Tamara Falcó is a big fan of going to distant and paradisiacal places on vacation, like the Maldives or Mexico. However, his refuge in Spain to which he returns again and again is a place well known for its leisure and very little for its heritage, which is impressive. It is none other than beautiful Ibiza, but the intimate, quiet and traditional version of whitewashed houses.
“Weekend in Ibiza with my family. Laughter, sea, good food and moments that stay forever.”
What to see in Ibiza city
Ibiza city is not just a party, it is a World Heritage Site. Specifically, it is because of its enormous seagrass meadows of Posidonia, its Phoenician town and its medieval old town. Added to this is the cultural richness of the hippie culture of the 60s and 70s, which is reflected in markets and craft stores. Some go to Pachá, others discover all the magic that this island has to offer.
We begin with its walled old town, known as Dalt Vila and built in the 16th century to protect this trading area from pirate attacks. Dalt Vila is built with rocks from nearby islets and crowns the entire city, its earthy color contrasting with the whitewash of the rest of the houses that rest in its shadow. In the middle of 2026, a walk through its cobbled alleys full of palm trees and bougainvillea will take you back to the Middle Ages.
Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves
At the top of Dalt Vila stands the imposing Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves, a 14th century temple that was remodeled with very sober and robust baroque influences. As well as the Renaissance walls, full of defensive bastions that remain standing today and become perfect panoramic viewpoints of the city and other islands on the Mediterranean.
Ibiza Castle
These walls had access doors that are still functional, such as Sa Portella or the Portal de ses Taules. Through them you can access this ancient area, full of museums and even a castle. It is not just any castle, it is Ibiza Castle, next to the Almudaina, built by the Muslims before Dalt Vila.
In the lower part and closest to the sea is the Marina neighborhood, a former fishing area converted into a tourist area. Despite overcrowding, it has maintained its seafaring aesthetic, with colored windows, open-air markets and craft shops. Ideal for walking along Paseo Vara del Rey, the main artery of Ibiza town with neocolonial buildings, which separates the old area from the new.
Although the port occupies a large part of the city's coast, on both sides there are still sandy beaches to enjoy the good weather: Talamanca beach and ses Figueretes beach. They have all the services, a lot of gastronomic offerings and calm waves, ideal for families.
Where to eat cheap and delicious in Ibiza city
This is where tourism has hit hardest, making many restaurants expensive and of poor quality, with fast food that condemns Balearic cuisine to disappearance. However, there are still some traditional oases where locals find their traditional recipes, such as cuinatthe cuttlefish pica pica or the fried octopus. Can Moreta is cheap for being in the center and Casa Maca, located at the top of Dalt Vila, is more expensive but the views are worth it.
What to do near Ibiza town
A 25-minute drive away is Santa Eulària des Riu, one of the quietest towns on the island of Ibiza. It has the particularity of having the only river in all the Balearic Islands and is a highly sought after destination for those who long for the calm of Ibiza far from the hustle and bustle. A visit to this town includes its 16th century Puig de Missa fortified church and its relaxed and charming promenade.
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