Kick-off with a delicious breakfast at Cappuccino in Marina Ibiza. Mega superyacht spotting served up with a mesmerising view of Dalt Vila will set you up for the day.
Exploring various hidden coves dotted with traditional old fishermen’s huts on crystal-clear aquamarine waters is a delight. Plan a late lunch and head to Es Nautic or Can Pujol in San Antonio, Restaurante Salvado in Pou de Lleo, El Bigotes in Cala Mastella or Restaurante Cala Salada to indulge in a fish feast of freshly-caught rotja, denton, mussels or calamares in their ink. For grilled sardines lovers, go off-the-beaten-track to Utopia beach shack, a 200m easy climb from the Port of San Miguel or check out the Aquarium in San Antonio and mix with the locals. All you can eat for 15 euros and the kids will love it too!
There are several excellent grilled meat restaurants – carne a la brassa. I particularly like Bar Can Berri in San Augustin where you can sit under a canopy of orange and pomegranate trees on a balmy evening, and Balafia – located close to San Lorenzo – for its tomato and onion salad with the fieriest aïoli, followed by lamb, pork chops or rabbit and the best handmade chips on the island.
I enjoy spending time on the quieter beaches and rocks in the North. Some of my favourite hangouts include Utopia and Kiosko in San Miguel, Cala Xuclar, Xarraca and Cala d’en Serra in Portinax. Drop into the quirky boutique hotel Los Enamorados for a pot of tea. Other beaches not to miss are Es Cavallet, Sa Caleta, Cala Comte, Cala Nova, Agua Blancas. On Sundays, head to Benirras for the sunset drumming.
I recommend a stroll around the charming village of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, where local life meets a cosmopolitan international crowd resulting in a unique community spirit. Wile away a relaxing hour in the main church square and try the Serrano ham bocadillo at Bar Costa, an institution in its own right. Browse the fashion boutiques, the Rose Shop and Gallery and Baron. You can also brush up your Spanish in group classes at the Academy Go. Enjoy a selection of excellent restaurants such as Can Mimosa with a great tapas menu and fabulous Sunday roast, Macao Cafe for upmarket Italian cuisine or less expensive Le Monde, sushi at Sushi-sho or a Salmon Poke bowl at Musset.
Sunset hour is an Ibizan rite. My favourite places to take in the magical moments and spectacular colours of dusk are Experimental Beach in Playa des Codolar Salinas where you can book a bed for cocktails, Sunset Ashram in Cala Comte, which has a unique meditative vibe, or Mambo’s Hostal La Torre in Cala Gracio. If you want to sip a cocktail on a stunning terrace and channel your inner James Bond, venture northwest to the luxury spa hotel Na Xamena in San Miguel.
Wandering around Dalt Villa in the early evening is a must – perhaps stopping for an aperitif with oysters in the Plaza del Parque before making the ascent. Follow the ancient ramp up to the UNESCO heritage old town and meander through its cobbled lanes – flat shoes required! If you make it to the top, there are spectacular views of the bay of Ibiza and Marina Botafoch. Favourite dinner spots are the Boris Buono’s Taller de Tapas, Locals Only, La Brasa for alfresco dining and Ooh La La for a genuine French bistro atmosphere or La Bodega for a simpler tapas option.