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A Day Trip to Picturesque Ibiza

Spending time in Mallorca? Take a day trip to Ibiza! The Balearic ferry system makes it super easy to spend a sun-filled day on the island of Ibiza, and yes, one day is enough! Click here find out how to explore the cobbled streets, fortress, beautiful views, as well as the amazing pastries and fish!


While planning our trip to the Balearic Islands we knew we wanted to get to all three of the main islands, Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. We were flying in to Mallorca and spending most of the time there and had set up a two day “taste of Menorca” but were at a loss as to how to best visit Ibiza, one of the most beautiful Spanish cities we’ve been to.

At first we wanted to spend at least one night on the island but after checking out all of the options we decided a day trip to Ibiza out of Palma would be best. The ferry from Palma to Ibiza leaves at 8:00 in the morning, arrives at 11:00, and then leaves later that day at 21:30 to return to Mallorca at 01:00. It makes for a long day but the ferry is comfortable and easy to nap on so we decided to do it.

Day Trip Ibiza

We knew we didn’t need our rental car in Ibiza (and they didn’t allow us to take it off the island anyway) so we decided to park our car at the terminal and just walk on. Parking near the pier is easy to find and free but it was on the street.

I was a little worried about leaving it there for the day, but there were several other vehicles that had obviously been there for a day or two and had no sign of damage so I dropped everyone off at the boat, parked the car, and jogged back the kilometer to meet up with the rest of the crew.

One other option is to take the city bus from Palma city center but since our rinca (rented house) was further out we had to drive ourselves in.

Day Trip Ibiza

The ferry is fairly large, not your gigantic Channel crossing variety or Baltic cruiser but it did have plenty of room for everyone. We found a quiet corner near the cafe with a couple of tables and some bench seating that worked perfectly for a napper or two. The crossing was smooth and took exactly three hours as scheduled but we were in for a small surprise when we docked at Ibiza.

Day Trip Ibiza

For some reason, we were expecting to pull into the main Ibiza harbor, and apparently, this is how it used to be but things have changed. Now the ferry dock is clear around the bay from the old town in the newly built ferry harbor.

It was so new, in fact, that they didn’t even have the processing center open. Instead, everything was done in what looked like a gigantic tent. This place is in the middle of nowhere, you can just barely see a bit of the old town fortifications across the bay. We were a little shocked and

Day Trip Ibiza

not sure how to proceed but we quickly checked out the situation, explored the alternatives, and then worked on a plan to get to the city. Of course, we weren’t alone. Most of the other passengers needed to go to town as well so there were plenty of choices.

There is a water taxi (long walk, expensive, and not very frequent) or a bus that runs twice every hour. The water taxi sounded fun but we didn’t want to waste too much time so we took the bus. It dropped us off at the town side ferry docks and information office where we got a good walking map of the town.

Day Trip Ibiza

Next up was food, the ferry did have a small café on board and we breakfasted on pastries and coffee along with some small snack food we had brought along but that didn’t last long. We were ready for lunch. A quick Internet search found us a mom and pop fish restaurant where we had fresh and delicious fried fish and salad.

Day Trip Ibiza

Now it was time to attack the fortifications of the walled city of Ibiza. Map in hand, we climbed the impressive rampart up to the main gate and into the walled city.

This is a hilltop fortification so we knew we’d be doing some climbing, and we were sure right about that. We climbed steep cobbled stone streets, countless stone paved steps, and even ventured up two or three very steep tunnels.

It was hot work climbing around the old town in the April sun; I’m sure it would be best tackled in the morning any later in the year. All of that climbing was rewarded with stunning views from the top of the town.

Day Trip Ibiza
Day Trip Ibiza

Up there the wind was blowing a steady, cooling breeze that made it quite enjoyable to sit on the wide stone wall looking out over the city rooftops and further out into the harbor where the ships were coming and going.

If we had more time it would have been a great place for a picnic lunch and a nap which we saw several other small groups doing. The walk down was relaxing with some fascinating old buildings, gardens bursting with color, and children playing in the streets.

Day Trip Ibiza

We had enough time after exploring Ibiza’s old town to walk around the “newer” port side neighborhood of 18th and 19th century buildings still used as residences but also being slowly transformed into a shoppers and diners paradise. It was interesting to see the contrasting uses of the buildings and facilities.

There is a certain harmony to Ibiza that just seems right. After a stroll along the port, we stopped in for a coffee at a waterfront cafe and tried one of the local specialties, Ensaimada, a cream-filled, spiral-shaped flaky pastry. Scrumptious!

After a small dinner it was time to climb aboard the bus back to the ferry port, wait in the mega-long processing line, and finally stretch out on the same padded bench near the shipboard cafe. I think we all fell asleep pretty quickly on the return journey.

Ibiza can be done in a day trip out of Mallorca, but be ready for a long day!

Additional Reading: Planning a Trip to Ibiza
Day Trip Ibiza

Author Bio: Jim Vail, is a travel, food, and video creator and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 15 years. For many years he lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands, and he’s visited over 90 countries.

Day Trip Ibiza

Ting at My Travel Monkey

Monday 24th of August 2015

This is why it's great to read posts like yours on Ibiza. It's so stunning and full of wonderful architecture and history but it's more famous for its nightlife and clubbing! Which is all I have experience to my shame. But I was young then :) So now I am a mother, I would like to go back and explore properly #TheWeeklyPostcard

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 25th of August 2015

Ting, You are right! Each place has different sides to it. I think you'll enjoy it just as much as a mother! Go.

Corinne Vail

Monday 24th of August 2015

Sally, Ibiza is a fantastic destination with plenty to do...go and have fun!

Liz

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

Blue skies and old buildings --- such wonderful photos of a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing and inspiring us. :)

Corinne Vail

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

Liz, Thanks. It is a beautiful place. Have you been?

samiya selim

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

You know this is the first time I am seeing this side of Ibiza! Looks absolutely stunning - historic, interesting, beautiful - and not just a party beach fun place like the posts I usually see..thanks for sharing :-)

Corinne Vail

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

Samiya, That's exactly right. I'm not much of a party girl!

Pinay Flying High

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

I thought it's only about the party in Ibiza, I didn't realize it has all these historical places too! I love ensaymada! We have it in the Philippines too, I suddenly had a craving for it when I read this post. :p

Corinne Vail

Sunday 23rd of August 2015

Pinay, I did not know you can get ensaymada in the PI. Next time I go, I will.