Discover Ibiza Town, the Island’s Capital, and Its Iconic Dalt Vila.
Ibiza Town, the port city overlooking the Mediterranean is the island’s Capital and somewhat confusingly for first-time visitors.
It Is referred to across the island’s signposts by Its Catalan spelling Eivissa. The myriad of streets in the town sprung up around the impressive hilltop battlement of Dalt Vila. Which is the original walled town and cathedral that was built in the thirteenth century. Today the proud bearer of UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Over the past decade, as Ibiza’s popularity has grown exponentially across the world, the range of shops, bars, and restaurants of our capital city has grown too and reflects the incredible diversity of the island’s visitors and year-round international residents.
Ibiza Town attracts a very diverse crowd throughout the year and is a great place to spot celebrities in the summer. Some people are unhappy with the changing times and how cosmopolitan Ibiza has now become, but there is still plenty of ‘Old Ibiza’ to find in its maze of streets, its shady tree-lined squares and narrow alleyways leading to quiet little hidden corners of the city that seem to take you back in time.
The best way to explore Ibiza Town is on foot – but you’ll need comfortable shoes, especially if you’re planning on taking a walk up the ancient cobbled streets of the citadel of Dalt Vila to see the fantastic views from the battlements at the top.
It’s well worth a visit and as you meander up the narrow streets and steep stairways between the buildings you will come across countless hidden gems of bars, cafes, and shops to sustain you through your journey.
There is no particular central shopping area in the town; you really need to follow your nose and investigate the narrow streets of the port area, the tree-lined avenues around the main square of the Vara del Rey where you will stumble upon unique clothing stores, beautiful home wear shops, health food shops, ice cream parlors, and grocers as well as, of course, the omnipresent bars, cafes and restaurants serving local dishes of Ibiza and every imaginable cuisine from across the globe.
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Must-Do
Ibiza Town is a wonderful melting pot of styles and flavors, with modern architecture, chic bars, restaurants, and glossy designer shops sitting alongside traditional Spanish cafes.
You will find authentic little treasures that sell products of the island and typical handicrafts such as the traditional baskets of Ibiza called “cestas”.
During summer, there is a daily hippie market in the narrow streets around the harbor from late afternoon to midnight. If you venture into the back streets, you will find more authentic, handmade stores with traditional Spanish boutiques.
The nightlife vibe is fabulous, with world-class restaurants, nightclubs, and a wide selection of bars in the beautiful old town and the vibrant Marina Botafoch area.
Since the early days of clubbing, this area has been a popular place to warm up before heading to one of the superclubs. One of the coolest cosmopolitan vibes to be had in Europe on one long narrow street.
Getting Around
The island’s capital is very easy to reach. Buses operate directly from San Antonio and all other major towns on the island for only 4 euros return! You can also take a taxi, wherever you are, which will cost you a bit more, but you will get there slightly quicker!
Night travelers can easily access the center of the island and to the bigger clubbing spots of Playa den Bossa.
As a pedestrian-friendly town, parking spaces in the center can be hard to find. There is a large parking lot near the port, but it is quite expensive in the high season. On the outskirts of Ibiza, there is a free public parking lot with a shuttle service to the center during the summer season.
When to Visit Ibiza Town
The social scene in Ibiza town is booming from the end of May to the beginning of October. And re-emerges in December when the city becomes a winter wonderland with its Christmas markets and exciting special events.
The 2nd weekend of May hosts the annual Eivissa Medieval Festival. Which celebrates the anniversary of the city’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
And brings Dalt Vila back to its time, with a host of food, art, crafts, and entertainment. A great time for food lovers and history enthusiasts.
Read our complete guides for more detailed information:
