Ibiza holidays

Ibiza neighbourhoods are all quite different, so make sure to select the best area for your holiday.

• If you would like a laid-back island holiday, stay in scenic Santa Eulalia and spend your days on the beach. It’s classy and there’s a great gastronomic scene.
• History buffs and culture vultures will most enjoy staying in Ibiza Town, part of which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander the cobbled streets and enjoy the famous Medieval Festival – if you time your holiday right.
• Travellers who prioritise destinations with stellar parties should book a hotel in Playa d’en Bossa. You can club from dusk until dawn, listening to tracks from top DJs with other merry revellers.
• Beach lovers will adore Portinatx. It’s three great beaches (Playa Porto Beach, S’Arenal Gros and S’Arenal Petit) all have lifeguards and sunbeds. Snorkelers will enjoy the clear waters, too.
• If you’re after stunning sunsets, make your way to San Antonio on the west coast. Spend days cruising across the waves with water sports and enjoy the nightlife at clubs like Eden.

Ibiza offers much more than nightlife. Alongside its clubs and bars, you can spend time on sandy beaches, explore historic Dalt Vila, visit inland villages and take boat trips around the island or to nearby Formentera.

1. Spend the day at a beach club such as Blue Marlin Ibiza or Cala Bassa Beach Club, with sun loungers, dining and sea views
2. Take a boat trip along Ibiza’s coastline for a different view of the island, with some excursions including stops for swimming, music, drinks and food
3. Experience Ibiza’s nightlife at clubs including UNVRS, Ushuaia, Hi Ibiza, Amnesia, Pacha and DC-10, with events running throughout the summer season
4. Explore inland villages such as Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera and Sant Carles de Peralta, known for their relaxed atmosphere, whitewashed churches, local shops and cafes
5. Take a boat trip to Formentera, a small, laid-back island known for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, around 35 minutes from Ibiza by ferry.

Ibiza has more than 50 beaches, from long sandy stretches to small coves. Las Salinas suits travellers looking for beach clubs and music, Sa Caleta offers a smaller sheltered setting, Cala Jondal is known for upmarket beach clubs, Talamanca is convenient for Ibiza Town and Platges de Comte is a popular sunset spot.

• Las Salinas – One of Ibiza’s best-known beaches, Las Salinas combines a long stretch of fine sand with beach clubs, restaurants and music.
• Sa Caleta – Reddish cliffs frame this small beach of sand and pebbles[NE16.1] on Ibiza’s south coast, while its shallow, sheltered water is well suited to paddling.
• Cala Jondal – This upmarket cove is surrounded by pine-covered hills and cliffs and is known for its beach clubs, seafront restaurants and yachts moored in the bay.
• Talamanca – Around a 15-minute walk from central Ibiza Town, Talamanca has a long sandy beach and a seafront promenade lined with Mediterranean restaurants.
• Platges de Comte (Cala Conta) – A collection of small sandy coves and rocky shoreline overlooking offshore islets. Its west-facing setting also makes it a popular place to watch the sunset.

If nightlife is a priority, choose a hotel with music and events on site. Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel hosts open-air events throughout the summer, with international DJs performing at the resort. For the closest access to the event space, stay in the hotel’s Ushuaia Club, which surrounds the main stage. BLESS Ibiza The Site also has a programme of live music and DJ sets, including events around The Palm Club. Alternatively, Destino Five Ibiza combines sea views with daytime entertainment and fitness facilities. Work out in the cliffside open-air gym or join selected fitness sessions, then head to Pacha Icons Ibiza for open-air events around the pool.

The best time to visit Ibiza depends on what kind of holiday you’re after. For long days of glorious sunshine, choose the height of the summer – you can soak up the rays in June, July and August. This is also when many of the island’s clubs welcome DJs and artists from around the world for summer residencies. If you’d prefer to explore the old town or the wild backcountry, opt for a break during spring and autumn when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists.

Three to four days works well for a beach break or long weekend in Ibiza, particularly if you plan to stay in one area. A week gives you more time to explore beyond your resort, from Dalt Vila and traditional villages to smaller coves and Ibiza’s pine-covered interior, while still leaving time for restaurants and nightlife.

Ibiza can be an expensive destination, particularly in the main summer season, but it offers much more than beaches and nightlife. Away from the main resorts, you’ll find pine-covered hills, small coves, traditional villages, craft markets and walking routes through the countryside. Spend one day exploring the island or its food scene, then another at a beach club or one of Ibiza’s well-known clubs and bars. This variety makes Ibiza a good choice if you want to combine relaxation, exploring and nightlife in one trip.

Ibiza can work well for families, particularly if you choose a resort such as Santa Eulalia or Portinatx, where you’ll find beaches with calm, shallow water and a relaxed atmosphere. Family-friendly hotels offer children’s facilities and entertainment, while days out can include the seasonal Sirenis Aquagames water park, boat trips and snorkelling. The island’s relatively compact size also makes it easier to explore different areas without spending long periods on the road.