Ibiza is many things: boho, ad-lib, hippy, beach paradise, fashionista, clubber, all-night raver… Ibiza is all you need for a perfect summer vacation – and that’s why it attracts millions of tourists every summer.
Are you planning to visit the white island too? Read on to find out all you need to know to plan an epic trip to Ibiza!
Ibiza Travel Guide: Things to Do in Ibiza
Dalt Vila and Ibiza Town
Old Town in Ibiza is known as Dalt Vila, which literally means Upper Town. It’s located inside the old city walls that are now an interesting UNESCO Heritage site.
On the top of a hill, Dalt Vila is the main cultural attraction in the island, with its cathedral, narrow cobblestoned streets, and charming energy. It’s worth a visit!
Additionally, Ibiza Port deserves a walk around its pedestrian areas, along with some shopping and dining.
Best beaches in Ibiza
There’s no shortage of beaches in Ibiza and all of them are dreamy in some way. Expect sandy beaches surrounded by nature, amazing cliffs and turquoise crystal waters: go ahead and swim with the little fishies – beware of jellyfish too!
Ibiza and Formentera are home to the largest living organism in the world: large seagrass meadows of Posidonia, a Mediterranean endemic plant that has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO and it’s responsible for the pristine turquoise waters in the islands that are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The best way to get to the beach is by your own rental car or by private boat. The most famous ones – like cala Comte, Ses Salines or Benirrás – can be also reached by public buses.
After 3 visits to Ibiza, these are the beaches I’m happy to come back again and again:
- Cala Comte: a must-visit. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Ibiza, with fabulous views to the islands and crystal clear waters.
- Cala d’Hort: a lovely beach with a stunning view of the mystical Es Vedrà.
- Aigües Blanques: a sandy beach that it’s perfect for sunrise – you can get a free mud face mask.
- Cala Saladeta: the perfect postcard beach. You need to witness it with your own eyes.
- Ses Salines: named after the salt lakes nearby, this beach is a convenient option for its location, to the airport and Ibiza town and its beach club.
- Cala Bassa: if you’re planning to spend your day in the beach club, you’ll love Cala Bassa, a beautiful beach surrounded by trees.
- Punta Galera: don’t expect a sandy busy beach – Punta Galera is a rocky site mostly frequented by nudists. It’s also an awesome place to enjoy the sunset.
- Cala Xarraca: a secluded beach with some of the clearest waters in Ibiza.
- Sa Caleta: expect clear waters and dramatic red cliffs.
- Benirrás: the place to go on Sundays to experience the island’s most famous sunset. There, hundreds of hippies celebrate the crepuscular light with the sound of the drums.
Best sunsets in Ibiza
These are some of the most popular sunset spots in Ibiza:
- Es Vedrà
- Sunset Ashram in Cala Comte
- Kumharas in San Antonio
- Ses Salines
- Benirras
- Time & Space
Shopping in Ibiza
If you like boho and ad-lib style, Ibiza is the best place to go shopping. Find unique fashion designs and accessories in its markets and designer shops.
- Las Dalias Hippy Market: the most famous market in Ibiza was opened in the ’70s and it’s still running every Saturday all year long (10 a.m. to 8 p.m), and night market on Mondays and Tuesdays during summer (7 p.m. to 1 a.m.).
- Sal de Ibiza – The Store: a vintage market with designer’s pieces and the authentic Ibiza salt.
- Charo Ruiz Ibiza: the most famous ad-lib Spanish designer where you can shop for the perfect Ibiza dress.
- Karma of Charme: bohemian boots, bags, and fashion in Ibiza Old Town.
- Street markets are celebrated almost daily across the island in Ibiza Town, Platja d’en Bossa, Santa Eulalia, Benirrás.
Restaurants in Ibiza
There are so many great places to eat in Ibiza that the list of restaurants seems to be endless. You can find a variety of options from simple sandwiches to the finest cuisine from worldwide famous chefs.
My advice would be to do as Spaniards: have a light lunch at the beach (at the chiringuito beach bar or packing your own picnic) and go fancy for dinner.
These are my 3 favorite restaurants in Ibiza so far:
- Los pasajeros: a lovely tiny restaurant with the coolest vibes and music: beware that tables are shared if needed and you may have to queue.
- Edén Restaurante: enjoy the Mediterranean flavors by 2 Michelin star awarded chef Fran López with an unbeatable view to the sunset at Hacienda Na Xamena.
- Ca Na Vergera: enjoy a paella in Cala d’Hort with one of the best views you can have in Ibiza to the magical island Es Vedrà.
Where to Party in Ibiza
During summer in Ibiza, it doesn’t matter the day of the week: there’s a music festival every night in every club. That’s why it’s world-famous! Your visit to the magical island won’t be complete if you don’t party at least one night.
You can book your tickets in most ATM’s on the island. Some of the parties are sold out in advance, while in others you’ll have to queue.
Best clubs in Ibiza and when to go
- DC-10: Mondays, Circoloco
- Pacha: Thursdays, F*** me I’m famous
- Amnesia: Fridays, Music On
- Ushuaïa: Sundays, Kygo
Where to Stay in Ibiza
Choose wisely where to stay depending on your style. If you’re into partying, then you would like to stay in Platja d’en Bossa or San Antonio. If you’re looking for a quiet area where to rest and enjoy the summer, then I’d suggest staying in Santa Eulalia.
I stayed Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa in Santa Eulalia, a luxury hotel with all you need for a perfect vacation in Ibiza.
Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa is a 5* hotel with a prime location, just a 20-minute drive from Ibiza Town and a 5-minute walk to the beach.
During check-in we were greeted in the lobby with a glass of cava and the hotel porter came with us to the room to explain everything we needed to know about our room and the hotel services. The quality of the staff in every single part of the hotel is remarkable.
What to expect from Aguas de Ibiza:
- It’s part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, meaning top-quality services and independent style
- 3 swimming pools, one of them adults-only
- 3 restaurants: Vi Cool by Michelin star awarded chef Sergi Arola, Oligo, and Alabastro
- 1 rooftop bar with an adults-only swimming pool and a stunning view to the port
- An amazing buffet breakfast at Oligo restaurant: honestly, one of the best I’ve ever had.
- Revival Spa by Clarins: indulge yourself and relax, it’s vacation time. You can also join their holistic retreats or detox programs.
Check availability and rates here.
Getting around Ibiza
Ibiza is a tiny island and it’s easy to get around it. You can use public buses but they won’t take you to every part of the island.
To explore Ibiza at your own pace the best you can do is to hire a rental car.
Tips for driving in Ibiza
- Book your rental car in advance to get the best rate.
- Beware of the speed limit at all times: it varies depending on the area, from 30 to 100 km/h.
- Beware of radar cameras as well.
- Of course, don’t drink and drive. There are night buses and taxis available at every club.
- Parking is not always easy, especially in Ibiza town. Some beaches have a paid parking available for a small fee (around 3€/day).
- Some beach parking spaces are rocky and sandy. I’d suggest hiring a 4WD.
- Be smart and add comprehensive insurance to your booking to avoid additional charges. Your car can be damaged by gravel or other drivers.
- If you plan to return your car at the airport, plan to go with time enough, especially if you need to refuel: there are just a few gas stations on the island and it may take you up to 30 minutes to fuel your car. Also, you may need to wait at the car rental office and you won’t like to miss your flight.
My experience driving in Ibiza
I booked a 4WD during my 4 days in Ibiza with Centauro Rent a Car. It was perfect to go a bit off-roading!
Everything went smoothly. I booked my rental car with 2 add-ons that I can totally recommend:
- Premium, to avoid any queues at the office. We needed to return our car with a full deposit and we spent around 30 minutes queuing at the closest gas station. When we got to the car rental office there were 3 long queues but luckily Premium was empty and I didn’t have to wait more than 2 minutes.
- Smart Cover, the car insurance that covers unwanted damages that may happen. If you book Smart Insurance, the only thing they will check at the office is the deposit. If it’s full, you can go straight to the airport! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for them to check the car status and pay possible damages.
- Get a 15% discount in Centauro using the code INDMRL15
All the locations in the map
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Ibiza Summer Playlist
Ibiza Packing List
If you visit Ibiza in summer, forget your jacket at home: pack light and don’t forget your swimsuit!
10 items you should take to your Ibiza vacation:
- Sunblock and after sun
- Swimsuit
- Snorkel gear
- Beach towel
- Flip flops
- Sunnies
- Summer clothes
- Straw sun hat
- Comfortable Shoes
- Day bag for your beach essentials
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Love love love this post! Great info and amazing photos! I’ve always wanted to go to Ibiza and this really makes want to go right now! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Teresa! I’d like to visit Ibiza with you someday – it would be really fun!
This post answers all my questions about Ibiza! I’m planning a trip there later during this year and now know what I can refer to. Especially, the beaches, I want to visit them all!
When are you traveling to Ibiza? It’s probably beach weather until November so you’ll be able to visit these beaches and more if you want to 🙂
Wow Ibiza is so stunning. Loved all your pics. Hope to visit Ibiza sometime.
I hope you do! It’s such a lovely island – not just party party!
This is such a cool guide! Love it! I don’t know when i’ll go to ibiza, but whenever I do, will be referring to this guide for sure.
I hope you make it sooner or later! Ibiza is a true paradise
Ibiza is a great place for a lot of travelers,I prefer to spend weekend in moutain too.
Thanks, good post!