Want to explore Ibiza off the beaten track? This is the itinerary for you.
I’ve only ever been to Ibiza twice, and both visits were nothing to do with the clubbing stereotype the island is known for.
My first trip was a port stop on my Virgin Voyages cruise with my 18-year-old daughter. We spent some time on the beach, wandered the old town, soaked up the atmosphere and grabbed dinner. It was a nice day out, but I left thinking Ibiza didn’t have much more to it.
My second trip to this Balearic Island was my most recent visit — and again, not for nightlife. I honestly went in assuming Ibiza was only what makes the headlines: parties, excess and not much else.
But this trip completely flipped my view of the island. I discovered quiet villages, hiking routes, hidden coves, stargazing, markets and a side of Ibiza I had no idea existed.
And that’s exactly what this 3-day itinerary is about — the Ibiza most people never see.
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| Booked It, Loved It: My Ibiza Picks Where To Stay: Cala San Miguel or Agroturisme Can Plannells Highlights: Secret Cove Yoga, Secret Spots Hike and Scuba Diving & Snorkelling Travel Insurance: Safety Wing Stay Connected: Airalo eSim |
Ibiza At A Glance
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Region | Balearic Islands |
| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish, Catalan |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Population | ~150,000 (island-wide) |
| Main Airports | Ibiza Airport (IBZ) |
| Time Zone | CET / CEST (summer) |
| Famous For | Hidden coves, cliffside hikes, laid-back villages, iconic sunsets |
| Best Travel Months | May–June, September–October (warm, fewer crowds) |
| Driving | Recommended – essential for off-the-beaten-track exploration |
Overview – 3-day Ibiza Off The Beaten Track Itinerary
Ready to explore a different side of Ibiza? Here’s an overview…
▶ Click to View: 3-Day Ibiza Off the Beaten Track Itinerary
1 – Northern Villages & Hidden Coves
- Morning: Explore Sant Joan village and the Sunday hippie market for crafts, live music, and local treats.
- Lunch: Stop at a village café for a relaxed meal.
- Afternoon: Visit Cala d’en Serra, a hidden beach surrounded by pine forests. Swim, relax, and soak up the quiet.
- Evening: Stargazing near Cala San Miguel Resort — enjoy the night sky far from the crowds.
2 – Hiking & Secluded Beaches
- Morning: Hike the newly signposted San Joan to Cala Sant Vincent trail. Stunning coastal and countryside views.
- Lunch: Picnic along the trail or in Cala Sant Vincent.
- Afternoon: Snorkelling adventure with Scuba Ibiza Diving Center, spotting Posidonia meadows and marine life.
- Evening: Sunset at Es Vedrà viewpoint, a magical and quiet spot.
3 – Local Flavours & Village Exploration
- Morning: Wander the streets of Santa Eulalia or explore quiet northern villages.
- Lunch: Try local dishes at a hidden gem restaurant.
- Afternoon: Optional extra hiking, coves, or beach relaxation.
- Evening: Enjoy a peaceful dinner away from tourist hotspots; soak in the laid-back Ibiza vibe.
Getting to Ibiza
Reaching Ibiza is straightforward, especially from the UK and Europe.
From the UK:
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh take around 2.5–3 hours. Airlines include Jet2, Ryanair, EasyJet, TUI and British Airways.
From Europe:
Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia), Germany (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt), France (Paris, Lyon) and Italy (Rome, Milan) all have direct flights.
Arrival:
Ibiza Airport is just 7km from Ibiza Town. Taxis, buses and car hire are all available at arrivals, making onward travel easy.
Tip:
If you’re combining islands, ferries run between Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca — handy if you want a multi-island trip.
Getting Around Ibiza
You can do Ibiza without a car, but if you want to reach hidden coves, small villages and hiking trails, driving makes life easier.
Car hire:
Available at the airport and in Ibiza Town. Compact cars are best for narrow coastal roads. Book early in peak season.
Public transport:
Buses connect major areas like Ibiza Town, San Antonio, Santa Eulària and some beaches. Good for main routes but limited for remote spots.
Taxis:
Reliable for short journeys but expensive if you’re travelling between towns often.
Alternative:
Guided day trips run to quieter coves and sunset spots if you want a car-free day but still explore.
Tip:
Parking can be tight in small villages and popular coves in summer — check if your hotel has private parking.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Ibiza
Ibiza has a long season and each period offers a slightly different experience.
May–June:
Warm but not intense heat, quieter beaches and perfect hiking weather. Ideal if you want to explore without crowds.
July–August:
Peak summer. Hot (30°C+), buzzing beaches and busy towns. Great for those who like atmosphere, but book early for accommodation and cars.
September–October:
The sweet spot. Warm sea, sunny days, fewer crowds and a calmer pace. Perfect for an off-the-beaten-track trip.
November–April:
Quiet, cheaper and peaceful. Many beach bars close, but nature, villages and hiking trails are still beautiful. Great for a slow escape without nightlife.
Tip:
Even in summer, nights in the north can be breezy — pack a light layer for evenings, especially if you’re stargazing or hiking at sunset.
| Where to Stay in Mallorca Palma: Culture, shopping, nightlife. Ideal without a car. Alcúdia / Port de Pollença: Family-friendly, quieter beaches. Sóller / Deià / Valldemossa: Romantic, scenic, great for hikes. Beachfront resorts: Perfect for pure sun and sea. |
How Much Will 3 Days in Ibiza Cost?
Ibiza isn’t just about clubs and luxury. It suits all budgets, from hidden-cove escapes to boutique hotels. Here’s a rough guide for what you can expect to spend per person over three days (excluding flights).
| Category | Cost (per person) | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £60–£300+ per night | Budget: hostels/guesthouses (£60–£90) Mid-range: boutique hotels/apartments (£120–£180) Luxury: Cala San Miguel Resort or similar (£250–£300+) |
| Food | £15–£50 per day | Snacks/tapas: £3–£10 Casual restaurants: £10–£20 Fine dining: £30–£50+ |
| Transport | £10–£40 for 3 days | Car hire recommended for hidden coves, hiking trails and villages (fuel/parking extra) Public buses/taxis if skipping a car |
| Activities | £10–£60 | Snorkelling with Posidonia Oceanica (£30–£50) Hiking routes: free Hippy markets, beach visits, stargazing: free |
| Total | £200–£350 (budget/mid-range) £400+ (luxury) | Rough guide for 3 days, excluding flights |
So, if you’re ready to see a quieter, more authentic side of the island, here’s a perfect three day itinerary discovering Ibiza off the beaten track.
Day 1: Hidden Villages, Hippy Markets & Secret Beaches
Start your adventure in Sant Joan de Labritja, a sleepy village in the north. If you’re there on a Sunday, the Hippy Market is a must-see.
Unlike the busier Las Dalias, this market is intimate and relaxed, with local artisans selling handmade jewellery, clothes and crafts. There’s live music and plenty of food stalls — a true taste of Ibiza off the beaten track.
Next, drive to Cala Xarraca, a tiny rocky cove with crystal-clear water and natural mud baths. Take a dip, slather on the mud, and rinse off in the sea — it’s like a natural spa.
Afternoon: Make your way to Cala d’en Serra, a small crescent of sand backed by cliffs and pine forest. It’s peaceful, scenic and ideal for an unhurried afternoon swim. Grab a cold drink from the tiny beach bar and enjoy one of the most tranquil corners of the island.
Finish the day with dinner in Sant Joan or another quiet village tavern. Fresh fish, local wine and a sunset view — no crowds, no noise, just pure Ibiza.
| Best Restaurants in Ibiza La Paloma – San Lorenzo Farm-to-table Mediterranean in a rustic garden setting El Zaguán – Ibiza Town Bustling pintxos bar with authentic Basque flavours Amante Ibiza – Sol d’en Serra Chic cliffside dining with sea views Casa Maca – Near Ibiza Town Modern Mediterranean with a relaxed countryside vibe La Escollera – Es Cavallet Beach Beachfront seafood with a local, laid-back charm |
Day 2: Hiking, Hidden Coves & Stargazing
Day two is for adventure. Ibiza has newly signposted hiking routes, and they’re one of the best ways to see a completely different side of the island.
We walked the San Joan to Cala Sant Vincent trail, a beautiful route through pine forests and along cliffs with breathtaking views. You’ll barely see another soul, just nature and quiet.
Reward yourself with a swim in Cala Sant Vincent after your hike — soft sand, calm waters, and a secluded feel.
Late afternoon: If you’re up for more adventure, go snorkelling with Scuba Ibiza Diving Center. Their trips take you to quieter coves to see the Posidonia Oceanica, the “green lungs” of the island. It’s a completely unique experience, and swimming through the meadows is something you’ll never forget.
Evening: Skip the nightclub. Instead, try stargazing. From our base at Cala San Miguel Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, we walked 20 minutes into the middle of nowhere.
With no light pollution, the stars put on a show — we even spotted Saturn. Quiet, humbling, unforgettable.
| Best Tours In Ibiza Boat Trip to Conillera island Family boat trip with snorkeling and paella Paddle Boarding Trip to Secret Caves Paddle through Ibiza’s hidden coves and caves Sunset Boat Trip Intimate sunset cruise along Ibiza’s coast. Explore more Ibiza Tours here |
Day 3: Countryside Villages, Vineyards & Coastal Calm
Ease into your last day with a slow breakfast at your hotel, then drive inland to Santa Gertrudis, a charming village full of whitewashed houses, art galleries, and boutique cafés. Wander through the streets and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Next, visit Sant Mateu d’Albarca, a tiny hilltop village surrounded by vineyards. Stop at a family-run winery for a tasting — local wines, friendly hosts, and panoramic views.
Lunch at Can Caus, a countryside restaurant serving traditional Ibizan dishes — grilled meats, local vegetables, and olive oil straight from the farm.
Spend your final afternoon at Cala Benirràs, a quiet cove famous for its Sunday drumming circles. Even outside the drumming, it’s a peaceful place to swim or relax on the sand while watching the cliffs glow golden at sunset.
Wrap up your trip with a slow drive along the northern coast, stopping at any hidden coves that catch your eye. This is Ibiza far removed from the headlines — peaceful, natural, and truly special.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
Luxury – Cala San Miguel Resort Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Tucked away in the north, with stunning sea views, direct beach access, and easy walking distance to stargazing spots and hiking trails.
Budget – Hostal La Torre, San Antonio
Perched on cliffs, it’s renowned for sunsets, chill vibes, and quiet surroundings, yet still well connected to hidden coves.
Family-Friendly – Agroturisme Can Planells
Traditional farmhouse surrounded by orange groves. Space for kids to run wild, a pool for lazy afternoons, and easy access to northern beaches and hiking trails.
Practical Tips for Ibiza Off the Beaten Track
A few simple tips can make exploring Ibiza’s quieter side even smoother.
Language: Spanish and Catalan are official, but English is widely spoken. In small inland villages, a few Spanish words like hola and gracias go a long way.
Tipping: Not essential, but appreciated — 5–10% in restaurants, round up in cafés, taxis or for hotel staff.
Cash & Cards: Cards work almost everywhere, but keep some cash for markets and small beach bars.
Parking: Arrive early at popular coves and villages where spaces are limited. Many hotels include free or private parking.
Festivals & Markets: Visit the Sant Joan Sunday market for handmade crafts and live music, or the Sant Joan Festival in June for local food and fireworks.
Nightlife: Swap superclubs for laid-back bars, beach sunsets or stargazing on the north coast — it’s Ibiza at its most magical.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available, but download offline maps for hikes and rural drives.
Day Trips: Ferries to Formentera make for an easy escape to another peaceful Balearic island.
Ibiza Off the Beaten Track FAQs
How many days do you need in Ibiza?
Three days is perfect to experience a quieter side — hidden beaches, hiking, and authentic villages — without the crowds.
What is the best month to visit Ibiza?
May, June, September, and October offer warm weather and fewer tourists — ideal for hiking and exploring.
Which part of Ibiza is the quietest?
The north — around Portinatx, Sant Joan, and Cala San Miguel — is peaceful and surrounded by nature.
Do you need a car to explore Ibiza off the beaten track?
Yes, a car gives you freedom to reach hidden coves, hiking routes, and local markets easily.
What are the best off-the-beaten-track things to do in Ibiza?
Hiking from Sant Joan to Cala Sant Vincent, snorkelling over Posidonia Oceanica, visiting the Sant Joan market, and stargazing far from the clubs.
Where can you snorkel in Ibiza?
The north coast, especially around Cala Xarraca and Cala San Vicente, has crystal-clear water and seagrass meadows teeming with marine life.
There you have it — your ultimate 3-day Ibiza off the beaten track itinerary.
From rugged hiking trails and starlit skies to hidden coves and bohemian markets, Ibiza is full of surprises once you look beyond the party scene.
Snorkel through protected Posidonia meadows, explore the northern villages, or watch the sunset far from the crowds. This truly is an island that shows its real magic when you slow down.
If you loved this post and want to stick with the Balearic Islands, you might also enjoy my Mallorca itinerary.
