Your guide to Ibiza
Ibiza highlights
Electric nightlife
For house music lovers, Ibiza promises an electric and captivating atmosphere. The long summer season sees world-class DJs, including Calvin Harris, David Guetta and Damian Lazarus, playing at the island’s mega clubs. If you prefer something more mellow, beach bars like Nassau and Sa Trinxa are great places to sip cocktails with views of the shoreline.
Sun-kissed beaches
There are plenty of pristine beaches to explore Ibiza. Swim, sunbathe and unwind on the powdery sands of Playa d’en Bossa, Cala Comte or Cala Saladeta. Feeling adventurous? Hire jet skis, paddleboards or banana boats at locations across the island’s azure shores.
Cultural riches
Ibiza mini breaks also offer a window into its history and cultural heritage. Penetrate the walls of Ibiza’s fortified old town, Dalt Vila, and explore impressive ancient fortifications. You’ll find lots of photogenic vistas at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the world’s largest and best-preserved necropolis at the museum of Puig des Molins, or tour Es Culleram, a Punic sanctuary in the north of the island that was inhabited during the Bronze Age.
Ibiza: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish, Catalan |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June - September |
| Low season | November - March |
Find the best time to go to Ibiza
Weather in Ibiza
March – May: Spring is bright and comfortable, and by mid-April, you’ll only need a light jacket. Enjoy the Easter celebrations in the streets before the clubbing season gets underway in May.
June – August: Peak summer months bring temperatures over 30°C, and the sea can be almost as warm. With little chance of rain, this is when beaches are at their busiest.
September – November: Temperatures start to drop in October. Don’t miss dramatic autumn sunsets over Es Vedra.
December – February: Winter clouds and rain cool things down to 15°C, but it still feels warm when the sun is out. Head to Santa Agnès de Corona to see the almond trees blossom.
Events in Ibiza
Santa Eulalia Festival (February): The eastern coast town is a fun place to be during this popular event. Enjoy traditional dancing, colourful processions and an annual fish festival.
Medieval Festival (May): Travel back to the Middle Ages at this four-day festival set along the winding streets of Dalt Vila. Music, theatre, handicrafts and local foods round out the fun.
Ibiza Rocks (June to August): The legendary music festival takes over the island for three whole months. See some of the world’s top DJs spin poolside at Ibiza Rocks Hotel.
Closing parties (October): This is your chance to party like there’s no tomorrow. The island’s clubs finish the season with an epic last hurrah.
The best neighbourhoods in Ibiza
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town is the best area to stay in Ibiza for culture and night-time adventures. Known as the capital of Ibiza, you’ll find everything from world-class bars to historic sites and boutiques. During the day, enjoy some retail therapy, go on a sightseeing adventure or relax at a local bar. After dark, this city comes to life with its iconic nightclubs and electrifying beats.
Good for: Bars, architecture, restaurants
Playa d’en Bossa
This is where to stay in Ibiza if your holiday moves to the beat of EDM. Midway between Ibiza Town and the airport, Playa d’en Bossa is home to the longest sandy beach on the island, as well as some of its most popular nightclubs. The main strip packs everything from burger bars to posh hotels. More into paddling than clubbing? Many boat excursions push-off from here.
Good for: Boating, dining, bars
Santa Eulalia
Let the hedonists sleep in while you explore the many charms of Santa Eulalia. Located on the island’s eastern flank, this family-friendly town is a quieter alternative to the club-heavy resort areas. Rent an e-bike and pedal along the river, browse the craft vendors in town and plot your meals with care. Santa Eulalia hosts some of Ibiza’s most innovative restaurants.
Good for: Beaches, bars, dining
Things to do in Ibiza
Family friendly things to do
Despite its party reputation, there are plenty of things to do with family in Ibiza. Take the kids for a fun beach day at Playa d’en Bossa and splash around the shallow waters. Or go on a guided tour through the medieval streets and alleys of Dalt Vila. In Santa Eulalia, visit the Can Planetes interpretive center to learn about Ibiza’s ecology and traditions.
Shopping
Shopping in Ibiza ranges from upmarket boutiques to boho markets. In Ibiza Town, the main shopping streets are Vara del Rey and Rosello where you can expect to find designer labels you know and love. Prefer luxury fashion and jewellery? Head to Marina Botafoch. The Las Dalias Hippie Market, 30 minutes north, is known for its unique handicrafts and flamboyant clothing.
Take in the culture
The rich cultural heritage of the island is documented in the many museums in Ibiza. In Ibiza Town, the Archaeological Museum features Carthaginian and Roman artefacts, while the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE) showcases paintings, sculpture and multimedia installations. History buffs should head south to the ruins of Sa Caleta, the first Phoenician settlement in Ibiza, dating back to 650 BC.
Nightlife
World-renowned DJs and producers descend on the party island each summer (from May until October) to spin house and techno in over 20 clubs. Calvin Harris and David Guetta host weekly parties under the stars at Ushuaia. Ravers have rolled through DC10’s marathon sessions since the 90s. And don’t miss a night in Amnesia – perhaps the most iconic of all Ibiza’s clubs.
Places to eat
For foodies, many restaurants in Ibiza serve traditional dishes like ‘bullit de peix’ (fish stew) and ‘arroz de matanzas’ (rice with pork). Feast on tapas and sip sangria at local cafes along Ibiza Town's historic streets and try authentic Spanish cuisine at La Brasa. Take advantage of Ibiza's renowned beachfront dining, with establishments like El Chiringuito serving seafood paella with dreamy sea views.
Free things to do
There are many free things to do in Ibiza if you’re travelling on a budget. Discover the island’s natural beauty with hikes through pine forests and enjoy picnics in scenic spots like the Es Vedra viewpoint. Bring your own snorkel and dive into San Antonio Bay. At Benirras Beach, you can watch free-spirited locals drumming in time to the setting sun.
Get ready for Ibiza
Budget
Avoid the overpriced vodka tonics, and it’s perfectly possible to explore Ibiza on a budget. Away from the expensive nightclub bars, you can buy a beer for as little as three euros (€). And an inexpensive meal at a family-owned restaurant will cost you less than €20. A short taxi ride should be around €10.
Day trips from Ibiza
Head north for the laid-back village of Sant Joan de Labritja, whose wooded coastline and secluded coves are only a 30-minute drive away. Or take the 15-minute bus ride to Santa Gertrudis, with its gourmet dining and vibey boutiques. Up for a quick island hop? Catch the ferry to gorgeous Formentera, just 30 minutes off the southern coast.
Getting around Ibiza
The well-connected bus service is the cheapest way to get around Ibiza. In summer, the Disco Bus connects party resorts to major clubs. It’s also fun to hire a scooter and zip around the island on your own schedule. Ferries and water taxis are perfect for reaching the surrounding beaches and islands. But to explore Ibiza from top to bottom, hire a car.
