The Man Mapping Ibiza’s Hidden Walks
An Interview with Toby Clarke, the man behind Ibiza Walking Tours
By Sophie Morrow
8/1/25
“I was sat one day in the port of Ibiza, drinking a cold beer, and a shiver came through me, followed by a thought: why don’t I walk around the entire island? One week later, I was doing it!”
That’s how Toby Clarke, the man behind Ibiza Walking Tours, transformed a random beer-fueled thought into a life-altering journey. Born on the island, whisked away to England at nine, and returning 15 years ago, Toby’s story is as winding as the very trails he now uncovers. What started with an impulsive idea—walking Ibiza’s coastline with just one symbolic euro and his puppy—turned into something much bigger.
But what Toby may not have realised is that in embarking on this journey, he tapped into something ancient. The Buddha believed walking meditation could lead to a happier, healthier, and higher-minded life—and, in many ways, Toby’s walks do exactly that. It’s no surprise, then, that his treks often lead to moments of stillness, connection, and clarity, much like Buddhist
There’s something timeless about walking, too. From Aristotle pacing as he philosophised, to Indigenous traditions that blend movement, learning, and land, walking has always been a form of connection—whether with nature, with others, or with the self. And in Ibiza, Toby’s hidden paths not only reconnect people with the island’s stunning beauty—they also remind them of the power of putting one foot in front of the other.
1. When and why did you move to Ibiza, and what makes you stay? Is there a particular moment or experience that made you feel truly “at home” here?
I am one of the lucky ones, and I was actually born here, so I have my mother and father to thank for me being here. I arrived in 1969 inside my mum's tummy and then popped out in 1970. As I say, I'm one of the lucky ones. I then had the most amazing first 10 years—my childhood on the island was filled with freedom, beaches, parties, and a very hippie school.
Abruptly, at 9 years old, it all ended, and I was taken to England to start a new life with my mum as my parents were getting divorced. I went into a so-called normal school, had to wear a uniform, and had no more beaches and sunshine.
I then went through quite a journey and ended up moving back to Ibiza 15 years ago with my wife, and we started life back on the magical island. I came home, and it felt amazing. That journey involved us giving up everything we had in England—the dream life, the big house, holidays, cars—we had it all. But we decided that was not what we wanted. We sold everything, traveled for a year, and then landed in Ibiza with no idea what we were going to do. The rest, as they say, is history...
2. What inspired you to start leading walking tours in Ibiza?
I was sat one day in the port of Ibiza drinking a cold beer, and a shiver came through me followed by a thought: why don't I walk around the entire island? One week later, I was doing it!
We had also recently just got a puppy dog, Cosmo, in our lives, so I thought, what better way than one man and his dog trying to walk around the entire coastline of the island? I also decided on the evening before I left that I needed to take ONLY one symbolic euro with me. I had no map, no idea where I was going, and I was going to rely on the island to give me food, water, shelter, and show me the way. That is exactly what happened, and 11 days later, I completed the circle.
Then a few people started asking me to take them walking. I did it for free at the start, and then one day a family wanted me to take them walking, and at the end, they shoved a 5-euro note in my pocket and said that I should be charging for what I'm doing as I'm doing an amazing activity. As they say, the rest is history...
3. Which is your favourite walk in Ibiza?
Good question, and I get asked this a lot. It all depends on what mood I'm in and if I'm feeling like walking through forest, beaches, or an adrenaline rush to a secret cave, or just a simple stroll with a friend or my wife. But I'd have to say that all over the island are amazing walks. I used to think around San Antonio was nothing, but now I realise within 5 minutes it is absolutely stunning and gorgeous. I must say I do prefer and love the north more, but I think that's due to me growing up in the north and being based there most of my life.
4. How would you describe the local community in Ibiza? Is it tightly knit, transient, or a mix of both?
Ibiza is a super transient island with people from all over the world coming and going. We have seen hundreds of people arrive over the years, coming to live their dream on the island. Unfortunately, most seem to fail for various reasons. Ibiza is a difficult island to make a living on, and it gives you many lessons and a slap in the face if you are not listening. Many people arrive with lots of emotional baggage, hoping the island will clear it, but when Ibiza does not work out for them, they blame the island and not themselves for learning the lessons they need in life.
There is a vibrant expat community with many activities you can join every week. It depends if you want that community or to try and get into the local Spanish community, which is a difficult one even if you speak fluent Spanish. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived here—you will never be a true local in their eyes!
5. What’s the biggest misconception outsiders have about living in Ibiza year-round?
I guess outsiders think if you're living on the island, you are either taking drugs, dealing in drugs, or a hippie on a beach. I don't think people realise that we live normal lives here. We go shopping, meet friends, and have the stresses of normal life—but we are in paradise, which helps!
6. What’s the most surprising thing about Ibizan culture that visitors rarely experience?
There are so many local cultural experiences and traditions going on all the time. As an expat, it is difficult to know about them unless you read the local paper and see the announcements. If you do experience these local traditions, it will blow you away how the locals are entrenched with these beautiful times and really keep up the traditions that started thousands of years ago.
They wear the costumes, the ancient jewellery, and you see that it’s all the local families mixing together from young to old, blessing their history and knowing they have something special being on this island. If you get the chance to be part of one of these, take it, as you’ll probably be the only expat there but very welcomed.
7. How do you think hiking helps people connect with the real Ibiza beyond the beaches and nightlife?
Walking and hiking is the simplest activity humans can do—placing one foot in front of the other to get from A to B for purpose or pleasure. We have lost this activity as humans and generally only go out to walk for purpose. So, when I get a chance to take people out walking for pleasure, it awakens that inner sense of ancient activity.
Ibiza is up there with the most beautiful places in the world, and this is what people do not realise. When they take the time out on their holiday to spend a few hours walking with me, it blows their mind that they did not realise what a stunning island this is. A few hours in nature reconnects people with themselves, and most are happier, more relaxed, and in a better place at the end of the walk.
An Interview with Toby Clarke, the man behind Ibiza Walking Tours
3. Which is your favourite walk in Ibiza?
Good question, and I get asked this a lot. It all depends on what mood I'm in and if I'm feeling like walking through forest, beaches, or an adrenaline rush to a secret cave, or just a simple stroll with a friend or my wife. But I'd have to say that all over the island are amazing walks. I used to think around San Antonio was nothing, but now I realise within 5 minutes it is absolutely stunning and gorgeous. I must say I do prefer and love the north more, but I think that's due to me growing up in the north and being based there most of my life.
4. How would you describe the local community in Ibiza? Is it tightly knit, transient, or a mix of both?
Ibiza is a super transient island with people from all over the world coming and going. We have seen hundreds of people arrive over the years, coming to live their dream on the island. Unfortunately, most seem to fail for various reasons. Ibiza is a difficult island to make a living on, and it gives you many lessons and a slap in the face if you are not listening. Many people arrive with lots of emotional baggage, hoping the island will clear it, but when Ibiza does not work out for them, they blame the island and not themselves for learning the lessons they need in life.
There is a vibrant expat community with many activities you can join every week. It depends if you want that community or to try and get into the local Spanish community, which is a difficult one even if you speak fluent Spanish. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived here—you will never be a true local in their eyes!
5. What’s the biggest misconception outsiders have about living in Ibiza year-round?
I guess outsiders think if you're living on the island, you are either taking drugs, dealing in drugs, or a hippie on a beach. I don't think people realise that we live normal lives here. We go shopping, meet friends, and have the stresses of normal life—but we are in paradise, which helps!
6. What’s the most surprising thing about Ibizan culture that visitors rarely experience?
There are so many local cultural experiences and traditions going on all the time. As an expat, it is difficult to know about them unless you read the local paper and see the announcements. If you do experience these local traditions, it will blow you away how the locals are entrenched with these beautiful times and really keep up the traditions that started thousands of years ago.
They wear the costumes, the ancient jewellery, and you see that it’s all the local families mixing together from young to old, blessing their history and knowing they have something special being on this island. If you get the chance to be part of one of these, take it, as you’ll probably be the only expat there but very welcomed.
7. How do you think hiking helps people connect with the real Ibiza beyond the beaches and nightlife?
Walking and hiking is the simplest activity humans can do—placing one foot in front of the other to get from A to B for purpose or pleasure. We have lost this activity as humans and generally only go out to walk for purpose. So, when I get a chance to take people out walking for pleasure, it awakens that inner sense of ancient activity.
Ibiza is up there with the most beautiful places in the world, and this is what people do not realise. When they take the time out on their holiday to spend a few hours walking with me, it blows their mind that they did not realise what a stunning island this is. A few hours in nature reconnects people with themselves, and most are happier, more relaxed, and in a better place at the end of the walk.
8. Are there specific trails that are particularly magical during certain times of the day, like sunrise or sunset?
I personally love sunrise, but Ibiza being Ibiza, most people say they will come but then are either still clubbing or sleeping. So yes, Ibiza is better known for its beautiful sunsets, and there are many wonderful places to watch this from, the most popular being with a view of the magical rock Es Vedra.
The popular spots are now unfortunately overcrowded and being ruined by too many people going, so finding that secret spot is getting more difficult. But luckily, I still know a few.
9. Where is your favourite place to watch the sunset?
There are many amazing places to watch the sunset, and this again depends on the time of year. In the busy months, I love going out on a boat and watching it from a special little place. In the winter, there are incredible sunsets with wonderful views of Es Vedra. More and more, though, I'm loving watching it from the north, which most people think you can't see the sunset from. But in certain areas, it is truly amazing.
10. What’s your favourite restaurant in Ibiza?
There are now so many restaurants to choose from compared to when I arrived 15 years ago. Ibiza is now truly one of the best places to eat in the world. I travel a lot, and I'm always amazed how good the food is in Ibiza.
I still love some of the traditional small places like Bar Anita's, which take me back to my childhood, and there is nothing better than a good menu of the day for 15 euros. One of my favourites is Ses Arcades. I love a good beach restaurant like Sa Caleta, which is open all year and one of my favourite winter places.
For more information on Ibiza Walking Tours please visit:
8. Are there specific trails that are particularly magical during certain times of the day, like sunrise or sunset?
I personally love sunrise, but Ibiza being Ibiza, most people say they will come but then are either still clubbing or sleeping. So yes, Ibiza is better known for its beautiful sunsets, and there are many wonderful places to watch this from, the most popular being with a view of the magical rock Es Vedra.
The popular spots are now unfortunately overcrowded and being ruined by too many people going, so finding that secret spot is getting more difficult. But luckily, I still know a few.
9. Where is your favourite place to watch the sunset?
There are many amazing places to watch the sunset, and this again depends on the time of year. In the busy months, I love going out on a boat and watching it from a special little place. In the winter, there are incredible sunsets with wonderful views of Es Vedra. More and more, though, I'm loving watching it from the north, which most people think you can't see the sunset from. But in certain areas, it is truly amazing.
10. What’s your favourite restaurant in Ibiza?
There are now so many restaurants to choose from compared to when I arrived 15 years ago. Ibiza is now truly one of the best places to eat in the world. I travel a lot, and I'm always amazed how good the food is in Ibiza.
I still love some of the traditional small places like Bar Anita's, which take me back to my childhood, and there is nothing better than a good menu of the day for 15 euros. One of my favourites is Ses Arcades. I love a good beach restaurant like Sa Caleta, which is open all year and one of my favourite winter places.
For more information on Ibiza Walking Tours please visit: