Dalt Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the new Parador. (Photo: © Paradores)
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1 October 2026
The Parador de Ibiza – Dalt Vila breathes new life into historic walls. The 99th hotel in the Spanish hotel chain Paradores de Turismo de España opened at the beginning of March.
Perched at the highest point of Ibiza 's hilltop old town is the Parador de Ibiza – Dalt Vila . It opened in early March as the 99th hotel in the Spanish state-owned chain and the first in the Balearic Islands. Like most Paradores, this newest addition is housed within historic walls : five buildings nestled within the 16th-century fortress of Castillo de la Almudaina.
María de la Fuente , head of the newly created Guest Experience department, explains the long planning and construction period of 21 years and seven months as follows: "The architects had to change their plans countless times. They repeatedly came across archaeological treasures that necessitated plan changes and even a temporary halt to construction." In total, remains from five different historical periods and architectural styles were found, documenting over 2.000 years of the island's history.
The finds were carefully integrated into the modern hotel concept during the renovation . On the ground floor of the historic Governor's House, which houses the lobby and reception, guests can walk on a glass floor over exposed walls and a former Roman road. The ruins of a Roman temple, built over an ancient Phoenician sanctuary, have also been fully restored and can be viewed through glass panels. And in the spa, remnants of historic walls form the backdrop for the pool, sauna, and treatment rooms.
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Panorama - Travel
The Parador's interior design emphasizes authenticity , tradition , and tranquility . The Requena y Plaza office , under the direction of the Paradores team, implemented the concept with a respectful and sensitive approach to the surroundings. Inspired by the interiors of traditional Ibizan farmhouses, the design focuses on the essence of local architecture. Natural materials such as wood, earthy tones , and the island's characteristic shades of white are reflected in the wall coverings, furniture, and textiles, creating a warm atmosphere . The layout avoids superfluous elements, instead treating light as an independent design feature.
Art is also showcased at the Parador, such as David Magán 's installation above the historic mill area. Its color changes depending on the time of day and the angle of the light. A total of 24 sculptures, photographs, installations, and paintings inspired by the Mediterranean are on display, featuring works by Spanish artists including Juan Uslé, Nico Munuera, Nuria Mora, Samuel Salcedo, Pablo Genovés, and David Magán.
Of the 66 rooms, 41 are available to guests as standard or superior double rooms, and seven are junior suites. All offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, the harbor, the bastion, the castle's parade ground, or Ibiza Cathedral. The remaining 25 rooms are reserved for staff. Given the severe housing shortage on the island, this is a drop in the ocean, but a definite perk for the employees.
Textile works by the artist Koral Antolín hang on the wall above the headboards of the guest beds . She used natural materials such as cotton and wool for her creations. The color palette includes earth tones, sandy hues, and organic shades that harmonize with the surroundings and emphasize the connection to nature . Small orange cotton dots serve as a visual counterpoint.
The culinary offerings at the " S'Almudaina " restaurant also focus on regional cuisine. The lunch menu features light, simple dishes such as black rice with squid and white prawns, while in the evening, reinterpretations of classics like the fish stew Bullit de Peix are served. Guests can also sample desserts , including a modern take on Greixonera pudding. Throughout the day, cocktails are served with snacks such as blinis with anchovies and trout caviar in the dining room and on the terrace.
Naturally, the best view of a city is from its highest point. In the case of the Parador, this means a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea, the harbor, and the surrounding landscape . From the small rooftop terrace, which will be used for events during meetings, one can see along the coastline all the way to Formentera. Guests also enjoy views of the harbor and the city from the outdoor pool. And the sea unfolds from a variety of perspectives when looking out of the windows.
In the immediate vicinity, on the square in front of the cathedral, the Madina Yasiba Information Center is well worth a visit . Using audiovisual technology, it conveys interesting facts about the city's history , especially its Islamic period. A large audiovisual model illustrating the city's historical development is particularly impressive.
Ibiza's lower old town is also just a short walk from the Parador. The path leads downhill through narrow alleys and over small staircases, past colorful cafes. The return journey, however, takes a bit longer and is considerably more strenuous. Alternatively, you can arrive by rental car. The approach is then more reminiscent of arriving at luxury hotels in the Swiss Alps: After entering a 37-meter-long underground tunnel, a valet parking service takes care of the car, and guests are then comfortably transported up to the hotel by elevator.
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Background: 100 Years of Paradores de España. Paradores are state-run 3- to 5-star hotels , primarily located in restored castles, monasteries, fortresses, and palaces. They were established in 1928 by the Spanish government and King Alfonso XIII. Profits from the hotels are used to maintain the historic buildings . The company operates a total of 99 hotels and more than 100 restaurants specializing in traditional cuisine. The hotel group will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028. The planned opening of the 100th hotel, scheduled for spring, is currently delayed. The Parador de Veruela, located in the historic Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Veruela in the province of Zaragoza, appears to be nearing completion. DHB is now also available digitally! Simply click here to register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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