Fall for autumn in Ibiza

Cooler conditions after the strong heat of summer make it much more pleasant to get out and about on the trails and roads at this time of year. However, Balearic autumns are far from the cold and wet seasons of northern Europe. As autumn rolls around in September, there's more cloud cover than in the summer months, but still enjoyable temperatures of around 20ºC, dropping lower to 15ºC as the winter months approach.

With these balmy and sunny conditions, you can attempt to tackle some of the longer or more challenging routes without needing to carry half your body weight in water and the need for so much suncream. We've written down comprehensive cycling and mountain biking guides for you to explore the island on two wheels or, if you'd prefer to explore on foot, take a look at our walking guide for ideas of where to go and suggested routes and maps.

Some of our favourite beach clubs remain open throughout September and into October.

Nikki Beach
The glamorous Nikki Beach boasts some of the best views on the White Isle from its privileged location right in front of the sea. With a gourmet restaurant and a great area around the pool, you can choose what you want your Nikki Beach experience to be – a relaxing day chilling out by the water during the week, or a champagne-flowing party on the weekends, with their signature entertainers bringing on upbeat Balearic vibes throughout the day.

We recommend you stay for lunch and enjoy some of their fine cuisines. Even if it rains, which is not a common occurrence on the island, you can take shelter inside their cosy dining area with huge windows overlooking the Mediterranean. They won't shut their doors until October but before that they always host an epic closing party - Red Party - to say goodbye to the summer season.

Early autumn is all about the harvest. As grapes, mushrooms and pine nuts are picked, rural towns celebrate with regional fairs and festivals honouring their humble but delicious local produce, so it's the perfect time of year to try out Ibizan traditional cuisine.

One of the most authentic customs on the island's farmlands is 'ses matances', the pig slaughter in November. Families get together and make a party out of it, singing, dancing and preparing dishes made with those parts of the pork that cannot be easily preserved, such as offal which is fried for the 'frit de matances'. Adventurous eaters can also try 'arros de matances', a delicious rice dish, although the most typical product made with pork on the White Isle is undoubtedly sobrassada. Many of the island's restaurants serve these delicacies in autumn.

It's not easy to find time for sightseeing in Ibiza in the summer, there are just too many things to do! But as temperatures cool down you can venture into the most remote and widely unknown inland villages. Nestled in the island's stunning countryside, you'll find small rural communities surrounded by agricultural lands and dominated by beautiful whitewashed churches. We recommend you visit San Llorenç de Balafia and look out for its famous towers, vestiges of old Arabic attacks on the island, or Sant Mateu d'Aubarca, a tiny village within the largest area of vineyards on the White Isle.

Some of the markets in Ibiza are held throughout the year. That's the case of Las Dalias, the popular hippy market near Sant Carles, which is open on Saturdays throughout the year. The same thing happens with Sant Jordi Flea Market where, every Saturday, locals flock to buy and sell antiques and other second-hand objects.

Even if the water can still reach 20ºC in October and November, there's no doubt that it's way colder than in the summer, descending to 17ºC in December. However, you can still enjoy the Mediterranean in autumn. Boat trips are a great way to explore Ibiza's coastline without having to plunge into its crystalline but increasingly cool waters. Diving is also a great choice, just ask for thicker neoprene and discover the wonders of the White Isle's sea life.