We curated 365 Ibiza experiences connect you with the culture, landscapes, and flavours of Ibiza, inviting you to slow down and offering a more meaningful way to discover the island beyond seasons and crowds, any time of year.
First Swim of the Year at Ses Salines Beach
If you find yourself in Ibiza at the beginning of the year, this is one of the island’s most established New Year traditions to experience.
On January 1st, locals make their way to Ses Salines, also known as Las Salinas, to start the year with a brief swim in the sea. It is a custom followed quietly and consistently, without formal organisation, yet widely understood across the island.
Ses Salines has long been tied to Ibiza’s identity. The nearby salt flats were once a vital source of trade, supplying salt throughout the Mediterranean, and the area remains protected today. In winter, the beach reveals a calmer character, defined by open space, soft light, and exceptionally clear water. Without the activity of the summer season, the setting feels natural and unembellished.
Throughout the late morning, people arrive individually or in small groups, greeting familiar faces before entering the water. The swim is short and deliberate. For locals, it marks a clear transition into the new year, offering a sense of reset after the festive period and a return to simple routines shaped by the sea.
Starting the year this way reflects Ibiza as it is lived year-round. Social, active, and closely tied to the sea, this tradition highlights the island’s enduring relationship with nature and community, setting a confident and grounded tone for the months ahead.
Historic Visit to Dalt Vila
Any first visit to Ibiza is incomplete without time spent in Dalt Vila. Overlooking Ibiza Town, this fortified old quarter is the island’s most important historic site and its most enduring landmark.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila represents centuries of settlement, defence, and cultural exchange.
Its history spans multiple civilisations, including Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Catalan rule, each contributing to the layered character visible today. The Renaissance walls, constructed in the 16th century to protect the island from invasion, remain among the finest examples of military architecture in the Mediterranean. Passing through the main gateway and ascending into the old town reveals a network of narrow streets, stone stairways, and historic residences shaped by time.
As you continue upward, the setting gradually opens. Elevated viewpoints offer sweeping views across Ibiza Town, the port, and the open sea beyond. Churches, small plazas, and historic buildings appear naturally along the route, encouraging a slow and considered pace. Outside of peak season, the atmosphere allows the scale and detail of the site to be appreciated without distraction.
A visit to Dalt Vila provides essential context for understanding Ibiza. It anchors the island’s modern identity in its historical past, offering insight into how geography, defence, and culture shaped life here long before Ibiza became internationally known.
Paddle Boarding Adventure
Paddle boarding is one of the few activities in Ibiza that suits both summer and winter, offering a different but equally rewarding experience depending on the season.
The island’s sheltered bays, clear shallows, and generally calm conditions make it accessible year-round.
In the warmer months, paddle boarding allows you to move beyond the beach and follow the natural contours of the coastline. Locations such as Cala Xarraca and Cala Gració provide protected water and excellent visibility, ideal for relaxed exploration. On stable days, west coast beaches like Cala Comte (Cala Conta) offer wider open views and dramatic contrasts between rock formations and changing water tones.
Winter brings a more spacious and focused experience. With reduced marine traffic, the sea is often exceptionally clear, particularly in the morning. Paddle boarding at this time feels slower and more deliberate, with the coastline and underwater landscape becoming the primary focus. A light wetsuit is usually sufficient, and conditions are often ideal for steady, uninterrupted paddling.
Sunset adds another dimension to the experience. On the west coast especially, paddle boarding in the late afternoon allows you to watch the sun drop toward the horizon from the water itself. The changing light, reflections on the sea, and quieter atmosphere make sunset sessions particularly memorable in both summer and winter.
