PLANNING A TRIP TO IBIZA

One of my favorite places to visit in the summer has to be Ibiza. When August comes around, the DJs come to town, there is nothing better than watching the sunset with a glass of Sangria and the beat of the latest dance track humming from nearby. I love Ibiza and everything about Ibiza, so I thought it was about time I shared with you our tips for planning a trip to Ibiza.

Tips for visiting Ibiza

Book early – Sounds obvious, but with many European (particularly Spanish) destinations, you can often get great last-minute deals. Ibiza is not one of them. Prices rocket up throughout the summer, so book flights and accommodation in advance.

Avoid the holidays – The DJs come to town from May and stay through to September, meaning it can be difficult to avoid the school holidays altogether. However, book your trip near the end of August and enjoy a less crowded (and more affordable) Ibiza throughout September. 

Avoid San Antonio Bay – If you are looking for a few nights away from non-stop drinking and partying then stay in this area. For us, we aren’t in our earlier 20s (unfortunately!) so we prefer a slightly quieter holiday. We prefer to stay in San Antonio – just a 15-minute walk from all the bars but in a much quieter area of Ibiza. There are still plenty of restaurants and bars around plus a quiet, smaller beach you can enjoy during the day.

Villas – Never underestimate the wonders of renting a holiday villa in Ibiza. You can choose from a selection of different villas and apartments from Immoabroad.com, especially ideal for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a private pool.

Visit the Old Town – The Old Town can often be overlooked but it is worth planning a day trip to this picturesque paradise in Ibiza.

Avoiding the club queues – Most clubs open from 11 pm through to 6.30 am. The queues start to build from 1.30 am onwards so aim to arrive before 1 am to avoid the queues (especially in the August heat). 

Drinking – Note that it is illegal to drink alcohol in the streets, so be sensible when walking from one bar to another. 

Happy Hours – Ibiza can be expensive, so you will want to take advantage of the happy hours each bar offers.

Disco Bus – If you are planning to enjoy the clubs, get yourself acquainted with the Disco Bus. For just €3, these buses take you across the island and drop you off outside the club of your choice. Buses run every 30 minutes, all night long.

Dress Code – Unlike other major party destinations in the world, Ibiza really doesn’t tend to have much of a dress code. Anything really does go. 

Getting there – The easiest way to get to Ibiza is by flying, however, you may opt for the 2.5-hour ferry from Valencia. Make sure you compare the prices of ferry and flight, as, during the height of summer, it can actually work out cheaper to fly – there are many ways to get to Ibiza so shop around.

Explore – If you have some time in Ibiza, rent a car and explore the island. Ibiza really is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you can find every single one of them just by driving around and exploring. There are some great day trips to enjoy too – such as a day trip to Santa Eulalia.

Eat – You can’t visit Ibiza without eating some of the most amazing Spanish food. Head away from the bars and find local restaurants offering Paella, tapas, and Sofrit Pages. 

Budget – It may sound boring, but Ibiza is incredibly expensive. It is possible to enjoy Ibiza on a budget but whether you have €500 or €5000 it is always best to give yourself a daily budget and stick to it.

Staying in Ibiza – Ibiza is awesome yes but don’t forget to explore some of the other awesome destinations Spain has to offer; Madrid’s history, Barcelona’s food, and the many things to do in Benidorm.

Choosing the right club – All the clubs come with their own theming and energy, so it can be difficult to decide which one to head to. My advice, look at the DJs playing whilst you are in Ibiza and head to the club with the type of music you like. A bad DJ can make or break a good night out! Head to Ibiza Spotlight for a full Party Calendar and more info on the clubs.

Not just for the young – One of the best things about Ibiza is that it is full of variety. Yes, you will see the 20-year-olds walking around the streets in less than a bikini at 10 pm at night, but you will also see families, couples, and groups of friends of all ages. So whether you are 25 or 50, Ibiza is still a welcoming, fun place to be.

Enjoy the beaches – There are plenty of gorgeous Balearic island beaches and Ibiza is home to some of the best beautiful beaches in Spain, it can be hard to choose where to start! Check out this great guide to all the beaches and how to get to them >> Beaches in Ibiza Guide.

Best time to travel to Ibiza

• June and August – are the perfect time for parties and clubs.
• May, June, and September – are warm but cheaper times to visit
• October to February – Avoid this time, these are the rainier and cooler months with many restaurants and bars closed during this time. 

Best places to visit in Ibiza

Ibiza is known for its parties and sunsets but there is more to the island than that. Here are just a few things to do in Ibiza

1. Old Town – Also known as Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s Old Town is now an interesting UNESCO Heritage Site. Walk through the picturesque narrow cobblestoned streets and visit the charming restaurants, cafes, and gorgeous cathedral. 
2. Cala d’hort – A lovely beach with gorgeous viewpoints.
3. Cala Saladeta – A picturesque beach that you can’t miss. 
4. Cala Xarraca – A more secluded beach with clear waters.
5. Sa Caleta – Gorgeous dramatic red cliffs surround this beach area
6. Benirras – A popular beach spot to catch the island’s famous sunset. 
7. Las Dalias Hippy Market – The market runs every Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Monday and Tuesday (summer only) from 7 pm to 1 am, selling souvenirs, accessories, and fashion. 
8. Sal de Ibiza – a vintage market with designer items. 

What to take to Ibiza

• Sunscreen
• Aftersun
• Swimwear
• Kaftan/sarongs
• Snorkel gear
• Flip flops
• Sunglasses and sunhat
• Comfortable trainers
• Day bag for the beach
• Beach Towel

Kid-friendly things to do in Ibiza

1. Santa Eulalia Ferry – Take the ferry around the coastline to enjoy the beaches and breeze, stress-free. 
2. Aguamar Water Park – Have fun at this water park, perfect for families of all ages. There are some thrilling rides but also play areas for young children. 
3. Ocean Mania Waterpark – For children who can swim, this is a great waterpark to visit. You can enjoy the inflatable playground or try the assault course.
4. Cap Blanc Aquarium – Located in a large natural cave, this Aquarium is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. You can see all types of fish, octopus, rays, and sea turtles here. 
5. Can Marca Caves – These eerie caves are an interesting place to explore and children love the music and light show at the end of the tour. 
6. Cala Comte – is a smaller beach but quiet. The beach is clean and there are small coves to explore too. Water is clear too and the western part of this beach is popular for families.
7. Ibiza Horse Valley – This horse rehabilitation program was created in 2010, looking after mistreated or abandoned horses. You can book a half or full-day horse riding tour, which takes you through the mountains down to the beach. Riders must be above 12, so this is a great option for those with older children. 
8. Mini Ibiza – Part of the Club de Campo country club – this is a spacious playground with a garden and play park. You can play with your children here or you can use the childcare service which includes arts, crafts, and free play activities. 
9. Zorbing – Head to the Air Zone Park to try some zorbing – a large inflatable ball that you can spin, roll and bounce around it. Try playing orb football or head to the inflatables in the pool. 

Ibiza Travel Tips

• Use the bus – the bus in Ibiza is the cheapest way to get around the island. Fares range between €1.55 and €4 and bus routes can be found online here. 
• Bikes – Mopeds/scooters can be rented for €15 a day, ideal for day trips. 
• Aquabus Ferry Boats – You can catch a ferryboat from Ibiza Town to many of the beaches around Ibiza. These are affordable and make for a relaxing pleasant day exploring the beaches. 
• Car rental – Hiring a car in Ibiza is expensive, with cars starting at €40 a day and rising during the summer months. If you plan on traveling around all the sights and beaches of Ibiza or are staying in a quieter, more secluded area, then renting a car is a great option. 
• Taxis – There is a taxi rank at the airport, at ferry terminals, and in the main towns. You can also find taxis outside major resorts and they can be hailed down on the street. Taxis start at €3.65 then €1.09 per kilometer. It is also worth having your destination written down or on google maps, especially if you do not speak Spanish. 

Driving in Ibiza travel tips

• Book a rental car in advance to avoid queues on arrival. 
• You can also opt for the premium service when renting a car with certain companies; this means you can avoid queues when collecting and dropping off your car. 
• Compare prices on rentalcars.com 
• Make sure to add comprehensive insurance to your rental booking, Ibiza has tight roads, a lot of gravel, and many tight corners. 
• Make sure to have a credit card available; many rental cars will want a credit card on file.
• Check speed limits, these vary from 30 to 100 km/h. There are cameras on many of the main roads checking speed. 
• There are night buses available to every nightclub and plenty of taxis for your journey home; don’t risk bringing your car to the clubs. 
• Avoid parking in Ibiza Town, spaces are limited and difficult. 
• Some beaches have paid parking for around €3 a day but spaces can be rocky and sandy. 
• If you are returning your car to the airport, make sure you allow plenty of time. You will need to refuel your car before dropping it off and there can be a wait time at the car rental office. 

Ibiza trip planning FAQ

What is the best month to go to Ibiza?

September is the best month to go to Ibiza. The clubs are still hosting top DJs, bars and restaurants are open but there are less visitors. This means flights to and from Ibiza are often cheaper and hotels offer better prices too. Plus, it is still warm. 

How much does an Ibiza trip cost?

If you are staying in a hostel or budget hotel, sticking to supermarket food, and avoiding too many drinks; you can expect to spend €300 for a week. Mid-range prices with a few meals out and a few drinks would cost a couple around €800 whilst a more luxury hotel with meals out, a few drinks each day and a rental car would cost upwards of $1500 for a couple. 

How many days should I spend in Ibiza?

A week is the perfect length of time to spend in Ibiza, especially if it is your first visit. This gives you a few days on the beach and a few days to see some of the best sights. 

Is Ibiza cheap or expensive?

It is now possible to get a package holiday to Ibiza for as little as €400 but once you have arrived in Ibiza, for and drink is expensive. Entry to clubs starts at €60 whilst drinks in the clubs start at €14. 

How safe is Ibiza?

Ibiza is a safe place to visit but make sure you keep valuables in your hotel safe and make sure taxis use the meter.

Where do celebrities go in Ibiza?

Popular celebrity spots in Ibiza include Pikes Hotel, Nikki Beach, Benirras Beach, Es Cavallet, and Blue Marlin. 

What is Ibiza famous for?

Ibiza is a scenic Balearic Island, known for its DJs, parties, and popular nightlife. 

Whilst you’re in Spain, don’t forget to check out amazing places like Madrid and Barcelona. We hope you have an incredible time in Ibiza, let us know your favorite Spanish destination in the comments below!