The Top 12 Free Things To Do In Ibiza
The third largest of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza, is a dazzling Mediterranean isle known for its nightlife, glimmering beaches, golden sands, electronic music, and clubbing culture. It was once a quiet island and a hippie outpost but is now a sought-after vacation hotspot in Europe. It’s a famous party destination, attracting the rich and elites. This is especially true during summer, as renowned DJs come to entertain tons of party-goers who come for its quintessential boho-glam vibe and exciting Ibiza nightlife.
However, you don’t have to prepare a big budget to enjoy this Spanish island and its offerings. Skip the sultry beach clubs, five-star hotels, and DJ nights, and discover the best free things to do in Ibiza. You may begin your adventure by exploring its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and museums, walking along the historical alleys, and admiring its traditional attractions and arts scene. Browsing the unique shops in Ibiza can be a free to low cost afternoon too.
Unlike what many people might think, this Balearic Island isn’t all about glitz and glamor. Once you’ve settled into your budget hotel and stored your bags at luggage storage in Ibiza, you’ll be on your way for a free Mediterranean adventure.
Tour the Castle of Ibiza
Castell d'Eivissa, or the Castle of Ibiza, is a historical landmark not to be missed when visiting Ibiza. It’s arguably the heart of the island, sitting on top of the fortified Old Town. It’s a beautiful place to take the whole family, overlooking the ocean and the capital city below.
A trip to the castle will take you to different historical buildings constructed over a one-thousand-year period. It includes the governor’s home, the Tower of Homage, the 18th-century infantry barracks, and the Almudaina. The latter was originally the military and administrative headquarters of the Muslim ‘Wali.’ After decades of neglect, the castle’s façade has been finally restored, and the interior stabilized. Its recent restorations allow parts of the castle to be open for everyone to explore.
Location: Carrer Bisbe Torres Mayans, 14, 07800 Ibiza
Watch the Sunset Overlooking Es Vedra
You’ll find plenty of places to watch the sun go down on the beautiful island of Ibiza, but nothing beats the magical sunset overlooking the alluring Es Vedra. It’s a quiet, uninhabited rocky island, a short distance from Cala d’Hort and less than two miles (3.2 km) off the west coast of Ibiza. It’s a delightful escape from the buzzing Ibiza Town, offering a calming experience in the middle of the ocean.
Unfortunately, entry to Es Vedra is prohibited, so you can either ride a jet ski or take a boat trip to get up close to the legendary rock from Ibiza. Both tours would cost, so your best free alternative is to admire it and watch the sunset from Cala d’Hort. It’s a small, lovely beach with a fantastic view of the magical island.
Location: Cala d’Hort, 07830, Balearic Islands
Take a Free Tour of San Antonio
Dubbed the ‘clubbing capital of the universe,’ San Antonio is the most popular and the second-largest town in Ibiza. It is home to numerous iconic clubs that host activities and events with the world’s renowned DJs. Undoubtedly, it’s a favorite party destination on the island, especially among young international visitors.
San Antonio may seem like an expensive place to visit (and it can be), but it also offers some of the top free things to do in Ibiza. One of them is the free guided tour by Dalt Vila that lasts for two and a half hours. It will take you back to its history as a gorgeous fishing village and unearth its Roman and Arab past. Visitors will also walk through the town’s promenade, the great square of Sa Font, and many emblematic spots and hidden gems.
The tour's highlight is visiting some of the town’s striking sculptures and amazing murals. Your guide will also introduce some of the area’s best restaurants and bars so you can enjoy your stay fully. The tour is free and available for everyone. Still, you should reserve a spot as every tour is limited to twenty participants. Check the schedule, as there are different time slots for English, Spanish, and German tours.
Location: Sant Antoni de Portmany, 07820, Balearic Islands
Explore Ses Salines Natural Park
A trip to Ses Salines Natural Park is a dream come true for nature lovers. It’s one of the most valuable marine and land reserves in the Balearics, situated at the southern end of Ibiza and north of Formentera. It was declared a Nature Reserve in 1995 and a Natural Park in 2001 due to its historical, ecological, and cultural importance.
At around 3,000 terrestrial hectares, the Natural Park has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike. As you walk through the park, you can encounter different plant and bird species and enjoy beaches, salt ponds, defense towers, tiny secluded coves, and more. It’s a perfect example of the richness and beauty of Mediterranean biodiversity you’ll only find on Ibiza island.
Location: Ses Salines, 07818, Balearic Islands, Spain
Walk to the Puig de Missa Church
Perched on a hill at Santa Eulalia del Rio is a high-profile religious site and one of the island’s oldest fortified churches. Puig de Missa church was constructed in the 16th century and consecrated in 1568 as a fortified religious building. Then, it became a parish in 1785.
The site offers a glorious view of the ocean and the surrounding area thanks to its elevated location. So after visiting the Puig de Missa Church, take your time wandering through the charming cobbled streets and alleyways winding down the hill. Besides the church, the area consists of a cemetery, traditional Ibizan houses, and several iconic museums worth exploring.
Location: Calle Puig de Missa, 0 S/N, 07840 Santa Eulalia del Rio, Balearic Islands
Discover Magnificent Art Pieces at Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa
For those who love history and art, one of the best free things to do in Ibiza is to visit Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa (MACE). It was inaugurated in 1969 by the City Hall, making it one of Spain’s most ancient contemporary art museums. It is located in Dalt Vila, the island’s fortified Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
The Contemporary Art Museum of Ibiza features permanent and temporary exhibitions featuring visual creations on the island and other artworks from the twentieth century. It houses works by renowned international and local artists, including Erwin Bechtold, Eduard Micus, Will Faber, Erwin Broner, Rafael Tur Costa, Broto, Frank El Punto, and more. It is open for everyone all year-round, except on Mondays and holidays.
Location: Ronda Narcís Puget s/n. Dalt Vila, 07800 Eivissa, Ibiza
Chill by the Passeig de ses Fonts
After enjoying San Antonio’s live music and party scene, head to the Passeig de ses Fonts or the Fountains Promenade. It is the gateway to the town center and a part of San Antonio’s harborside promenade, developed in the early 90s to improve the town’s appearance.
Visit the fountain’s area at night and marvel at the spectacular water and light display. It is surrounded by trees and a number of cafés and restaurants. Numerous terraces lining the promenade area also add to its dynamic atmosphere. It is spacious and easy to access for fiestas, night concerts, and other events.
Location: 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza
See the Phoenician Site at Sa Caleta
If you’re here for a historical adventure, one of the unmissable things to do in Ibiza is see the Phoenician Settlement Site. It is located at Sa Caleta, one of the famous and most beautiful beaches on the island, just a short drive from Ibiza Town. It was also the first settlement of the Phoenicians in the eighth century before relocating to the capital and abandoning the area.
Sa Caleta Phoenician settlement is a protected area and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Excavations started in the nineties when scientists unearthed the foundations that covered a ten-acre area. It shows evidence of iron and metal works and the layout of houses at the ancient remains. The Phoenician archaeological site is fenced off to protect the area but is visible to visitors exploring the coastline. It’s an incredible historical place that will give you insight into the island's first settlers.
Location: Diseminado Sa Caleta, 07818 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza
Visit Santa Maria Cathedral
Situated in Old Ibiza Town, Santa Maria Cathedral is another cultural and historical building you shouldn’t skip in the capital city. The original Santa Maria church was built in the 13th century with a rectangular layout. It was extended in the 14th century with the addition of the gothic apse in the old building’s easterly part, beyond the Mooring walls’ line. Later, its remains were found in the crypt just below the presbytery.
The Cathedral you’ll see today results from numerous ornamental and aesthetic changes based on the style of the period in which it was renovated or extended. That’s why it was initially in Gothic style and moved towards the Baroque design.
Location: Plaza de la Catedral s/n, 07800 Eivissa, Ibiza
Admire Archirecture at Casa Bronner
Architecture enthusiasts will love a tour of the Casa Bronner House. It was the studio and home of the famous painter and architect from Germany, Erwin Broner, located in the Sa Penya district. Declared a Cultural Interest in 2000, the house now serves as a museum anyone can visit for free.
Casa Bronner depicts the style of modern architecture in the Balearics. It features big windows that welcome natural light and fresh sea breeze. Thanks to its location right over the cliff, the house offers stunning views of the ocean you can fully enjoy from the garden and terrace.
Location: Carreró de l'Estrella, 3, 0780, Ibiza
Check out the Ibizan Stonehenge
If England boasts the prehistoric Stonehenge, Ibizan also has its own version of the monument on the cliff edge of Calla Llentia. Time and Space is a marvelous, thought-provoking art installation set against rocky outcrops and the ocean. It was created in 2014 by the award-winning contemporary sculptor Andrew Rogers.
This impressive sculpture is made from basalt stone imported from Turkey. Rogers arranged the stones to represent the solar system and the column signifying the planets that move around the centerpiece. What makes this artwork impressive are its size and scale, but its location and sunset views add drama and color to the installation.
If you want to see this masterpiece, take note that it’s off the beaten track, so it can be challenging to locate. But it’s definitely worth a visit, which will add to your memorable expedition to the White Ibizan Island.
Location: Carrer Codola 15, 07829, Ibiza
Go Beach Hopping
There’s no point going to this heavenly Balearic Island without beach hopping and engaging in your favorite water sports. Ibiza is home to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, so don’t forget to add this to your itinerary.
Check out Cala Conta, also known as Cala Comte. It’s a popular beach bustling with tourists during summer. It features deep turquoise waters and pearly sands and offers stunning views of the small islands near the coastline. It’s also one of the top beaches to watch the sunset and go snorkeling.
Not far from Cala Conta is another little resort called Cala Tarida. It’s the island’s longest and widest beach and a family-friendly summer spot. There are small hidden coves north of the beach if you want a solitary place to chill and enjoy nature. For extreme adventurers, try cliff jumping for an adrenaline-pumping experience. You can park on the beach, so you can drive there and leave as you please.
Have Fun in Ibiza for Free!
While Spain is generally a reasonably priced destination to travel to, Ibiza island has been known for being a costly vacation spot. But it doesn’t mean everything on the island is expensive. If you know where to go and which places to visit, you can save on your trip and make the most of your island adventure. So hop on a plane to Ibiza Airport! With this guide on top free things to do in Ibiza, we hope you’ll add this to your to-visit list and feel more motivated to explore this breathtaking Balearic Island.
