The best travel guide to Ibiza with recommendations on where to stay and eat, top sights and insider tips
Ibiza is one the magical islands of this archipelago. Ibiza is party central. If you are looking to just have an uninhibited good time, there is no place like Ibiza: Ibiza has some of the best discotheques in the world, amazing restaurants and bars, un-paralleled nightlife and spectacular secluded beaches. But a Ibiza holidays is much more than partys. Ibiza provides amazing vaction opportunities for everyone, families, couples and friends!
Ibiza is the third largest Island of the group after Mallorca and Menorca, and the second most populated. Located just 186 kilometres off the coast of the city of Valencia, there are many different ways to reach the island whether it be by plane or ferry.
Ibiza is well known worldwide for its amazing party culture and spectacular beaches, but Ibiza has so much more to offer. Check out our local experts’ top picks for things to do and see on the island.
Visit Dalt Vila and it’s old quarter
Dalt Vila is one of the islands most charming and picturesque towns. It features a 16th century old quarter and port, designed to keep the invading Turkish army at bay. The town was built on a hill as a strategic advantage. The highest point of the town, known as the Alta Vila is completely fortified and a pristine example of military architecture from the Renaissance period and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MACE museum of contemporary art
Ibiza’s museum of contemporary art or Museu d’Art Contemporani is definitely worth a visit. Housed within a spectacular historic building, MACE features excellent works and from the 1960’s to today. Admission is free and you will have access to three floors full of local and international artists as well as a well-preserved exhibit of archaeological findings displayed on the ground under the glass floors dating back to the 6th century.
Es Vedrà rock formations
Spain has many enchanting coastal rock formations you can visit, like the famous Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia. Cala D’Hort in Ibiza is home to one such otherworldly natural formation. The Es Vedrà rock formation rises up dramatically from the sea, part of a protected nature reserve. The rocks measure up to 400 meters (1312 feet) tall. Cala d’hort is already one of the most breath-taking coves the Island has to offer and the Es Vedrà formation makes it all the more spectacular.
Go Diving
Ibiza isn’t the first place that come to mind when you think of scuba diving in Spain, but it probably should be. The waters off the coast of Ibiza are home to a wide variety of marine life and there are a couple of ship wrecks that you can explore as well. Whether you are a first-timer looking to learn or an experienced diver looking for a new adventure, Ibiza has something for you.
Punta Arabí Market
One of the best shopping opportunities you will find on the island is at Punta Arabí market in Es Caná. Es Caná is a small town on the eastern coast of the island and its home to the largest open-air market of Ibiza run by hippies.
Ibiza isn’t only Spain’s party capital; it is also the countries hippy capital as well. During the 50’s and 60’s many hippies from across Europe flocked to the island to enjoy the amazing weather and laid-back vibes and slowly started creating a thriving hippy community on the island.
Arabí Market is filled with hand crafted trinkets and jewelry and a vibrant example of Ibiza hippies culture.
Visit Formentera, Ibiza’s sister island
Formentera is a small island off the southern coast of Ibiza. It may sound crazy, but Formentera is even more laid back and tranquil than Ibiza.
The natural beauty of Formentera is hard to explain. Some of the most spectacular beaches of the Balearic Islands are found on Formentera. The center of the island is equal parts rustic, arid and tropical. There are several charming villages where you can enjoy a relaxing bite to eat. If you have an extra day we would highly suggest a visit.
The many amazing beaches of Ibiza
The Balearic Islands are home to some of the best beaches in Spain. The climate and waters surrounding the islands creates the perfect environment for laid back beaches. The Islands are famous for their secluded coves.
Ibiza in particular is home to many spectacular coves and beaches:
Ibiza is an Island that belongs to the Balearic Island archipelago. The Balearic Islands are one of the seventeen autonomous communities of Spain. The Balearic Islands are one of the two archipelagos that Spain governs over. The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco is the other.
The Balearic Islands are located off the eastern coast of Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea, between the Iberian Peninsula and Italy. The nearest point between Spain and the islands is just under 130 km away.
The nearest autonomous communities to the Balearic Islands are Cataluña (Catalonia) and Valencia, with whom they share a cultural background. In all three communities Catalonian is commonly spoken and they share similar customs, traditions, and gastronomy. The Balearic Islands are also heavily influenced by Italy. The Islands have been under Italian control several times during the long history of the territory. The most recent occupation occurred during the Spanish Civil War the Islands where occupied by Italian forces.
The best way of getting to Ibiza is by plane. There are frequent flights from the peninsula to the Island. But there are also several ferries that can also get you there if you prefer the scenic route. This is a great option especially if you are already visiting continental Spain and have a car, you can literally just drive your car aboard the ferry. The fastest way of getting to the island by sea is from Denia, just south of Valencia. The ferry will get you there in 3 hours and prices can get as low as 10€ for the voyage. There is also a regular ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza, but it will take you about 8 hours to get there and about 50€ per person.
Flying as we have mentioned is the easiest and quickest way of getting to the Island. Flying, for example from Madrid, will take you just over an hour and cost around 50 €per person (depending on the season).
The Balearic Islands are home to some of the best beaches in Spain. The climate and waters surrounding the islands creates the perfect environment for laid back beaches. The Islands are famous for their secluded coves. Ibiza in particular is home to many spectacular coves and beaches. These are the top in our list, but there are many more!
This amazing, white sand and turquoise-colored water cove is located in Ibiza and is one of the top beaches of the Baleares Islands. Our team has sometimes been asked about Ibiza by people that may not be able to locate Ibiza in a map. Ibiza is the second largest (in size) island in the Balearic islands (Eastern Spain on the Mediterranean coast)
You can reach this cove through the other uber-famous Salada Cove which is usually more crowded and stressful.
If you want a more secluded and relaxing experience, head over to Saladeta Cove.
This spectacular cove is a great place to go, escape your troubles, and relax in Formentera, a paradise East of Ibiza
Calò des Mort is located in the western Migjorn Bay of the Baleares Islands. The water is crystal clear, calm, and still, almost like a pool.
The beach is calm and secluded, immediately disconnecting you from the outside world. The hardest part is driving away at the end of the day.
Benirras Beach is a wonderful little spot in northeastern Ibiza, near the town of San Miguel. Benirras offers beautiful sunsets, cool, artsy vibes, and spectacular natural beauty.
Benirras is a perfect example of an Ibiza beach. Benirras is a small cove, with white sand and beautiful clear water. The beach is lined with small shacks where local fishermen clean the day’s catch. The area is gorgeous and untouched. It almost feels like you are the first person to discover it.
It is also a very artsy spot. Ibiza is a hippy haven and Benirras hoasts a famous drum circle on Sundays at sunset. And it is the sunset that is the biggest draw of Benirras.
There are also several small shacks that serve food and drinks if you start to get peckish.
This wonderful beach is located in the Les Salines natural park. Las Salines is a collection of salt flats and marshes, so it is safe to say de the surrounding area is gorgeous.
Ses Salines beach is wide with soft, fine sand, and beautiful calm and clear waters. The one drawback is that the secret is out. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island and it can get very crowded during the summer.
Aside from the nature park and the excellent beach, you will most likely encounter a DJ spinning music all day long at the cafés and beach clubs that surround Ses Salines.
You will find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Talamanca is a spectacular beach near the capital of Ibiza. The beach is one of the larger ones on the list. Talamanca fun, relaxing and beautiful, and the proximity to the capital is a plus.
The beach is surrounded by a bunch of different restaurants, bars, and shops. If you are looking to have a little fun in the sun, there are several different places to rent equipment, and there are multiple beach volleyball courts.
Before we get into it, you should know this is one of the most popular and, at times most crowded beaches on the island. However, it is popular for a reason. It is just a short drive from the city of Ibiza, and the promenade is lined with entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops.
In summer, Playa d’en Bossa gets crowded and lively, and music plays non-stop, which is the charm of this particular beach. It’ is definitely not a place to relax and unwind, but if you are looking to party, this is a great choice.
Pou des Lleo is located in the northeast of Ibiza, near the small fishing town of Santa Eulalia. It is a picture-perfect little Balearic cove. The water is clear, and the cove is surrounded by low red cliffs.
This is a great option if you are looking to get away from everything. In fact, the only place to it anywhere near the beach is a small beach restaurant known for its fresh fish and paella.
Another excellent and untouched cove. Cala Pada is located on the eastern coast of the island. It’s small, uncrowded, and pristine. There isn’t much in the vicinity, and that is its charm. There are a couple “chiringuitos” (beachside restaurants) and bars, and that’s about it.
Cala Tarida is located on the western coast of the island, near the town of San Jose. It is a wide and beautiful beach with fine white sand and beautiful blue-green, calm, shallow water. there are a couple of flat rocks just off the coast you can swim to and sunbathe on.
In the area, there are several shops, restaurants, and cafés that look out at the Mediterranean. Cala Tarida is a great place to visit if you are traveling with kids.
Portinatx is a family-friendly area in northern Ibiza. There are three main beaches in the vicinity: S’Arenal Gros, S’Arenal Petit, and Playa Porto. these beaches tend to be less crowded than the beaches on the rest of the island (even in summer).
S’Arenal Gros is the biggest of the three and Playa Porto, is more like a little fishermen’s village and features a lighthouse. There are has some small restaurants and cafés, along with beach chair and umbrella rentals.
Choosing the best nightclubs in Ibiza is no easy task. Ibiza is known across the globe as one of the premiere party spots on the planet. There are tons of great party venues on the island, but unless you are well versed in the ins and outs of the Ibiza nightlife scene, finding the best can be near impossible.
But have no fear, our local guides have done the work for you and have put together the list of the top 10 nightclubs on the island. Check it out! And in case you are not very sure about where is Ibiza, we can only say it is about time the show gets started for you!
This amazing venue exploded in popularity last in 2019. Resident tech house DJ’s CamelPhat & Solardo linked up with Aussie artist Fisher and created the BODYWORKS show. Afterlife is another fantastic show featuring one of the worlds best electronica DJ, Recondite, is one of the highlights at Tale Of Us.
Hï Ibiza also has a Latin night called RICHBITCH and the David Guetta F*** Me I’m Famous! on Fridays. Wednesdays Armin & co. headline, on Sunday, is house night with Glitterbox, and Sunday brings the heat with the unique spectacle Black Coffee.
Address: Playa d’En Bossa s/n, 07817 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza
Opening times: 23:00/00:00–06:00
Capacity: 5,500
Tickets: from €35
Ushauaïa puts on an incredible show that combines a mind-blowing visual spectacle and a star-studded DJ line-up. Ushauaïa is Ibiza’s most epic open-air venue.
Carl Cox, Nic Fanciulli’s, Calvin, Guetta, Underworld, Garrix, and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are just some of the famous electronica acts that have performed there and their show lineup is insane: DANCE OR DIE. Cocoon, and ANTS.
Address: Playa d’En Bossa 10, 07817 Sant Jordi de Ses Salines, Ibiza
Opening times: 15:00 (ANTS)/16:00 (Elrow)/17:00–23:00
Capacity: 5,000
Ticket price: from €40
Circoloco Opening Party has consistently been a magnet for the top talent of the international techno scene: Damian Lazarus, Davide Squillace, Jamie Jones, and newcomer Anastasia Kristensen. DC10 is a great option, conveniently located just outside of Ibiza City.
Address: Carretera de las Salinas KM1, Ses Salinas, Ibiza
Opening times: 16:00–06:00
Capacity: 1,500
Ticket price: Standard from €30
Spearheading the daytime pool party revolution, Ibiza Rocks Hotel was one of the pioneers of the pool party revolution, which has become synonymous with sunshine disco, house, and UK garage.
They bring some of the top names in electronica such as MK, DJ EZ, Sonny Fodera, Rudimental, Craig David, Stormzy, Artwork, Derrick Carter, Doorly and 2ManyDJs. Located in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany on the island’s western coast.
Address: Calle Cervantes 27, 07820 San Antonio, Ibiza
Opening times: 14:00–21:00
Capacity: 2,500
Ticket price: Early-bird tickets from €15, standard from €20, VIP beds, tables and sofa from €100pp.
Houses within a small, boutique hotel in the middle of the island you will find one of the most unique experiences you could ever have. At this wildly eccentric boutique hotel, where contemporary hedonism and musical history meet, you will find the likes of DJ Harvey, Josh Wink, Fat Boy Slim, and George Evelyn, aka Nightmares On Wax. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Address: Camí Sa Vorera, S/N, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany
Opening times: 19:00 until late
Capacity: Limited
Ticket price: Invite/Guestlist Only
Following a short hiatus at Pacha, Cocoon returns home to mark its 20th anniversary in San Rafael. Anthemic tech-house giants Abode are back after a promising debut season, but not on the same night as Chicago-inspired juggernauts Do Not Sleep, who shift to Fridays. Pyramid’s huge opening party sets the pace with Nina Kraviz, Villalobos, and Helena Hauff, while global dominators Elrow (pictured) rule Saturdays at this twin-roomed, laser-lashed rave temple.
Address: Camí Sa Vorera, S/N, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany
Opening times: 19:00 until late
Capacity: Limited
Ticket price: Invite/Guestlist Only
Pacha is one of the most famous venues on the island. The world-famous-disco has played host to EDM heavyweight David Guetta, Marco Carola, and his all-conquering Music On brand, Dixon, DJ Claptone. Conveniently located just outside of the island’s capital.
Address: Av. 8 d’Agost 07800 Ibiza Town
Ticket price: Standard from €30
Capacity: 3,000
Opening times: 23:59–06:00
Privilege Ibiza is the world’s biggest nightclub and a heavy weight in the world of Raves. International techno giants Resistance is absolutely the highlight at this mammoth venue. Scene kingpin Carl Cox and Belgian acid queen Charlotte de Witte are just two of this season’s Resistance residents. Joseph Capriati, and Richie Hawtin are also usually spotted spinning at Privalage.
Address: Urbanización San Rafael, s/n 07816 San Rafael, Ibiza
Opening times: 23:59–06:00
Capacity: 10,000
Ticket price: From €20
Eden’s has gone through an amazing transformation in recent years. The biggest reason probably being the presence of Defected, the house music superstar, and breathing new life into the after-dark clubbing scene in Sant Antoni.
Mark Knight’s Toolroom is also held at and Shine brings the big trance names, including Paul van Dyk.
Address: 07820, San Antonio, Ibiza
Opening times: 23:59–06:00
Capacity: 2,500
Ticket price: Standard from €20
Cova Santa offers one of the most star-studded guest lists of any club on the island: Nicole Moudaber, Michael Mayer, Audiofly, Tijana T, La Fleur and Solomun.
Lee Burridge’s All Day I Dream party is another highlight of the Cova Santa disco. A new offering at this stunning outdoor venue renowned for attracting a discerning international audience. But the main draw has to be the Diynamic show.
Address: Ctra. San José, KM 7 (desvío Sa Caleta), 07817 Ibiza Town, Spain
Ticket price: From €25
Capacity: 1,800
Opening times: 18:00–06:00
A wide variety of different boats set sail every day from the Playa d’En Bossa pier and the Sant Antoni harbor near the Egg roundabout. This is another amazing option to indulge in a bit of the nightlife on earth.
This is a great option, especially if you are on a budget. Most boat party tickets now include entry to at least one of the island’s top superclubs. The different boats feature different music styles, so you can pick and choose according to your mood.
But make sure you arrive at least an hour before your boat is due to depart!
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