Heading to Ibiza for the weekend and wondering how to split your time?
Ibiza is a small island famed for its “superclubs” and golden beaches. It’s easy enough to spend 2 days in Ibiza relaxing on the beach. However, you can also consider getting out on the water and immersing yourself in Ibiza’s history.
Are weekends in Ibiza worth it?
It’s perfectly viable to head to Ibiza for the weekend from mainland Europe. Ibiza Airport has fast and regular connections to Spain and the UK, especially during summer. Flights from London take around 2.5 hours while flights from Madrid take 1 hour 15 minutes.
Bear in mind that you’ll lose an hour due to the time difference between the UK and Spain and note that flights departing on Thursdays and Fridays are more expensive.
Best time to visit Ibiza for the weekend
The best time to visit Ibiza is late May, June, or September. The crossover of spring and summer brings the warmest weather and avoids the worst of the high season crowds which gradually ease in fall.
If you’re heading to Ibiza for a weekend of partying, you’ll need to check what’s on at superclubs on your hitlist. Ibiza’s clubs close over winter and start to reopen in May and June. Beach clubs also host fun events like yoga activities and “White Parties.”
Ibiza experiences mild winters but they can be damp and windy. It’s also a little chilly to swim in the sea and lots of water activity operators close or reduce their hours. The cooler season is the best time to visit Ibiza for a weekend of hiking and bagging a budget stay. It’s also a marvelous time to book a yoga retreat.
Ibiza beaches are worth any amount of time even if you only have 24 hours on this island, it’s worth it.
What to pack for an Ibiza 2 day itinerary
- Sun protection: pack a hat, high-factor sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Swimwear: plus a rashguard or t-shirt for kayaking.
- Club-appropriate clothing: Ibiza’s superclubs have a relaxed dress code. Comfortable clothing is recommended and open-toe/high-heeled footwear is discouraged. On the other hand, beach clubs may stipulate a “beach chic” dress code.
- White clothing: in case a White Party at Nikki Beach will factor on your 2 day Ibiza itinerary! They usually occur on summer weekends in Ibiza.
This guide will help you determine what to wear in Ibiza for a weekend.
Where to stay on an Ibiza weekend trip
In terms of where to stay in Ibiza for the weekend, it’s best to stay around Ibiza Town (Vila). The capital is close to the airport and is a convenient base for beaches, activities, restaurants, nightlife, and getting around the island.
Ibiza Town is well connected to Sant Antoni (San Antonio – the party town, which usually has cheaper accommodation), the serene Santa Eulalia, and the quiet northern coast by bus.
This map shows all the different bus routes in Ibiza and you can also consult timetables online. Ibiza’s main bus station is located on Carrer de Sant Cristòfol in Ibiza Town.
- Best luxury hotel for a weekend in Ibiza: Hotel La Torre del Canonigo sits in the heart of Ibiza’s old town, Dalt Vila. Rooms are beautifully attired with tiled flooring and rattan furnishings while the rooftop pool overlooks the marina.
- Best mid-range hotel for weekends in Ibiza: Located on Playa d’en Bossa, Hotel Garbi Ibiza & Spa is perfect for a weekend spent on the beach or poolside. The hotel has a great breakfast and offers half-board.
- Best apartment rental for a weekend in Ibiza: Lovely for a short or longer stay, studio apartments at CBbC Suites Port Vell have basic kitchens. Deluxe units have a terrace.
- Best villa rental for an Ibiza weekend trip: The five-bedroom Villa Cali accommodates up to 10 guests and has a private pool in a lush garden. Airport transfers are available and the host can assist with car or bike hire.
- Best budget hotel for a weekend in Ibiza: Hotel Tres Torres is located near the beaches and restaurants of Santa Eulalia. All rooms have a terrace, breakfast is included, and a shuttle service is available.
If you are only going to be in Ibiza for the weekend, you can splurge a little bit on your accommodation.
Ibiza for the Weekend: 2 day Ibiza itinerary
Let’s take a look at how to spend 2 days in Ibiza. This guide lays out the best things to do in Ibiza for a weekend but leaves it up to you to whittle down a bespoke itinerary.
Day 1 of 2 days in Ibiza
The first day of your Ibiza 2 day itinerary revolves around light sightseeing and beaches. You might want to flip the days around if you’re staying for two nights rather than three.
Enjoy Ibiza’s beaches
Even with just 2 days in Ibiza, you’ll want to make time to relax on the island’s glorious beaches.
The easiest option is to book a beachfront hotel. Otherwise, you can visit a public beach. Playa de Talamanca, Playa de ses Figueretes, and Playa d’en Bossa are closest to Vila. These do the job if you’re looking for swimming, water sports, and convenience. However, they do get awfully busy at weekends in Ibiza.
Santa Eulalia is doable as a day trip by bus from Ibiza Town. The main beach isn’t huge but it has a mellow vibe popular with families and couples.
You can elevate your weekend in Ibiza by hanging out at a beach club. These private clubs rent out sunbeds and offer full-service dining – many also have a pool.
Beach clubs in Ibiza vary in terms of vibe and luxury: some have a party atmosphere, some are more family-friendly, and others focus on wellness.
Explore historic Ibiza Town
Ibiza’s historic attractions are concentrated in the easterly capital. Dalt Vila – Ibiza’s old town, or “Upper Town” – rises high above Ibiza Town and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded by the Phoenicians and strengthened during medieval times, the fortified Dalt Vila once safeguarded Ibiza against invaders and pirates. These days it offers gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea and hums with cafes and souvenir shops amid its ancient walls and ornate gateways.
Pop into the 13th-century cathedral (Catedral d’Eivissa) as you make your ascent to Ibiza Castle (Castell de Eivissa) for the best views. Puig des Molins is a wonderful museum for learning about the Phoenician settlement.
The different towns and villages in Ibiza are worth exploring during a trip to the island.
Go for a drive
If you’re looking for an adventurous 2 day Ibiza itinerary, you could rent a car and spend a day exploring the untamed northern coast. This part of Ibiza is less developed with only a handful of calm resorts like Portinatx and Sant Vicent.
As Ibiza is so small, it only takes around 45 minutes to drive from the airport to the north. Roads are in excellent nick and it’s a safe place to drive. Renting a car in Ibiza is the same as hiring a car in mainland Spain.
If you’re not a driver or would rather not rent a car, you can take a bus to the north coast. There’s less flexibility with the bus but the service works well and is a wallet-friendly option for weekends in Ibiza
This “Secret Spots” island tour by Land Rover Defender is another fun option for seeing the wilder side of Ibiza. It starts in Ibiza Town or Sant Antoni and focuses on the beaches and rural areas in southwest Ibiza.
Take a hike
Ibiza isn’t a major hiking destination but there are some lovely walks ranging from easy to moderate.
Take bus number 34 from Sant Antoni to Cala Salada from where you can follow the easy coastal path back to town. The trail starts near the beach restaurant and passes the cliff-diving haven Punta Galera and Cap Negret.
Journey north on the bus or with a rental car to hike the rugged cliffs. Cala Portinatx to Cala d’en Serra is a longer and more challenging route that will take half a day from your 2 day Ibiza itinerary.
Shop at a hippy market
Immerse yourself in bohemian Ibiza at one of the island’s famous weekend markets. The Playa d’en Bossa Hippy Market is the best option when visiting Ibiza for the weekend in summer. It’s closest to Ibiza Town and may be visited in tandem with its namesake beach.
This market has a mix of clothing, accessories, gifts, and pet apparel. Bus number 14 goes there from Dalt Vila; this market is open daily between May and September.
If you head further afield, Las Dalias has an incredible atmosphere. Located in the northern village of Sant Carles de Peralta, this huge open-air market brings together around 200 vendors selling artisan trinkets, boho clothing, and antiques.
There’s always a solid selection of food and drink stalls plus live music. This market is open every Saturday (excluding January).
Slightly further north, San Juan hosts a similar hippy market to Las Dalias on Sundays (all year).
A fun way to see more of the island on a short trip is to take a boat trip.
Day 2 of 2 days in Ibiza
With a second full day in Ibiza, it’s fun to get out on the water and there are an abundance of options.
Charter a yacht
Renting a boat is one way to elevate an Ibiza weekend trip.
Smart Charter Ibiza has the largest fleet of speed boats and yachts with the largest vessels accommodating up to 12 guests. The team will work with you to devise an itinerary around the island with plenty of swimming stops.
The fees generally include an eight-hour hire, crew, towels, and snorkels. Additional aquatic toys are available upon request, catering comes at an additional cost, and fuel is charged separately based on the route.
If chartering a yacht is too expensive, you can join a small-group sailing tour. This full-day sailing trip to Formentera is available as a private or shared activity. It departs from Ibiza and circuits both of these two Balearic Islands.
Once at Formentera, you’ll stop to swim at Espalmador and Ses Illetes beaches. Lunch isn’t included so you’ll either have to bring your own food or let the skipper know you need to buy food at Formentera.
Sea kayaking and snorkeling
Kayaking tours in Ibiza tend to be shorter and more affordable. These guide you along Ibiza’s rocky inlets, hidden sea caves, and secret swimming coves on the west and northern coasts.
This sea cave kayaking and snorkeling tour departs from Cala Codolar near Sant Antoni. With a morning and afternoon tour available, it lasts around 2.5 hours with a rest stop at a sandy beach.
All gear is included and they’ll send you some GoPro photos from the activity. The kayaking is easy/moderate and suitable for novice paddlers.
If you fancy escaping the crowds during a summer weekend in Ibiza, this Es Figueral kayaking and snorkeling tour takes place on the sleepier north coast.
Another option, this snorkeling and SUP beach and cave tour takes you out to sea where you can pick and choose activities. The boat is stocked with SUPs and snorkel gear but you can also just remain onboard and enjoy the scenery.
Explore the little bays and beaches around Ibiza at every budget – hike there, take a kayak, or go all out and hire a yacht for the day.
Take a jet ski tour
It’s possible to hire jet skis (or ride on the back) at the main beaches in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni as well as smaller resorts.
This jet ski tour from Santa Eulalia focuses on the coves along the central-eastern coast. Available as a 30-minute, one-hour, or two-hour tour, you’ll have your own jet ski and follow the instructor along the shore.
It covers the area around Cala Blanca, Cala Nova, Cala Boix, and Cala Negra. The longer tours include a loop of Tagomago Island on the northeast coast and a greater chance of seeing dolphins.
Hop on a party boat
The final option for getting out on the water is to buy tickets to a party boat. These “booze” cruises take you out for around four hours of dancing, music, and revelry at sea.
Most companies charge a flat fee which includes the boat ride and unlimited drinks. In some cases, you can go for a ride on the jet skis and banana boats or similar. There are dozens of options and these tend to be popular with hen and stag party weekends in Ibiza.
Oceanbeat is one of the most popular operators. Their party boats include paella, swim stops, and a champagne shower. Tickets are available across three tiers: standard, silver VIP, and gold VIP.
Sunsets in Ibiza are special and should not be missed on a trip to the island.
Nightlife activities for a weekend in Ibiza
Ibiza is world-renowned for its nightlife. Most of the “superclubs” – Amnesia, Ushuaïa, Pacha, Privilege, and Hï Ibiza – are located on the outskirts of Vila. These are where to go out in Ibiza at night for top-notch DJs and dancing to electronic tracks until the wee hours. It’s always cheaper to buy tickets online rather than at the door.
Sant Antoni has a lot more clubs within walking distance of town hotels. This resort tends to be more popular with younger travelers and budget partygoers.
Both Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni have “normal” bars where you can sip cocktails and appreciate a laid-back Med atmosphere.
Most of Ibiza Town’s bars are clustered along Carrer Enmig and Dalt Villa. Head to S’Escalinata for a casual vibe and tasty tapas served on the steps and Bar Arte for refreshing mojitos.
Sant Antoni wins for sunsets and sundowners at the classy waterside bistros Space and Kasbah.
Select boat tours operate at sunset which is a fabulous addition to romantic Ibiza weekend trips. This sunset boat tour voyages along the west coast as the light softens. Tapas, fresh fruit, and sangria are served onboard and you can have a go at paddleboarding or aqua cycling if you wish.
Las Dalias Night Market operates on Sunday evenings in summer with late-night shopping and live music. You can round off the evening at the market’s own nightclub, Akasha, but be careful not to miss your flight home.