Ibiza, a place that dances to the beat of its own rhythm. This island’s bohemian spirit and energetic lifestyle during the summer months are contagious. As someone who loves places with energy and a unique vibe, I was excited to explore Ibiza for the first time. A lot of Tulum’s aesthetic was inspired by Ibiza—its love for day parties, nightclubs, chic beach clubs, and a booming culinary scene laid the foundation that Tulum built upon. Here’s how my first visit unfolded, and why I felt right at home in Ibiza.
My First 24 Hours on the Island
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
I had three days to get a feel for Ibiza. I flew in from Barcelona and landed in Ibiza at 8 AM. I checked in at Ryan’s La Marina, a laid-back hotel with stunning views. From here, everything is within walking distance and easy to get to. The charm of Old Town Ibiza makes it the perfect base for exploring the island.
Mid-Morning: Early Morning Hike Through the Colonial Town
In Ibiza, everybody wakes up late. If you like sightseeing like me, this is the time to have the place all to yourself. I walked through the winding roads of Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s Old City Center, and discovered quaint little corners full of life and color. At the top, the island’s Cathedral offers breathtaking views.
Late Morning: Vara de Rei Promenade
All roads lead back to the bay, where cute cafes and beautifully designed restaurants line Vara de Rei, a vibrant promenade connecting the Old Town back to the ocean. Stop here for a Café con Leche, and if you are hungry and on the Spanish tapas wave, try a dish of garlicky prawns, a tomato tartar, or fresh oysters with a side of bubbly cava.
Afternoon: Escape to the Countryside for a Farm-to-Table Lunch
While the southern part of the island is well known for its vibrant party scene, the northern mountains have adopted an affinity for agro-tourism and slow living. It is within the interior of Ibiza that I settled into a slow lunch of farm-fresh greens and a tasty fish dish, accompanied by a crisp white wine. Aubergine by Atzaró was beautiful and serene, a must if you love the scent of a blossoming garden, but Can Riero, La Granja, The Last Supper, and Ibiza Food Studio are all fantastic options.
Late Afternoon: An Afternoon at a Secluded Beach – Cala Campo
Relaxing and serene, Cala Campo’s tranquility and beauty offer the ideal escape for unwinding. The clear waters and peaceful ambiance were perfect for a moment of relaxation amidst the day’s adventures.
Evening: A B2B at Destino
In a place where the summer sun does not set until 10:30 PM, I will categorize this as a day party even though we arrived at Destino at 7:30 PM. It had been a while since I last heard Marco Carola play, and today, we were in for a B2B treat. While I love music, I have become less excited about late nights, and this was the perfect way to immerse myself in the Ibiza lifestyle without going all out. These were 4 hours of dancing and pure joy.
Night: Late Night Dinner at IT
It is almost midnight and time for dinner. Refueling is a must at this point. Omar and I headed to IT, where the team that spends winters in Tulum was tending to their Ibiza location for the rest of summer. They welcomed us with lots of wine and a decadent steak dinner accompanied by crispy potatoes and lovely tunes to ease into the evening.
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