Ibiza: A neighbourhood guide


Amy Rosoman for British Airways

Title photography by Juergen Sack

Skip to Navigation

August 2018

Ibiza is indisputably ‘the’ party destination of Europe with uber trendy beach clubs, blowout pool parties and blazing nightlife. But you can discover pockets of tranquillity on the White Island when you’re ready to take off those party shoes. Check out our Ibiza neighbourhood guide for the hottest spots around.

Santa Eulalia

For those seeking quieter, scenic towns with palm-lined walkways and blissfully pretty beaches, look no further than the east coast’s up-and-coming Santa Eulalia.

Stay

Lounge poolside at a five-star hotel as you gaze out to the shimmering ocean with a glass of Champagne in hand and a platter of fresh Ceviche. Stay at ME Ibiza and choose from three pools to cool you off. Watch superyachts at the exclusive neighbouring Yacht Marina or venture to the rooftop pool in glamourous swimwear and unwind to chilled out music. The ME lifestyle hotel hosts some of Ibiza’s coolest art exhibitions, fashion shows and foodie festivals – so watch out for dazzling events on your doorstep.

By day, move along to the super sleek Nikki Beach Club overlooking the Balearic sea.

Eat

Make tracks to Ca Na Ribes, and take a seat in the calming flowery garden restaurant. Order the Chef’s speciality, sole and prawns in Champagne sauce, or tuck into roast sherry chicken. Alternatively, start with an aperitif on the terrace of the glitzy El Naranjo before a salt-baked cod main with a bottle of house white. If there’s space in your stomach, consider the dessert menu.

Do

By day, move along to the super sleek Nikki Beach overlooking the Balearic Sea. Recline on a poolside bed, watch fire-breathers and acrobats and throw your own best shapes. Clink your glasses together on Rosé Saturdays or join a pool party – and make sure to reserve a spot for their top summer events: GRL PWR, Summer Lovers and Fiesta Fridays.

The vibes here are more easy-going, so stroll along the town’s promenade as dusk falls, then visit an array of swish bars. Resident DJs and live bands play at Guarana.

Book a stay at ME Ibiza

  • Relax poolside at Nikki Beach Ibiza, Santa Eulalia. © Nikki Beach Ibiza.

    Poolside glitz and glamour

    Ibiza's beach clubs are on another level – lounge on your own cabana by day, then let the party come to you.

    Stay at the ME Ibiza

Playa d’en Bossa

Welcome to Ibiza’s party capital, Playa d’en Bossa. The incredible mix of world-famous DJs, outrageous entertainment and pool parties in this clubbing hub will blow your mind.

Stay

If you’re travelling to Ibiza for the sole purpose of partying, stay at the Adults Only Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel. Home to the island’s number one outdoors club, it bursts with daytime parties and night time extravaganzas.

Live the day clubbing dream with VIP service or voyage on a luxury boat. When you return to your superior club room with a balcony or garden – simply relax. These spaces are ideal for a break from epic club night confetti cannons and ultra-bright lights. If you’re still awake, head to the rooftop terrace after party until the sun rises.

Eat

When you stir, get up and get breakfast at the Bali Beach Club. Order the Muscles toast with ham or the Silhoutte breaky with avocados to rejuvenate from the previous night’s antics. The best part? You can lounge around here all day – just reserve a Balinese bed and soak up the sun. Or make tracks to the seafront restaurant Ohana Ibiza for mouth-watering fusion food. Start with burrata, then choose the scrummy salmon poke bowl or a sushi board. Breeze through the cocktail menu (ordering at least one coconut mojito) as you unwind by the ocean. Treat yourself to the cheesecake with the matcha tea mousse – if you have room.

Do

Close to the airport and perfect for a party-filled weekend, the Playa d’en Bossa ways are simple: beach, party, repeat. Slather on sun cream and pitch a spot on the island’s longest stretch of sand. Swim in the crystal-clear water, then haul yourself out for an Instagram pic on a stand-up paddle board. Don your hottest swimwear and designer shades to Nassau Beach Club with fanciful vibes (e.g. you can get lobster delivered to your sunbed) or start the party at Bora Bora straightaway.

Come nightfall, make your way to Hï Ibiza, a super club with two epic rooms (the Theatre and the Club) that boast supreme sound systems and graphics. Make this booming electronic music scene your new stomping ground.

Book a stay at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel

Ibiza Town

The Ibiza Town capital (also known as Eivissa), offers island culture and legendary nightlife come summer. During winter, you can sample authentic local life.

Stay

Set in a prime city location just next to the harbour, the beautiful Neo-classical Gran Hotel Montesol, Curio Collection by Hilton certainly has five-star sparkle. Past celebrity guests include Pink Floyd, Orson Welles and Princess Caroline. The interior effuses a sleek contemporary Spanish style and is perfectly tailored to guests needs. Renowned as a hub for bohemians and intellectuals since the 1930’s, Café Montessol still attracts plenty of beautiful people. Make friends here, then catch DJ music together from dusk. Whatever you’re looking for, the hotel’s personal concierge will take care of your Ibiza desires from a luxury boat cruise to hot-to-trot party tickets.

Eat

Dine at the classically beautiful La Dispensa. From the pretty outside terrace to the interior’s Mediterranean touches – this place offers a wealth of character. Choosing from an array of creative dishes will be your toughest holiday decision. To make it easy, choose octopus salad with a jug of sangria for lunch, or order a bottle of the Grand Reserve to accompany your succulent rack of lamb or fresh seafood linguine during dinner. For amazing city views of historical Dalt Vila, visit the charming rooftop bar TiraPalla. Tuck into tasty tapas and try the lemon basil spritz, followed by the watermelon mojito.

Do

Wander through pretty cobbled streets, where a glaze of white flows through the city. Discover the Old Town, making your way up to the castle on the hill (Eivissa Castle), then polish off your cultural adventures with a drink at the Marina Botafoch.

Discover even more island magic when you hire a car. During winter, experience the charm of Ibiza island life without the busy buzz of tourists. Cruise inland to the rustic village of Santa Gertrudis, a little town with big Spanish feel. For white-washed buildings, bohemian living and hip bars, stop at Bar Costa. Warm up by its toasty log fire and chow down on plates of serrano ham and manchego cheese.

Book a stay at Gran Hotel Montesol, Curio Collection by Hilton


  • Experience the island’s latest nightlife institution, Hï Ibiza, Playa d’en Bossa. © Ushuaïa Entertainment S.L.

    The hottest nightlife in the world

    Feel the energy flow through you, as you party to the beats of world-class DJ's in the coolest clubs.

    Plan your trip
  • Fine dining at Sa Punta, Talamanca bay. © Juan Sala.

    Savour every mouthful

    Discover delicious dining across the towns and coastline of Ibiza.

    Find our cheapest flights to Ibiza
  • Enjoy the view from the Gran Hotel Montesol, Curio Collection by Hilton, Ibiza Town. © Hilton.

    Authenticity in the Old Town

    Soak up the views of the hillside capital, then wander down to the harbour.

    Book a stay at Gran Hotel Montesol

San Antonio

Feel the electricity of the west coast seep through you in sensational San Antonio. Stroll along the sunset strip for a torrent of colours over the horizon and neon light shows in the clubs.

Stay

Party on a budget at SOL House Ibiza, which offers a brilliant four-star stay. Dance to your holiday soundtrack at DJ pool sessions and shimmy your shoulders all night long at the Sol Sets Roof Top Nine Bar. When you need a break, lounge on the plethora of cool white furniture, swept in during the hotel’s recent refurbishment. Make a splash in the new glistening pool, then kick back on Balinese beds and sun loungers. Feeling thirsty? Enjoy bar service with views of San Antonio Bay.

Sip on sundowner cocktails as the sky catches fire before experiencing the town’s epic nightlife.

Eat

Make the most of the full breakfast included in your stay at SOL. Otherwise, keep costs down at Rita’s Cantina for lunch. Popular with locals and tourists – you have to try the famous Club Sandwich and wash it down with a Spanish beer (or two).

Treat yourself at least once on your Ibiza holiday and reserve a table at the award-winning Sa Capella, just outside of town. It’s set within a converted church, but sit on the picturesque terrace to see the glistening lights of San Antonio. Beautifully plated dishes include fresh turbot served with pesto risotto and duck leg served with pea hummus. Enjoy your own bottle of homemade hierbas, with your meal. Just note, the restaurant is open from mid-April until the end of October.

Do

The lively vibes of San Antonio light-up with younger crowds. In the morning tote your beach bag and flip flops to the main beach cove and chill on a sun lounger before taking to the shimmering ocean by pedalo. Hop aboard a party boat for an awesome day of music, sun and sea. Otherwise, venture to the nearby beaches of Cala Bassa and Cala Conta on a ferry from the marina or hop on the bus. (Both journeys take around 15 minutes.) Arrive as early as you can, since these scenic spots are popular.

For full-out festivities, head to Ocean Beach Ibiza, which provides an epic lifestyle experience – day and night. Stroll along the seafront promenade, then check out super club Es Paradis with its Glow Neon nights and water parties. Alternatively, party away at Eden, where Pete Tong, Disclosure and MK have all previously played.

Book a stay at SOL House Ibiza

Portinatx

The most northern town on the island, Portinatx is a favourite for every type of traveller, with picturesque landscape and crystal-clear waters.

Stay

Take an All Inclusive Ibiza break at the Adults Only Sandos El Greco Beach Hotel with a combination of fun, sun and relaxation. Perched hillside, the Sandos boasts breath taking views of the Balearic Sea, as well as a serene spa and its very own water park with thrill-seeker slides.

Unwind poolside with fruity cocktails as you soak up the sun. If you prefer the ocean, the hotel has direct access to the beach for sea salt moments and sandy days. Feeling peckish? Head to the snack bar on the terrace between 1pm – 5pm, offering a mix of burgers, sandwiches and fruit. Need another drink? Pop over to the pool bar.

Eat

Wander into Portinatx to try the fresh local seafood and more. Pitch up at Jardin del Mar for lunch or dinner; it has heavenly views that are even more dazzling at sunset. Tuck into the seafood grill or order a pan of colourful paella with a creamy pina colada. And after the cocktails, there’s still fun to be had at the on-site mini golf course. Just on the water’s edge, the Zulu Lounge is another hotspot to catch sunset with a sundowner cocktail. Nibble on fresh bread and aioli followed by the swordfish fillet served up with salad and fries. Don’t fancy fish? Order the beef tacos with a side of zingy guacamole.

Do

With three blissful beaches to choose from, downtime on the coastline is a must. These clear waters and balmy temperatures make for excellent snorkelling and scuba-diving, so grab some gear and plunge in. (Beginners lessons are available.) Admire the local landscape – so beautiful it was the chosen setting for the film South Pacific– and leisurely walk to the Punta d’es Moscarter lighthouse for the incredible views with almighty cliff drops.

Head out for the laid-back nightlife, which won’t leave you packed in clubs like a sardine. Hit up Vincent’s Bar for Karaoke, quiz nights and cocktails.

Book a stay at Sandos El Greco Beach Hotel

Talamanca

Situated on a glistening beach of white sand and turquoise water, just next to Ibiza Town, idyllic Talamanca is close to what’s hip and happening.

Stay

Book a stay at the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay – the opulent hotel that put this town on the map. Soak up the hotel’s nautical touches with soothing ivory and blue hues.

Spend time in the sun and lounge around a choice of two glistening pools. With an abundance of daybeds and loungers, you don’t need to race down in the morning to save a space. If you’re more of a sea and sand lover, make the most of direct beach access.

Nobu offers a sensory overload and nothing you ask is too much. Whether you want a boat chartered directly from the shores of Talamanca Bay, the hottest club tickets or fancy a guided tour of the island, the fabulous staff will organise this for you.

Eat

When you’ve had your fill of fresh seafood and mouth-watering cocktails (if that’s possible) at Nobu, discover even more amazing dining experiences in Talamanca. Savour fine-dining on the water’s edge at the chic Sa Punta Ibiza during lunch. Tuck into wild seabass as you sip sparkling cava sangria.

Stay for dinner and order oysters, then the black truffle risotto, accompanied by a San Punta Spritz.

If you fancy dining with rustic charm, make a move to The Fish Shack. Situated on a rocky beach, overlooking the ocean, you’ll find an incredible menu of fresh seafood, like tuna steaks or grilled swordfish. Savour this authentic al fresco spot while washing your meal down with a beer.

Do

Spend lazy days on the beautifully long, sandy beach of Talamanca with sparkling shallow waters. Walk along the beach promenade or meander along to Marina Botafoch to explore quays and jetties surrounded by incredible yachts. For a treat, charter your very own boat. When you’re ready to turn up the heat, walk to Pacha Ibiza in 10 minutes. The island’s most famous nightclub is renowned for its VIP style, huge electric pop scene and performances from the world’s biggest DJs. With a variety of events, such as Flower Power and Paris by Night themes, dress-up for a good time.

Book a stay at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay