I've been living on this island for more than fifteen years, and I can tell you with complete honesty that there are dates that stay with you. Today, March 10, 2026, is one of them.
This morning I walked up to Dalt Vila, as I do most Sundays when the weather cooperates. But today the cobblestone streets were a bit more lively than usual. The reason: the Parador of Ibiza has officially opened its doors.
A dream that took twenty years to become reality
The story of this project is, in itself, almost as fascinating as the place itself. In 2004, Turespaña decided to convert the castle and the Almudaina of Dalt Vila into a hotel belonging to the Paradores network. It seemed like a wonderful dream... but the reality of Ibizan archaeology has its own timeline.
Construction formally began in 2009, but continuous pauses due to archaeological discoveries kept pushing back the deadlines again and again. Those of us who live here followed it with that mixture of impatience and understanding typical of someone who deeply loves this land. Each stone that came to light was a treasure, yes, but also a delay.
"It's a historic milestone for the island," the authorities said at the official inauguration on February 23rd. And on that, for once, I completely agree.
The total investment has exceeded 47 million euros. That's no small amount. But walking through the facilities and seeing how historical heritage has been respected while integrating all the comforts of a five-star hotel... it's worth every cent.
What does the Parador of Ibiza offer?
The hotel occupies five historic buildings, with 41 rooms available for guests. What caught my attention the most:
- Terraces with panoramic views of the port and the Cathedral of Santa Maria: this is priceless
- Wellness zone and outdoor swimming pool with solarium
- Restaurant and cafeteria with Ibizan cuisine
- Event halls in a living museum setting
And best for those of us living here: Paradores offers a 20% discount to Ibiza residents. So there's no excuse not to visit.
Dalt Vila: much more than an Instagram backdrop
For years we've seen tourists photograph the 16th-century Renaissance walls and move on. The Parador can change that. It can make people stay, pause, and listen to what these stones have to tell.
Dalt Vila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Its walls have withstood pirate attacks, invasions, and centuries of Mediterranean history. Within those walls, the new Parador is not just a luxury hotel: it's a way to experience the most authentic soul of the island.
How to book?
If you want to be among the first to sleep in this piece of history, reservations are available on the official Paradores website. The first weeks are already almost fully booked: during the open house days on March 7th and 8th alone, more than 4,500 visitors showed up. The interest is enormous, and for good reason.
If you have trips or activities planned in Ibiza this year, don't forget that on ibiza-calendar.com/events you can find the complete updated calendar of the island — far beyond just club nights.