Winter in Ibiza with Prestige Properties | Part. 2 Cultural Experiences & Festivities

Cultural experiences and festivities in Ibiza during the winter months…

The winter months and off-season here in Ibiza can offer an entirely different aspect and set of experiences compared to the height of the summer, for both tourists visiting and those residing on a long-term basis.

Spectacular natural surroundings and remote beaches with plenty of leisure activities makes winter in Ibiza filled with a tremendous sense of the great outdoors. Our ‘Winter in Ibiza’ (part 1) highlights a brief introduction of activities for groups of friends and families to engage in and enjoy, everything from water sports, golfing, excursions, boating, guided hiking and cycling tours.

However, with Ibiza winter’s being more than eventful, and not just from a leisurely perspective, we’ve put together our second ‘Winter in Ibiza’ blog, solely focussing on the wealth of fantastic cultural experiences and festivities here in Ibiza.

If you’re considering taking the opportunity to explore Ibiza and enjoy some winter sun between October through to March, or you’re new to Ibiza on a permanent basis, then these cultural and social experiences may be just what you are looking for to ensure your winter in Ibiza is filled with an exciting itinerary.

Click here and check out our Ibiza villas available for rent during the Winter Season

Winter in Ibiza Part. 2 – Cultural Experiences and Festivities in Ibiza

Hippy Markets

Ibiza is renowned for its unique and lively artisan markets, some of which have been in existence since the start of the island’s tourism, dating back to the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

For this historical reason alone, the summer months can often encounter an influx of tourists at the many ‘Hippy Market’ hotspots on offer. With plenty of regular weekly openings, events, great food and live music, these island attractions are always very popular and have brought regular recurring tourism year after year.

In the winter months, much of Ibiza still hosts regular markets which can be found scattered around various villages on a weekly basis (although not all). Each one is filled with arts, crafts, artisan fashion and jewelry, as well as some fantastic food options.

Hippy Markets during the winter offer a place where many can gather together for relaxed, casual weekends and enjoy a unique atmosphere (especially when compared to the rush of the summer), with a sense of history, culture and community all rolled into one.

Everything from the famous Las Dalias Hippy Market (held on Saturdays during the off-season) with its brightly decorated stadium of over 200 market stalls; to San Juan’s smaller local market (on Sunday’s), perhaps the most cultured hippy origin with entertaining live music, regular dancing and a delicious paella street food performance; to the grand flea market in Sant Jordi (every Saturday morning), selling an abundant of almost anything from ‘bric and brac’ to some relatively valuable household furniture.

These regular hippy market meeting points are bound to keep everybody entertained, bumping into familiar faces, meeting new friends and no doubt finding some fine gifts or treasured items.

Las Dalias Hippy Market Ibiza

Patron Days and Festivals

Ibiza may be well-known for it’s party and club culture, but the locals also have a ‘fiesta’ style of their own. The word fiesta itself translates to festival, carnival or can refer to an annual religious celebration. Here, local villages may honour their patron saint, a national holiday, or even a national food may be observed and commemorated. Either way or celebration, the Ibicencan culture likes to get festive, and on a very regular basis to say the least.

Almost every month throughout the year, a particular village on the island is filled with bustling streets of families and friends, consumed with market stalls, live music, parades, fancy dress, children’s activities, sports, competitions, folk dancing and of course plenty of freshly prepared authentic food and drink.

The festive event calendar is most definitely one to keep track of. You should know when the next Ibiza town event is occurring and beware of traffic, town road closures and closures of local supermarkets and stores. Equally, you wouldn’t want to miss out on some of the island’s most fun and festive experiences on offer.

There are four fantastic festivities, asides from the many patron saint days, that are particularly well celebrated throughout the winter here in Ibiza. ‘Dia de Reyes’ (Three Kings Day), ‘Rúas de Carnaval’ (Carnival Season), Ibiza Sabor Festival (local food festival) and the San Mateo Wine Festival are all fantastic events and well worth visiting for the day.

Arroz a Banda Ibiza

‘Día de Reyes’ takes place from the evening of January 5th and fills most of the following day, January 6th. The celebration is one of the biggest on the island, with the central theme relating to ‘The Three Kings’ presenting gifts to baby Jesus just after his birth.
Naturally, with the Christmas spirit still optimal and most families coming to the end of their festive holiday, ‘Dia de Reyes’ offers an exciting end to the Christmas season. It’s a remarkably special event for the young who wait eagerly for ‘The Three Kings’ to arrive at the grand parades, either in Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia, San Jose or San Antonio as they ride through the streets handing out sweets to the children.
March offers the national ‘Rúas de Carnaval’, a large Spanish celebration whereby everybody gets creative and colourful with fancy dress costumes, organised performing arts, parades, live music, activities and wonderful decorations throughout every village and town. Most of the week is vibrant with different events throughout Ibiza and street parties to attend. Carnival throughout Spain marks the beginning of spring time, as celebrations take place prior to lent and signifying the Easter period.

The Ibiza Sabor Festival is organised by the Consell Insular d’Eivissa, and provides a local celebration comprising a wonderful food festival which incorporates many of the island’s fantastic restaurants. The day is filled with an array of special Mediterranean cuisine and tapas from a variety of restaurateurs. This spectacular day includes plenty of food demonstrations, eating at a discounted price at participating restaurants and visits to wineries for tastings. The event takes place usually between 31 October to 5 December on an annual basis.

Lastly, San Mateo hosts a lovely annual wine festival that usually takes place in December and is an opportunity for wine producers, restaurateurs and locals to get together and celebrate another great year in Ibiza. It’s a great festival to sample some of the finer gastro-fare that Ibiza has on offer and get acquainted with some of Ibiza’s local wine producers.

Ibiza Sant Mateu D Albarca San Mateo White Church

Cultural Attractions in Ibiza

Dalt Vila

Ibiza has plenty of history and cultural heritage to explore. Dalt Vila is perhaps the most well-known and monumental spot which offers a breath-taking central castle and Cathedral located at the very top of its mountainous city walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1999, is a fantastic tourist attraction and offers outstanding views from its location across the entire island, the Mediterranean Sea and the isle of Formentera. Ibiza’s Cathedral, known as Catedral de Santa María was built in the 13th century and is representative of the stunning Gothic and Baroque Catalan architecture. The place of worship still encompasses the existing religious side of Ibiza locals with regular Mass and ceremonies often taking place.

Dalt Vila Ibiza
Museums and Galleries in Ibiza: "Museum of Archaeology"

The Museum of Archaeology is also well-worth a visit if archaeology is of interest. The museum, located within Dalt Vila grounds is an institution that preserves and researches remains found on the island of Ibiza and Formentera over the past few thousand years, including excavated burial sites and ancient artefacts, taking visitors on a journey through a history of inhabitants from anywhere around the Punic and Roman times and thereafter.

The Museum of Archaeology Ibiza
Museums and Galleries in Ibiza: "Contemporary Art Museum"

The Contemporary Art Museum of Ibiza also located in Dalt Vila, is a wonderfully unique art gallery showcasing permanent collections of art from the 1960’s all the way through to new modern arts. Some fledgling collections of photography and regular visiting exhibitions is a great place where you can explore some of Ibiza’s most substantial artistic expressionists. The gallery is perfectly situated close to many trending bars and restaurants in the Dalt Vila area, so visitors can take time to relax and enjoy a different side of the island for the entire day.

MACE Museum Ibiza

Considering taking your next vacation in Ibiza during the winter season?

It is often the sheer beauty and opportunity to quest the island’s community, history, and uniqueness as the main motive for tourism during the off-season. And, if you wish to feel part of the real spirit of Ibiza, the off-season is the perfect time to do so.

We would highly recommend any kind of outdoor leisure activities and cultural experiences, and although this introduction of ideas and experiences from our two part blog is not exhaustive of all there is to see and do, it gives a good starting point of what is on offer during the winter season.

Thanks for staying updated with Prestige Properties Ibiza. We hope to see you this winter, making the most of the White Isle.

Here are our Ibiza Winter Rental Properties

Can Tyane

CAN TYANE Ibiza winter villa

Can Rio

CAN RIO Ibiza Winter Rental Villa in Ibiza

Villa Saya

Villa Saya Ibiza - Winter in Ibiza

La Fabrica

La Fabrica Ibiza Villa Rental - Winter in Ibiza

Cana Bonita

CANA BONITA VILLA IBIZA

Can Algarrobos

Can Algarrobos Ibiza Property for rent

Do you have any questions or need more info?
Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!

    Winter in Ibiza with Prestige Properties Ibiza | Part. 1 Nature & Leisure

    Plenty of reasons to visit Ibiza during the winter months…

    There are plenty of reasons to visit Ibiza during the winter months. With so much natural beauty to discover and community culture to encounter, it is not unusual to experience a personal love affair for regular ‘Winter’s in Ibiza’, as one starts to uncover its surroundings, mystery, spirit, and uniqueness.

    Many local residents work hard all summer long, but as soon as the season settles, islanders quickly come out of the woodwork and into the light to enjoy the atmosphere and environment on offer. Everything from the beaches, outdoor water and land activities, restaurants, bars, shops, socialising, cultural experiences to festivities and events, are vibrant and bustling with enthusiasm from September through until the New Year.

    There are also many companies that specialize in offering winter tours and activities for all to enjoy including, tennis, golfing, water sports, excursions, boating, hiking, cycling, markets, and artisan workshops. The list is endless!

    With winter being more than eventful and enjoyed by many, we’ve put together a 2-part blog list on how we experience ‘Winter in Ibiza’ and what to expect from your winter vacation…

    Cala Conta Ibiza sunset

    Winter in Ibiza Part. 1 – Nature and Leisure in Ibiza

    Formentera

    Formentera is an absolute must visit at any time of the year. Naturally, during the less ventured months, this small sister island of Ibiza, encounters a very remote setting of wild nature and local authenticity.

    Despite its isolated ambience, Formentera is still incredibly spectacular with crystalline waters and white sands, filled with natural charm, brisk beach walks, open roads, local villages, lighthouses, mills and historical defense towers.

    Chartering a boat or sailing is possible from Ibiza to Formentera, although the waters and wind may be choppy due to changes in the weather conditions. However, the Balearic Ferry is still operating from Ibiza Town regularly during the winter months, where you can take your hired transport ready for arrival on the other side with ease and convenience.

    Most highly touristic restaurants, bars and beach clubs are closed from the end of September in Formentera, but a host of authentic and local spots are still operating all year round to enjoy a warm and fulfilling meal!

    Formentera Illetes - pic taken from formentera.es

    Hiking & Walking in Ibiza

    We all know there are many health benefits related to regular exercise and being in nature. A fresh air walk in Ibiza, away from the smoke and the toxins of city life is guaranteed to give a boost of energy, brain reawakening, and a lift of spirits. If you have only ever visited in the summer, then walking and hiking is likely to be the last activity on the itinerary. The sun’s heat during the day, and the appeal for cooler spots by the beach, even as the day draws to an end, reaps way more benefits.

    However, in the winter months, walking is an absolute gift and a great opportunity to see the real beauty of our pine filled island. There is a grand variety of hiking and walking options to participate in from the hills of Sa Talaia, the highest point on the island with outstanding mountain top views, the hills of San Juan, the natural springs of San Mateo, and the village of Santa Inés with its is a unique land, captivating beauty and sanctuary of cultivated almond trees; an exceptional sight and a truly preserved part of the island.

    In fact, walking and hiking has become such a popular activity over the years, that from 2010 an official tour company, ‘Walking Ibiza’ has been hosting regular guided tours around the island with local and historical knowledge. Everything from private groups, local community groups, team building events and a 4-day coastal challenge is on offer from these pioneers of walking to discover the real Ibiza.

    Walking In Ibiza during Winter season
    Touring – Quad Biking, Motorcycling, Cycling & Car Hire

    If hiking is not a preferred preference, and exploring the island further afield to ensure all the top hot spots are uncovered, Ibiza has plenty of options to get around the island on wheels.

    Depending on your ideal scenario and fitness levels, everything from quad biking, motorcycling, cycling & car hire is readily available even during the off-season. From late September the roads are usually quieter, with minimal traffic, and plenty of parking facilities. Winter is the optimal time to take a touring opportunity and adventure around the countryside, beach coves, restaurants and towns, which may otherwise be less desirable during the height of the season.

    There are many car hire operators, offering very reasonable rates, but if you fancy something a little more unique, we would recommend Ducks United Ibiza. A Citroen 2cv vintage car rental company with artistic colours and designs to all their motors. Literally, take a step back to a simpler time in history and tour the island with a hippy alternative, which is also more energy efficient and eco-friendly than modern vehicles.

    There are also many off-the-beaten track dirt roads and countryside cycling routes. Take a look at Bike Map, who boast of 164 different cycling routes across the island including everything from uphill routes, flat routes and top rated routes to long tours that cover every place imaginable.

    Ducks United Ibiza
    Watersports – Windsurfing, Sailing, Diving, Surfing

    Whilst it may appear that watersports are more of a summer activity, here in Ibiza weather conditions are often very pleasant throughout the winter, with plenty of sunshine and (some much needed) occasional rain. However, the winds do pick up which makes for a great environment for regular windsurfing, sailing and the occasional surf crusade!

    DiveStar Ibiza in Cala Martina, Santa Eulalia is often buzzing directly outside with crowds of Kite and Wind Surfers, especially on a Sunday afternoon (wind dependant), where water sporting activities are quickly followed by a freshly prepared paella from the local all-year-round ‘Restaurante Martina’. DiveStar is also known to host the best equipment and facilities for Scuba Diving, which not only includes beginners courses but full qualifications and schooling (usually seasonals).

    Surfing is a little less common, but not totally exempt, a few small spots around the island occasionally get a decent swell, where many gather to relish the opportunity, no matter how rare! If you fancy giving it a go for the first time, the waves are perfect for beginners on softer days, just simply check out Surf Reports for regular updates and wave reports. Top locations include, Aguas Blancas, Cala Nova, Cala Llenya, Cala Jondal and Can Pujol. Board rentals can be a bit tricky, but we recommend checking with your holiday provider for personal recommendations, if the waves happen to be kind during your stay!

    Divestar Ibiza Cala Martina
    Golf

    Golf Ibiza, is the islands only Golf course, located in a very up-market area near Roca Llisa’s private housing urbanisation in Santa Eulalia. After opening in 1972 with a 9-hole course, and the later in 1992 with a second 18 hole course, and now under new management by Azul Line Hotels since 2017, the stunning facility is open annually to both golf lovers and visitors who would like to enroll in golf lessons.

    With more than ten kilometers of outstanding countryside, breathtaking views and a constant sea breeze, Golf Ibiza is a unique and pleasant place to practice golf with family and friends during the winter season. In addition, Golf Ibiza’s restaurant and most recent development to the golf club, Hoyo 19, promises luxurious and delicious Mediterranean cuisine to complete the experience

    Golf Ibiza Winter in Ibiza

    Considering taking your next vacation in Ibiza during the winter season?

    It is often the sheer beauty and opportunity to quest the island’s splendor as the main motive for tourism during the off-season. And, if you wish to feel part of the real spirit of Ibiza, the off-season is the perfect time to do so.

    We would highly recommend any kind of outdoor leisure activities. There are so many great opportunities across the island to engage in and enjoy Ibiza’s natural side. These activities feel all the more special and gain an extra sense of wide open space and quiet retreat when the island is less overcrowded.

    With more cultural activities and experiences to enjoy during the winter, we hope you also enjoy our Part 2 Culture & Festivities Ibiza blog, coming soon!

    Thanks for staying updated with Prestige Properties Ibiza. We hope to see you this winter, making the most of the White Isle.

    If you are considering travelling to Ibiza this year and are still yet to book accommodation, then why not check out our Ibiza holiday villas on offer.

    Our team members are always ready to help you with your travel opportunities and are happy to assist you with any of your questions, so get in touch with us today!

    Do you have any questions or need more info?
    Send us a message and we will get back as quickly as possible!

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. more information