Visitor’s Guide to Ibiza’s Dalt Vila

“Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town is one of the island’s greatest attractions. With its stunning location overlooking the town and its bevy of cultural and historic artefacts, Dalt Vila is a paradise for history and culture buffs. Learn all you need to know about Ibiza’s Dalt Vila and plan your trip.

What is Dalt Vila?
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Ibiza is divided into two sections: the modern part known for its nightlife and urbanite experiences, and the old town, Dalt Vila. Meaning ‘Upper Town’, Dalt Vila is located on a small mountain overlooking the sea. Its walls date back to the 16th century and were constructed by King Phillip II, who wanted to protect the island from pirates and Ottoman attacks. The town is a vibrant mix of old and new, ranging from medieval architecture and museums to modern restaurants and beach resorts.

Getting around Dalt Vila
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Dalt Vila is easy to spot on the city skyline. The fortified hilltop was originally settled by the Phoenicians, and its 16th-century bastions stand out against the coastal background. Dalt Vila can be reached via the Portal de Ses Taules gateway, where you’ll find Plaza de Vila, or the main square. The square is home to many of the town’s restaurants, art galleries and shops. Most of Dalt Vila is residential, making it convenient to stroll the streets and see the town’s gorgeous medieval mansions and cathedrals.

Where to stay
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Ibiza offers many different experiences for travellers. If you’re travelling to Ibiza for nightlife and long days on the beach, you’ll have endless options to choose from that put you within reach of the island’s party atmosphere and the wonders of Dalt Vila. If you’re looking to explore Dalt Vila to experience an authentic and traditional holiday, you could stay right in the town itself. You’ll not only be close to the attractions of Dalt Vila, but you’ll also be close enough to the beaches and modern urban areas for nights out.

Dining in Dalt Vila
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Nestled between timeworn buildings on scenic, cobbled lanes, Dalt Vila’s restaurants are hidden gems that offer the most authentic Ibiza dining. Some restaurant highlights include La Dispensa, a landmark restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and cuisine that ranges from Mediterranean to Japanese, and El Olivo Mio, a romantic Andalusian restaurant with live music and flamenco dancing. There’s also El Portalon, a European restaurant with local Ibiza produce from Anne Sijmonsbergen, author of ‘Eivissa: The Ibiza Cookbook’.

Dalt Vila architecture
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One of Dalt Vila’s biggest draws is the architecture. The area is home to spectacular examples of medieval structures like Catedral de Eivissa, or the Ibiza Cathedral. Perched at the summit, this Gothic cathedral dates to the 14th century and boasts a pleasing mix of Catalan Gothic style with Valencian influences. The Castell de Eivissa, or Ibiza Castle, and its surrounding citadel is another marvel of Dalt Vila. Much of the citadel is designed as an outdoor museum that chronicles the local history and leads toward the castle, including defence structures like Baluarte de Sant Jaume and Baluarte de Sant Pere.

Museums in Dalt Vila
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Many travellers enjoy Dalt Vila for its incredible history and culture, which can be seen in its fascinating museums. The Archaeological Museum is a must-visit that’s home to over 3,000 years of history. The collection of artefacts is divided into periods dedicated to prehistoric, Phoenician, Roman, Punic and Islamic periods. There’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art, a museum and gallery in a modern renovated building that’s home to a collection of paintings from international and local artists of the 20th century, as well as a preserved subterranean archaeological site that showcases the changes to the town over the centuries. You could also visit the Centre d’interpretació Madina Yabisa, an information centre with ruins of an Islamic wall and two defence towers.

Nearby beaches
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Dalt Vila is conveniently located between two of the island’s most popular beach resorts: Playa d’en Bossa and Talamanca. After exploring the wonders of Dalt Vila, you could take a short walk to the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Ibiza’s stunning coastline, or spend the night dining, drinking and socializing in the famed beach clubs near the water. Ibiza’s beaches are popular for watersports as well, so you could find some thrills with experiences like sailing, surfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling or jetboarding.

Ready to plan your trip?
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Whether you want to include Dalt Vila as a stop on an Ibiza holiday, or you want to spend your whole trip exploring the cultural gem, Expedia can help you make the most of your journey. Take a look at deals on Ibiza holidays and find more exciting things to do in Ibiza from Expedia!”