It remains to be seen if and how the pandemic will affect Ibiza’s upcoming summer clubbing season which runs from roughly the end of May through early October. Most people think of packed nightclubs and giant beach crowds when they think of Ibiza, which doesn’t exactly adhere to the whole social distancing concept.

Thankfully, Ibiza is much more than parties and music. There’s a natural and relaxing side to the island which may now be just what travelers need for planning a stay in Ibiza.

Ibiza is home to many protected natural areas including natural parks like Ses Salines and Amunts as well as the Ses Feixes Wetlands which attracts a great deal of birdlife. There are secret coves to explore, deserted beaches to seek out, and hiking trails to help you get off the beaten trail.

Sections of the island are also historically significant such as the Renaissance walls of Ibiza City’s Old Town and the remnants of early Phoenician settlements. Parts of Ibiza are actually recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their significance.

Experience the Ibiza you may not have known as I introduce you to some of the island’s relaxing natural locations where you’ll be far removed from the pulsating beats puts out by DJs which will allow you to actually tune in to your own heartbeat.

The Natural and Relaxing Side of Ibiza (Travel Guide!)

Casita Verde

Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Ibiza is an ecological and educational center known as Casita Verde. The center is mainly run by a group of volunteers who believe in the need to develop alternative energies and find ways for us all to live a more sustainable life.

The center features green living-spaces, and structures built using up-cycled materials, and solar energy. Casita Verde’s founder, Chris Dews, also founded Ibiza Limpia which helps to keep the island beautiful and free of litter.

Casita Verde had originally run special ecological workshops, vegetarian lunches, and had open Sundays where visitors could tour the place, its buildings, and its projects. While this has since stopped, you can still book private tours of the site and its gardens for a modest donation.

Private tours run for roughly 90 minutes and include an aloe vera juice demonstration and drink. You will learn ways and ideas on how you too can make changes in your life that will help protect the planet and its future.

Puig des Molins

Head into the hills to discover Puig des Molins where an ancient Phoenician necropolis rests. Dating back to the 7th century, the remains of the necropolis are some of the best preserved in the Mediterranean and act as an open-air archaeological museum for visitors.

There are thousands of tombs on the site, as the place was once a burial place. Visitors are allowed to descend one such tomb which has been excavated.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site also features the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera where you can learn detailed history of the site and view the many artifacts that have been uncovered here which are proudly displayed.

The site’s Catalan name translates as the “hill of windmills” of which a few of the historic windmills that date to around the 14th or 15th century still remain.

Horse Valley

In Ibiza’s north, is a sanctuary for horses which were once mistreated or abandoned. These horses now live in communal herds as they might in the wild.

Known as Horse Valley, the 40-hectare sanctuary is found in Es Murta Natural Park and visitors can come to meet, feed, and tend to the horses before saddling up  for a half or full day of horseback riding through the mountains.

The longer trips will take you to the coast where you can ride along the beach and even swim with the horses certain times of the year.

Seeing the natural north side of Ibiza is a real treat and the small group rides of no more than eight people offers an intimate experience. Riders meet in the village of Sant Joan de Labritja before being guided to Horse Valley.

Cova de Can Marçà

Embark on a guided tour through the island’s largest cave system, which is found in Puerto de San Miguel. Tours descend into this remarkable cave about every half hour and will introduce you to stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes.

There are also fossilized remains of animals in the cave as well as fascinating natural fluorescent rock pools. It is said that the once secret cave was used by smugglers to store contraband, some of the markings they made on the cave walls still visible to this day.

A manmade waterfall has been created within the caves, replicating the natural waterfall that once flowed through the cave. You will be treated to a light and sound show while you observe the waterfall.

 Atzaró Spa

If you enjoy nature but are looking for something a bit more relaxing than hiking or horseback riding, Atzaró Spa may be the answer.

This open air spa set on 10 acres of manicured gardens is regarded as the finest on the island and offers a wide range of spa treatments and wellness activities.

There are a number of day experiences available which may include spa treatments, massages, meditation, and a nutritious lunch.

Enjoy facials and peels, manicures, pedicures, Ayurveda massages, and Reiki energy healing. You can also make use of the sauna, hammam, and 43-metre pool as well as engaging in vinyasa yoga or pilates in the wellness studio.

The spa’s organic oils and other products are developed using plants grown in their very own gardens which themselves are enveloped in orange and olive groves in Ibiza’s countryside.

Beach Yoga

Fancy an early morning session of yoga on the beach? There are a few breathtakingly beautiful options to choose from including yoga at Amante Ibiza overlooking Sol Den Serra Beach or Aiyanna Ibiza which looks out over Cala Nova Beach.

Both locations are located in Ibiza’s east.

Yoga classes are held several days each week at the two sites and are taught in both Spanish and English by yoga instructors who are trained in both classical and contemporary styles of yoga.

After your relaxing and very scenic yoga session which begins at 9AM and runs for an hour, you are treated to a buffet breakfast at the onsite restaurant found in each location.

The breakfast includes eggs, yogurt, wholegrain pastries, dried fruits, and freshly squeezed juices.

Es Vedra

Finish off your day by taking in the sunset with a view of the magical island Es Vedra that sits just off the southwest corner of Ibiza.

This uninhabited giant rock of an island juts out of the sea some 400 meters in height and has many legends associated with it including that it was once home to mythological sirens who would lure ancient sailors.

You can catch a great view of Es Vedra from the Ibiza shoreline by dining at one of the local seafood restaurants or you can take a boat tour to get a closer view of the island.

Other options of getting close to Es Vedra include chartering a boat or taking a kayak if you wish to have a bit more solitude.

While the island may not have any human inhabitants, there are lizards that roam the rocks and endangered Eleonora’s falcons that soar overhead.