Mythbusting Ibiza: hike the party island’s real wild side

It’s fun to say Ibiza (ee-BEE-tha) and even more fun to find yourself there on an island getaway. The beach parties are legendary and the beat goes on until morning. But what if that’s not your thing or you just really need a breath of fresh air? Imagine if you could completely tire yourself out on long walks, bracing swims and getting back to nature instead? Believe it or not, you can do all of these things (and more) in Ibiza just by lacing up your hiking boots.

So let’s leave the party people behind and go boho by nestling into the eastern town of Santa Eulària des Riu. It’s the hub for three looped treks led by your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) to the lesser-travelled reaches of the Spanish archipelago. You unpack once, grab your essentials for active day trips and return to wander sleepy backstreets. Let’s go!

Search for a spotlight off the dance floor

Your first adventure by foot starts with a drive to the northernmost spot in Ibiza. From Portinatx, you follow the stunning coastline to Moscarter lighthouse with its signature black and white spiral. Standing at 52 metres high and built in 1972, it’s the tallest lighthouse in Spain. Plus, the beam is still active. From there you move on to Cala d’en Serra, an oval-shaped beach with shimmering turquoise water. It’s a peaceful locals-only spot for a cool dip before heading inland to Puig d’en Rei peak and finishing the loop in Portinatx village.

Reach natural highs at Sa Talaia

Speaking of peaks, you’ll hoof it up the highest mountain on the island as you go from San Josep village to Cala d’Hort. Sa Talaia means ‘watchtower’ and you’ll definitely get sweeping Mediterranean views as you trek through lush forests down to a cliff-encircled beach. Your trip ends with free time to kick back in a lounger by the crystal blue waters and a view of Es Vedra. This chunk of limestone jutting from the sea is said to be one of the most magnetic points in the world. Another island myth or will you feel the pull of its mysterious energy?

Opt to pedal around Formentera Island

Each day includes free time to explore but one day is fully up to you. Do you flop on the beach, take another hike or join an optional bicycle excursion to the smallest Balearic island? Here’s the best part about the latter: you hop on a ferry over the Mediterranean sea and pick up your bike rental in La Savina. Led by your CEO, you’ll ride to several beaches, learn about the island’s history and scope the lighthouse at Cape Barbaria. Not a pedal pusher? Incredible beaches are an easy 20-minute walk from the ferry landing and your CEO can help you spend the day there.

Chill out in a secret cove

Journey to one of the most remote beaches enjoyed by fishermen and those in the know. After a drive to Na Xamena in the northwest, you’ll follow a cliffside loop that takes you down to the crystalline waters of Cala Es Portixol beach. It’s dotted with traditional fishing huts and makes for a great place to relax and swim before you head back uphill through Mediterranean pines and juniper conifers. After that, you can hit the beach or pick up a souvenir in town to remind yourself of when you chose to do things a bit differently in Ibiza.

Know before you go

Ideally, Ibiza is best visited between May and October. To avoid the hot, crowded summer months our hiking tour runs from March to early June and then again in September to late November. It’s cooler for swimming but more comfortable for hiking. As for what to pack, bring well-worn hiking shoes or boots, a day pack for essentials, a swimsuit for all those spectacular beaches and a nicer outfit for dinner. Our six-day hiking trip is perfect on its own, but maybe toss in a club outfit (or two!) if you decide to add a few days of partying after all.

Getting There

Ready to get your heart racing from a good hike? G Adventures gets you there on our Hiking Ibiza tour and other far-from-ordinary active adventures in classic European destinations.