A completely different island emerges in Ibiza off-season, when the summer crowds disappear and everything returns to a more relaxed and intimate pace. It’s the perfect time to leisurely enjoy its landscapes, museums, people, and traditions, all with the characteristic cosmopolitan atmosphere that the island maintains throughout the year. If you’re thinking of heading to Ibiza in winter or early spring, don’t hesitate: You’re sure to fall even more in love with it!
Whether for a weekend, a long weekend, or a week’s holiday, Ibiza stands out as the perfect winter destination, where culture and nature take centre stage. Especially because the temperatures on the island during the off-season remain pleasantly mild enough to enjoy walks, meals by the beach, outdoor markets, horseback hiking trails, sea excursions, and even scuba diving trips!
Is it worth travelling to Ibiza in winter?
Whether you know the island in summer or haven’t visited yet, it’s highly recommended to hop over to Ibiza between November and April. You can enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings without crowds, dine at some of its best-known restaurants without the need to book days in advance, and, for example, benefit from more economical bookings for accommodation and car hire. Moreover, without the strong summer temptation of lounging all day on the beach, you will have time to discover its fascinating history, architecture, and traditions.
What to see and do in Ibiza off-season
From November to April, the frenetic summer activity is replaced with a wide range of plans and activities that focus on the region and are suitable for all types of travellers, from foodies to the more athletic spirits.
Discover its charming villages
Whether you follow a driving route from village to village or embark on an impromptu exploration, don’t miss the charming small towns scattered across the island. When visiting the parishes of Santa Agnès, Sant Mateu, Sant Llorenç, Sant Vicent, Es Cubells, and Sant Agustí, you will learn what the inland villages of Ibiza were like until the mid-20th century: a small nucleus consisting of the church, the parish house, one or two homes, and the village shop that supplied the scattered country houses across the surrounding estates. Other towns in Ibiza that still retain their original charm and are worth a stop include Sant Carles, Santa Gertrudis, Sant Miquel, Sant Rafel, Sant Joan, and Sant Josep. Not forgetting Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària, the most important towns on the island, where you mustn’t miss their churches, excellent examples of fortified temples.
Stroll through the historic alleyways of Dalt Vila
It is undoubtedly an essential activity on any walk through the city of Ibiza. In winter you won’t find the numerous restaurants that liven up the summer nights, but you will find plenty of peace and quiet to explore all its charming corners. You will discover museums and interpretation centres, viewing points, medieval mansions, archaeological sites, and the outstanding system of Renaissance walls declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other areas of the island included in this recognition are the Punic-Phoenician Necropolis of Puig des Molins -a few minutes from Dalt Vila-, the site of Sa Caleta and the Posidonia Oceanica (Neptune Grass) meadow located between Ibiza and Formentera.
Visit the local markets and winter markets
If you enjoy browsing from stall to stall, take good note: during the low season, the famous Las Dalias hippy market (Saturday), the Sant Joan craft market (Sunday), the Sant Jordi second-hand market (Saturday), and the Forada Market, with agricultural and artisan products (Saturday), all remain open. And when you stroll through Ibiza, make sure to visit Mercat Vell, where you can purchase local products.
Routes for all levels
The best way to admire authentic Ibiza is on foot or on two wheels by following one of the signposted routes available on the island. You can hire mountain bikes or book guided rides, as well as explore independently by selecting the routes most suited to your level. Any suggestions? The Sa Talaia route, the highest peak in Ibiza, where you’ll enjoy fabulous panoramic views; the coastal trails connecting Port des Torrent with Platges de Comte and Sant Antoni with Cala Salada; or the path starting from Portinatx leading you to the Moscarter lighthouse. And if you like horse riding, you can also book a guided tour!
Other winter plans in Ibiza to include in your island routes
- Enjoy a glass of Ibizan herbal liqueur at Ca n’Anneta in Sant Carles, a historic island bar that was a popular haunt for hippies during the 60s and 70s.
- Stroll through the valley of during the almond blossom (between January and February)
- Compete in outstanding sporting events: Ibiza Half-Marathon (April), Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon (April), Vuelta a Ibiza MTB (April), Vuelta Cicloturista a Ibiza Campagnolo Ibiza (October), Ibiza Trail Marathon (October), la Pujada a la Catedral (December)….
- Visit Can Marça, a karstic cave located in Port Sant Miquel where you will see limestone formations and hear tales of smugglers and pirates.
- Enjoy a ham sandwich for breakfast at Bar Costa in Santa Gertrudis, explore its charming shops, and soak up its relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Learn about the island’s traditions and crafts by signing up for a workshop on ceramics, artisan goods, peasant bread, or Ibizan herbs, the island’s typical digestive liqueur.
- Join one of the many gastronomic events held during the winter: World Pig Slaughter Rice Competition (February), Sofrit Pagès de Corona Competition (February), Squid Fair, Gerret Fair (March), Ibiza Flavour Gastronomic Days (April), C, Fish Fair (April), Pig Slaughter Fair (December)…
- Enjoy fabulous scuba diving sessions with wetsuits suitable for minimum temperatures of 14ºC.
Ibiza hiking trails: discover the island’s nature!
Wine and vineyards tours, wine tourism in Ibiza
Planning your adults-only summer holiday in Ibiza?
If you’ve decided to escape in winter without missing out on your desired summer holidays, book your stay now at our four-star Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza, recommended for adults. You will find fabulous rooms and suites, with two pools, Germaine Capuccini spa treatments, the gourmet restaurant Hayaca, a fabulous rooftop, and much more. #WhatAFeeling!