Ibiza Town—also known as Dalt Vila (“High Town”) or Eivissa (the official Catalan name)—is the capital of the island, and its largest city. It is located on the island’s southern coast only about five miles north of the island of Formentera and near the island’s only airport. It is known for its fabulous beaches, over-the-top nightlife, and its historic old district.

The old district of Dalt Vila sits on a high hill that dominates the cityscape, and is one of the main justifications for the entire island being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, alleys, old Gothic buildings, and churches all enclosed in ancient walls. At the center, towering above everything, is the beautiful fourteenth-century Santa Maria d’Eivassa Cathedral and fortified castle. Underneath Ibiza Town is one of the largest underground cemeteries in the world. The necropolis of Puig des Molins dates to the Phoenicians and several hundred years before the Christian Era. Above the necropolis is an excellent archaeological museum that chronicles the history. One of the most popular things to do in Ibiza Town is tour this exquisite example of Renaissance fortification architecture.

While the city itself doesn’t have many beaches in the central district, they can be found in areas from less than a mile away to three miles away near the airport. They include famous Playa den Bossa, center of nightlife and parties, Las Salinas Beach near the airport, and Talamanca and Figueretas within walking distance. Many Ibiza Town holidays are clustered around Talamanca Beach, as this is where you will find a number of inexpensive hostels, budget, and family hotels. Cala Jondal Beach, set along a nature conservation area, is perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island and is located only four miles away on the other side of the airport. Fashionable restaurants have sprung up along this lovely stretch of sand, and it is advisable to make reservations on weekends during the summer.

Ibiza Map

Other things to do in Ibiza Town include the city’s famous club parties and nightlife. A great many of the popular clubs are located in the Ibiza Town Sa Penya district, which is still the bustling fishermen’s port and boasts the best shopping (look for fine Spanish leather goods and local hand crafts). This district, huddling under Dalt Vila and its fortifications, is where much of the Ibiza Town nightlife is clustered. However, other clubs have sprung up along Playa den Bossa, which curves along the coast on the city’s southern limits. Some of these are the second in a successful franchise, including Space. The world’s largest nightclub, Privilege Ibiza, is located inland, about halfway between Ibiza Town and San Antonio.

Even if the things to do in Ibiza Town for you do not include all night parties and ogling the famously lovely Ibiza girls, you will undoubtedly run across aspects of them. But the real partying doesn’t even get cranking until 10 p.m. or later, so you can enjoy the views, beaches, and beautiful island by day without ever being bothered by raucous disco music and young people on a good time mission. You also will probably take advantage of Formentera’s proximity. It lies only a couple miles away and is visible from town. Numerous ferries make the trip every day, and this trip is a common day excursion during most town vacations.