11 Things to Do in Ibiza in Winter

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, some of the things to do in Ibiza in winter include strolling through its villages, enjoying the beautiful sunsets and the traditional fiestas in several of its villages.

Other things you can do to enjoy this beautiful island are cycling or walking along the beaches enjoying the solitude. If summer is synonymous with crowds and wild parties, winter in Ibiza represents peace and quiet. Take advantage of the winter sales and have an unforgettable trip to this wonderful island.

When you go to Ibiza in winter, I recommend you to visit the beach of your choice because you will achieve a connection and harmony with the sea that you won't be able to experience in other seasons. What's more, walking barefoot on the beach can have many benefits for your health, so what are you waiting for?

In the sea you can observe the Posidonia Oceanica seaweed, a plant declared a natural heritage site by UNESCO, as it oxygenates the sea. You can also find beaches where you can enjoy the best snorkelling experience, as it is not an activity exclusive to summer: Salinas, Cala Conta, Cala Saladeta or Aguas Blancas. I also recommend you visit the beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. You can take a pleasant trip between the two places passing by the Ses Portes Tower.

The cool weather and clear streets are the perfect excuse to go on 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'll find cycling routes that you're sure to love.

If you don't have a bike with you, don't worry, you can rent one from companies like Hasha Ibiza. I suggest you visit churches such as Nuestra Señora del Carmen or De las Nieves. And, I invite you to take a route to the top of Puig de Missa, where you will find a church with 16th-century architecture. From there you will enjoy beautiful views of the village of Santa Eulalia, Santa Gertrudies and the marvellous bay of Cala Llonga. It's really worth the trip.

One of the best things to do in Es Vedrá is to visit its viewpoint. Although this is usually a summer destination, if you go in winter you will be able to appreciate the best views of the sea more comfortably. 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 claim it gives off a special energy. If you are a spiritual person I am sure you will love to see it and meditate and connect with nature. This astral space is also known as El Triángulo del Silencio (The Triangle of Silence) because of the mysterious events that surround it.

The day of Sant Agnès, the patron saint of the municipality of the same name, is celebrated on 21 January. You can take part in the Eucharist for the saint, followed by mass and the commemorative procession. The celebration continues with a peasant dance, one of Ibiza's oldest and most beautiful traditions.

A few days later, in January, the Sofrit Pagès championship is held , a typical dish from Ibiza, specifically from San Agnès. And at the end of February the Festa de sa Sitja de sa Rota d'en Coca is held. This is a traditional activity for the whole family in which a silo is traditionally lit. On the 29th of February, the popular festival 'Es de Corona feim colla' is usually held, characterised by the traditional peasant dance that you are sure to love watching and photographing.

Practical information

• Location: in the village of Sant Agnès, near the church of Sant Agnès.
• When to go: from 21 January to the first week of March.
• Price: It's a free celebration, you only have to pay for the food you eat.
• Opening times: The celebrations begin at 9 am and end at 9.30 pm.

If there is one occasion you can't miss in winter, it is a visit to the village of San Antonio de Ibiza on 17th January. This is 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 midday you can go to the solemn mass. When the mass is over, you are invited to take part in a procession in honour of the saint where animals are blessed, there are parades of traditional carts, dances and tasting of typical food such as fritters and wines.

The next event is the Sant Antoni Trucks Festival which takes place in the harbour. 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 end a day in Ibiza on a high note, with good food, dancing and enjoying yourself.

Practical info

• Location: in the town of San Antonio, specifically in the church of San Antonio, near the town hall and the port.

• When to go: 17th January every year.

• Price: it is a free celebration.

• Timetable: the celebrations begin at 9am and end at 9.30pm.

If you have already been to the town's festivities, I recommend that you appreciate the beauty of Sant Agnès, which you can only 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 see them is Sant Agnès. In the month of January the almond trees in this village begin to blossom and you can see a beautiful contrast with the ochre of the earth. To celebrate this, the locals gather in the surrounding area to admire the natural beauty.

Make the most of your visit to stroll around the squares and take the best photographs. The whole village is covered in a beautiful white blanket. It is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year if you like nature. As there are few tourists at this time of year, the walks through the fields and squares will give you peace and quiet. I am sure it will be an unforgettable trip.

Carnival in Ibiza is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the year. They take place at the end of winter, usually in February, for five days. The streets are filled with parades of troupes in extravagant and colourful 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 Rúa 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 will be able to see concerts and performances full of joy. Don't miss the carnivals in Ibiza!

In Santa Eulalia you can visit the island's most famous hippie market, Las Dalias, a paradise of crafts and good bargains. This place opens every Saturday from 10 am and closes at 7 pm and is one of the few markets open in winter.

At the Dallas flea market you will find more than 200 stalls. It is located in the town of Sant Carles de Peralta and is the largest representative of hippie fashion in the whole of Ibiza. You can also visit the Sant Jordi flea market where they sell many second-hand items, costume jewellery, music and old books. Another one I recommend you visit is the Cala Llenya flea market in Santa Eulalia. Here you will also find second-hand clothes.

The Cursa de Passeig a Passeig is an iconic Ibiza athletics competition that takes place at the beginning of March. Normally the race starts from the port of Ibiza to the s'Alamera in 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 don't want to participate in this competition, you can come to the port and watch the athletes prepare. There is usually a small celebration before they leave the starting point. So if you're looking for things to do in March in Ibiza, this could be a good plan - come along and cheer on the athletes competing for a good cause!

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 public holidays such as Christmas.

Thanks to the fact that there are not too many tourists in winter, you can enjoy the club without being bumped into or feeling suffocated. In the centre of Ibiza, right in the Pasajes Felipe II you will find different venues with a variety of musical styles. The prices of the drinks you can enjoy in these places are cheap. In addition, the discotheques will allow you to acclimatise from the cold. One of the places I recommend is the Malanga Café.

Lastly, I suggest you experience a wonderful sunset in different parts of Ibiza, whether on the beach, in squares or from viewpoints. In summer, especially on hot days, the atmosphere is filled with gases and different particles that cloud the sky. In winter, on the other hand, the sky is clearer, especially if it has rained a little on previous days. This will help you to observe the vivid colours of the sunset.

To get the best views, I suggest you go to the highest points of Ibiza, such as the peak of Sa Talaia, where you can discover a mysterious hermitage. You can take a hiking route and appreciate nature. If you like the idea, my recommendation is to get a private guide to show you the route.

Traveller Tip
In winter the temperatures are pleasant, so walking for hours won't be too tiring. However, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as a bottle of water for the walk.

Ibiza is mostly a summer holiday destination. However, in winter you can still enjoy its wonders with the great advantage that everything is cheaper than in other seasons of the year! As there are fewer tourists, the prices of accommodation, 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.

Winter in Ibiza is not difficult at all. The average temperature every day is 16 °C, very seldom you will experience around 12 °C. Moreover, frosts are rare, so you have nothing to worry about.

Winter starts at the end of December and lasts until mid-March. I suggest taking a light, waterproof jumper, as it can sometimes rain. If your shoes are also waterproof it will be even better.