If you’re looking for a luxurious holiday destination with world-class superclubs and fine dining experiences, chances are you’ve considered Ibiza. Planning your first trip to the White Isle can be overwhelming due to the choice of venues and tourist traps that seek out first-timers.
We’ve spent years in Ibiza, staying in every major region and visiting almost all of the biggest clubs, so we know exactly how to make the most of your few days here. Whether you’re looking for the best places to stay in San Antonio or wondering how much the drinks cost at Hï Ibiza, our firsthand Ibiza first-timer’s guide covers every detail you could possibly need to know.
How to Get to Ibiza from the UK
Getting to Ibiza is fairly easy during the peak season from May to October. British Airways is usually the go-to from London Heathrow (LHR) and London City (LCY), as well as London Gatwick (LGW) and Southampton (SOU). These are popular for those who prefer premium airport lounges and on-flight experiences.
In the North, Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair, and Tui cover areas like Liverpool (LPL), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Newcastle (NCL), and Manchester (MAN). We’ve always flown from Manchester with no issues, and flight times have ranged from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
It’s worth bearing in mind that flying to Ibiza outside of the peak season may require you to first stop off at Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca.
The new biometrics registry system may also be in place when you travel (delays have likely pushed this to late 2026), so factor this into your itinerary. However, this was fairly quick when we had to do this in Paguera, Mallorca. Another thing to note before your visit: ensure your passport was issued less than ten years before you enter Spain, and that it has more than three months remaining after you leave.
How to Get Around in Ibiza
From the Airport
While you can always pre-book a transfer or taxi, we’ve always just queued up outside the airport upon landing. The queues can appear to be long, but these soon lessen, and you’ll be on your way in no time.
It’s rare to find a vehicle larger than a 4-seater, so large groups may need to split up, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Taxis can range in cost depending on the time of day:
- Playa d’en Bossa – 8-12 minutes, €11-€18
- Ibiza Town – 10-15 minutes, €15-€28
- Sant Josep – 12-15 minutes, €20-€32
- San Antonio – 25-35 minutes, €33-€50+ depending on accommodation
- Portinatx – 50-65 minutes, €60-€100
If you wish to get the bus, there is the L10 (Alsa) line every 30 minutes to Ibiza Town and Sant Josep (€3.50) and the AERO1 line to San Antonio (€4).
During Your Stay
Taxis
Despite many sites claiming it’s easy to order an Uber in Ibiza, we found this not to be the case. Many drivers on the island are private anyway, so you’ll either be unable to find one or be charged a premium.
Walking towards a designated taxi rank is often your best bet – if you’re lucky, you’ll find one pulling up every so often. However, we found that in San Jose, in particular, taxis rarely showed up, even after calling. This is something to consider if you want to visit clubs further away or don’t wish to walk far.
Calling a taxi is often your best bet if you can’t find a nearby stop. While most operators speak English, you can use the TaxiClick or Taximés app and order that way. If no drivers are free, consider calling companies near your area.
Nearest Taxi Ranks in Each Region
- Ibiza Town – In the Vila Square, along the main strip of Avinguda d’Espanya in the town centre, and on the Marina Botafoch near Pacha.
- Playa d’en Bossa – Outside the entrances of Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza, as well as outside Hard Rock Hotel.
- San Antonio – In the centre of town on the Passeig de S’Alamera and a smaller one at the Puerto Deportivo Marina.
- Sant Josep – Difficult to find a taxi here, but there is a small rank near the Sant Josep Church and the supermarket.
Water Taxi
Both quick and fair in price, the water taxi from the San Antonio port to the west coast and San Antonio Bay is a popular choice. You can find the most recent timetables by the jetties, but they usually run until midnight during the summer months. If you want to visit Ibiza Town for the day or during the evening, and are staying in San Antonio, it’s a no-brainer.
Buses
Many first-timers will opt for taxis for convenience (like we did), but the island actually has a reliable public bus network, including providers like Ibiza bus and ALSA. You can expect to only pay between €2 to €4, and the buses cover most of the main party destinations.
Main Bus Routes in Ibiza
- Ibiza Town to San Antonio (Line T1) – Get on at the CETIS Bus Station and get off at the Sant Antoni Bus Station, taking around 25 minutes.
- Ibiza Town to Playa d’en Bossa (Line U4) – Start at Es Gorg/Port of Ibiza and get off along the way at your chosen location (the end one being the strip near Ushuaïa/Hï.
- Line D1 – Travels from San Antonio and stops off at UNVRS, Amnesia, Pacha, and Ibiza Town Port.
- Line D2 – Departs from Playa d’en Bossa to Ushuaïa, Ibiza Town, and Pacha.
- Line D3 – Leaves from San Antonio and goes to UNVRS, DC-10, Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza, and Playa d’en Bossa.
Car Rental
You can also rent a car if you are planning a more scenic trip or staying further afield in the north. Since the island is quite small, it’s easy to navigate, but you must take out full no-excess insurance and be careful when it comes to parking, since it’s almost impossible during peak season. The best hire car agencies in Ibiza include Alamo and Centauro.
When to Visit Ibiza
Having been to Ibiza at different points throughout the year, we can say that the time you choose to visit depends on what you plan to do.
If partying is your priority, consider booking from late May to early October. The majority of the opening parties take place late May to early June, and closing parties from September through to October. July and August tend to be the busiest – although temperatures can reach mid-thirties, even at night, which can be uncomfortably warm inside venues.
We found late May to be just as busy, but temperatures were more manageable. Sunbathing is a given, but a dip in the pool or sea is too cold. July and August were better for swimming, but going out on a night was much warmer, especially if the clubs weren’t outside or didn’t offer air conditioning. A hotel or villa with a pool is almost a non-negotiable to keep you cool throughout the day.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
We’ve stayed pretty much everywhere in Ibiza, with each location having its own variety of pros and cons. It all comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for and whether you prioritise relaxing by your own private pool or easy access to the island’s biggest events.
San Antonio
On the west coast of the island, San Antonio is a name you’ll hear about often. It’s where we spent our first year, and it was both relaxing and affordable. If you’re travelling as a group, you’ll have better options, including private villas with a pool and luxury hotels, which we found surprisingly quiet (although this depends on where you stay, as others find it loud with tourists).
Another benefit is how close you are to the West End and Sunset Strips; both are a maximum 15-minute walk away. As we’ve mentioned, taxis are few and far between in peak season, so being able to travel on foot was a huge plus.
Best Places to Stay in San Antonio
If you’re looking for high-end accommodation at reasonable prices in San Antonio, aim for north of the town centre near San Antonio Bay and Cala Gració.
- Can Lantana – The first place we ever stayed in Ibiza. A beautiful five-bedroom villa a few hundred metres from Es Pouet Beach. It features a private swimming pool, patio, and kitchen facilities.
- OKU Ibiza – With its Japanese Wabi-Sabi style, OKU Ibiza is a laidback resort that still retains a party feel. You can expect DJs playing by the pool and excellent spa facilities, including one of the biggest swimming pools in Ibiza.
- TRS Ibiza Hotel – A good choice for couples and small groups, TRS Ibiza Hotel is a 5-star, all-inclusive resort designed for those seeking luxury. The adults-only resort offers amazing sunsets, Mediterranean and Argentine cuisine, and is only a short walk to Cala Gració beach.
- Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza – Another adults-only hotel, you’re directly on the beachfront on the Bay, with a 10-minute water taxi ride from the Sunset Strip. The Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza features the Hayaca rooftop restaurant and infinity pool, and a cocktail bar (Kumharas) a short distance away.
- Hotel Galfi – Where we stayed on our last visit, just on the outskirts of San Antonio. While it’s a three-star hotel, it felt much more luxurious. The pool area features sun loungers, with a restaurant and cocktail bar adjacent. The breakfast was also high quality, and it took just 15 minutes to walk to San Antonio Beach.
Ibiza Town
With most first-timers heading to Playa d’en Bossa for the party vibe and others to San Antonio for the luxury side, many forget that Ibiza Town is a solid choice. You get the best of both worlds here, including easy access to the island’s nightclubs and beaches.
Pacha is a short walk away, and you have Talamanca beach directly on your doorstep. There’s no need to get taxis to ferry you around the island, and you can easily hop on the Disco Bus to reach clubs such as Amnesia and Ushuaïa.
Best Places to Stay in Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town’s central location means it’s the ideal spot for both history lovers and night owls. The Old Town (Dalt Vila) is home to landmarks such as La Catedral de Santa María and the Castell d’Eivissa. Alternatively, Talamanca is close to the popular Playa de Talamanca beach and the beach clubs of Bar Flotante and Bes Talamanca.
- Ibiza Gran Hotel – A popular 5-star spot on the island for its Michelin-starred dining experiences and proximity to the Old Town. You can chill at the Open Spa lounge by the outdoor swimming pools or try your luck at the Casino de Ibiza. The Ibiza Gran’s main restaurant, La Gaia, offers top-class tasting menus of Daniel Sorlut oysters and local black pork delicacies.
- NH Collection Ibiza Hotel – With views of the marina and a poolside bar, the 5-star NH Collection Ibiza Hotel is the go-to for those who want to visit the Hard Rock Cafe Ibiza and nearby casino. It features restaurants like Arrogante and Rhino Bar, and in-room spa treatments, including a deep tissue massage.
- Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is the ultimate luxury beachfront accommodation in Ibiza. The resort includes two seafront pools – one suited to adults, and the other to families. You have access to the world-famous Nobu restaurant and the Six Senses Spa (and you’re directly on Talamanca Beach).
San José
Staying south in San José opens you up to the more luxurious side of the island, with a quiet village centre and exclusive beach clubs. This includes a 10–15-minute walk from Cala Bassa and Cala Conta. There are plenty of nice tapas bars and restaurants here if you’re after a chilled holiday or food during the day, including Destino Bar de Tapas and Restaurant Can Limo.
Best Places to Stay in San Jose
If budget isn’t an option and you want to experience the most opulent areas of the island, look for accommodation close to Es Cubells & Vista Alegre, or Cala Jondal for the beach clubs.
- Villa Torre Xanchu – The villa we booked for our second year was unanimously the nicest of all our accommodations throughout the years. With five bedrooms, a huge private pool, and a poolside canopy and dining area, it was a place to remember. The only downside was the difficulty in finding taxis to take us to the main strip, so it’s ideal if this isn’t your key focus.
- Boutique Hotel Jardines de Palerm – The adults-only retreat is only a few minutes’ walk from the centre and features tropical gardens and two infinity pools. Their double superior rooms feature a private terrace with a garden view.
- 7Pines Resort Ibiza – A 5-star resort on a cliff on the west coast of the island between Cala Conta and Cala Codolar. The 7Pines Resort offers beautiful views of the sea and of Es Vedrà, as well as world-class spa treatments at the Pure Seven spa. The resort’s Cone Club tapas restaurant serves up popular dishes such as Sobrasada Balear and Iberian Croquetas.
Playa d’en Bossa
This is the best place to stay in Ibiza for the clubs, especially if you prefer late-night events without the worry of finding a taxi home. You’re within walking distance of superclubs like Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa, along with access to the largest beach on the island.
You’re also only a short 10-minute commute from Ibiza town and the airport, so you have more time to spend doing what you love. The only downside is that Playa d’en Bossa is very lively and noisy, but there are more upscale areas and resorts further west from the main strip.
Best Places to Stay in Playa d’en Bossa
The southernmost part of the strip is the quietest part, which is close to the Salines Natural Park. It’s the middle section near the Avinguda de Platja d’en Bossa where you’ll find the nightlife. The northern section, just on the edge of Ibiza Town, is home to the cheaper array of apartments for those on a budget. This is the only section of Ibiza we’ve yet to stay, mostly due to its party-centric vibe.
- The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel – Right in the heart of the daytime clubbing scene, the adults-only resort (formerly the Ushuaïa Tower) is the ultimate playground for VIPs. You can choose from the Club Section, where you get your own balcony to view the action at Ushuaïa, and also get access to the pools. While there are blackout curtains, you should expect loud music until the early hours.
- Santos Ibiza – A more boutique option for the area, but still in the midst of the action, Santos Ibiza is an adults-only venue with direct beach access and pool access. The on-site Santos Restaurant serves up a range of classic Spanish and Mediterranean dishes like Seafood Paella and Chicken Fettuccine.
What Clubs and Events to Book in Ibiza
Like with many first-timers, we chose the first events that came up online or ones that influencers posted about. Not only did we spend a fortune, but we also found some of these to be slightly lacklustre.
Over the years, we’ve refined our list, so we know exactly where to go in order to make the most of your time, from beach clubs to late-night clubs. We recommend trying to space out your events, leaving a day in between to recover rather than planning something each night.
Pacha
Pacha is Ibiza’s signature club, which you may recognise for its cherry logo. Located along the Marina Botafoch in Ibiza Town, it’s easy to reach and features a main room, balcony, and outdoor areas.
It took us three years to eventually visit, but we’re glad we did. We booked a last-minute event to see Mau P, which turned out to be one of the best nights we’ve had in Ibiza. Tickets cost us around €30 each (which is unheard of on the island), and we pre-paid for their drinks package (which worked out at €39 for five drinks).
The bass of the music in the venue is impressive, and the air conditioning meant that things always felt comfortable, even when it began to become incredibly busy. It is dressier than other clubs on the island, so make sure to avoid wearing anything too casual to prevent being denied entry.
O Beach Ibiza
Wayne Lineker’s daytime party venue often gets a rep for being pretentious and overpriced – we couldn’t agree less. Going into O Beach (formerly known as Ocean Beach), we were escorted to our table and told that the price of our bed (around €800 euros between the six of us for a garden bed) could then be spent on food and drinks.
While you can simply chill and relax at your station, you can also head into the pool. Throughout the day, we saw performers (including a crane lifting someone in the sky) and a DJ set, and you can stand amongst the crowd by the stage at the front.
The service was surprisingly quick and the food portions large (we recommend the Taco Al Pastor and the Spicy Chicken Wrap), so the package is well worth the money. It’s the sort of place you can stay from 2 pm to 10 pm without batting an eyelid, and it’s somewhere we’d return to in a heartbeat.
The highlight of our O Beach experience has to be ordering a three-litre bottle of rosé wine and not realising how difficult it would be to pour.
Amnesia
The first event we ever attended on the island, Amnesia is the best place for electronic music in Ibiza, in our opinion. Located between San Antonio and Ibiza Town, it often requires a short taxi ride depending on where you are, but the venue itself offers cheaper drink prices than other clubs.
Amnesia is split into two sections, including the Main Room and the Terraza, with a glass roof and outside space to drop out for some fresh air. Tickets are also reasonable, with most of the events costing between €40 and €70. Try to time your visit on a Friday for their Glitterbox night, which features old-school disco anthems and house music (usually from mid-May to early October).
Pikes Ibiza
Just outside of San Antonio is a hidden gem for a night out in Ibiza. Pikes is an over-27s venue that throws you into a rock and roll style aesthetic with house-party music. The policy is in place to ensure a mature audience, and it’s great if you want to escape the rowdy scene of the strip.
Entry is completely free, but we found upon entering that they asked for a small donation fee to a local charity, which we were more than happy to supply. Due to being free entry, it’s essential you visit early, at around 9 pm, to avoid the queues. Drinks cost around €19 for a spirit and mixer and €15 for a beer, which is to be expected from a 5-star hotel.
Ushuaïa
Ushuaïa is one of our favourite daytime party clubs in Ibiza – we’ve been several times, and it’s never disappointed. The luxury beach resort features a huge pool in the middle of the Main Stage, but you can book a ticket to spend the day in the VIP terraces or the Cloud to escape the crowds. Spend hours before the main act dancing in the sun, and stand back in awe when there’s often a fireworks display at the end of the night.
The music here is centred around the EDM and house scene, featuring residencies from headliners like Calvin Harris and David Guetta. Expect high prices from the superclub, as drinks can cost up to €26 for a standard spirit and mixer, €17 for a beer, and €14 for water.
Hï Ibiza
Also located on the Playa d’en Bossa strip across from Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza is another must-visit superclub for first-timers to the island. It consistently ranks among the top clubs in the world for its light shows and big names, including performances from Meduza and David Guetta.
Inside, you’ll find a few different areas, including The Theatre, the main room that hosts the biggest productions. There’s also The Club Room, which is much darker and has a lower ceiling, and is ideal for those who prefer the underground scene.
Our favourite room, though, has to be The Wild Corner. This is found inside a unisex bathroom but has a DJ booth in the middle playing house and disco music. It’s a total surprise (unless you’ve seen it on Instagram or TikTok) and nothing like you’ve ever experienced before.
Prepare yourself for the price of drinks here, as they’re some of the highest on the island. We paid around €35 for a double vodka and Red Bull a few years ago, so the price may have changed since then.
528 Ibiza
Just outside of San Antonio in the Benimussa Valley is a refreshing alternative to the typical beachfront mega-clubs. 528 Ibiza is a huge outdoor venue that looks like a cross between an amphitheatre and a bohemian festival. It features natural greenery around its Garden stage and an indoor club for late-night raving.
Among the daytime-to-night events are Elrow and Massa, which are mostly techno or house tech. Prices are slightly cheaper than other clubs on this list – we found Aperol Spritzes worked out cheaper than ordering spirits and mixers, and were the perfect choice for battling the afternoon heat. We had to get a taxi here since it’s slightly out of the way, but it only took about 10 minutes from San Antonio.
Destino Pacha Ibiza
We generally prefer daytime events, so Destino was always an event we were going to attend. Perched on the cliffs of Cap Martinet in Talamanca, the venue is Pacha’s more upscale resort that caters to those seeking a luxurious festival vibe.
You get views of Formentera and Ibiza Town in the distance, as well as a whitewashed oasis with a palm-tree-lined pool and massive outdoor stage. The open-air dance floor and sunset lounge ensure a day here is sought-after, and there’s the underground TOX club for afterparties.
Music here varies from deep house to tech house and techno, so keep an eye on their events such as Pacha Ibiza and Solomun. Drinks here typically match the price of those at other clubs on the island, but with daytime events, it never feels like you need to drink so much to enjoy the atmosphere.
To get to Destino, you’ll need to take a taxi from Ibiza Town or Talamanca beach or use the official shuttle bus that runs from the Pacha Hotel.
[UNVRS]
[UNVRS] is one of Ibiza’s newer clubs and opened during our visit in 2025. However, we’ve yet to visit since we already had our events booked that year. The ‘hyper-club’ has received rave reviews, including from DJ Mag, which rated it the #1 club in the world this year.
The arena-sized venue features a central Main Area with a geodesic glass dome and a modular stage production, as well as its other spaces, The Bunker and Wild Comet. If you’re a fan of electronic music, you’ll find plenty of DJs performing throughout the season, including Carl Cox and Armin van Buuren.
Since the club is located in the middle of the island in San Rafael, you’ll need to plan your route there in advance. While you can always pre-book a taxi, you can also hop on the club’s very own free shuttle buses that start from 10:45 pm and run every 30 minutes (just have your ticket to hand).
If you don’t mind attending events early, [UNVRS] often sells heavily discounted tickets for entry before midnight or 1:00 am. But you must arrive there in good time or risk invalidating your tickets.
Where to Eat in Ibiza
One of the biggest mistakes newcomers to Ibiza make is assuming the island is only about overpriced meals or fast food. This couldn’t be more wrong, with plenty of authentic restaurants in and around Ibiza Town and San Antonio, from open-air terraces to local Spanish bistros.
Tapas Ibiza
Our favourite place to eat on the island, and somewhere we make sure to visit at least once each year, Tapas Ibiza offers a carefully curated list of Spanish delicacies. Tucked away from the main San Antonio Bay, the converted farmhouse includes a garden dining terrace with fairy lights and white-washed brick walls.
While it’s close to the strip, the restaurant is incredibly peaceful and worlds away from the pretentious side of Ibiza. Choose from classics like Patatas Bravas, Choricitos, Meatballs, and Peruvian Chicken. However, their signature dish is the Popeye, a blend of spinach, parmesan, and cream, which is nothing like we’ve ever tasted before. Pair this with some bread and alioli, and you’re sure to want to return.
The cocktail list is extensive, but a jug or two of sangria is a must. They do this in cava or white, but our go-to is the Red Wine Sangria, which is both refreshing and crisp. Each dish is reasonably priced, coming in at around €7- €14. A reservation is a must, which you can do online before your trip or on your first day for the next available table.
Es Mercat Ibiza
Right in the middle of Ibiza Town, close to the Vara de Rey promenade, Es Mercat is a stylish bistro serving up traditional cuisine from the surrounding waters. The outdoor terrace is large and sheltered from the tourist parts of the city.
The Spanish and Mediterranean-style menu includes Seafood Platters of octopus and squid, Oysters, Sea Croquettes, and Iberian Pork Ligar, but these can change depending on when you visit. The food is complemented perfectly with a glass of Clara (beer with lemon) or one of their Balearic wines.
Mundo Street Food
If you’re looking for a menu that caters to the whole group, Mundo Street Food will do the trick. You’ll find the venue along the back streets of San Antonio, with an interior that resembles a trendy pub. We walked in on the day and only had to wait a short while before being escorted to a spacious booth.
Their menu covers food from all over the world, including Loaded Jerk Chicken Poutine fries, Pad Thai, Lamb Birria Tacos, Salt and Pepper Spice bags, and Pesto Beef Gyros. However, the crowd pleaser for our group was the Angry Bird Burger, a crispy chicken burger with buffalo sauce, jalapeño relish, chipotle mayo, and fried pickled chilli – it sounds spicier than it was.
The drinks list is also varied, with options like Margaritas, Frozen Daiquiris, Spritzes, Martinis, and Beer. The portions are large, and the cost is reasonable for the island. You can also opt for one of their heavy sharing plates or order a few small plates if you want to keep things light.
Ohana Ibiza
Situated on the coast of Ibiza Town near the Hotel Torre del Mar, Ohana Ibiza is a colourful and cosy eatery with views of the beach. The venue has wooden accents and palm trees that tower above, making it the best spot in Ibiza for a relaxed lunch or evening meal. It also features a Shisha Lounge Garden if that’s your thing.
The kitchen specialises in Mediterranean-Hawaiian cuisine, such as Poké Bowls, Sushi Rolls, Paella, and Grilled Seafood. The drinks menu is heavily focused on tropical flavours, including the Ohana, a blend of rum, Passoa, papaya, and pineapple, and the Hoku, containing tequila, mango, lime, and Tajín.
Chi Kee Wun
A Chinese Fusion dining experience set in an oriental garden in San Antonio, Chi Kee Wun is the best place for al fresco dining in Ibiza. You’re transported away from the bustle of the area into a beautiful space adorned with lanterns and palms, with cosy curved booths.
It’s the ideal spot for first-timers who want to experience the island’s luxury dining scene, while still being close to all the action. The menu consists of dishes like Iberico Pork Baos, Wagyu Beef and Black Truffle Dumplings, Aromatic Crispy Duck with Pancakes and Hoisin Sauce, and Crispy Chilli Beef. We recommend ordering a few small plates and dishes each, and sharing.
The cocktails are the stars of the show here, with aesthetically pleasing drinks like the lychee-flavoured Mr Chow and a spicy mezcal Smoky Dragon. When it comes to beer, you can’t go wrong with a Tsingtao or Alhambra 1925 (a popular choice in Spain). Booking is essential to secure a table – we had to reserve one a few days in advance.
What Activities to Do in Ibiza
Ibiza offers far more than just nightlife. Beyond the clubs, you can explore ancient history and relax on beaches with breathtaking sunsets. Here are some of our favourite ways to experience what the island has to offer visitors.
See the Sunset at Café Mambo
Café Mambo is one of the Sunset Strip’s most iconic bars, mostly due to its perfect location to see the sunset. Generally, the best time to go is between 9:15 pm and 9:30 pm, so be sure to bag yourself a table from 7:30 pm. It can get busy here, so if you’re unable to find a table, you can always sit on the rocks in front of the venue (alcohol here is banned though).
Consider booking a table at Café Mambo ahead of time to guarantee a seat on the terrace. However, you must note that any tables booked for the sunset window after 6 pm carry a minimum spend per person from €80 to €200+, depending on where you sit. This can be used against your bill for both food and drinks.
Top your evening off with a short 10–15-minute walk to Gelateria Milú for some of the best ice cream in Ibiza.
Sail to the Island of Formentera
If you value luxury experiences over nightclubs or simply wish to take a day off from partying, a day trip to Ibiza’s sister island, Formentera, is a great choice. It is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Platja de Ses Illetes, which has powder-like sand similar to the Caribbean.
A ferry from Ibiza Town Port will take you to Formentera’s La Savina Harbour in just 30 minutes, costing between €20 and €55 depending on the operator. Aquabus Ferry is the cheaper option but is much slower in speed, taking around an hour. Tramapi and Formentera Lines are the quicker options but cost more – booking online will save you money, too.
On the island itself, you can dine at seafood restaurants like Juan y Andrea and see the view from the Far De Barbaria lighthouse. There’s also a hippie market (Mercat de la Mola) that runs on a Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, allowing you to buy some souvenirs to take home, including handmade jewellery and clothing.
Discover the Best Beaches
For your first time in Ibiza, heading to the beach likely isn’t at the top of your list, but we recommend visiting at least one during your visit. Cala Bassa and Cala Conta are the best, both of which are located on the west coast near San Antonio.
They both offer golden coastline and calm waters for a dip amidst the summer heat, and the opportunity to partake in some beach games. Cala Bassa also has a beach club, where you can hire sun beds for a few hours and rent out a jet ski.
There’s also San Antonio Beach that runs along the Passeig de la Mar promenade in the centre of the town. It’s easily accessible and lined with bars and beach clubs for a late-night stroll. Just bear in mind, drinking alcohol is now prohibited on the beaches and in public in Ibiza.
Go on the Slingshot Ride
Next to El Paradís and Eden Ibiza in San Antonio is Slingshot Ibiza. While you’ll find several fairground rides here during the peak summer months, it’s the 72-metre-high slingshot ride that is the main attraction.
Shooting you up into the air from 0 to 160 km/h in just 1.3 seconds, it’s not for the faint-hearted. As of June 2026, the Slingshot ride costs €25 per person (two per ride), and is open from midday until 2 am (but this can sometimes be later).
Explore Dalt Vila
Dalt Vila is the UNESCO-listed old town of Ibiza that overlooks the harbour, offering 2000 years of history for you to discover. It’s easy to get lost here, so make sure to include a few key landmarks in your itinerary.
Start your trip at the Portal de ses taules, where you’ll find a stone drawbridge and Roman statues in the main courtyard. Next, climb to the Baluard de Santa Llúcia to reach the large bastion and its cannons. You should then walk through the cobbled alleys to Plaça de Vila and then reach the summit at the Catedral de Santa Maria de les Neus.
Aim to explore the area after 6 pm, particularly from May to September, since the midday sun can be brutal. We recommend planning a good two to three hours of walking to properly explore and stop off for a bit to eat at El Olivo Mio or La Dispensa.
FAQs
Is Ibiza expensive?
In short, yes. While accommodation and food are fairly similar to those of other Spanish and European islands, you can expect to pay a lot for event tickets and clubs. Places like Ushuaïa can cost more than €100 for a ticket and €26+ per drink, although this is the worst-case scenario. Places like Pacha offer drinks packages, with tickets costing as low as €30.
Hotels are more expensive from late May to early September, so avoiding peak times can see you bag better deals (like we did last year visiting before the school holidays). Just bear in mind that some places may be closed outside of the shoulder season.
Essentially, while it can be expensive, it completely depends on your itinerary. Ibiza can be done both on a budget and in luxury.
Is Ibiza Safe for First-Time Visitors?
Ibiza almost feels like a second home for us, and safety is a deciding factor in this. People often have this idea that party islands can be reckless, but Ibiza is a rare exception to this rule. As long as you make sure you’re careful when taking public transport and drinking in the venues, it is similar to any club in the UK.
Always stay close to your friends, keep an eye on your drinks, and avoid leaving items unattended. Also, remember it is now against the law to consume alcohol in public or on the beach in Ibiza, so stick to ordering drinks in designated bars.
Like with any popular tourist destination, you should still exercise caution, especially when there are large groups of people consuming alcohol. But Ibiza felt a lot safer than other destinations we’ve ever visited. Respect the rules of the island and the people here, and you will feel at home in no time.
How Much Money Should You Take to Ibiza?
The majority of venues in Ibiza, including restaurants and clubs, accept cards. However, it is recommended to take some euros with you for taxis, supermarket trips, local bars, and tips. Usually, we take around €300 for five days, but this depends on your plans and whether you prefer paying by card.
Do I Need to Book Events in Advance?
Yes, it’s best to book events in advance to secure the best prices and availability, especially during peak season. Major events and resident DJ sessions will sell out quickly, and paying on the door can be risky.
If you’re not too bothered about seeing particular artists, you can always see what’s available when you arrive. There is usually at least one event with tickets still available to purchase on the day. Or, you could head out on the strip instead to one of the walk-in bars, such as Itaca or Lineker’s.
Should I Tip in Ibiza?
There’s no hard-set rule, but generally you should tip between 5-10% of your bill. Staff will highly appreciate this, especially for meals or groups where a large number of drinks have been ordered.