Spain
Ibiza is two islands in one: a UNESCO-listed walled old town and a string of pine-backed coves in the quiet months, and the world's most famous party in summer.
This guide is written for November, when the clubs, beach clubs and most boat trips have closed for the season, which is exactly when the island's older character comes back. It covers Dalt Vila's Renaissance walls and cathedral, the Phoenician necropolis museum at Puig des Molins, the Es Vedrà viewpoint and the guided boat that sails beneath the rock, the beaches of Cala Comte and Cala Bassa, the sunset ritual at San Antonio, the Saturday and Sunday Las Dalias market, a sailboat day to Formentera, cave kayaking and a jeep safari to hidden beaches. Each entry says plainly what runs in winter and what waits for May. Then it matches you to hotels that stay open through the off-season, from a five-star on Vara de Rey to a budget-friendly base in San Antonio.
Dalt Vila and the Cathedral
Ibiza's walled upper town, a Renaissance fortress above the harbour with a hilltop cathedral and lanes that stay quiet long after the summer crowds leave. UNESCO listed, free to wander, and at its best in the cool light of November.
Formentera Day Trip by Sailboat
A small-group sailboat day from Ibiza to the turquoise shallows of Formentera, with stops at S'Espalmador and Ses Illetes, snorkelling and paddleboards. Rated 4.9 by more than 140 travellers, but a summer-season trip, so check dates in November.
Es Vedrà Viewpoint at Torre des Savinar
Ibiza's most mythologised rock rising straight out of the sea, seen from the Torre des Savinar watchtower above Cala d'Hort. Free, open all year and spectacular at sunset, with a short but steep walk to earn the view.
Puig des Molins Museum and Necropolis
The hillside burial ground of Ibiza's Phoenician and Punic past, with a museum of tomb goods, terracottas and jewellery. A rainy-day favourite that is open all year and sits a short walk from the old town.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeIbiza's walled upper town, a Renaissance fortress above the harbour with a hilltop cathedral and lanes that stay quiet long after the summer crowds leave. UNESCO listed, free to wander, and at its best in the cool light of November.
The hillside burial ground of Ibiza's Phoenician and Punic past, with a museum of tomb goods, terracottas and jewellery. A rainy-day favourite that is open all year and sits a short walk from the old town.
A small-group sailboat day from Ibiza to the turquoise shallows of Formentera, with stops at S'Espalmador and Ses Illetes, snorkelling and paddleboards. Rated 4.9 by more than 140 travellers, but a summer-season trip, so check dates in November.
FreeIbiza's most mythologised rock rising straight out of the sea, seen from the Torre des Savinar watchtower above Cala d'Hort. Free, open all year and spectacular at sunset, with a short but steep walk to earn the view.
A four-hour catamaran cruise from San Antonio past Es Vedrà and the southwest cliffs, with a swim stop at Cala Comte, snorkelling gear, drinks and snacks. Rated 4.6 by 44 travellers; a warm-season trip, so check dates in November.
Two of Ibiza's best-loved west-coast coves, clear water and pine-shaded sand within a short drive of each other. Free and lovely for a winter walk, though the beach restaurants, sunbed rental and lifeguards belong to the summer season.
FreeIbiza's best-known sunset ritual plays out on the bay of Sant Antoni, around the rocks and bars of the sunset strip. Café del Mar itself is a summer venue and shows as closed in November, but the bay promenade and the sun are free and open all year.
Ibiza's best-known hippy market, set in a garden-like site at Sant Carles with stalls of clothes, jewellery, crafts and food. It keeps running on weekends through the winter, with shorter hours, so November is a good time to browse.
A three-hour guided sea-kayak and snorkel trip along the west coast from Cala Codolar, with sea caves, cliff-side coves and water jumping. Rated 4.9 by 99 travellers, but a warm-season activity, so check dates in November.
A private half-day jeep safari that links Ibiza Town, Es Vedrà, the Time and Space sculpture and the Cala Comte and Cala Tarida coves, with a snorkel mask and water included. Rated 4.9 by 75 travellers and a good fit for the quiet months.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Ibiza Town (Vara de Rey and the port)
A five-star design hotel steps from the port and Vara de Rey, with 67 rooms and suites, the Jara restaurant on the ground floor and Dalt Vila about nine minutes away on foot. Open through the winter, when families are welcome and the summer adults-only policy relaxes.
Check rates →Ibiza Town (Passeig de Vara de Rey)
Ibiza's original grand hotel on Passeig de Vara de Rey, now a five-star boutique with about thirty rooms and suites, Café Montesol and a three-minute walk to the port and Dalt Vila. It operates all year, though its rooftop bar closes in winter.
Check rates →Marina Botafoch, Ibiza Town
A harbourside hotel at Marina Botafoch with Art Deco styling, an on-site restaurant, two bars and a rooftop terrace. Children are welcome, parking is free and Dalt Vila is about a twenty-minute walk along the water.
Check rates →Ibiza Town (near the marina)
A 55-room hotel near the marina in Ibiza Town with an outdoor pool, a restaurant serving three meals and a buffet breakfast. A mid-range base within reach of the port and Dalt Vila, open in the winter months.
Check rates →Sant Antoni de Portmany
A large, budget-friendly hotel in Sant Antoni de Portmany with 212 rooms, a free breakfast buffet, a gym and a nine-minute walk to S'Arenal beach. Open in winter, and handy for the west-coast sunsets and boat departures.
Check rates →A practical first visit to Ibiza: what runs in the quiet months, what waits for May, how many days to allow, how to get around and where the headline sights fit.
Which part of Ibiza to base yourself in during the quiet months, with five hotels that stay open: Vara de Rey, Marina Botafoch and Sant Antoni.
