Although it has a reputation for being a party island, there are heaps of things to do in Ibiza besides hitting the nightclubs.
Neighboured by Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera, Ibiza is a member of the Balearic Islands. These isles off Southern Spain enjoy a Mediterranean climate with gorgeous beaches, caves, and year-round sunshine.
We absolutely love the beaches of Spain, especially in places like Cabo de Gata or Malaga. But getting out to the Balearic Islands is a whole different world and should definitely be experienced. If you’re starting your trip in the capital, don’t miss out on our guide to the best tapas spots in Madrid or this awesome 4 day Madrid itinerary.
As the second-largest island in the group, Ibiza is blessed with almost 60 beaches and laid-back hippy towns. Ibiza is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its historic architecture and natural landscape. The island is equally popular with couples, honeymooners, families, and wellness seekers.
Read on to find out what to do in Ibiza.
How to get to Ibiza
You can get to Ibiza via plane or boat.
Hydrofoil vessels connect Dénia on the mainland with Ibiza in as little as 2.5 hours while ferries from Valencia take 5-6 hours. Overnight ferries link Barcelona with Ibiza and take 8-9 hours. Browse crossing times and prices with Balearia and Trasmediterránea.
Direct flights with budget airlines such as EasyJet and Vueling connect Spanish cities and other European destinations. Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is located in the south of the island, 6 km from Ibiza Town. For those traveling from London, you’ll find that most flights depart from London Gatwick (LGW) and London Stansted (STN).
If you’re flying from outside of Europe, expect to connect via the UK or mainland Spain.
Walking around Ibiza town and going shopping is one of the best things to do in Ibiza.
How to get around Ibiza
If you stay in one of the principal towns, you will not necessarily need a car to visit the main Ibiza attractions. Buses connect the major tourist destinations, run frequently, and are cost-effective. Hotels will advise where your closest bus stops are and provide details about the current schedules.
For shorter distances, you can walk or rent a bicycle.
However, if you are eager to break away from the main areas you might appreciate having a car rental. You can rent cars in Ibiza Town, Sant Antoni, and at the airport. We always recommend using Discover Cars to find the cheapest rental car options available. Book with Discover Cars here.
If you have a car already on the mainland, you can bring it across with the ferries listed above.
For those comfortable driving a scooter, there are dozens of motorcycle rentals on the island. Turbo Rent a Car has extensive options including quad bikes. If you’re qualified, hiring a Vespa and hitting the road is one of the most memorable things to do in Ibiza.
Best time to visit Ibiza
The best time to visit Ibiza is between May and October.
Temperatures typically range from 22-30°C with July and August being the hottest months.
Ibiza is extremely cold in winter with temperatures dropping into single figures and strong winds bringing chilly conditions. However, if you’re not too fussed to swim or sunbathe, you will find that the Ibiza tourist attractions that do remain open enjoy fewer crowds. Meanwhile, accommodation prices decrease.
Bear in mind that the party season officially opens in June. Clubs will host launch events and ad hoc parties in April and May but remain closed most evenings until June. They generally close up for winter in early October. If you’re concerned about how to pack for Ibiza during the time of year you’re visiting, be sure to check out our guide to what to wear in Ibiza here.
The best things to do in Ibiza, Spain.
Where to stay in Ibiza
Ibiza is divided into the two main towns of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni. These are where you will find the majority of hotels and amenities. There are so many options when it comes to where to stay in Ibiza.
Although some of the island’s major clubs are located in Ibiza Town, this is overall a calmer location with a spread of mid-range, luxury, and family-friendly options. Even if you stay elsewhere, visiting the capital is an Ibiza must do.
Play Hotel Ibiza is centrally located and within walking distance of the beach. Contemporary rooms come with en suite bathrooms and include a buffet breakfast.
Self-catering options such as Apartaments B-Llobet Sun & Confort include basic kitchenettes if you want to save money and make your own meals. The complex has a swimming pool with ocean views.
Sant Antoni (San Antonio) is livelier in terms of nightlife with a more hedonistic personality. You’ll find cheaper hostels and guest houses here, such as Hostal Mallorca which has comfortable private rooms. The adults-only Hotel Vibra Piscis consists of rooms with private balconies and access to a shared pool.
Besides Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, smaller resorts and villages are dotted across the island.
Santa Eulalia del Ríu is one of the best places to stay in Ibiza. Choose from economical apartments such as Apartamentos Parot Quality or seek solitude at Grupotel Santa Eulària & Spa.
Splash out on the boutique farm stay Can Jaume by Ocean Drive which has a spread of rooms, suites, and villas.
Best Things to Do in Ibiza
And now, over to how to spend your days on this beautiful European island. Here are the top things to do in Ibiza to suit all travel styles.
Beautiful Ibiza beaches.
1. Ibiza’s Beaches
Ibiza benefits from divine sandy beaches with pristine swimming conditions.
The main resorts come with the convenience of having direct access to signature bays including Playa de Talamanca and Playa d’en Bossa (Ibiza Town) and Playa es Pouet (Sant Antoni).
You’ll find a spread of watersports such as jet ski rental, paragliding, and kayaking available.
However, it’s worth heading further afield and avoiding these busier beaches in the peak summer season.
Cala Comte is a sublime lagoon of fish-filled water and cliffs that give panoramic views over the Balearic Sea. It is pretty popular but lighter in comparison to the main resort beaches and you can get there via a bus from Sant Antoni.
You’ll find the most peaceful beaches in the north of the island. Aguas Blancas, Benirrás, and Cala d’en Serra are devastatingly scenic with a hippy vibe. These are the best places to go in Ibiza for escapism.
Public buses connect to the north from Ibiza Town. Although, you’ll appreciate having a rental vehicle if you want to visit a couple of beaches in one day.
2. Dalt Vila and the Castle of Ibiza
Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is a Renaissance-era fortification that stands high above Ibiza Town. It was built to protect the island from invasion and piracy threats.
Wandering up the cobblestone streets to the summit of the hill is one of the best things to do in Ibiza Town. You can swing by any museums and historic sites that take your fancy.
Museu Puget is a renovated residential home adorned with the artwork of Narcís Puget Viña. These give you a sense of what Ibiza was like before the arrival of the clubs!
Meanwhile, the Catedral de Santa Maria de les Neus is an unassuming 13th-century church with beautiful stained glass windows and an ornate gold monstrance.
The Castle of Ibiza (Castell de Eivissa) occupies the highest point of Dalt Vila and provides exceptional views of the city and sea.
There are so many great coastal walks to do in Ibiza.
3. Coastal Hikes
Combine an afternoon of sunbathing and playing in the water with a gentle hike to make the most of Ibiza’s beautiful scenery. Many of the smaller coves are linked by easy-to-follow walking paths that give you ocean views aplenty.
Up in the north of the island, Santa Agnès to Heaven’s Gate is a short and easy hike of 5 km. Leaving Església de Santa Agnès, you will pass down through the countryside from the elevated village as you head towards the cliffs that overlook Ses Margalides. Once at Restaurant Les Portes del Cel, you can grab a beer and paella and watch the sunset from Heaven’s Gate.
The hike to Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort is one of the most challenging hikes. Nicknamed Atlantic, this is a sandstone quarry built into the side of the southwest coast of the island. The rocks provide bathing pools where you can swim and snorkel.
Although it only takes around 45 minutes to walk down the cliffs (and closer to an hour to return), the walk is steep and demanding.
4. Cave of Can Marçà
Journey north to the Cave of Can Marçà – an eerie cave in Port de Sant Miquel that was used by smugglers and pirates. The cavern is filled with stalactites and stalagmites as well as a waterfall with a light show.
It is possible to visit the cave as part of a guided tour. These take around 30 minutes and are usually delivered in Spanish and English. Admission is 11 EUR and you can buy tickets at the attraction.
Prepare to walk up and down a lot of stairs (the cave isn’t accessible to strollers and wheelchairs). Do also take a warm layer to protect against the temperature drop.
The Cave of Can Marçà is one of the top things to do in Ibiza for families.
Beaches around Ibiza.
5. Santa Eulalia del Río
Santa Eulalia del Río is one of the best places to stay in Ibiza. But if you book accommodation elsewhere, you are encouraged to at least spend a day in this lovely seaside town. It’s located on the eastern coast, 16 km from Ibiza Town.
The town is popular with families and couples as well as visitors seeking a peaceful yet convenient beach vacation.
The main beach is laid-back with perfect swimming conditions. You can stroll along the banks of the Río de Santa Eulalia and around the marina where there are lots of tempting restaurants with ocean views.
An open-air market takes place throughout summer on the Boulevard of S’Alamera. You can buy ornaments, jewelry, and clothing and this is a must-do in Ibiza if you want to pick up souvenirs or gifts.
Family-owned Somiart is highly recommended for a Mediterranean meal or cocktail while Lagom is great for seafood with a view.
6. Formentera
Formentera is a small island off the southern coast of Ibiza. The landscape varies significantly as has a tropical vibe with white sandy beaches and shallow crystal-clear water. This is one of the best Ibiza places to visit as a day trip if your schedule allows it.
As the island is only 20 km in length and 2 km in width, you can explore the beaches and viewpoints by bicycle.
You can visit independently via the passenger boats that connect the islands in as little as 35 minutes. Trasmapi, Mediterranea Pitius, and Balearia operate services.
Alternatively, you can charter a sailing trip that includes round travel and sightseeing. Some include the use of kayaks and the provision of food. You can search Get Your Guide and Viator as a starting place. Note that these sailing tours tend to cater to group travelers or those with deeper pockets.
Checking out the different beach clubs in Ibiza is a fun thing to do.
7. Es Vedrà
Es Vedrà is a rocky and rugged isle that rises off the southwest coast. It looms from the water and looks especially magical at sunset.
As a protected nature reserve, the island isn’t officially open to the public but you can visit it as part of a boat, kayak, or jet ski tour and get a closer look at the landscape.
The half-day Capitan Nemo Es Vedra Cruise takes you on a lap around the island. It includes a swimming stop, nibbles, and one drink.
For more of an adrenaline rush, you can arrange a jet ski tour to Es Vedrà. The tour is led by an instructor but you will be responsible for driving your own jet ski. This is one of the top watersports activities in Ibiza.
The water around Ibiza is absolutely stunning.
8. Parc Natural de ses Salines
Parc Natural de ses Salines is a protected stretch of land at the southernmost tip of Ibiza. It consists of wetlands, salt flats, woodlands, and beaches.
Resident fauna includes migratory birds – over 200 species have been identified including flamingoes – as well as lizards, dormice, and insects.
This is one of the coolest places to visit in Ibiza to get a sense of the biodiversity and nature of the Balearic Islands.
Wear comfortable shoes and pack your swimsuit so you can make the most of the hiking and swimming opportunities. You can also visit the lighthouse, Torre de ses Portes, and steal a peek at Formentera across the Balearic Sea.
Things to Do in Ibiza at Night
Nightlife in Ibiza is infamous and if you enjoy a party, you’re in the right place.
9. Low-key Bars
In addition to the nightclubs and superclubs, Ibiza is awash with intimate bars that host regular live music events. These are excellent for those seeking what to do in Ibiza at night beside the clubs.
Malanga Cafè hosts a mix of funk, soul, reggae, and Latin music acts as well as DJs. These run as afternoon and sundowner sessions as well as late-night events. They are typically open Thursday through Saturday only.
Originally called Pereira, the recently rebranded Teatro Ibiza is another emblem of Ibiza Town’s laid-back nightlife. This colorful venue welcomes rock and jazz acts and guarantees a good time.
Sant Antoni has its share of lively beach bars that open around midday and stay open until the early hours. Ibiza Rocks Bar overlooks the bay, hosts live DJs, and serves food and drink throughout the day.
Bamboo is a chilled hang-out with ocean views and quality cocktails.
10. Superclubs and nightclubs
Clubbing is one of the most famous activities in Ibiza – it’s the original party isle!
Here are a few tips about going dancing in Ibiza.
Firstly, drinks are extremely expensive. Expect to pay 15-20 EUR per alcoholic drink and 10 EUR for a small bottle of water. Club admission rates start at 30 EUR and rise to as much as 100 EUR subject to what acts are playing.
Secondly, the dress style is casual but you should always consult the dress code. Closed-toe footwear such as sneakers is essential.
Third, although clubs open around 11 pm, they don’t generally get busy until closer to 1 am.
Lastly, if you’re a techno fanatic, undertake some research in advance to see what DJs are booked at the major clubs.
Although Sant Antoni is the main destination for Ibizan revelry, the superclubs are actually located in and around Ibiza Town. Visiting one of these superclubs simply for the experience is one of the top things to do in Ibiza Town. Here is a quick overview of the OG nightclubs.
Amnesia: Only a short drive out of Ibiza Town, Amnesia is one of the pioneer clubs on the island and attracts huge names. Music is predominantly focused on electronic, techno, and house at this award-winning superclub.
Pacha: Open since 1973, Pacha – with its emblematic cherry logo – is the oldest club on the island. The club features a mix of rooms each playing different music styles and there is a rooftop terrace for moonlight cocktails.
Hï Ibiza: Originally known as Space, Hï Ibiza launched in 2017 and replaced the earlier club. Music concentrates on techno and house but you can expect a touch of disco. The club features an outdoor garden with artistic trees.