Ibiza holidays - travel guide - activities & sights

Anything that involves water is extremely popular on the island, so waterparks go down a storm with all families. Have a wild wet and fun day out at a waterpark, or go snorkeling and discover the wonders of the underwater world. The amazing water park in Playa d'en Bossa is a fun day for all the family, in addition to the many pools to splash around in, there's some very long, fast and curvy slides to thrill you.

Not everyone is into sun, sea and sand, so an exciting alternative is to hire a mountain bike and head for the hills. The best areas are the hills in the North of the island which are scattered with rich olive groves and rolling countryside, along with lush woodland and offers a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busier resorts of Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa.

With a wealth of watersports including scuba-diving, snorkeling, and fishing on offer readily available from the beaches during peak holiday season, plus a tennis court, crazy golf courses, horse-riding as well as a go-karting track just outside of San Antonio there's plenty of fun and active pursuits to mooch around you certainly won't be stuck for things to do here. There's also a bowling centre in the heart of Playa d'en Bossa's shopping area, and thanks some good scenery and a coastline, you can enjoy a leisurely meander on a walking trip.

Whether you're looking for energetic and bustling, or calm and peaceful, there's a beach for everyone in Ibiza. Home to stunning beaches packed with fine white sands and dazzling clear blue waters, if relaxing on the beach is just your thing then you won't be disappointed. The soft white sands and crystal blue seas instantly relax you and you'll soon slip into an afternoon snooze. The liveliest beaches fringe Ibiza Town, with Playa de ses Figueretes and Playa d'en Bossa topping the list. Both have long, sandy swathes full of sun worshippers vying to get the best hot spot. Numerous bars and cafes lie within Playa d'en Bossa's with lively Bora Bora beach club a firm favourite. Cala Bassa Beach is slightly less frenzied, with a large curve of fine sand and rocky inlets that are ideal for fishing. The shallow, gently sloping waters are ideal for families with children. Nudging the sands and rocky features are shady pine forests that are perfect for gentle walks and peaceful siestas. In the north, Portinatx offers magnificent panoramic views, rocky shorelines and a bed of fine, white sand. For something a more active, watersports are readily available at larger resorts in peak holiday season.

Explore Ibiza Town by day or night. Visit the fortified Dalt Vila in the old town with its ancient cathedral, monastery, museums, boutiques, art galleries and cafés. Then take a stroll through the winding lanes of the bustling port, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Wander up through the cobbled streets of the Old Town to admire, browse through the many varied stalls and designer shops, amazing markets, marvel the buskers before dining out in one of the many restaurants. For a moment of blissful calm amidst the action gaze at the stunning views across the bay with its amazing mix millionaires' yachts. Here you will see, in glorious living colour, a concentration of all the attractions and eccentricities which have made Ibiza world famous. You can even catch a ferry to Formentera or the neighbouring beaches!

Visit the weekly Wednesday hippy market at Es Cana. Here you'll have the chance to pick up a few good buys or too to take back home with you. There are an enormous variety of trinkets and good buys to choose, from the most exotic batik wraps and clothing to tailor-made leather moccasins and a tantalizing variety of east-Asian silver jewellery and trinkets. If you look around you can still find some of the original hippies, although most of them have grey hair by now! It's like a time-warp back to the 1970s!

Hop on a boat and take a trip over to Ibiza's little sister island of Formentera. Simply sit back, relax and switch off - there are no planes, no five star hotels, and no frenetic hardcore clubs - just Caribbean-like turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and charming villages.