Why to go?

Although Ibiza is famous for having some of the best nightclubs in the world, the island also has an absolutely beautiful coastline with dozens of tiny coves to discover. The season gets going in May and outside the hottest months of July and August, all the Balearics are good for activity holidays, whether easy or more challenging, with plenty to see if you are interested in plants or birds.

Summer attractions and day trips

Formentera

Take a boat from Ibiza to this tiny island a couple of miles to the south. When you disembark at the harbour in La Savina, it is a good idea to hire a bike or scooter from one of the many outlets to explore the island. You might want to spend all day on one of the spectacular beaches – where nudism is the norm but not obligatory – or perhaps walk around the coast.

The salt pans are now a nature reserve and a haven for birdwatchers. There are regular services from Ibiza town, and also from Santa Eulalia, San Antonio, Es Canar and Playa d’en Bossa. Some ferries take about an hour and costs around £15 return, while the fast service takes 35 minutes and costs about £35 return

Diving

A61GN0 Anchor wreck with fish and scuba diver underwater, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

Conditions are ideal for diving around the coast of Ibiza, with clear water and water temperatures of up to 26 degrees Centigrade (80F) in summer. The sea bed in the Las Salinas national park is a World Heritage site, owing to the ecological importance of the seagrass that grows there. There are diving centres all over the island, including Active Dive in San Antonio ( www.active-dive.com) Diving Center San Miguel (www.divingcenter-sanmiguel.com) and Subfari in Portinatx (www.subfari.es).
Conditions are ideal for diving around the coast of Ibiza

Cycling

Hiring a bike is a great way to explore both Ibiza and Formentera. You can pick up maps of cycling routes from tourist offices, or download them from www.ibiza.travel/en/cicloturismo.php. From San Antonio, for example, there is an easy route along paths through fields to the village of San Rafael in the centre of the island.

My hotel pick: Cas Mallorqui lets visitors enjoy simple pleasures in this no-fuss hotel in an idyllic location, on the north coast in the village of Portinatx, overlooking a pretty bay with sparkling turquoise water.

Ibizasport, based in San Antonio, is a reputable bike-hire company. They also have routes for all levels on their website and can provide guides to accompany you. Bikes from €15 (£12.80) per day, including helmets and water bottle (www.ibizasport.com).

Aguamar

It may not be exactly state-of-the-art, but younger children love this waterpark next to the Space club in Playa d’en Bossa, which has seven slides with varying shriek factors, as well as pools and playgrounds. You can take your own food to eat in the picnic areas, and are allowed back in if you want to take a break on the beach for an hour or two.

Beaches

Cala Jondal, San José

Of the 80 beaches in Ibiza, this is the most relaxed. Set in a secluded bay, with some of the most atmospheric bars and restaurants, Cala Jondal feels serene, sophisticated and happening all at the same time. Housed in a conservation area and overlooked by pine-clad hills, it offers a 20-yard deep slab of sand and pebbles, which slopes gently into the clear waters.

Cala Jondal is on the south-west tip of the island, 25 minutes by car from Ibiza Town or 35 minutes from San Antonio. Take the road from the airport towards Sa Caleta. A few hundred yards after you pass the bay of Sa Caleta, turn left and follow the signposts.

Las Salinas, Playa d’en Bossa

Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, this mile-long crescent of sand on the southernmost tip of the island is bordered by a small pine forest. With music blaring from the party bars, it’s here that you will find the most ostentatious clientele on the island.

There are plenty of buses from Ibiza Town. In a car, follow signs to the airport and then, at the roundabout by the Hippodrome, take the second turning to Salinas and follow the signs.

My hotel pick: The Ushuaia Beach Hotel is located right on Playa d’en Bossa and a couple of miles from Ibiza town, so you can slide straight into the groove with no boring transfers.

Playa Mitjorn, Formentera

Formentera, the largest of the islands to the south of Ibiza, has the best Balearic beaches and Playa Mitjorn, on the south coast, which is formed by a series of coves, is the longest beach on the island, with white sands and placid seas. The area is relatively undeveloped and, on some days, it’s possible to find your own cove.

The beach, a rugged mixture of rocks, grasses and deep sand, extends across the whole south of the island, from La Mola to Cap de Barbaria, and there are great views from these promontories, plus a sprinkling of small restaurants and bars.

Take a short boat trip from Ibiza Town to La Savina. Take a bus from most places on the island or a short journey along the coast by car.

Cala D’Hort, near Cala Vadella

In the south-west of the island, the beach is a broad arch of fine, white sand with a mesmerising view of the volcano-shaped Es Vedra rock.

From Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, take the road towards El Cubells and turn off to Cala d’Hort after 3 miles (5 km). A steep hill at the end needs to be taken slowly. There is not much space to park, so get there early.

Festivals and events

Ibiza Rocks – June 5 to September 20

Jake Bugg is performing at the opening party of the summer music festival , and other acts include Bastille (June 26), Tinie Tempah (July 10) and Dizzee Rascal (August 28).

See ibizarocks.com

Sant Ciriac Festival – first week of August

Ibiza town and Formentera commemorate the return of the islands to Spanish rule in 1235 with processions, fireworks, music and dancing.