How to Plan a Trip to Ibiza
One of the most known Spanish Balearic Islands, Ibiza, is notorious for its wild nightlife, rugged coastline and countless shades of turquoise waters. Here’s How to Plan a Trip to Ibiza.
Initially popularised by the hippies in the 60s, Ibiza has evolved into a cosmopolitan hot spot along the Mediterranean and is now adored by some of the world’s liveliest travellers. Idyllic Ibiza is home to a wealth of opportunities, so let’s dive into this Ibiza Destination Guide.
8-Step Planning Checklist
Before you can take the full plunge, work your way through these eight simple steps. Whether you’re planning for the summer, spring, winter or autumn, planning a trip to Ibiza couldn’t be easier!
Follow this checklist to begin the adventure of a lifetime!
Step 1: Determine the Destination
Step 2: Decide on the Trip Duration
Step 3: Figure out When is the Best Time to Visit
Step 4: Create a Travel Budget
Step 5: Book Your Accommodation (preferably 3 to 4 months in advance)
Step 6: Research & Organise Transport & Activities
Step 7: Get Your Documents in Order (Visa, Passport & Travel Insurance)
Step 8: Nail the Process with this Packing List
Best Time to Visit Ibiza
If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza to explore the dramatic contrast of culture, cuisine, beautiful landscapes and rich history, you’re in luck because this island is abundant! Ideally, the best time to travel to Ibiza is from May to early June or September to October, when the large crowds of tourists are not dominating the island.
From May to October, the weather in Ibiza boasts warm temperatures and sunny blue skies. If you’re not overly bothered by the party and beach scene, you could opt to visit Ibiza during the off-peak periods. From November to April, you’ll find more affordable prices on accommodation, transport, activities and flights to Ibiza. Plus, the weather isn’t as harsh as in Eastern Europe. Score!
On the other hand, if your vacation aims to get freakishly loose and return home with a few stories up your sleeve, I’d recommend heading south of Ibiza between June and August. I mean, they do say that the parties are an indispensable part of the experience… Packed with a hectic nightlife, there’s also a ton of water-sport activities such as windsurfing, flyboarding & slingshots for avid thrill seekers.
Local Language
In Spain, the official language is Spanish (Castellano). However, in Ibiza, Catalan and other dialects are also spoken. English is widely everyday throughout the major tourist areas, as well as Italian, German and French. Oui oui!
Best Things to Do in Ibiza
From the famous beach clubs and quad bike tours to boat parties and day trips, Ibiza is fringing with fun-filled pursuits. For a full dive into the top activities and attractions, check out this in-depth guide on the Best Things to do in Ibiza.
Es Vedrà Island
If you want to know how to plan a trip to Ibiza, add this gem to your bucket list. Isolated off the western coast of Cala d’Hort, the ever-intriguing, uninhabited island of Es Vedrà steals the show every sunset. Bursting with blissful beaches and diverse natural splendour, this protected national park delivers picture-perfect, panoramic views aplenty.
If you want to create an unforgettable experience when you visit Ibiza, Es Vedrà beckons a ray of lyrical light. Appreciate the sun going down as it paints the Mediterranean Ocean, all shades of pink, orange and golden. Sure, the cliff-edge lookout is spectacular, but why stop there? Jump on board a boat, feel the ocean breeze and admire the west coast from afar without the hassle of others around.
After soaking up the last rays of light, head down to Cala d’Hort Beach for a night you won’t forget. Well-known for its powdery white sand and lively parties, this is one of the hottest spots on the island. Cala d’Hort is crowned with typical Spanish chiringuitos (beach bars) that sell freshly caught fish, endless Spanish drinks and, of course, serve up nasty beats ‘til the am.
Beaches
If you want to visit Ibiza, you’ve probably got the image of idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters and silky white sand in your head. During the summer, the weather in Ibiza brings the landscape into its full splendour. So, if you want to know where to find the best beaches, look no further. Whether you’re looking for a low-key beach, a party-fuelled bay or a nudist beach where you can let your junk in the trunk out, Ibiza has it all. Balls and all!
To make this a little less confusing and a lot more practical, let’s do this by category. Because who doesn’t love a bit of organisation, right? Here are the best beaches in Ibiza, broken down into seven groups. If you want to know how to plan a trip to Ibiza, add these gems to your itinerary:
Beaches for Partying
Las Salinas
Cala Conta
Cala Bassa
Beaches With a View
Cala d’Hort
Pou des Lleú
Raco de ses Dones
Popular Beaches
Cala Saladeta
Cala Conta
Hippy Beaches
Cala Salada
Cala Benirrás
Family-Friendly Beaches
Cala Jondal
Cala Carbó
San Miguel
Cala Llonga
Beaches for Snorkelling
Cala Xacarra (also has a natural mud bath, hell yeah)
Punta Galera
Nudist Beaches
Es Cavallet
Aguas Blancas
Cala Blanca
Adventure
So, you want to know how to plan a trip to Ibiza. You’ve figured out the logistics, the best beaches, the top natural attraction and the best time to visit Ibiza. Next up, adventure!
Whether you’re looking to spice up your itinerary or escape the southern-situated party towns, the island’s unspoilt north holds the key. Scattered with a slew of sublime natural pursuits, you’ll uncover some of the things that make this place unique. Because, after all, every business narrates a story, and no place does it like Ibiza.
This island is a trekker's treasure trove, home to a string of scenic hiking routes around Portinatx and Es Portixol. For something different, head across one of the winding northern coastal paths to the Punta Moscarter Lighthouse.
If it’s the summer season, the weather in Ibiza can be brutally hot. So, hit the trails early, take a good pair of shoes and sunscreen and prepare for a lot of uphill trekking. Yeehaw!
If you visit Ibiza and hiking’s not your style, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. If you love to dabble in the delights of a decent viewpoint, check out the observation deck at Las Puertas del Cielo near Sant Antoni de Portmany. When the weather in Ibiza starts to cool down, you can admire the artistry here.
Hidden Gems
Woven in the rustic end of Ibiza’s west coast, the ‘Lost City of Atlantis’ will baffle you. Locally named Sa Padrera, this hidden gem is crowned with hand-carved rock formations. You’ll spot dragons, faces, calls for peace, and other symbolic imagery among the array of artistically engraved creations. Located near the Torre des Savinar, you’ll have to brace the long, steep hike down.
Another hidden gem is the Cova de Can Marçà near the Port of Sant Miguel. If you visit Ibiza and are interested in uncovering its history, this site will surely blow your mind. Initially used by smugglers as an intricate underground network, there’s a natural cave that highlights the giant crevices through a waterfall light show. Beware if you’re claustrophobic; this space can get pretty damn tight!
Markets
If you want to visit Ibiza, breaking up all the sightseeing with some local experiences is essential. Every Wednesday in Punta Arabí, the whole area blooms with dancers and musicians. Known as the Hippy Market, this is a great spot to soak up local living on the island. Stroll around midday, grab a bite to eat and discover a whole treasure trove of arts and crafts within the market.
In Ibiza, Las Dalias has been the home of the original market since the 60s. You’ll find authentic Iberian products, clothes, jewellery and artisanal products.
Otherwise, San Juan is a scenic little village in the island's northern part. San Juan is nestled within the Mediterranean olive groves and rocky hilltops and oozes natural charm. This quaint town is perfect for a lazy Sunday stroll. At the close of every weekend, the local market takes the scene by storm with the best fresh and organic food on the island.
The Art Scene
Ibiza is coined as an artist’s paradise for a good reason! The island is looming, with local street artists thriving in the art community. There’s plenty to see and do if you’re a fan of the arts! Stroll the streets of the Old Town, step inside local boutiques and admire the abundance of art galleries.
The Story Behind the Picture
My ex and I were sitting in a cafe discussing our plans for the day when an older man sat down at a table opposite us, then proceeded to whip out his pen and paper and just went ham.
He told me the 5-minute sketch was free of charge, but of course, I couldn’t just leave him empty-handed. This was the first time I had ever experienced something like this… It was very humbling.
Best Activities in Ibiza
If you’re on the hunt for the top-rated attractions in Ibiza, look no further. Here’s the best of what this Balearic party island has to offer:
Where to Stay in Ibiza
Honing in on humble abodes and some of the hottest hotels in Ibiza, many accommodation options exist. Whether you’re after a large-scale resort or a unique Airbnb, you’ll be stumped for choice.
If it’s your first time planning to visit Ibiza, both the Old Town and San Antonio have countless choices to keep you comfortable. As the urbanite hub for restaurants, cafes, bars and supermarkets, you can’t go wrong if you’re after convenience. For the entire run down, see this comprehensive guide on Where to Stay in Ibiza. We cover 16 different neighbourhoods, so you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town is ideal for culture, nightlife and food fanatics alike. This neighbourhood in Ibiza is brimming with museums, mouth-watering restaurants and old-school charm. You can get the best of both worlds with everything from budget to luxury experiences and accommodation. If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza for the first time, Ibiza Town is a top place to stay.
Figueretas
If you’re looking for hotels in Ibiza, Figueretas is ideal for budget-focused sun-seekers. This area is incredibly popular amongst the gay community, so you can expect flamboyant and fabulous vibes. Located between Ibiza Town and Playa d’en Bossa, Figueretas is jam-packed with trendy restaurants, bars and cafes. When the weather in Ibiza turns on, people come out to play!
Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella
Sitting in the west of Ibiza, Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella are suitable areas for families and budget travellers. These spots specialise if you want to relax and get in touch with nature.
Boasting bliss-inducing beaches, stunning sunset views and silky white, sandy coves, you can kick back without the fuss of fastidious, frantic partygoers prancing around. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Portinatx
Nestled on the northern coast, Portinatx is pinned as a paradise for those seeking a more rugged experience. Home to a huge haul of water activities, you’ll find everything from snorkelling to paddle boarding.
If you’re looking for low-key Ibiza hotels, Portinatx is ideal for budget travellers, families and those seeking adventure.
Top Ibiza Hotels:
How to Get Around Ibiza
So, you’ve booked your accommodation and flights to Ibiza; now, it’s time to think about how you’ll get around.
Public Transport
The island’s public transport system is functional, with buses all the rage. With clean, air-conditioned spaces (ideal to escape the sweaty summer heat), the bus network is reliable and affordable. The only downside is the limited timetables, so if you want to travel to Ibiza during the high season, be sure to plan ahead.
From Ibiza Airport, you can catch the bus right outside Arrivals. Departing every 15 minutes during peak season, you can dodge the long taxi queues and make your way into Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Route 10 runs between the airport and the Ibiza bus station, the ferry port of Formentera, and the port and San Jorge.
Line 10: Ibiza-San Jorge-Airport
Line 9: San Antonio-San José-Airport
Line 24: Cala Nova-Es Canar-Santa Eulària-Airport
Water Taxis
Depending on the weather in Ibiza, a water taxi could be a great way of getting around. Boasting great value for money, this option is ideal for seeing parts of the island that are difficult to access by car. You can catch water taxis from San Antonio Harbour, and in Ibiza Town, from the following spots:
Marina Botafoch
Talamanca
Figueretes
Playa d’en Bossa
Car or Motorbike Rental
Wherever I travel, I always opt to rent a car or motorbike. I don’t have my Driver’s Licence, so sometimes, it can take a lot to convince my travel buddy. But where there’s a will, there’s a way! Hiring a car allows you to create your own route and follow your schedule. You really can’t put a price on this type of flexibility, and when the crowds disappear, you’ll know why it was worth it.
Book your car or motorbike well in advance if you want to visit Ibiza during the high season. We travelled in April (the off-season), tried to book last minute, and no scooters were available. Que loco!
Taxis
There is always the alternative of catching a cab in Ibiza. For some, it’s a last-minute resort; for others, it’s a luxury. If you catch a taxi, you can ditch the parking fiascos, but you’ll have to pay the higher prices and wait around in long queues. Taxis in Ibiza run on a meter, and the official ones (with a green/red light on top) are in high demand.
Ibiza Airport
If you want to plan a trip to Ibiza, you’ll most likely be landing at Ibiza Airport. You can fly to and from Ibiza from major cities, including Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Valencia and so forth. However, you can catch a ferry from Barcelona, Alicante and Valencia. This option is sometimes more affordable, especially if you book in advance.
A ferry also allows you more time to prepare your party pants or recover what tiny brain cells you may have left. Baleária and Trasmediteranea are the two main options. Approximate route times via ferry:
Barcelona > Ibiza: 7 hours
Valencia > Ibiza: 5 hours
Mallorca > Ibiza: 2 hours
3-Day Ibiza Itinerary
Now that you know how to plan a trip to Ibiza, it’s time to get this party started. But with an iconic panoply of pursuits, it can be hard to know where to begin. This 3-Day Ibiza Itinerary provides a loose schedule that allows for spontaneity and adventure. It touches on the major highlights and a few hidden gems, so you’ll get the best of both worlds. Here’s a slice of what’s on offer:
Day 1: Old Town, Cala D’Hort & Las Puertas del Cielo
Day 2: Hiking, Beaches & Es Vedra Island
Day 3: Ses Salines, Markets & Drinks in Dalt Vila
Whether you’re a fan of picturesque scenery, crystal clear waters, or off-the-radar adventure, I can assure you that these spots will not disappoint. Be sure to save this Ibiza Destination Guide on your Bucket List. Happy planning!
This comprehensive guide on How to Plan a Trip to Ibiza can kick the hassle out of your next getaway. So, what are you waiting for?
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