Ibiza

Located in the Balearic Islands in Spain, Ibiza is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. Though it is known all over the world for its clubbing scene and amazing beaches, it has more to offer than endless partying and swimming in turquoise waters.

In our Ibiza travel guide, you can find the best things to do on the island: top beaches, nightlife hotspots, popular activities and attractions as well as food recommendations. Find all schedules and buy your ferry ticket to Ibiza online on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks!

The heavenly Cala San Vicente beach with its golden sand and palm trees

Vacation in Ibiza

Ibiza (or Eivissa in Catalan) is located off the eastern coast of Spain and is one of the most popular holiday islands in the world. Famous for its legendary nightlife and 24-hour party scene, it is an ideal destination for those who love electronic music and dancing until the early hours. But there’s more to Ibiza than meets the eye.

Back in the '60s and '70s, the island was a haven for hippies and bohemians who were drawn to its untamed beauty and pristine nature. Today, many venues maintain the bohemian vibe of the past and Ibiza's hippie heritage is still present, especially in the north, which is quieter and wilder.

There, you can find the island's most secluded and peaceful beaches, as well as impressive natural sites that are worth discovering. Many holidaymakers also visit Ibiza for its spa resorts and retreats, while the beautiful island is also an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Tip: to enjoy your stay to the fullest, we suggest that you spend at least 7 days in Ibiza if it's the first time. If you only have a few days to spare, a weekend trip to Ibiza is perfect to see the island's highlights and experience its famous nightlife.

How to get to Ibiza?

You can travel by ferry to Ibiza island from the ports of Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia in mainland Spain. The port of Dénia is the one closest to the island, with the ferry ride lasting about 2 hours. In the Balearics, you can easily travel to Ibiza from Mallorca. The duration of the ferry trip from Mallorca to Ibiza ranges from 2 to 4 hours.

Here, you can find more information about Ibiza ferries.

Things to do in Ibiza

The main activities in Ibiza are, of course, swimming and dancing, thanks to the island’s exciting nightlife and gorgeous beaches. But Ibiza's stunning landscapes and amazing crystal-clear waters also make it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. For those interested in learning more about the island's rich past, there are also plenty of impressive historical sites and monuments to visit.

Sounds exciting? Continue reading our travel guide for Ibiza to find answers to all your questions about the island, including what to do and see in Ibiza, when to go to Ibiza and where to stay during your vacation.

The stunning turquoise waters of Cala d'Hort beach on the southwest coast of Ibiza

Beaches in Ibiza 

One of the main attractions in Ibiza is its spectacular beaches, ranging from impressive rocky coves surrounded by cliffs to beautiful long sandy beaches. Some offer several amenities to their visitors, such as restaurants, cafés, shops and water sports facilities, while others are quieter and only have small chiringuitos (beach bars that serve drinks and tapas).

Some of our favorite beaches in Ibiza are:

• Cala Benirrás: this is a small secluded cove with pebble and sand, located in the north of the island. There, you can find sun loungers, parasols and a beach bar. You can also admire beautiful views of the islet of Cap Bernat and an incredible sunset.
• Cala d´Hort: located in the southwest of the island, this small and pretty beach offers magnificent views of the imposing islet of Es Vedrà. One part of the beach is sandy and the other is covered with pebbles. There are umbrellas and sun loungers available, and you can also find a beach bar nearby. The cove is perfectly accessible for people with disabilities and it is also smoke-free.
• Playa de Las Salinas: this is a long sandy beach located in the south of the island. It is one of the most suitable options for having a drink and experiencing an authentic Ibizan night out in an exceptional setting. It has restaurants, beach bars, nightclubs and facilities for practicing water sports. In the high season, this beach is usually quite crowded.
• Playa de Sol d'en Serra: this beautiful and secluded beach is located in the eastern part of the island and it is ideal for relaxing. Located at the foot of a long cliff, it has several cafes and restaurants.
• Cala Xarraca: this is a cove located in the north of the island and it is ideal for diving, as it usually has the clearest waters in Ibiza. The central part of the beach has sun loungers and umbrellas, while the rest of the beach is quieter and designated for nudism.
• Cala de S'Aigua Blanca: surrounded by large cliffs and lush vegetation, this impressive beach is popular among locals. It is located on the northeast coast and has golden sand and beautiful clear waters. It is one of the best nudist beaches on the island and has parasols, a restaurant and a charming beach bar.
• Playa de Talamanca: just 15 minutes from the center of Ibiza town, this family-friendly beach has white sand and shallow waters. The beach is quite extensive and well-equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, a restaurant, facilities for water sports and beach volleyball courts.
• Cala Comte: located close to the lively municipality of San Antonio Abad, this beach has one of the best sunset views, overlooking the islets of the Ibizan coast. It is a rocky beach with a small stretch of golden sand and beautiful shallow waters. You can also find restaurants, bars, umbrellas and sun loungers.

Breathtaking views of the mysterious Es Vedrá island from Torre des Savinar

Sightseeing in Ibiza

Ibiza has been inhabited since approximately 2000 BCE. The island served as a trade center for the Phoenicians, who founded a settlement in the middle of the 7th century BCE in the same location where Ibiza Town is located today.

To learn more about Ibiza's long history and cultural heritage, you can visit its impressive archaeological sites, monuments and museums. The island is also full of must-see areas filled with unique natural beauty.

Some of the top sights and attractions in Ibiza are:

• The old town of Ibiza, Dalt Vila: stroll down the narrow cobbled streets to marvel at the beautiful architecture and enjoy your dinner in Plaza de Vila, the old town's main square. These are just some of the top things to do in the Dalt Vila of Ibiza.
• The Puig des Molins museum and necropolis: this is the ancient cemetery of the city of Ibiza and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balearic Islands.
• The Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta: the ancient village dates back to the 7th century BCE and is an official World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO.
• The church of Santo Domingo: The Baroque church was built in the 17th century and is located close to the port of Ibiza.
• The mysterious island of Es Vedrá: to reach this magical and breathtaking site, there are several boat companies that take you close to the island. Alternatively, you can hike to Torre des Savinar, an old watchtower that offers great views of Es Vedrá.
• The natural park of Ses Salines: located in the southeast of Ibiza, this protected area is home to a wide range of stunning terrains, from salt beds to wetlands, sand dunes and beautiful isolated beaches.
• The Moscarter lighthouse: it is found on the north coast of the island and offers spectacular views of the Balearic Sea. To get there, follow the hiking trail from Portinatx. 
• The Can Marçà cave: this cave is found in the north of Ibiza and it is a place of great geological interest. Take a tour to learn more about the history of this impressive cave.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art of Ibiza (Museu d’Art Contemporani d'Eivissa): the museum’s collection features famous and lesser-known artists from the Balearic Islands as well as works by other Spanish and international artists.
• The Aquarium Cap Blanc: located in a large natural cave, this aquarium is home to several Mediterranean marine species.

Activities in Ibiza

Outdoor activities are the best way to appreciate Ibiza's unique natural beauty. And they are a lot of fun! The island offers all kinds of water sports and activities, from sailing and scuba diving to jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. You can also try flyboarding at most of Ibiza's large resorts.

To get away from the party scene and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the island's gorgeous landscapes, try mountain biking or hiking. Many trails, especially in the north, lead to beautiful hidden beaches and coves with amazing azure waters. If you are looking for something quieter, you can go birdwatching at the natural park of Ses Salines.

The alleys of the historic center of Ibiza

Nightlife in Ibiza

Ibiza is one of the most famous party destinations in the world and its nightlife is legendary. In the last decades, the island has become synonymous with endless clubbing, wild parties and non-stop dancing to electronic music. If you are not sure where to party in Ibiza, you can find many nightlife hotspots on the road that connects Ibiza Town in the southeast to San Antonio in the southwest.

Some of the most famous nightclubs in Ibiza are Bora Bora and Ushuaïa Ibiza in Playa d'en Bossa, Amnesia on the road from Ibiza Town to San Rafel, and Blue Marlin Ibiza in Cala Jondal. To get from one to the other, you should take the discobus. Discobuses connect all the big nightclubs and party resorts throughout the night and the atmosphere is amazing!

Tip: during your trip to Ibiza, make sure to visit the famous Café del Mar, which opened in the town of San Antonio in 1980. The bar is known all over the world for its chill-out and ambient music compilations as well as its large terrace that offers breathtaking sunset views.

Food in Ibiza

Like all the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is known for its delicious cuisine, full of fresh, local ingredients. Dishes based on freshly caught fish and seafood feature prominently in the island's culinary traditions, as well as meat-based delicacies and mouthwatering sweet treats.

During your vacation in Ibiza, we recommend trying the following local dishes and products:

• paella de marisco (the famous Spanish dish with fresh seafood)
• bullit de peix (traditional fish stew)
• borrida de ratjada (fish with potatoes and garlic served with almonds)
• arroz de matanzas or arròs de matances (rice with meat, saffron and mushrooms)
• sofrit pagés (hearty meat stew)
• sobrassada and botifarra (traditional Balearic sausages)
• greixonera (a type of bread pudding)
• ensaïmada de Mallorca (pastry dessert filled with cream or chocolate, or simply dusted with icing sugar)
• flaó ibicenco (a type of cheese tart, similar to cheesecake)
• hierbas ibicencas (aniseed-based aperitif flavored with local herbs)

The charming port of Ibiza by night

Towns and villages in Ibiza

Ibiza Town is the capital and the largest city on the island. Renowned for its exciting nightlife, the lively city has something for everyone: world-class bars and nightclubs, amazing museums and art galleries, great shops and a beautiful old town with impressive historical buildings. Plus, it hosts all kinds of cultural events throughout the year.

If you want to enjoy the more peaceful side of Ibiza, you can visit the island's pretty towns and villages to marvel at the beautiful architecture, go to local markets, restaurants and shops, and find out why Ibiza is called the "White Island". Some of these villages are tiny, including a church, a restaurant and a few houses.

Ferryhopper suggests visiting the following villages and towns:

• Santa Agnès de Corona
• Sant Agustí des Vedrà
• Es Cubells
• Sant Miquel de Balansat
• Sant Joan de Labritja
• Santa Eulària des Riu

Tip: don't miss the chance to visit Ibiza's famous hippy street markets that sell arts and crafts, hand-made clothes, jewelry and local products. The biggest markets are the Punta Arabí Hippie Market which takes place on Wednesdays in the resort of Es Caná, and the Las Dalias Hippie Market which takes place every Saturday next to the village of Sant Carles de Peralta.

Typical white houses in Dalt Vila, Ibiza's Old Town

Useful information about Ibiza

Covering an area of around 570km², Ibiza is the third largest of Spain's Balearic Islands. It is a very popular holiday destination with big tourist resorts and all kinds of amenities for travelers.

There is a hospital and a medical center in Ibiza Town, as well as medical centers in Santa Eulalia (or Santa Eulària des Riu) and San Antonio (or Sant Antoni de Portmany). The island also has an international airport located 7km southwest of Ibiza Town. Bus route 10 connects the airport to Ibiza Town to the port of Ibiza.

As for accommodation, Ibiza offers plenty of options that cover a wide price range. If you choose to stay in Ibiza Town, you can easily access all of the capital's amazing bars, restaurants, attractions, shops, museums and galleries. If you prefer to be close to nature, you can stay in Portinatx, Puerto de San Miguel or Cala Llonga. For those who want to be right in the center of the party scene, Playa d'en Bossa and the coastal area south of Ibiza Town are ideal.

If you're wondering when is the best time to go to Ibiza, the answer is that it depends. The peak tourist season in Ibiza starts at the beginning of June till around mid-September. During these months, the weather is warm, with maximum temperatures of around 30°C. If you want to party, July and August are the best months to visit Ibiza, though most beaches, restaurants and bars can get very busy.

If you prefer quiet holidays in Ibiza, it's best to go at the end of May or the end of September. The temperatures are lower, but it is still warm and the island is much less crowded.

Despite Ibiza's reputation as party-central, it's also a great destination for family holidays. There are many child-friendly beaches and resorts on the island, as well as exciting activities for kids. The town of Santa Eulalia is one of the best places for families to stay in Ibiza.

Tip: for detailed information on how to get to Ibiza from mainland Spain, make sure to check our relevant blog post.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Ibiza

Here are some useful contacts for your Ibiza holidays:

• Can Misses Hospital (Ibiza Town): +34971397000
• Ibiza Airport: +34971809000, +34913211000
• Ibiza tourist information office: +34971301900
• Radio taxi for Ibiza Town: +34971398483
• Balearic Islands Port Authority (port of Ibiza): +34971310611
• Local police: 092
• European emergency number: 112
• Medical emergencies: 061

Transportation in Ibiza

The cheapest way to get around Ibiza is by bus, with routes connecting all major towns and resorts throughout the year. Bus services to more remote areas of the island might be less frequent. There are also several bus routes available in Ibiza Town, with regular services running from the center to the city's various neighborhoods.

During the summer, there is a night bus service operated by Discobus that connects all the bars and nightclubs of the island. You can find more information about bus routes and schedules on the official Ibiza bus information website.

If you prefer to take a taxi, you can find taxi ranks at the airport, the ferry terminals and in all towns and resorts. You can also hail taxis on the street. Make sure that the meter is on and bear in mind that rates are slightly higher at night and on weekends. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a scooter, or bring your vehicle on the ferry.

Magical sunset at the Cala Comte beach in Ibiza

Ports in Ibiza

Ibiza has 2 ports: the port of Ibiza Town on the southeast coast and the port of San Antonio on the southwest coast. The Ibiza ferry port is located 1.5km from the city center and it's only a 10-minute drive from the airport. The port of San Antonio is about 17km from Ibiza Town and 22km from the airport. There are regular bus services connecting San Antonio to the capital, the airport and some of the island's popular beaches and resorts.

Island hopping from Ibiza

From Ibiza, you can travel by ferry to the other Balearic Islands. Formentera is so close to Ibiza that you can even go there for a day trip. The two islands are connected with many daily ferry crossings all year round and trip duration ranges from 25 minutes to 1 hour. Ferries from Ibiza to Formentera depart from the port of Ibiza.

Mallorca is also close to Ibiza, with the shortest ferry journey taking about 2 hours. The Ibiza - Mallorca route operates every day and ferries depart from the port of Ibiza and arrive at the port of Palma de Mallorca.

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can see all the available routes from Ibiza, so that you can easily plan your ferry trip around the Balearic Islands.

Ibiza ferry: schedules and tickets

You can travel by ferry to Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia in mainland Spain. The shortest ferry journey is from the port of Dénia, which is located in the southeast of Spain, between Valencia and Alicante.

More specifically, the Ibiza ferry routes from mainland Spain are the following:

• Dénia - Ibiza: there are daily ferry crossings from Dénia to Ibiza that last 2 to 3.5 hours.
• Valencia - Ibiza: the route is served several times per week and the ferry to Ibiza from Valencia usually takes about 5 hours to reach the island.
• Barcelona - Ibiza: there are several weekly ferry crossings from Barcelona to Ibiza, with the duration of the journey usually ranging from 8 to 9 hours.

Ferry timetables are subject to change depending on the season. You can check real-time schedules and compare prices for Ibiza ferry tickets at a glance on Ferryhopper.

Aerial view of the port of San Antonio in the southwest of Ibiza

Where to book ferry tickets online to Ibiza

Book cheap ferry tickets to Ibiza online on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees. Find all the information you need about ferries to Ibiza, compare companies, trip duration and ticket prices, and organize your trip to Ibiza and the Balearic Islands in just a few clicks!