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Ibiza has taken the top spot in Spain this year for cultural and sustainable tourism, showing just how much the island has evolved beyond its nightlife reputation. Long loved for its beaches, clubs and heritage, Ibiza is now setting the pace in responsible travel, weaving together leisure, culture and conservation in a way that makes it stand out on the global stage.

 

At the heart of this shift is the Pacha Foundation, which has become one of the most dynamic forces on the island. Since being acquired by FIVE Holdings in 2023, the foundation has expanded at speed. In 2025 it will be working with a record €500,000 budget, up 430 percent in just two years. That money is going into more than 35 different projects, all designed to link Ibiza’s lively music and club culture with tangible benefits for the community and the environment.

 

The foundation’s work reaches every corner of island life. There are programmes to improve access to health and wellness, new opportunities for young people, and support for community spaces and youth clubs. “The Pacha Foundation is committed to fostering a vibrant and resilient Ibiza, where community, culture, and conservation thrive together. This 2025 plan reflects our dedication to strengthening the island's legacy for future generations,” said president Kabir Mulchandani. Alongside him, managing directors Josep Antoni Escandell and Mashenka Anand, and trustees Alba Pau, María Luisa Cava de Llanos and David Samuel Shepley, will guide the plan throughout the year.

 

The environment is another major focus. Projects in urban reforestation and the regeneration of green spaces are already under way, alongside new initiatives to protect marine life and support biodiversity. On top of that, smart recycling points are being introduced across the island to encourage more responsible visitor behaviour. Together, these measures protect Ibiza’s unique ecosystem while also strengthening its image as a sustainable destination.

 

Cultural and sporting events are also playing a starring role this year. The island’s calendar features open-air concerts in the port of Ibiza and Vara de Rey, designed to celebrate local identity and bring people together. International marathons and sporting competitions will spread activity beyond the summer peak, while art, music and media programmes highlight and preserve Ibiza’s cultural heritage. These events don’t just attract visitors but also foster a sense of participation and pride among residents.

 

Founded in 2018, the Pacha Foundation has already made a name for itself with projects that support young people at risk, promote inclusion and create opportunities through education, sport and culture. As a founding member of Mediterranean resilience forums, it is also championing reforestation, conservation and environmental education, especially for younger generations. This year’s record budget means all those efforts can be scaled up significantly.

 

In 2025, Ibiza feels firmly rooted in its mission of growth with purpose. By blending culture, community and conservation, the island has not only strengthened its position as one of Spain’s most prominent tourist destinations but also set an example of how tourism can be both sustainable and deeply rewarding.

 

 

You might also be interested in: Has summer tourism in Spain hit its peak? British visitors keep coming as German and French numbers drop

 

 

 

Image: JOSE MANUEL ALABARCE PAEZ/Pixabay