Say you’re going on holiday to Ibiza and most people will give you a knowing smile. They think they know why you’re going there – Ibiza is perhaps the best known party island in Europe, after all.
But actually, this Spanish island has much more to offer than all night partying. You can explore the other side of Ibiza even if your main focus is the nightlife.
Old Town of Ibiza, Spain
And here are just a few of the other attractions you may want to discover while you’re in Ibiza.
The Necropolis del Puig des Molins is an ancient burial ground which dates from Phoenician times and the seventh century BC. You can view it from the surface, or descend into one of the interlocking honeycombs of hypogea (burial caverns). There’s also a site museum which displays treasures and terracotta figures that have been discovered in the 3,000 tombs that have been found on the hillside.
Since 1999, the old walled town of Ibiza – D’Alt Vila – has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first people to populate the area were the Romans, but the walls that survive today were put in place by Felipe II to defend the city against an invasion by French and Turkish forces during the sixteenth century.
Inside the walls you’ll find galleries, shops and smart restaurants in the Placa de la Vila and it’s also possible to walk along the top of the walls and take in some stunning views along the way.
D’Alt Vila, Ibiza, Spain
If you love shopping then Sa Penya is the place for you. It’s a shopping area in the old town that has lots of different clothing stores, and there’s plenty of locally produced stuff as well as imports.
Prices are good due to the heavy competition for tourist business. You can also wander along the Carrer d’Enmig seeing what’s on offer in the market stalls – it’s an eclectic mix of produce. Even if you don’t want to spend too much, Sa Penya is a great spot for watching life go by.
Going on holiday to Ibiza means you can take in as much culture and history as you like, as well as the more obvious attractions of great beaches and fabulous nightlife.
