Dreaming of sun, sea, and stylish hotspots? Ibiza is so much more than just a party island. In four days in Ibiza, we discovered the island's authentic side: from hidden beaches and boho markets to trendy restaurants and a stay in a beautiful boutique hotel. In this blog post, I share my personal experiences, helpful tips, and the most beautiful spots you definitely shouldn't miss.

✈️ Arriving in Ibiza: hand luggage only & budget tip

We flew with Transavia from Amsterdam , but the ticket prices were high, even for hand luggage you pay extra.

Tip: Booking flexible flights (e.g., late at night the day before) can be cheaper. We arrived around 10:30 PM and chose a convenient overnight stay near the airport at Hotel Club Can Bossa . Ideal for late arrivals – comfortable, clean, and perfectly adequate for one night. It's also cheaper to pick up your rental car a day later, as after-hours pickups also incur an additional charge.

Day 1 – Cala de sa Ferradura & fine dining in Jul's restaurant

After picking up our rental car, we drove north to Valley Club Ibiza , an idyllic agriturismo boutique hotel with just eight rooms. Nestled in the hills between Sant Joan and Portinatx , this is the perfect place to unwind. Our room was spacious, with a luxurious bathroom and private terrace – decorated in typical Ibizan style. Whitewashed walls, charming boho accessories everywhere, and a lovely pool with a terrace.

Exploring tip: Our host recommended Cala de sa Ferradura beach. It's a small, hidden cove near an exclusive villa (where Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others, have stayed). You reach this unique pebble beach via an adventurous path – water shoes are a must . There are beach chairs for rent, and you'll also find a small bar with snacks and drinks. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. We visited in May and were able to swim in the sea, although the water was still chilly.

In the evening, we dined at Jul's Ibiza , a stylish hotspot near Ibiza Town. Think boutique, cocktails, dress-to-impress outfits, and a farm-to-table menu. A night out here becomes a complete experience. You'd book a table just for the interior design! The modern, open kitchen serves delicious Mediterranean dishes with Greek influences. The cocktails are also fantastic and a true feast for the eyes. The only downside is the price; everything is on the high side, but that's not unusual in Ibiza.

Day 2 – Boat trip along Ses Balandres & Cala Salada, Time & Space and sunset dinner

After a delicious breakfast with fresh farm produce (think: eggs, tomatoes, fruit from the orchard), we drove to Sant Antoni de Portmany for a boat excursion.

The boat trip took us past impressive coastal cliffs and caves. Our first stop was the charming Cap Blanc aquarium , housed in a natural cave.

Snorkeling at Ses Balandres in crystal-clear water was the highlight. Since we were only allowed a limited amount of carry-on luggage, I didn't bring any snorkels this time, but luckily there were plenty on board to borrow.

Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta were also on the itinerary. Personally, I preferred Cala Saladeta. It has a fine sandy beach and stunning turquoise water. For Cala Salada, turn right after mooring. The advantage here is that there's a restaurant and bar, but the beach is pebbled and rocky, and access to the sea is much more difficult, especially without suitable water shoes.

📍 Insider tip: Afterwards, visit the mysterious artwork "Time and Space" (the 'Stonehenge of Ibiza') at Cala Codolar – a creation by Cirque du Soleil CEO, Canadian Guy Laliberté, who lives nearby in a beautiful villa.

In the evening, we enjoyed a spectacular dinner at La Torre , near Cap Negret in the west of the island. The restaurant is situated atop a cliff, offering unparalleled views of the sea. The tables are arranged in several tiers so that everyone can enjoy a breathtaking sunset . The menu also features Mediterranean dishes, which are tasty but not particularly special and, again, rather pricey. We ordered a "catch of the day" and inquired about the price (it wasn't listed on the menu). We ended up paying far too much because they gave us a huge portion of fish without asking. The view and atmosphere are wonderful, but there are better restaurants on the island for the food.

Day 3 – Sun, sea & stylish beach club: Experimental Beach

Time for a beach day! We headed south to Experimental Beach , a stylish beach club near the salt lakes of Las Salinas (where you can spot flamingos).

Tip: Reservations are essential here , especially for lunch and beach beds. They also have delicious Sangria con cava, Ibiza's local drink!

There's a lovely boutique, a cozy bar, and a relaxed atmosphere. Be careful, though: the rocky bottom makes entering the sea difficult without proper water shoes .

We didn't have a problem in May, but mosquitoes are common here in the summer, especially in the evenings. The Salinas salt flats and stagnant water make this their ideal breeding ground. Coming to Experimental Beach for a sunset? Don't forget your mosquito repellent!

Ultimately, we decided to return to our hotel and cool off in the pool.

In the evening, we enjoyed a cozy BBQ in the hotel garden – arranged by the hosts upon request. Highly recommended for anyone looking to end the day in a peaceful and atmospheric setting.

Day 4 – Las Dalias Hippy Market and a visit to Ibiza Town

No visit to Ibiza is complete without a stop at the Las Dalias hippie market . Despite the many tourists, there's a relaxed atmosphere. The boho items are often more affordable than in the shops around the hotspots. For opening hours, more information, and events, click here.

In the afternoon, we explored Ibiza Town (Eivissa). The old town, Dalt Vila , is a UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely worth a visit. Climb up to the cathedral for stunning views of the city and the sea. Wear comfortable shoes , as the walk is steep and the cobblestones can be slippery. The walk down takes you through charming streets and boho boutiques.

For our last evening, we chose one of my personal favorites: La Paloma in Sant Llorenç. A magical restaurant in a flower-filled garden, where you dine under lemon trees. Everything is fresh, homemade, and locally grown —from lunch salads to Italian dinner. The atmosphere is warm, the staff friendly, and the food unforgettable.

Ibiza beyond the party

Ibiza pleasantly surprised me. In just four days, we experienced the island's tranquil, stylish, and unspoiled side . With a little planning (and booking early!), you'll discover hidden beaches, local markets, boutique hotels, and refined cuisine. An island that offers much more than just nightclubs and glitz—and that leaves you wanting more.

Next time? Then I'll head north again... or perhaps to the neighboring island of Formentera .

Practical tips for 4 days in Ibiza

• ✈️ Flying : Transavia from Amsterdam, charge extra for hand luggage

• 🚗 Rental car : absolutely necessary to explore the island

• 🧳 Packing : Don't forget your water shoes !

• 🛏️ Overnight stay : combine practicality (upon arrival) with boutique & charm in the north

• 📍 Reservations : restaurants and beach clubs are often fully booked weeks in advance

• 🌊 Beach tips : Cala Saladeta, Cala de sa Ferradura, Experimental Beach

• 🍽️ Favorite places to eat : Jul's , La Torre , La Paloma