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8 absolute must-do things in Ibiza
Published 20 September 2024
A superyacht charter in the Mediterranean has boundless potential, from the glitz of Monaco to the glamour of Capri, though few places offer the combined value of the Balearic islands’ laidback, wellness, party vibe. Whether trekking alluring nature trails, scaling architectural heights or taking a dip in hidden caves, the chance to maximise your yachting itinerary has never been easier thanks to Ibiza’s lengthy list of must-do activities.
Hiking
Ibiza’s hikes are legendary, weaving through cliffy terrain, valleys, aromatic forests and green hills that are never too steep or high. Views of the gin-clear Mediterranean abound, with the scent of olive groves and salty sea air wafting on the breeze.
Drop anchor in a secluded cove and spend the day exploring the island by foot, passing by Moscater Lighthouse, swinging by Cala Longa Cove or wandering along the banks of Santa Eulalia, the only river in the Balearics.
At the end of a long hike, there’s no better way to cool off than with a cold plunge into the sea.
Sa Talaia
If hiking is your bag, then Sa Talaia is for you. Not just the highest mountain on Ibiza, it’s also highest in the whole of the Balearic Islands. Talaia, meaning “watchtower”, has a 475m elevation though it’s still an easily accessible route for both hikers and cyclists. Covering around 2.4km and taking around 1.5 hours to complete, the gradual gradient only gets steep near to the summit. On a clear day, it offers the best views of Ibiza and beyond, taking in Formentera, the Natural Reserve of Illots Ponent and even the mainland coast of Spain.
Es Vedra
Es Vedra, which belongs to the Natural Reserve of Illots Ponent, is a rocky island that attracts beach goers and hikers alike. Many come to drink in evening sunsets at Cala d’Hort beach with Es Vedra as the backdrop, while others flock to scramble up the 400m high magical rock, which is the source of many island myths and legends. Some believe it to be the ancient site of the lost city of Atlantis, while others claim to have heard siren songs calling from the shore.
Cala d'Hort to Atlantis
Cala d’Hort is a small beach with big views of the dramatic rocky formation of Es Vedrà island. The diminutive, protected cove is flanked by rocky cliffs and verdant greens, making it a prime spot for secluded relaxation and sandy sunbathing with glorious vistas all round.
Cliff Jumping
Cliff diving is a popular activity in Ibiza, with visitors drawn in their droves to take a refreshing plunge into the deep blue sea. Punta Galera is part of a former stone quarry that resulted in the unique layers of rocks that have created natural platforms perfect for sunbathing or cliff diving. The water at the base of the rocks is deep enough to jump into from almost any height, with clear enough visibility to safely see what you're jumping into.
Hit the beach at Cala Bassa
A quick tender ride to Cala Bassa will bring you to the shores of one of the most exclusive beach clubs in Ibiza. Comfortable loungers, ample shade and resident DJs that ensure electric beats ring out across the Balearics provide an unbeatable ambience, and all located adjacent to the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. Sip on cocktails, enjoy a long and lingering lunch at one of four restaurants or explore the surrounding area before heading back to the yacht for a well-earned rest.
Explore the Old Town
Even more famous than Ibiza’s euphoric music scene is its quaint and cultural Old Town. Also known as Dalt Vila, which means ‘High City’, the 2,500-year-old town is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prized for its whitewashed buildings, winding cobbled streets, ancient walled city and coveted hilltop views that look out over the old fishing port. It’s a must visit on any yacht charter to the white island.
Try snorkelling or scuba diving
One of the highlights of chartering a yacht in Ibiza is the access it provides to the region’s multiple anchorages, perfect grounds for snorkelling. Common sights include shoals of silver and yellow Salpa grazing amongst the seagrass, as well as the rarer flatfish and rays under the sandier bottoms. Popular beaches fit for snorkelling are Cala Xarraca and Cala Xuclar in the north where rocky outcrops hold pockets of marine life, and Cala an Vicente, where the Flying Gurnard can be spotted. For more privacy, Es Calo has it all.
Explore Atlantis
Perhaps one of the most legendary sites is Atlantis Ibiza, once a sandstone quarry, today a hidden cove beloved for its rock formations and natural pools. Set off the beaten track, it provides an authentic slice of island life away from the crowds and busy nightlife. Here, visitors convene with nature, swim among rocky formations and trek the ragged coastline. Tricky to reach by foot, but easy to access by tender, taking a dip in the many pools makes for an ideal morning exploration.
Visit Aquarium Cap Blanc
Few aquariums boast a setting as beguiling as the marine life that they contain, but Aquarium Cap Blanc bucks that trend with its location inside a natural cave. Once known as the ‘lobster cave’ and used as an ancient smuggler's grotto, the magical cavern has been converted into a fully-fledged, professionally run aquarium with natural fish tanks showcasing many of the Balearic’s local fish and sea creatures. It's also used as a recuperation centre for injured sea turtles before they are released back into the wild.
Explore the Can Marçà Caves
As beautiful as every corner of Ibiza is, some of its best kept secrets lie underwater and underground. The Can Marçà Caves are more than 100,000-years-old and were historically used by pirates. The marks they used to guide them in the dead of night can still be seen on the walls. A 40-minute guided tour weaves between stalactites and stalagmites, deep into the cave’s rocky heart.
Discover more about our Mediterranean yacht charters and get ready to explore the wonders of the White Island this summer. Talk to one of our charter brokers about yachts cruising the Balearics.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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