One Hour From: Ibiza Town

Es Cavellet

For a get-back-to-nature experience, Es Cavellet is the best beach on the island. The seemingly endless stretch of soft yellow sand is lapped by crystal waters and backed by stunning dunes. Families tend to dominate the area by the car park, while the far end is home to hippies, gays and naturists. The later it gets, the louder the beats as the bars crank up the volume.

By car: take the PM-802 south and follow signs; journey time approx 30 mins.

Puerto San Miguel

Tucked away on the rocky north coast, the big attraction in Puerto San Miguel is the Can Marca cave. Follow the path cut out of the rocks until it reaches the mouth of the cave, then descend into this magical natural gallery, more than 100,000 years old and dripping with stalactites. In days gone by, smugglers used the cave for stashing their contraband. Keep your eyes peeled for the deeply coloured muradensis lizard.

By car: take the C733 and follow signs; journey time approx 55 mins.

San Antonio

San Antonio is strictly teen and twentys territory, but it is worth coming to this high-rise hell town to watch the sun set. Park at any of the shore-side bars, such as Café Mambo, Savannah and the brand new Coastline Café and sip a sun-downing sangria while listening to eclectic chillout and ambient beats. For the ultimate experience, cruise into the Café del Mar and listen to the tunes from your eponymous album series at home. You haven't got the CDs? Maybe you shouldn't be in Ibiza baby.

By car: take the C731 and follow signs: journey time approx 40 mins.

San Josep

This sleepy little hill village has a handful of good restaurants, such as El Destino and Can Domingo de Can Botja, and plenty of delightful fincas for rent. Wander along the main drag which boasts boutiques, bars and galleries. The surrounding countryside has a heavenly mix of pine-clad rolling hills and dense groves of olives, oranges and almonds. For history lovers, the nearby Phoenician ruins are worth a visit.

By car: take the PM-803 and follow signs; journey time approx 35 mins.

San Juan

Tucked away in the hills, far from the maddening crowds, Bambuddha Grove, one of the most effortlessly stylish bars and restaurants in the world, let alone the Balearics, is a favourite spot for celebrities including Kate Moss, Jude Law and Jade Jagger. To give you the feel, a CD is available in record stores at home, Bambuddha Grove: The Arrival. Totally fabulous.

By car: take the C733 and follow signs; journey time approx 30 mins.

Formentera

This small, unspoilt island is mostly flat, which makes exploring by bicycle or on foot ideal. Hire a cycle as you hop off the ferry and head for the best beaches of Playa de ses Illetes and Playa de Llevant. or follow the well-marked walking trails. Enjoy the patchwork scenery of pine plantations and sun-baked salt pans.

By boat: frequent fast ferry service from Ibiza port; journey time approx 25 mins.

Easyjet offers return flights from Stansted to Ibiza from £50 return. The Ocean Drive Hotel (0800 169 8817; www.designhotels.com) offers double rooms from £120 per night including breakfast. Europcar (0870 607 5000; www.europcar.co.uk) offers one week's car hire in Ibiza from £211.