Our Guide to Ibiza—A Sun-Drenched Feast for the Senses

Diving into clear Mediterranean waters, sun-drying on the rocks of hidden coves, devouring just-caught fish grilled whole and stuffed with lemons and herbs—the two weeks we spent on the island of Ibiza this summer were a true feast for the senses. The time spent in nature away from technology recharged us body and soul and strengthened our bonds as a family. And it filled us with creative inspiration that tempered our sadness to leave with an excitement to bring new ideas to life back home.

Ibiza may be known for its nightlife, but we soaked up the side of the island that’s full of wild, untamed beaches, farm-to-table food, and endless design inspiration. The aesthetic: stone terracing overflowing with rosemary, olive trees, and flowering oleander; sun-bleached stucco on rural farmhouses, deep Mediterranean waves gently kissing rocky coves and sandy beaches. In other words, everything we love at Casa Zuma. Our guide to Ibiza will take you through the island’s most stylish restaurants, breathtaking beaches, and an idyllic day trip, all curated for the design and food lover.

Although there are some beautiful hotels on the island (ie. Six Senses), I think renting a house is the way to go, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There are loads of beautiful homes available for short-term rentals—we rented a beautiful villa from The Collectionist that was in a rural area near the center of Ibiza, providing the perfect launch pad for exploring the entire island by car. And yes, you definitely need to rent a car here, as things are quite spread out and Ubers/taxis are hard to come by.

If you want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants, I’d recommend renting a house in or around Santa Gertrudis, our favorite village on the island. And for the most rural, get-away-from-it-all experience, head to the north side of the island. A bit of a trek, it has a magic and wild beauty all its own. 

Ibiza has an incredible number of restaurants, and I really did my research and asked my in-the-know friends for the spots they always return to. My favorite restaurants on the island offer fresh farm-to-table food as well as inspiring design and great vibes to speak to all the senses.

This beachside chiringuito is built right into a cliff, and its rustic design is tempered by a party-vibe atmosphere, thanks to the DJ and fun crowd. We went for lunch and headed down to the beach after, but it’s equally great for a romantic dinner. There’s a beautiful walk along the cliffs next to the restaurant that I highly recommend—follow it to a lookout point for breathtaking views.

What to order: Anything off the open-fire grill—even the bread has an amazing char.

Website: https://www.calagracioneta.com/en/

This is the spot where we celebrated my 40th birthday, and the vibe was perfect. Situated right on the beach, Casa Jondal exudes a relaxed yet luxurious ambiance (think: yacht crowd.) The minimalist design is all natural materials tucked into a canopy of trees, creating a serene environment that’s perfect for people watching while devouring fresh seafood. Go for a late lunch and book way in advance.

What to order: Grilled gambas or lobster if you’re feeling luxe

Website: https://www.casajondal.es

Perched on a cliff with panoramic sea views, La Torre is the epitome of bohemian chic. The rustic decor, featuring natural wood and terra cotta, blends with the coastal landscape, offering a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

What to order: Whole grilled seabass and a bottle of Albariño. 

Website: https://www.latorreibiza.com/en/restaurant-terrace

In the heart of a lush garden, La Paloma is a charming spot for a magical dinner. The eclectic decor features colorful textiles and vintage furniture, and the food is farm-to-table with a Mediterranean bent.

What to order: The garden salad (dressing is amazing), and eggplant pasta.

Website: https://palomaibiza.com/

We loved Juntos so much that we went to dinner there twice in two weeks. An incredible restaurant that also has a farm (where its vegetables, herbs, and honey are harvested), and an adjoining lifestyle shop that features cool Spanish brands and artists. Go early, grab a glass of sangria, and wander around the gardens for inspiration galore.

What to order: Honeymoon cocktail (mezcal, rosemary honey, fresh citrus) and the charred cabbage with tahini is insane.

Website: https://www.juntoshouse.com/

Set on the beautiful Es Cavallet beach, El Chiringuito has a hip luxury vibe and incredible design inspo. Low, lounge-y furniture, an amazing DJ, and sunlight gently filtering through the fabric draped overhead creates a vibe that’s good from morning to night. Go for a late lunch—or grab one of the supremely comfy beach beds in front of the restaurant for a day of swimming and sunning.

What to order: Fattoush salad and a bottle of rosé

Website: https://elchiringuitoibiza.com/es/

First you drive down a narrow twisting road with the cliff on one side and expansive sea views on the other, and then you turn into the tiny cove that houses this hidden treasure. For authentic Ibizan cuisine in a stunning setting, Ses Boques is the place. The beachfront restaurant, with its rustic wooden tables and simple decor, allows the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage.

What to order: Paella

Website: http://sesboques.com/en/

Il Buco is one of my favorite restaurants in NYC, so when I discovered they have a small location in the charming town of Santa Gertrudis, I had to try it. Perfect for an intimate Italian dinner over wine, candlelight, and music drifting from the nearby town center. The menu is tiny, but full of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Skip dessert and save room for the gelato shop next door.

What to order: Roast chicken and potatoes, and the (off menu) Cacio Pepe.

Website: https://ilbuco.com/pages/bottega

Thankfully we discovered Chez Bibi the second day of our trip, because it became our go-to spot for great coffee, perfect pastries, and fresh-baked baguettes. With an open-air design that would feel equally at-home in California, the crowd is creative boho types who love their flat whites (guilty.)

What to order: The chocolate croissants are a must.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/chezbibi

Located in the tiny village of San Juan, Giri Cafe is a charming spot for coffee and brunch. Set in a beautiful garden, its mix of daybeds and vintage tables give a bohemian feel, and the food is simple and nourishing. Think freshly-baked sourdough, smoothies, and eggs, all garnished with herbs and veggies from the garden.

Website: https://giricafe.com

Ibiza’s beaches are renowned for their natural beauty. Here are some of the prettiest spots to dive into the sea.

With its powdery white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, Cala Bassa is a great place to take the kids and swim all day. We rented beach chairs from Cala Bassa Beach Club, which is fun, enormous, and very busy.

We also did a day of sun and swim at El Chiringuito beach club on Es Cavallet beach. This is more of a luxury vibe, and the design inspo is on point. We took a long walk over to the adjoining beaches which are, coincidentally, fully nude.

We didn’t get to spend a ton of time on the north side of the island, and on our next trip I’ll make it a point to go to this famous beach up north with (what I’ve heard) incredible views, beautiful water, and a magical energy. On Sunday evening at sunset, hundreds of people play drums on the beach.

Encircled by pine-covered hills, Cala Salada is a picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters. Its golden sands and stunning views make it a favorite among locals.

Famed for its turquoise waters and dramatic sunsets, Cala Conta is one of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches. The rugged coastline and nearby islets add to its charm, making it a must-visit.

If you have a chance to take a day trip to the nearby island of Formentera, take it! Known for its wild, untamed beaches and crystal-clear waters, Formentera offers a peaceful escape and is an incredible experience you’ll never forget.

• Explore the beaches: Formentera’s beaches, such as Playa de Ses Illetes and Playa de Llevant, are among the most stunning in the Mediterranean.
• Rent bikes: The island’s flat terrain and scenic routes make it perfect for biking.
• Visit the lighthouses: The Cap de Barbaria and La Mola lighthouses offer breathtaking views.
• Experience the food: Savor the island’s fresh, locally-sourced seafood and traditional dishes at its charming restaurants. We went to a classic: Es Moli de Sal, an iconic spot housed in a historic salt mill. Es Moli de Sal showcases traditional Ibizan architecture with stunning sea views.