Rooftops in Ibiza: Dalt Vila, the harbours and the Mediterranean seen from above
The capital of the White Isle
Ibiza, officially Eivissa in Catalan, is the capital of the island of the same name, the largest of the Pityusic Islands, the archipelago it forms with its neighbour Formentera within the Balearic Islands. Built in the south-east of the island, the town opens onto a natural bay that shelters the port of Ibiza, whose northern entrance is marked by the Botafoc lighthouse. Long poor and isolated, the island saw a tremendous tourism boom in the 20th century, driven by its beaches and its nightlife, which draw many visitors every summer.
Dalt Vila, the fortified upper town
Founded by the Phoenicians, who set up a port here in 654 BC, Ibiza keeps on its hill the upper town, Dalt Vila, enclosed within 16th-century ramparts built to protect it from attacks from the sea. One of the ways in is through the Portal de ses Taules, the main gate, before climbing up to the Santa Maria cathedral and the castle. Together with the Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins, the upper town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, as part of the property “Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture”. At its feet lie the port, the tree-lined promenade of Vara de Rey and, on the other side of the bay, the Marina Botafoch marina.
Where to rise above it all in the town of Ibiza
Vara de Rey, facing Dalt Vila
Around Vara de Rey, two roofs look at the upper town from close up. The Montesol Rooftop crowns the Montesol Experimental hotel, with the cathedral in its sights. On the neighbouring corner, UP at The Standard occupies the hotel's roof, with one of the island's rare rooftop pools, sun loungers and Latin American-inspired cuisine; it is restricted to over-18s.
From Marina Botafoch to Talamanca
On the other side of the port, the OD Sky Bar occupies the roof of the Ocean Drive hotel, in Marina Botafoch: this time the ramparts and white houses of Dalt Vila are seen head-on, beyond the yachts. A little further east, on the edge of Talamanca beach, the Nobu Rooftop sets out its lounges on the roof of the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, facing the bay and its sailing boats at anchor.
In Platja d'en Bossa
South of the town, on the long beach of Platja d'en Bossa, Up Ibiza Sky Society occupies the 9th floor of The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel: the view stretches towards Formentera, while the open-air stage of the Ushuaïa club comes alive just below.
Elsewhere on the island
The east coast, around Santa Eulària des Riu
In Santa Eulària des Riu, Maymanta combines a Peruvian restaurant and a pisco bar on the roof of the Aguas de Ibiza hotel, above the marina. Further north, in Es Canar, EPIC Infinity Lounge runs along the infinity pool of the BLESS Ibiza Cala Nova, facing the cove of Cala Nova.
The bay of Sant Antoni and the west coast
On the sunset side, the bay of Sant Antoni is home to several roofs. In Sant Antoni de Portmany, Cielito serves Mexican cuisine on the fifth floor of the Bonito Ibiza. On the south shore, in Cala de Bou, the Belvue Rooftop Bar, on the sixth floor of the Amàre Beach Hotel, and Rooftop Nine, on the roof of the INNSiDE Ibiza Beach, line up infinity pools, lounges and DJs at sunset; Rooftop Nine is adults-only. North of Sant Antoni, Gravity crowns the TRS Ibiza Hotel, above the cove of Cala Gració, with a minimum age of 16. Further south-west, above Cala Carbó, La Mirada comes alive in the evening on the roof of the Petunia Ibiza, facing the islet of Es Vedrà; it is restricted to over-16s.
Gastronomy and cocktails up high
Luxury island prices
Ibiza's rooftops are almost all set on upmarket hotels, and prices follow suit. Expect €14 to €16 for a cocktail at the Montesol Rooftop, around €16 at UP and at Cielito, about €16 for a classic and €21 for a signature creation at Maymanta, €19 to €20 at EPIC Infinity Lounge and €21 to €23 at the Nobu Rooftop.
Tips for making the most of Ibiza's rooftops
A matter of season
In a mild, dry and very sunny Mediterranean climate, most of Ibiza's rooftops follow the rhythm of the tourist season: they open in spring and close in autumn, often towards the end of October, at the same time as their hotel. The OD Sky Bar is the exception and stays open all year round. Check opening dates and age rules before you go, and book for sunset.
Getting around the island
In the town of Ibiza, the Montesol Rooftop and UP at The Standard can be reached on foot from the port and the entrance to Dalt Vila; the OD Sky Bar and the Nobu Rooftop are on the other side of the bay, reachable by taxi or on foot along the seafront. For Platja d'en Bossa, Santa Eulària des Riu, Es Canar, Sant Antoni de Portmany or the west coast, plan on the bus, a taxi or a car; in Cala de Bou, a shuttle boat also links up with the port of Sant Antoni.
Photo : AH AP / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0