There’s been a long-running misconception that the island of Ibiza ‘closes’ after September, and remains that way until the following May.
A lot of this speculation comes from those who haven’t been lucky enough to experience the true magic of the island, out of a typical summer season.
Contrary to the (somewhat odd) rumours, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Whilst it’s true that most of the super clubs close due to a significant drop in tourism, there is still an abundance of things to do to keep you entertained. You’ll never be short of somewhere to go and dance, eat or drink You just have to know where to look.
In fact, outside some of the main tourist resorts such as Playa den Bossa, you’ll find plenty happening around the island, 12 months of the year. Including some amazing parties!
Below we’ve created a list of fun things to do, and cool places to see if you’re looking to visit over the autumn, winter or early spring.
Paradise Lost Ibiza
Ibiza Town
A fantastic place year-round, but exceptionally special once the season ends. With plenty of festivities to look forward to (Christmas being the main one), there’s lots of events happening, and the town seems to be alive more than ever. Nightlife at this time of year is great too. No high-entry fees, as most of the events are free to attend. You also won’t spend your life savings at the bar either. As this is a time for the locals and travellers to mingle, and spend some time away from the summer madness.
Why not have a walk along the harbour, or maybe enjoy a slow stroll up to the top of Dalt Vila and take in the amazing panoramic views? Or visit the numerous shops and boutiques, and stop for lunch on a sunny terrace in Vara de Rey. It’s a fantastic part of the island, rich in culture and history.
What about the evening? Well, there’s more than enough happening to keep you busy. One of our favourites is Paradise Lost, located in the cobbled streets of Carrer Del Passadis. A friendly bar with a great team, good music and plenty of drink! Also be sure to check out Lola’s nearby. A vibrant night out.
There are plenty of other venues to stumble across in the area too!
Nearby Botafoch is also a top spot for dancing, eating and drinking. We highly recommend Mira, for food and party vibes next to the stunning marina.
You can also get the ferry over to Formentera for the day from the port. Whilst it will be very quiet there, you will have the stunning turquoise beaches pretty much to yourself! Heaven.
Mira Ibiza
Santa Gertrudis
One for the yummy mummies, the boho-chic and the foodies. This quaint little village in the heart of the island, offers a great selection of wonderful restaurants and coffee shops. Perfect for a day out, its beautiful location is idyllic, and a great choice for an afternoon spent with friends. The square is normally basking in glorious sunshine in the afternoons. Spot on for a relaxing lunch and a bottle of wine, in one of the many eateries.
One of our favourites to visit when we’re in the area is Can Mimosa. The 200 year-old finca is located just behind the main square, and offers delicious farm-to-table alfresco dining in beautiful surroundings.
You can’t be in Santa Gertrudis without visiting Sluiz. A totally whacky and wild shopping experience, all inside a huge circus tent. You’re sure to find some fantastic home and fashion items inside.
They also have a sister venue in Sant Josep, aptly named Sluiz Entertainment. If you’re into dressing up, dancing, singing, and dinner all-combined, then this is a must. Call +34 971 91 12 06 or email info@sluiz.com to book your table, or private party. Both are open year-round.
Sluiz Entertainment
San Antonio
The lovely town of San Antonio is a firm favourite with tourists during the summer months. Come-winter, it’s bustling full of locals enjoying all the goings-on to be had. With busy bars and restaurants over looking the harbour, it’s a lovely spot for wasting the day (and night) away. Last winter, one of ‘San An’s‘ biggest clubs, Eden opened for a few special events. It brought that well-needed boost to what was quite an uncertain time throughout the world. A time when the summer prior to that, no clubs were open at all.
We’re unsure if they’ll be hosting their fabulous one-off events over the winter again, but we’ve heard rumours that it may be a possibility.
We really hope so!
If you’re thinking of heading over for Halloween then you’ll be in for a treat, as a number of the late-night bars will be open for some seriously spooktacular parties, including the iconic Pikes Hotel. Always a fun time to be in the area.
There will also be various events going on all over the island on the night.
Pikes Ibiza
Santa Eulalia
The simply gorgeous town of Santa Eulalia is located on the eastern seaboard of Ibiza. A popular residing place for expats from around the globe, it’s a wonderful place to also visit later in the year.
Embrace island-life in style, with weekly markets and an array of dining options on the ever-busy ‘restaurant street’. It’s a place to take it easy, with a picture-perfect marina, and long stretch of beach to wander along. From Autumn onwards, it’s not as hot, so nice relaxing walks by the waters edge feels like a treat. There’s also plenty of boutique shops to choose from too. Fantastic if you’re looking for something special to purchase.
Santa Eulalia
San Carlos
Famous for the hippie movement back in the 60s and 70s, the picturesque village of San Carlos is home to a small number of unique venues. One of those (a firm-favourite with locals and tourists alike), is Bar Anita. With deliciously fresh, honest and locally sourced ingredients. This rustic building (which officially opened for business in 1942) are still very much an authentic establishment. Not only that, they haven’t succumbed to the gentrification of some other locations, and have stayed very reasonable on price. They also make their own hierbas (a traditional herbal liquor from the Balearic Islands), which is simply divine on ice. A go-to if you’ve eaten a little too much tapas, as it helps aid digestion.
Another venue (also popular with the Hippies of the past and present), is none other than Las Dalias. ‘Born’ in 1985, this enchanting melting pot creative minds and backgrounds has been popular with people from around the world for nearly four decades.
The weekly markets (along with food and entertainment), is something to immerse yourself in, if you’re wanting to get a true sense of the islands culture. Newly opened club Akasha (situated within Las Dalias) will hopefully also be hosting some special events over the winter too. The venue has already welcomed legendary artists such as Sven Väth, amongst others.
Las Dalias Ibiza
The island is a hidden-gem, full of truly wonderful and exciting experiences to be explored.
There’s so much to see and do here ‘out-of-season’, we could go on for hours!
Do let us know if you visit any of these places, we’d love to know your thoughts!
Written by Alexandra Ellis
