11 Things to Do in Ibiza in Winter
Can you imagine having Ibiza all to yourself? Do you wish you could enjoy a quiet walk around the island? If your intention is to explore, relax and meditate, winter is the ideal season for you.
Ibiza is known for its beaches with crystal clear water and soft, clear sand, as well as having a large number of nightclubs that are very popular in summer. However, among the things you can do in Ibiza in winter are strolling through its villages, enjoying its beautiful sunsets and the traditional festivals of several of its villages.
Other things you can do to enjoy this beautiful island is to ride a bike or walk along the beaches enjoying the solitude. If summer is synonymous with crowds and crazy parties, winter in Ibiza represents peace and tranquility. Take advantage of the winter sales and have an unforgettable trip to this wonderful island.
1. Enjoy the beaches all to yourself
When you go in winter to Ibiza, I recommend you to visit the beach of your choice because you will achieve a connection and harmony with the sea that you will not be able to know in other seasons. In addition, walking barefoot on the beach can bring many benefits to your health, what are you waiting to try it?
In the sea you can observe the Posidonia Oceanica algae, a plant declared natural heritage by UNESCO, as they oxygenate the sea. You can also find beaches where you can live the best snorkeling experience, since it is not an exclusive summer activity: Salinas, Cala Conta, Cala Saladeta or Aguas Blancas. I also recommend you to visit the beaches Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. You can make a nice tour between the two sites passing by the Tower of Ses Portes.
2. Get to know the island by bike or hiking
The cool weather and clear streets are the perfect excuse to take a bike tour in Ibiza. You will have the freedom to move around the different villages and streets, appreciating the nature and architecture of the villages. In each of the villages you will find cycling routes that you will surely love.
If you don't have a bike with you, don't worry, in companies like Hasha Ibiza you can rent one. I suggest you visit churches like Nuestra Señora del Carmen or De las Nieves. And, I invite you to take a route to the top of Puig de Missa, where there is a church with architecture of the sixteenth century. From there you will appreciate beautiful views of the village of Santa Eulalia, Santa Gertrudies and the wonderful bay of Cala Llonga. It is really worth the trip.
3. Visit the viewpoint Es Vedrá
One of the best things to do in Es Vedra is to visit its viewpoint. Although this is usually a summer destination, if you go in winter you can appreciate more comfortably the best views of the sea. Cala d'Hort beach, known for its crystal clear waters, can be seen more clearly without people swimming in it.
Beyond the beach you will see the mysterious island of Es Vedra, the locals say it gives off a special energy. If you are a spiritual person I am sure you will love to see it and meditate connecting with nature. This astral space is also known as The Triangle of Silence because of the mysterious events that surround it.
4. Enjoy the patron saint festivities of Sant Agnès
On January 21 is celebrated the day of Sant Agnès, the patron saint of the municipality with his name. You can participate in the Eucharist to the saint, followed by the mass and the commemorative procession. The celebration continues with the peasant dance, one of the oldest and most beautiful traditions of Ibiza.
Days later in January the championship of Sofrit Pagès is celebrated , a typical dish of Ibiza, specifically of San Agnès. And, at the end of February the Festa de sa Sitja de sa Rota d'en Coca is celebrated. It is a traditional activity for the whole family in which the traditional lighting of a silo takes place. On February 29th the popular festival 'Es de Corona feim colla' is usually celebrated, characterized by the traditional peasant dance that you will surely love to see and photograph.
Practical information
- Location: in the village of Sant Agnès, near the church of Sant Agnès.
- When to go: from January 21 to the first week of March.
- Price: it is a free celebration, you only have to pay for the food you eat.
- Schedule: the celebrations start at 9 am and end at 9:30 pm.
5. Celebrate the festivities of San Antonio
If there is an occasion that you can not miss in winter is to visit the village of San Antonio de Ibiza on January 17. On this date is celebrated the day of San Antonio de Abad, the patron saint of animals and of this town. On this day you will start the morning with the famous petanque tournament. At noon you can go to the solemn mass. When it ends, I invite you to participate in a procession in honor of the saint where animals are blessed, there are parades of traditional carts, dances and tasting of typical foods such as fritters and wines.
The next event is the Festival Sant Antoni Trucks held at the port. Here you can enjoy a variety of typical dishes. You are also invited to dance to the rhythm of live music. Past editions have featured artists such as Smoking Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute band. With this great event you can close with a flourish a day in Ibiza, with good food, dancing and enjoying.
Practical information
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Location: in the town of San Antonio, specifically in the church of San Antonio, near the town hall and the port.
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When to go: January 17 every year.
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Price: it is a free celebration.
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Schedule: celebrations begin at 9:00 am and end at 9:30 pm.
6. Fall in love with the Almond Trees of Sant Agnès
If you have already been to the local festivities, I recommend you to appreciate the beauty of Sant Agnès that you will only be able to see in winter. This town is a fertile region, with many green areas and when winter comes, the town shows its best side. In this season its natural resources and almond trees embellish the whole region.
Although these can be seen all over Ibiza, the best place to observe them is Sant Agnès. In the month of January the almond trees in this village begin to bloom and a beautiful contrast with the ochre of the earth can be observed. To celebrate this, the locals gather around to admire the natural beauty.
Take advantage of your visit to stroll through the squares and take the best pictures. The whole town is covered by a beautiful white mantle. It is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year if you like nature. As at this time there are few tourists, the walks through the fields and squares will give you peace and quiet. I am sure it will be an unforgettable trip.
7. Celebrate Carnival in Ibiza
The carnivals of Ibiza are one of the most awaited parties of the year. They take place at the end of winter, usually in the month of February for five days. The streets are filled with parades of troupes with extravagant and colorful costumes, while performing particular dances or choreographies.
Carnival activities are one of the things you can do with children in Ibiza. The main parade or Rua is the main event of this celebration. Carnivals are also accompanied by gastronomic events throughout the week. In addition, each village has its own celebrations, so you can see concerts and performances full of joy. Don't miss the carnivals in Ibiza!
8. Take advantage of winter offers in the street markets
In Santa Eulalia you can visit the most recognized hippie market of the island, Las Dalias, a paradise of crafts and good deals. This place opens every Saturday from 10 am and closes at 7 pm and is one of the few markets open in winter.
In the Dallas flea market you will find more than 200 stalls approximately. It is located in the town of Sant Carles de Peralta and is the largest representative of hippie fashion in Ibiza. You can also visit the Sant Jordi flea market where they sell many second hand items, jewelry, music and old books. Another one I recommend you to visit is the flea market of Cala Llenya in Santa Eulalia. Here you will also find second hand clothes.
9. Attend or participate in the Cursa de Passeig a Passeig
The Cursa de Passeig a Passeig is an iconic competition of athletics in Ibiza that takes place at the beginning of March. Normally the start of the race is from the port of Ibiza to the s'Alamera de Santa Eulalia. If you are interested in this sport, you can register online at Sportmaniacs for only around 5 €. Part of the money raised by this race will be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Ibiza and Formentera (Aemif).
If you are not an athlete or do not want to participate in this competition, you can come to the port and see how the athletes prepare. There is usually a small celebration before they leave the starting point. So if you are looking for things to do in March in Ibiza, this could be a good plan, come and cheer on the athletes competing for a good cause!
10. Enjoy the quietest nightlife of the year
The winter atmosphere in Ibiza is more relaxed than in other seasons of the year. Most of the big nightclubs close their doors due to the decrease in the number of tourists. However, Pachá is the exception as it opens its doors on weekends and on the eve of holidays such as Christmas.
Thanks to the fact that there are not too many tourists in winter, you can enjoy the club without being tripped up or feeling suffocated. In the center of Ibiza, right in the Pasajes Felipe II you will find different places with varied musical styles. The prices of the drinks that you can enjoy in these places are economic. In addition, the discotheques will allow you to acclimatize from the cold. One of the places I recommend is the Malanga Café.
11. Watch the winter sunsets
Finally, I suggest you to live the experience of enjoying a wonderful sunset in different parts of Ibiza, either on the beach, squares or viewpoints. In summer, especially on hot days, the atmosphere is filled with gases and different particles that cloud the sky. On the other hand, in winter the sky is clearer, especially if it has rained a little in the previous days. This will help you to observe the vivid colors of the sunset.
To get the best of the views I suggest going to the highest points of Ibiza, such as the top of Sa Talaia, where you can discover a mysterious hermitage. You can do a hiking route and appreciate the nature. If you like the idea, my recommendation is to get a private guide to show you the route.
Traveller Tip
In winter temperatures are pleasant, so walking for hours will not be too tiring. However, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as a bottle of water for the walk.
How is the tourist influx in Ibiza in winter and the prices?
Ibiza is mostly a preferred destination for summer vacations. Even so, in winter you can enjoy its wonders with a great advantage, everything is cheaper than in other seasons of the year! As there is little tourist influx, the prices of accommodations, experiences, among others, decrease.
This makes it cheaper and easier to find a place to stay, have a few drinks, eat in a restaurant, among others. On the downside, many popular places may close. Despite this you will always get good options to enjoy your days in Ibiza.
How is the weather in Ibiza in winter
Winter in Ibiza is not difficult at all. The average temperature every day is 16 °C, very rarely you will experience around 12 °C. In addition, it is difficult to get frost, so you have nothing to worry about.
Winter starts at the end of December and lasts until mid-March. I suggest you take a light, waterproof sweater with you, as it can sometimes rain. If your shoes are also waterproof it will be even better.