- Nowhere on Ibiza is more than about 45 minutes from the airport
- San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa for parties; Santa Eulària and the north for families and couples
- Big club openings are usually late April-May, closings early October
- Take the ferry to Formentera for a day of white sand
- Airports
- Ibiza (IBZ)
- Best time to go
- June and September; May-October for the club season
- Type
- Island
Ibiza has two personalities, and both are real. In summer, superclubs, sunset bars and beach parties draw clubbers from around the world. Yet most of the island is quiet: pine-covered hills, farmhouses turned boutique hotels, sheltered bays perfect for small children and a fortified old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Choose your base carefully and Ibiza works for almost anyone.
Flights take about 2h20 from London, with direct routes from most UK airports in summer and fewer in winter. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK, plugs are the European two-pin type and traffic drives on the right. The Balearic Islands charge a sustainable tourism tax per person per night, usually paid at your hotel. For the rest of the country, see our Spain guide.
Where to stay
- Ibiza Town (Eivissa) – the stylish capital, with the walled Dalt Vila, the marina and some of the best restaurants. Good for couples and nightlife without the 18–30 crowd.
- Playa d'en Bossa – a long sandy beach close to the airport with big beach clubs and several superclubs. Best for clubbers.
- San Antonio (Sant Antoni) – the west-coast party town, famous for sunset bars along the Sunset Strip. Popular with younger groups; the quieter bay side suits families.
- Santa Eulària des Riu – a calm, attractive town on the east coast with a promenade, a river walk and good restaurants. One of the best family bases.
- Es Canar, Cala Llonga and Es Figueral – smaller east-coast resorts with sheltered beaches and family hotels.
- Portinatx and the north – quiet, green and remote, with lovely coves. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, though you will want a car.
Club tickets are cheaper bought online in advance than on the door, and drinks inside are very expensive, so budget accordingly.
Things to do
- Dalt Vila – the walled old town of Ibiza, with the cathedral, bastions and sweeping harbour views.
- Ses Salines Natural Park – salt flats, flamingos at times, and the popular Ses Salines beach.
- Cala Comte and Cala Bassa – west-coast beaches with turquoise water and famous sunsets.
- Cala d'Hort – a cove facing the mysterious rock island of Es Vedrà.
- Cala Benirràs – a north-coast bay known for its Sunday-evening drummers at sunset.
- Hippy markets – Punta Arabí in Es Canar on Wednesdays and Las Dalias near Sant Carles on Saturdays.
- Formentera – fast ferries from Ibiza Town take about 30 minutes to a flat island with Caribbean-like beaches.
- The clubs – global DJs and huge productions from late spring to early autumn.
Best time to visit
| Season | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| May | 23-25 °C | Club openings, quiet beaches |
| June | 27-28 °C | Long days, warm sea |
| July-August | 30-32 °C | Peak clubbing, busy and pricey |
| September-October | 25-29 °C | Closing parties, couples |
In winter most resort hotels and all the big clubs close, but Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària stay open for a mild, peaceful break.
Getting there
Ibiza airport (IBZ) is in the south of the island, about 7 km from Ibiza Town. Approximate transfer times: Playa d'en Bossa 10 minutes, Ibiza Town 15 minutes, San Antonio 25 minutes, Santa Eulària 25 minutes, Es Canar 30 minutes, Portinatx about 40–45 minutes. Buses run from the airport to Ibiza Town, Playa d'en Bossa, San Antonio and Santa Eulària. Ferries link Ibiza with Mallorca, Dénia and Barcelona.
Getting around
Buses connect the main towns cheaply, and summer disco buses run through the night between clubs and resorts. Taxis can be scarce in peak season, so book ahead or use an app. A hire car opens up the north and the quieter coves, but parking near popular beaches is limited in August.
Ibiza is one of Spain's most expensive destinations in summer. Allow about €100–150 a day per person in high season on a mid-range trip, before club entry, and more around the beach clubs.
Top attractions in Ibiza
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
Ibiza on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Ibiza good for families?
Yes. Santa Eulària, Es Canar, Cala Llonga and Portinatx are quiet and have shallow, sheltered beaches. Avoid central San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa if you want peace.
Is Ibiza good for couples?
Very. Ibiza Town for dining, boutique hotels in the countryside, and sunsets at Cala Comte or Cala d'Hort make it a strong romantic choice.
Ibiza or Menorca?
When does the Ibiza club season start?
Most big clubs hold opening parties from late April to May and closing parties from late September to mid-October.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
