Ibiza - the non-party beautiful bits

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Never been to Ibiza, have often heard that it is really lovely. Where on the island would you recommend to two adults who enjoy walking, sightseeing, good food, stunning scenery and watching the world go by in beautiful locations? Both in terms of where to be based and where to visit .
Would be travelling outside of school holidays.
Thank you .

Ibiza Old Town is a good base for sight-seeing and it’s not all party-central. It has some narrow cobbled streets and lots of hideaway restaurants or cafes which give it plenty of charm, plus a few historical sites.
Santa Eularia is quieter but still has lots of tourist facilities catering to every need, and apparently it’s one of the best places to eat on the island. It has a gorgeous seafront promenade lined with palm trees, a few museums and a number of small art galleries/craft shops.
Cala Llonga is another nice resort with great views, and it’s good for walking, but it’s more geared up for families with a small amusement park and playground on the beach

We went to Cala Longa and loved it. Very tranquil and beautiful beaches

Thank you both, appreciated.

If you enjoy walking the north of the island is great, lots of beautiful walks and coves to discover. There are two nice light house walks, one in the south at Salinas, the other in the north. Easily found on Google but shout if you need more details as we did these just a month ago.

As a base, Cala Llonga has a beautiful beach, inmy opinion one of the best on the island, and is where we are based, but lacks good quality evening restaurants. It's great for families with some popular but a little generic options, but as a couple I would suggest Santa Eulalia. You can stay in either resort and use taxis or the ferry between. There are nice hotels in Santa Eulalia, plenty of restaurants, a pretty boardwalk from the marina round the bay. The CBBC restaurant at the marina does a great menu of the day (lunchtimes only) and offers an affordable way to eat in a prime setting.The beach is nice but not my favorite. North of Santa Eulalia there are lots of walking trails to beautiful coves. There are also water sports at Cala Pada. For something special in the countryside check out Atzaro (they have a beach place too). The country hotel has a great day spa deal and the food was very nice.
Ibiza old town would be a must do of an evening too, just up the ramp is a very good ice cream parlour to break up the journey!
Keep in mind the heat, it's due to be a hot summer, so we walk a lot but not June to September .

Thank you @Annexlife,very helpful.

We would really want a choice of good restaurants nearby, either sensible walking distance or a short taxi ride for evening meals (because we will want wine with the food!!)

Also another question: is car hire essential or is it easy enough to visit some of the places mentioned by public transport?

I would hire a car/moped, in the day it may be ok but evening they don't really have too many taxis in some parts of Ibiza. We almost got stuck once after a walk and dinner! There is a great walking group that go to all areas of the island, Walking Ibiza. Check them out on Facebook! I can't wait to go back. We normally stay on the edge of San Antonio as then we have access to good restaurants in the evening within walking distance and use a moped to travel to different areas during the day.

Just be advised car hire is very expensive this year. During covid when the second hand car market soared and lots of rental firms sold stock to keep afloat. Consequence less cars, more expensive. If you do hire a car off airport is significantly cheaper but I've heard no good stories about them so have always advised on airport hire. I have two sets of friends visiting this summer, both are choosing not to rent cars this year and will use ferry/taxi.
Public transport is bus and they are frequent between main towns, however if you want to hike or be more flexible car hire or taxis are the way forward. The island had one main taxi service and they are pretty reliable, especially if you prebook.

That's good to know @TippledPink, thank you. We've just got used to being able to take taxis if nearby towns are too far to walk. Makes me think we'd be better based somewhere with lots of restaurants for evening meals. Not a problem for lunch when we'd be happy to drive. Although increasingly happy not to hire cars and use public transport where that works

Ibiza Town

Cala Tarida