Outdoor escapes between Christmas and New Year in Ibiza
The crisp and sunny days between Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to get out and explore Ibiza’s wintry natural delights. We asked Michael ‘Stivi’ Stivanello of Balearic Outdoor Adventures to highlight six of the best festive al fresco escapes.
Discover the island’s wild northwest
Hidden in the area of Es Amunts, especially in the coastal part between Santa Agnès and Sant Mateu, you’ll find the very best hiking trails of the island. I say hidden, because even though a few of the routes are easy to find, a lot of the best spots are quite secluded and this is where a trained guide comes in handy. In general, the Northwest is the quietest and most rural corner of Ibiza and the entire zone is simply gorgeous in the winter months. Also, should you get a rainy day, do yourselves a favour, get in the car and drive into the valley of Es Broll for an easy afternoon stroll and to see its ancient Moorish irrigation system in full flow. Didn’t know that one yet, did you?
Formentera in winter – Paradise on earth
Want some Robinson Crusoe vibes? Get on that ferry and head over to Formentera for the day. Our small sister island is almost deserted in the winter months, but didn’t you always want to see Ses Illetes beach without the masses and all the boats? Either make it a lovely hiking trip or bring the car over, which will enable you to see more of the island in one day. Bring sandwiches and drinks for a sunny beach picnic.
Top tip: Choose the sunniest day for this and take the 5pm ferry back so you’ll hit the sunset aboard the vessel!
Enjoy Es Vedrà and ‘Atlantis’ without the crowds
Very crowded during the season, beautifully quiet in winter…it’s the perfect opportunity for you to explore the area close to our magic rock, Es Vedrà, and to take it all in without hundreds of folk around you. Finally get those pictures you always wanted and the air temperature is now perfect to tackle the descent (and the strenuous ascent back up) to Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort, the old impressive sandstone quarry, better known as ‘Atlantis’ nowadays. This is a sensational hike but the return leg is tough and not recommended for families with children under ten unless they are very strong hikers. You'll also need to take plenty of drinking water to get home safely.
Kayaking in winter? Oh yes!
The sea may no longer be the desired temperature to swim, but you can still be active out on the water in winter. The fact that there is hardly any boat traffic around the island and the beaches aren’t busy makes kayaking a fantastic option for a sunny and calm winter’s day. The water is crystal clear; the air is as clean as it gets and suddenly you see why we love winter in Ibiza so much.
Say farewell to 2023 with the perfect sunset
Anyone that’s been in the Balearics in the off-season knows the sunsets are the best at this time of the year. The clean air, the intense colours…just wow. And the fact the sun sets much further south than in the summer means you can enjoy the last sunset of the year from a different spot than usual. Of course, there’s the entire west coast and there’s the Es Vedrà area, but why not check it out from Cap d’es Falcó or the watchtower at the end of Ses Salines for a change?
Top tip: You can even see the sunset from Ibiza town at this time of the year. Head up to Dalt Vila and on the southern facing side of the castle walls, up on Baluard de Sant Jaume and Baluard de Sant Jordi you get a perfect sunset (at 5:42pm on NYE) before you then head back and start your New Year’s Eve festivities!
Welcome in the New Year with a swim
Feeling a little hungover on New Year’s Day? Head to Ses Salines and join the already traditional New Year’s Day Swim sponsored by Vino&Co. The first dip takes place at midday and I promise you’ll feel ready for 2023 after that.
