6 Things to Do at Ibiza Besides Clubbing

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Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands of Spain, is the place where young travelers go to cut loose and get crazy. Tourists mainly visit Ibiza to experience the famous nightclubs and pulsating nightlife, the sunny Mediterranean beaches, and the diversity. While Ibiza is widely popular for its clubs and nightlife, there are many other things that travelers can do there.  So, here are 6 things you can do at Ibiza (apart from clubbing):

1. Visit the Hippy Market in Es Cana

The Hippy Market has been a highlight in Ibiza since the early 1970’s.  Catch a bus, taxi or ferry to Es Cana on the east side of the island. Just outside of town you’ll find a hillside covered with stalls selling all kinds of hippy-related goodies – everything from leather goods, handbags, jackets, belts, shoes, accessories, and everything in between.  Of course, it cannot be a hippy market without the pipes and bongs, and tie-dyed shirts and trousers.

The market has been slightly commercialized, but the spirit and hippie aura still lives on.  The Hippy Market is not the only thing in this island.  When you’re looking to have a cheap holiday in Es Cana, there are also great beaches and various locations you can visit to have a relaxing time.

2. Look for history at Dalt Vila

History buffs should head to the Dalt Vila, or the old part of Ibiza City, to view the Roman ruins, Ibiza Castle, and the famous city walls, which are classified as a National Monument. Stroll along the old city walks during the night when they are lit up to make an impressive scenery.

3. Have a traditional Spanish Paella

While in Ibiza, you must sample a delicious paella made out of seafood. Many restaurants on the island cook their paella in giant pans that can measure up to six feet in diameter. Saffron is used to flavor and color the rice to give it that yellow look and unique taste.  Not into seafood? There are also chicken and rabbit paellas.

4. Visit Cala D’Hort to see the famous rock of Es Vedra

Standing about 400 meters high, Es Vedra simply dominates the view out to sea. It’s an official nature reserve, and lies some 3km off the coast of Cala D’Hort.  So what is all the fuss about Es Vedra? It’s vertical shape and myths behind it. The best-known myth about the rock is that it’s the last known outpost of the mythical city of Atlantis.  It’s also said to have been the island of the sirens in the Homer epics, as well as the holy island of Tanit, a deity who went to Ibiza as the Phoenician goddess of fertility and heavenly mother and became Ibiza’s patroness.  Myths or reality, this rock does make a great landscape feature that is impressive to watch and photograph during the sunset.

5. Watch the sunset at Café Del Mar

Café del Mar is a bar located at the far end of San Antonio Bay promenade.  It is best known for its sunsets and chill-out music (ever heard a Café Del Mar compilation album?!).  Get there before sunset and grab a long cool drink while you wait to see the sunset spectacle in a Balearic ambient complimented with easy listening music.

6. Beach and Water Sports

Water sports in Ibiza are one of the most popular daytime activities. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Es Cana, Cala Llonga and Playa d’en Bossa, where you will find watersports like water skiing, paragliding, riding inflatable bananas, diving, wind surfing, among others.  Of course, don’t forget to relax while sun bathing and working on your tan.

Now that you know how to experience Ibiza in a different way, why not end the day doing what Ibiza is well known for – Partying. This is almost inevitable at the nightclub capital of the world.

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 from Flickr’s Creative Commons.