Historic Ibiza Romantic Destination
If Columbus had been searching the world for the best place to party, he would surely have anchored on the island of Ibiza. Indeed, the island is notorious, not only for being the party capital of the world and for having a happening beach scene, but for its bountiful countryside dotted with groves of almonds, olives and figs.
And when named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it wasn’t the night until dawn club scene that put historic Ibiza on the list, but rather its cultural and natural assets. And these offerings help to make Ibiza romantic. Beyond the parties and nightlife, there is a side to Ibiza that calls to couples.
Ibiza is the third largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. You can travel to Ibiza by plane, ferry or yacht. Gaze out at one of the island’s many marinas and you’ll likely see a luxury yacht unloading a fleet of limos for the stay of royalty or celebrities known to frequent the island such as P. Diddy, Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum.
And the thing to note about this fact is that if celebrities of this magnitude can find seclusion on this magic isle, then there is a side of Ibiza that affords privacy and intimacy. And that’s just what an Ibiza holiday for couples needs.
Many a celebrity has fallen in love with the island, including Jade Jagger, who has made Ibiza her permanent home, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones who own a vacation home on the island.
Ibiza has a population of 80,000. The number of tourists who descend upon historic Ibiza is upwards of a million per year, so plan your stay accordingly. August tends to be hot, humid and crowded, so if you want to go during summer months, shoot for July or September.
Ibiza hotels for couples
Ibiza has five delegated municipalities – Eivissa, San Antoni, Santa Eulalia, Sant Josep and Sant Joan. If you’re all about the buzz of the big city, make Ibiza Town your base of operation but know that your romantic getaway will not be the kind with long walks on secluded beaches.
Ibiza Town hotels for couples
If an Ibiza town experience is your style, stay at The Ocean Drive Hotel located in the Botafoc Marina. This upscale art deco hotel is within walking distance of the notorious nightclubs El Divino and Pacha.
But don’t worry, soundproof walls and floors allow you to get shut-eye when neighboring visitors continue their revelry well into the next day. You’ll have great views of the yacht harbor and the medieval town of Dalt Vila, especially if you choose a lounge chair on the hotel’s sunroof in lieu of your bed.
On the outskirts of town is the infamous Pikes Hotel. This 15th-century finca has been host to such celebrities as Mick Jagger, Elton John and Eric Clapton. Each room and suite has its own unique style, whether decorated with Asian flair, or Moroccan mystique. The reason I recommend this as an Ibiza for couples experience is that all the rooms have air conditioning, fireplaces and Jacuzzis, too.
Guests are regaled with fantastic views of the countryside’s rolling hills and the bay of San Antonio. Fine dining can be had at the hotel’s Plaza Mayor Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean fare created by Chef Francisco Javier Dominguez. This is a big part of what makes it my pick for an Ibiza romantic hotel.
A swimming pool and lighted tennis court are available to guests, and nearby beaches are easily accessible. (But take note of my beach recommendations below for more secluded, “swept away” experiences.)
A romantic hotel near the port of San Miguel
But if your idea of a couples getaway is more off the beaten path, then you need to discover the Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena located near the port of San Miguel. This Relais & Chateaux property sits amidst a forest of pine trees atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the rooms and suites afford breathtaking views of cliffs plunging into the pristine ocean.
This is truly an Ibiza resort for couples. In fact, the hotel has ensured no sunset is missed as even the rooms’ whirlpool bathtubs provide sweeping views. In addition, there are four restaurants offering a range of gourmet fare from the Mediterranean, Asian, vegetarian and organic dishes.
Guests can lounge by the pool or take private treks arranged through the hotel to wilderness areas accessed by boat. This is my pick for the best Ibiza honeymoon hotel.
Things to do in Ibiza on a romantic getaway
Knowing that your nights may be dedicated to partaking in Ibiza’s mythic party scene, don’t waste prime sunlight by sleeping. Allot time to explore Ibiza’s historic area and the natural beauty of the beaches and countryside.
The oldest established area of the island is Eivissa, or Ibiza Town. Perfect for exploring by foot is its cobblestone medieval section known as Dalt Vila. This walled landmark was built in the 16th-century to serve as a barrier from attacks via the bay. Its gateway is the majestic Portal ses Taules.
To give visitors a taste of the Ibiza from days gone by, the town hall hosts a Medieval Party where townsfolk dress up in medieval costumes and participants can sample that time period’s culture and culinary fare. Inside the walls are sites such as the Eglesia de Santo Domingo, spotted by its telltale trio of red domes.
A 13th-century cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary is also a must-see and houses the Catalan Gothic Museo de la Sacrista with assorted works of art. Another museum of note is the Museu d’Art Contemporani which displays graphic art and exhibits of internationally renowned artists. For those who want to soak in the atmosphere, Ibiza Town is prime for people-watching. Join the area’s “café society” at the tiny little piazza of Plaza del Parco with its many quaint cafes.
If shopping’s your thing, the island’s extensive boutiques aren’t the only places for great finds. For something fun, casual and off-beat, check out the weekly Hippie Market held near Es Canar every Wednesday. There you’ll find batik fabrics, handmade jewelry and blown-glass items.
If you want some alone time with your lover, you should consider a car for day trips to take in some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular scenery.
Spend a day driving around the island taking in its picturesque splendor. Along with small villages and lush countryside, you’ll glimpse Ibiza’s highest mountain, Sa Talaissa, beautiful beach coves such as Cala d’Hort with fantastic views of Es Vedra, a rock outcropping in the sea, and Ibiza’s historic salt flats, Ses Salines, providing the area’s salt for 2000 years as well as a nesting area for birds, among them flamingo.
Best Ibiza beaches for couples
Historic Ibiza extends 355 square miles, 210 of which are coastline with prime white sand beaches where nudity is the norm.
Keep in mind that catching rays isn’t the only agenda at these hot spots. Many are a scene in themselves with happening beach clubs such as the Jockey Club and Malibu Club. Almost all the beaches seek to meet all their visitors’ needs with great beachfront, open-air restaurants and bars. Take to the waves to enjoy many of Ibiza’s water sports, including waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and parasailing.
Two outstanding beaches near Ibiza Town to visit are Las Salinas and Es Cavallet. But if you prefer your sand less crowded, plan to go in the morning while partygoers are still sleeping. Or better yet if you’re looking for a romantic spot, spend time exploring the island’s 60 pine tree-lined coves for just the right spot.
Consider renting a car so that you can visit the northern side of the island in Portinatx for wilder, unpopulated beaches great for stealing kisses and long, interrupted strolls.
On the southeastern coast is Cala d’Hort, a small bay ideal for watching sunsets, particularly from the cliffs above it. A 30-minute boat ride will find you on the outstanding beaches on the nearby island of Formentera, making for the perfect day trip.
Best restaurants for couples on Ibiza
Evenings are an event on Ibiza, beginning with dinner, which is generally served between 10 p.m. and midnight. The Mediterranean is known for its fine cuisine and historic Ibiza is no exception.
In San Antonio, dine at Sa Capella for Mediterranean dishes featuring seafood and steak. Located in a 16th-century chapel, the restaurant has plenty of ambiance. Shoot for a chair on their outdoor terrace to enjoy the stars.
There are many more restaurants worth mentioning for food, culture and atmosphere. In Botafoch you’ll find great seafood dishes at La Raspa. Go international with Bambuddha Grove in Eivissa for Asian dishes.
Sexy nightlife
Your idea of a romantic end to a day exploring historic Ibiza might be to cuddle on the balcony of a boutique hotel. But Ibiza is famous for its nightlife. And even if you want to spend most of your vacation sipping wine and spooning, you should consider exploring the island’s extraordinary nightclub culture at least once.
On an island considered the world’s party capital, it’s only fitting the DJs are considered royalty. These kings and queens reign over nightclubs that have become industries in themselves. Case in point – Pacha. The first club to open on the island in 1973, Pacha now has a restaurant, hotel and record label in its name.
Also to visit is Privilege, a destination that holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s biggest bar. You’ll find up to 8,000 partygoers hitting the dance floor, or observing stage performances like Manumission.
You’ll want to end the evening at Amnesia. During its final hour, foam is dumped on the crowd, causing many to disrobe and keep on dancing. When the club closes at 7 a.m., it’s time to head back to the hotel to gear up for another day and start all over again. This is sexy Ibiza at its finest!
This article was written in 2015 and most recently updated in January 2022.
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