunning pool, and an excellent spa and restaurant, both of which attract people from all over the island. The gym also offers free classes for guests if they’re feeling active.
Six Senses Ibiza
For families seeking a relaxing escape in Ibiza, Six Senses Ibiza is a luxury hotel offering suites to four-bedroom residences to cater to the whole family.
Their wellness ethos is obvious from the 1200 sqm wellness area to the farm-to-table organic restaurant menus. This Ibiza resort is also one of the few that offers a kids club in Ibiza. It features kids’ yoga, cooking, art and craft, and outdoor activities as well.
ME Ibiza
ME Ibiza is another luxury Ibiza hotel with a kids club. It is also a stunning, boutique property that falls under the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World banner.
This luxury family hotel is located in Santa Eulalia del Río, which is often considered the quietest part of Ibiza and a popular destination for families in Ibiza.
There is a 24-hour gym, spa, and wellness area available for all guests. But, for those celebrating a milestone or just looking for that 5-star-plus service, ME Ibiza hotel offers VIP packages to make your stay even more luxurious.
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Ibiza’s beaches include busy stretches hosting day parties to lovely uncrowded bays like Talamanca Beach. Image © Annie Scott
How to Get Around Ibiza
Ibiza airport is served by numerous airlines and can be reached easily from most of Europe. It’s also one of the quickest, most efficient airports I have ever experienced.
Once you land it’s easy to get a taxi from the rank outside (the queue can look long, but it moves very quickly).
Taxis are relatively easy to find in the busier areas but you may wait a while to get picked up somewhere more remote (although once on Ibiza time, you may not care). Taxis are metered and cost roughly €1 ($AUD1.50) per minute.
If you’re keen to explore the quiet side of Ibiza, it is very helpful to hire a car. If you’re renting a car, I’d highly recommend hiring a 4 x 4, or at least something sturdy.
Some of the roads down to the beaches are pretty steep and things can become a bit hairy! I’d also recommend taking out full insurance for this reason.
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Annie enjoying a peaceful beach day at the end of Playa D’en Bossa, Ibiza. Image © Annie Scott
Ibiza’s Best Beach Clubs
Spending a day in a beach club in Ibiza is one of my favourite things to do. A long lazy lunch and a nap on a sun lounger by the sea in glamorous surroundings is my idea of heaven.
The best beach clubs in Ibiza tend to get booked up (especially in high season) so book online or call in advance or ask your hotel to make you a reservation.
Ibiza is not known for being economical so expect to pay around €30 ($AUS45) on average for a sun lounger for the day, and around the same for a main course.
Ibiza’s famous salt flats should be top of your list while on the island. Image © Annie Scott
Experimental Beach
A popular wedding venue and it’s easy to see why. Experimental Beach is by Ibiza’s famous salt flats perches on a cliff-top with panoramic views out over the turquoise sea in one direction, and lush pine forests in the other.
You may even see a flamingo on the approach. The chic décor is white and turquoise and the vibe is hip and effortlessly cool. Following extensive (and selfless) research I also believe the sun loungers are the most comfortable in Ibiza.
Come here for a late lunch and stay to enjoy a cocktail at sunset. The menu is typical Ibiza fare; lots of fresh fish (the sea bream tartar is to die for), Iberian ham (a must in this part of the world), and the cocktails are legendary.
Just beware of the lure of the fabulous boutique after a couple of drinks.
Sunrise on Las Salinas beach, Ibiza, Spain. Image © Annie Scott