The Insider’s Guide To Ibiza

It’s easy to dismiss Ibiza as a party island — revelers sun-baking during the day, then dancing until sunrise to thumping bass. Wake, tan, dance, repeat. And while there’s nothing wrong with this portrayal, it’d be like visiting Paris just to eat a croissant, or New York just to ride to the top of the Empire State Building — both worthwhile experiences, but you’d be missing out on much of what gives each city its soul.

Below the surface, the Balearic island offers much more than just its sparkling turquoise waters and headliner DJ sets. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature while driving through the rolling green hills of Sant Josep; indulge in a perfectly grilled, freshly-caught branzino in a family-owned restaurant in Cap Martinet; and reset your heart and soul as you watch the sun melt into a cotton candy-pink horizon, night after night.

Ahead, TZR shares the local’s travel guide to the best places to eat, relax, stay, and shop in Ibiza — from a hidden fish shack on a rocky shore to an eclectic emporium of home goods.

Eat

Sa Capella

Carrer Capella, 26, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Balearic Islands, Spain

Sa Capella isn’t just a restaurant; it’s practically a religious experience. Housed in a stunningly-restored 16th century chapel, the space offers a culinary journey you won’t find anywhere else on the island. A live DJ spins moody deep house tunes (and even pulls out an electric cello throughout the night), while candlelight flickers off of exposed stone walls and sky-high ceilings. Menu-wise, you’ll find an assortment of fresh seafood and meat, from Basque-style turbot to suckling lamb shoulder (a can’t miss) in Sa Capella’s open air kitchen. Word of advice: don’t skip out on the clams in green sauce, either, then wash it all down with a crisp glass of Malvasia. It’s the perfect dinner destination to take someone you’re trying to impress — or, to just take in the vibes.

El Silencio

Av. de Cala Molí, 30, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Balearic Islands, Spain

Contrary to what its sister club in Paris might imply, there will be no napkin-waving and dancing on tables at Arnaud Frisch and Antoine Cato’s El Silencio Ibiza — and that’s exactly what makes it special. But just because the decibel levels of the music aren’t deafening doesn’t mean it’s lacking in atmosphere. The lunchtime crowd here can best be described as effortlessly chic, the food by chef Mauro Colagreco is top tier, and the sparkling waters of Cala Molí view provide a breathtaking backdrop to it all. Start your meal with the foccacia with aioli (it’s so good, you’ll ask for more of it to-go), and don’t miss the branzino for two — it’s one of the best on an island. For dessert, there’s only one right option: the churros, which are so light and airy, you’ll feel like you’re nibbling on clouds.

Jul’s

Disseminat sa Caleta, 07818 Eivissa, Balearic Islands, Spain

There’s a reason Jul’s is the go-to spot for Ibiza’s stylish set — it’s not unlikely you’ll glimpse Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini of Attico dining al fresco here with friends. The vibes are sultry, the wine list is extensive, and the menu is enjoyable, with a focus on fresh seafood (though the lobster risotto should be twice the size — it’s too good). Jul’s is the perfect dinner spot to get in the mood before a night out at DC10 or Hï — or just to go home and slumber peacefully with a stomach full of good food and wine.

Fish Shack

Punta dels Andreus sin número, 07819 Cap Martinet, Balearic Islands, Spain

Tucked away on a rocky shore in Cap Martinet, this unassuming cliffside restaurant is Ibiza’s hidden gem. The no-frills menu is as uncomplicated as its name: freshly-caught fish, prawns, or meat, all grilled, with a side of potato salad. It’s simple, special, and delicious — but it’s the oceanfront setting that steals the show. Bring a towel, so you can sunbathe on the rocks and take an ocean dip after lunch.

Jondal

Cala Jondal, s/n, 07839, Balearic Islands, Spain

Ibiza’s buzziest and hardest-to-get-into lunch spot, Jondal offers a delicious menu of fresh seafood (the lobster is a can’t-miss) in a beachfront, shaded environment that feels calmer and more restful than some of its counterparts. End your meal with the signature frozen pineapple dessert, lean back, and take in the glittering waves with super yachts dotting the horizon as you sit amongst their owners.

The MAINE Ibiza

Carrer de Llucmajor, Salinas, Ibiza , Spain

The MAINE Ibiza is the third outpost of the MAINE restaurant in London started by Joey Ghazal, and it lives up to its reputation. Located in a white-washed 18th century estate directly across from the salt flats of Salinas, it’s a picturesque spot to start the night before going down the street to infamous club DC10. Menu-wise, everything is mouthwateringly delicious, but the shrimp carpaccio, spicy rigatoni, and lobster mash steal the show.

Ses Escoles

Carretera Sant Joan, km. 9, 8, 07840, Illes Balears, Spain

Ibiza’s oldest paella restaurant offers sweeping views of Sant Josep’s lush green hills in a treehouse-feeling environment. The paella is brought out with fanfare, and served with perfect proportions of rice and seafood. Calling ahead is recommended.

Relax / Stay

Casa Maca

Can Palau De Dalt, s/n, 07800 Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

There’s a reason why celebrities have been secretly flocking to Casa Maca all summer — and it’s not just for the opportunity to dine on perfectly-charred Australian Wagyu while taking in sweeping views of Ibiza’s Old Town. Built in a 300 year old farmhouse, Casa Maca is a garden party of the swankiest variety, with a live DJ, craft cocktails delivered via Airstream trailer, and a crowd that looks like their dinner here is definitely not the last stop of the night.

But a lesser-known side to Casa Maca exists, too: the property also boasts 10 light-drenched suites that offer a welcome respite from the energetic buzz of the island. Guests can sip on a “hangover cure” smoothie at the property’s olive tree-lined breakfast nook, relax at the pool with the same sweeping views of Old Town, take a gravel-lined path to the restaurant for lunch, or snuggle into soft linen sheets for an afternoon nap after slathering on Aesop’s citrus-scented body balm. It’s quiet luxury with a farmstead feel — homey, home-grown, and utterly enchanting.

Six Senses Ibiza

Carrer Camí de sa Torre, 71, 07810 San Juan Bautista, Illes Balears, Spain

Located on Ibiza’s northern shore, Six Senses offers sweeping views of rocky shores and a health club, Rose Bar, helmed by longevity expert Dr. Mark Hyman — making it the ideal place for those seeking more of a wellness-focused experience during their time on the island. Curious about the hotel but don’t want to commit to a room? Stop by the restaurant for a delicious sea-to-table meal, instead.

The Standard Ibiza

Carrer de Bartomeu Vicent Ramon, 9, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain

This newly-opened outpost of The Standard offers a welcome respite in the middle of bustling Ibiza Town. The rooms are airy and light-filled, and the rooftop restaurant offers a Mexican-Japanese menu (don’t sleep on the salmon hand rolls) and sweeping views into the storied Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s fortified Old Town. Need a last-minute room? Book one through the One Night Standard app the day of for The Standard locations in NYC, London, Bangkok, Ibiza, Miami & Hua Hin — you’ll get the best room rate, guaranteed.

OKU Ibiza

Camí del Portixol, 2, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain

Stepping into OKU feels like an instant breath of calm. Swathed in earthy neutrals and Wabi-Sabi design approach, the hillside hotel is an oasis steps away from Cala Gracio bay that will transport you to a more serene state of mind.

Shop

The Rose

Carrer Venda de Fruitera, 2, 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Illes Balears, Spain

Part fashion boutique, part art gallery and furniture store, The Rose is a hidden gem tucked away on a side street in the small town of Santa Gertrudis; stepping in feels like entering a Technicolor wonderland. Bright silk frocks (designed by the owner herself), jewelry, home goods, and a surprisingly large selection of contemporary art are on display for an instant dopamine boost.

Annie’s Ibiza

Carrer de la Santa Creu, 5, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain

Before Annie’s Collection beaded dresses were all over your Explore page, Annie’s Ibiza was the island’s best-kept secret for vintage shopping. Started in the summer of 2018 by founder Annie Doble, the boutique offers eclectic, one-of-a-kind designer pieces, from chainmail Paco Rabanne dresses to Chinese silk dressing gowns to Vivienne Westwood corsets. Her namesake line, Annie’s Collection, is a direct reflection of Doble’s own penchant for vintage-inspired shapes and luxury craftsmanship.