Top best experiences in Winter without a car
I have 2 days for a getaway to Ibiza; it is December and I have no car. It doesn’t seem like much time to get to know the island; Still, if you organize well, you can do a lot of things. In this post I share all the information you need to know, what to see and do in the winter without a car in Ibiza in 2 days to make the most out of your visit.
Ibiza holds many attractions for which it is well-worth a getaway in the winter; Once the peak season ends, it breathes a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, there is little leisure atmosphere, but you can enjoy the city both without haste and the crowding of tourists. Its temperatures are mild, the cuisine delicious, the landscapes and sunsets spectacular, and also do not forget that culturally we are in an ancient city.
What to see and do in Ibiza city in 2 days
Historically, until the end of the 18th- century, this city has been an important enclave in the Mediterranean for its strategic geographical position. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Renaissance men have left their mark on it.
In 1999, this splendid place was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its walled town of Dalt Vila and the Phoenician village Sa Caleta.
In the list of things to do in 2 days in Ibiza, we start with the walled enclosure of Dalt Vila.
DALT VILA
Dalt Vila, perched on top of The Puig de Vila Mountain, is the old historical Ibiza’s centre inside the 16th-century Renaissance city walls. This Renaissance wall is the most important monument of the island, considered the best preserved coastal fortress of the Mediterranean Sea along with the Valeta complex in Malta. It is visible many kilometers away, shaped like a heptagon, comprises 7 defensive bastions.
Along the wall, 5 gates allow access to Dalt Vila, being The Gate of the Sea or Portal de ses Taules the main entrance on the drawbridge, under a monumental triumphant arch.
You can get around Dalt Vila on 2 different routes: first by focusing on the wall, strolling through it from bastion to bastion. From Santa Lucia’s bastion you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and even the nearby island of Formentera.
After, focusing on the old town, gradually savoring the history of Ibiza, strolling through its steep cobbled alleys and squares, and discover the most emblematic buildings placed here: the Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, the castle and the Baroque church of Santo Domingo, among others.
You will also find art galleries, many restaurants, craft shops, which in this historic setting recreate a unique and special atmosphere both day and night.
Once you have visited Dalt Vila, crossing the portal of ses Taules you will reach directly to Paseo Vara del Rey and the port.
VARA DEL REY WALK
Nerve point of the city, is the longest street in the capital. Hosting buildings of colonial architecture, along the way you will find many well-known designers shops, restaurants, bars and charming terraces.
Continuing along this great avenue, we arrive at the Marina district.
THE PORT OF IBIZA AND THE LA MARINA DISTRICT
In this area traditionally lived Ibiza’s old town fishermen’s, and today, still preserves the building’s architecture from a century ago, which gives it a special charm.
At the end of the deck, we find the Botefoc lighthouse, from the nineteenth century, surrounding it you will have an amazing panorama of the wharf, the walls and the Formentera island.
Both areas are spots for shopping and leisure, both daytime and nightlife.
MONOGRAPH MUSEUM OF PUIG DES MOLINS
It comprises 2 routes: The first one is the archaeological site of the Necropolis of Puig des Molins.
The Puig des Molins Museum is a small hill that was the cemetery of the founders of the city of Ibiza, the Phoenicians, throughout the 7th century B.C.
This museum takes its name after Puig des Molins because of the windmills at the peak’s hill since at least the fourteenth century. Today they are no longer in use.
On the second tour, inside the museum, the permanent exhibition is based on death; through the objects they present to us bring us closer to the funeral beliefs and rites of the inhabitants of the Antiquity.
Other museums they might interest you:
- Contemporary Art Museum (MACE). It exhibits works by artists from all over the world. It has a permanent exhibition room, temporal art exhibitions and selection of archaeological finds. Admission is free.
- Puget Museum. The museum is located in a noble house of Dalt Vila, exhibits 130 pictorial works by Narcís Puget Riquer and Narcís Puget Viñas, donated to the State by the family. These are oil paintings and watercolors of the local style that reflect the Ibiza of the first half of the twentieth century.
TALAMANCA BEACH
Talamanca beach is one of the urban Ibiza’s beaches together with Figueretes and Platja d’en Bossa. At close access to the promenade and the marina, 15 minutes walk.
In the winter is a quiet beach that invites you to stroll along all its charming wooden walkways. Turquoise transparent water, clean sand and soft sun encourage you to swim.
And don’t forget to stop by at any of the several sea-side terraces and have a glass of wine (or two) while enjoying the stunning views.
THE PHOENICIAN REMAINS OF SA CALETA
If you are interested in seeing an impressive Phoenician site, you can visit Sa Caleta, in the municipality of San José, on the island’s south.
This Phoenician Village is vital for understanding the history of Ibiza, so UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1999.
The village’s origin dates from the 8th century BC, around 600 BC population moved to the bay of Ibiza, founding the present city.
How to get there:
By bus. First take the bus to the airport, from there, pick up a taxi (15 euros). In the summer several direct bus connect the city centre with Sa Caleta.
Note: About transportation: during the winter many bus routes are suspended or run at reduced times. The best way to get around is by car, saving yourself much time.
Also on the list of things to do we can not forget:
Go for wines and pintxos through the center of Ibiza. As a basic part of Spanish gastronomy, you cannot miss. The city is packed with bars, you can make a route, for example checking up on these taverns: Can Terra Ibiza, Mar a Vila, both in Avinguda d’Ignasi Wallis, El Zaguan, in Av. de Bartomeu de Roselló, … All of them are worth a visit…
Watch a Sunset
And to finish the day well, there is nothing like enjoying a spectacular sunset.
In the winter is an excellent time to do it because it is not as hot as in the summer and the atmosphere is clearer so you can see a clean sunset on the horizon.
I did it from the highest point in the city, Dalt Vila, the Castle, and it is impressive.
Where to eat in Ibiza in the winter
The food is especially tasteful. The number of restaurants and organic shops scattered everywhere surprised me. There are no excuses: a healthy and delicious food at your fingertips. I ate in two restaurants I recommend you:
– La Cava, in Paseo Vara del Rey. It has everything, tapas, wines, and cocktails. The tapas are great.
– Café Montesol, in Paseo Vara del Rey. It’s the café at Hotel Montesol. Gastro-gar restaurant with wines, cocktails, wonderful everything.
– Restaurant La Plaza, in Placa de la Vila. A very cozy place, excellent service, good value for money.
Where to stay in Ibiza city
In the summer prices are usually expensive for the influx of tourists. In the winter, prices go down, but not so much. I recommend the hotel I was in, Hotel Royal Plaza, close to the city centre, and the staff super friendly. It also has a gym where you can do some workout in case you feel you’ve eaten too much…
2 Days in Ibiza, my thoughts
I hope this mini-guide of things to do in 2 days in Ibiza has been helpful and inspired you to make a winter getaway to Ibiza. You might like to check out more getaways like this here.
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