Best Things to Do in Ibiza

Think of Ibiza in four parts: Ibiza Town and the south, with history and the salt flats; the west, for sunsets and coves; the east around Santa Eulària, for markets and a slower pace; and the green, hilly north. Most days work best inside one of these. This list runs roughly in that order.

1. Dalt Vila. The walled upper town, entered through the Portal de ses Taules, with ramps and stairs climbing to the cathedral and the bastions. Go early or late in summer, when the stone holds the heat. Our Dalt Vila guide has a walking route.
2. Puig des Molins. A Punic necropolis on a hillside just outside the walls, with rock-cut tombs among the olive trees and a small museum of the finds. Check the official site for opening days.
3. La Marina and the harbour. The old fishermen's quarter below Dalt Vila, a grid of narrow streets full of shops by day and terraces at night.
4. Ses Salines. A natural park of salt pans, dunes and juniper woods, with the long beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet on the sea side.
5. Sa Caleta. The stone foundations of a Phoenician settlement on a low headland on the south coast, a short stop on the way to the western beaches.
6. Cala d'Hort and Es Vedrà. The cove faces Es Vedrà, a steep rocky islet rising out of the sea. Watch the sunset from the cliffs above rather than from the crowded beach.
7. A west coast sunset. Cala Comte, near Sant Antoni, has shallow turquoise water and rocks facing the sunset. Arrive well before evening in summer, as parking runs out.
8. Las Dalias market. Held on Saturdays all year in Sant Carles, north of Santa Eulària, this market grew out of the hippy era. In summer there is also a night market early in the week.
9. Santa Eulària and Puig de Missa. A seafront promenade below a whitewashed fortified church on its hill, the calmest town on the island.
10. The north. Drive the lanes around Sant Joan and Sant Miquel to small coves such as Portinatx and Benirràs, with pine woods running down to the water.
11. A club night. One big night is part of the island for many visitors. The nightlife guide explains how to plan it.
12. Formentera. Ferries from Ibiza port reach the neighbouring island in 30 to 60 minutes, for white sand and very clear water.

What we would skip: the bar crawls and party boats aimed at Sant Antoni's West End, and any plan that tries to tick off five beaches in one day. Choose two coves on the same coast and stay.