The Ultimate Guide to Ibiza: Everything You Need to Know

Ibiza is famed for many things. Nightclubs, 90s raves, and electronic music broadcast the world over. Wayne Lineker, Wham’s Club Tropicana music video, the wedding of Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. But, as we know with travel, it’s not always the most popular parts of a destination that make it special. 

The boho scene that evolved on the White Isle in the 1960s paved the way to an island accepting of everyone, a destination not too far from home where families could enjoy a fortnight of summer sunshine, a spot that at its core is relaxed, creative, and beautifully family-friendly. If you’re wondering what makes Ibiza unique, or you’re looking for a list of things to do in Ibiza, read on to find out all you need to know about. 

Top Attractions in Ibiza

The top things to do in Ibiza naturally vary depending on who you ask. It’s an island of wonderful juxtapositions: UNESCO World Heritage Sites and nightclubs that stay open until 7am, retreats where schedules are filled with yoga and meditation and thronging hippy markets filled with colour and noise, quiet golden beaches in the morning and busy town centres when the sun sets. Your holiday in Ibiza can be a little bit adventurous, a little bit relaxing, a little bit music-oriented and a little bit for the family. 

Below are Ibiza’s must-see places: 

Dalt Vila (Ibiza Town)

Find it on  a small mountain next to the sea, overlooking Ibiza town below. It dates back to the Renaissance, and is home to bars, shops, cafes and art galleries, Ibiza Castle, as well as military cannons and tunnels to admire.

Es Vedra

A small rocky island off the south western coast of Ibiza that doubles up as Ibiza’s most mythical and mysterious feature. Some say it has a magnetic energy, legend has it linked to Greek mythology, and others simply find it magical. 

The Hippy Markets

Ibiza’s biggest hippy markets are the Hippy Market Punta Arabí in Es Canar, which runs on Wednesdays during summer, and Las Dalias Hippy Market in San Carlos, held on weekends year round. Expect crafts, clothes, jewellery and home goods of a colourful and hand crafted fashion. 

Nightclubs

Pacha, Pikes, Amnesia, Hï, Es Paradis. The list goes on, the music is endless, and the atmosphere is electric. 

Best Beaches in Ibiza

The best beaches in Ibiza are arguably all beaches, but they all have a slightly different feel. 

Playa d’en Bossa

This beach is the longest on the island, home to some of Ibiza’s most famous nightclubs like Ushuaia and Hi, which naturally make it a little busier. It’s great to walk along at night. 

Playa de Es Canar

Sat on the east coast of Ibiza is this crescent beach, fringed by pine trees, bordering clear waters, and perfect for families. It’s very safe, and close to a fantastic selection of beach bars and restaurants.

Cala Comte

Visit at sunset for spectacular views, or during the day to spot little islands off Ibiza’s coast. This beach is on the south west of the island, near to San Josep de sa Talaia. 

Cala Mastella

One of the island’s tiniest beaches, Cala Mastella is more or less untouched and unspoiled, serving the locals exactly as it has for centuries. It’s not very well known, so expect less crowds. It’s also not a sandy beach, so sea shoes are recommended, especially to protect little feet.

Cala Jondal

Frequented by the A-listers of the world, this beach is best if you want to spot some of Ibiza’s more globally well-known visitors. It’s a very popular choice for boat owners, it has oversized pebbles and white sands, as well as a shoreline with some of Ibiza’s best restaurants.

Ibiza for Wellness and Relaxation

Ibiza wellness retreats are fairly easy to come by – the island is made for relaxing breaks where you can take the time to recalibrate, unwind, and realign with the rhythms of nature. Ibiza spa resorts are equally appropriate for anyone in search of a break defined by downtime, facials, and quiet laps of a pool with a view. 

Six Senses Ibiza

We’d expect nothing less from the world-famous Six Senses brand than a resort with wellness at its core. Known for their otherworldly spas decked out with the most modern technology, Six Senses Ibiza guarantees a peaceful experience of the White Isle. 

Grand Palladium White Island

An eco-certified hotel with a hydrotherapy circuit, including an indoor and outdoor pool, swan neck jets, a sauna and Turkish bath, and a hot Jacuzzi and ice bath. Indoors, it’s professional massages, manicures and pedicures, and vegan treatments at Grand Palladium White Island.

Yoga Retreats

Ibiza is home to a variety of yoga retreats, including One Day Retreat Ibiza, Conscious Being Retreats, and Ananda Yoga Retreats, set all around the island. 

Ibiza’s History and Culture

The history of Ibiza is longer and more varied than you would perhaps initially think. It’s woven from layers of ancient civilisations, from the Phoenicians who first established the island as a trading post around 654 BC, to the Romans, Moors, and beyond. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it a cultural crossroads for millennia. Today, the island’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dalt Vila serves as a reminder of its storied past – a fortified old town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and panoramic views that allow visitors a glimpse into the island’s defensive history and medieval charm.

Beyond its architectural heritage, Ibiza’s cultural evolution has been shaped by the waves of artists and free spirits who arrived in the 20th century, drawn to the island's natural beauty and its promise of artistic freedom. In the 1960s and 70s it became a haven for bohemians, intellectuals, and musicians, marking the beginning of what we could call its modern cultural renaissance. The island’s unique blend of influences - ancient, bohemian, contemporary - can be seen in its art galleries, craft markets, and music scene, with an energy that pulses through the island even today.

Ibiza’s cultural identity is further enriched by its festivals, which celebrate everything from its agricultural roots to a deep spiritual heritage. Local traditions, like the fiesta of Sant Joan and the colourful Hippy Markets, continue to thrive – a chance to experience the soul of the island. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, wandering through lively markets, or soaking in the island’s natural beauty, the cultural attractions in Ibiza remain as relevant and captivating as ever.

Ibiza with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities

Travelling to Ibiza with kids is a wonderful choice for any holiday. With endless stretches of golden coast, resorts that cater to the littlest of visitors, and plenty of seas and pools to explore, there are plenty of family things to do in Ibiza.

Water Sports

Stand-up paddle boarding, beach cruises, boat trips, glass bottom boat trips, kayaking – the list is endless. If you have water babies or adrenaline junkies in your midsts, they’ll never tire of the activities on offer.

Tourist Trains

Running in Cala Llonga, Portinatx, San Carlos, San Miguel, Santa Eulalia and Es Canar, these mini train excursions are a fun and easy way to admire the area, or get to dinner. The choo of the horn is always a firm favourite with little ones.

Aquarium Cap Blanc

Located in San Antonio, this is one of the island’s greatest natural attractions. In underground caverns you’ll find natural fish tanks, with over 50 species of fish and shellfish. 

Horse Riding

Saddle up at the Ibiza Horse Valley, a non-profit sanctuary for abandoned and mistreated horses in the north of the island (around a 15-minute drive from Six Senses Ibiza). Though much of the herd, with names like Alaska, Fiona, and Peachy, are now a little older and unrideable, they’re yours to visit for the day. 

Ibiza’s Culinary Scene: A Taste of the Island

You’ve arrived on the island, and now you need to know where to eat in Ibiza. Being an island, you can expect a bounty of fresh and delicious seafood, as well as tapas and local specialities like Sofrit Pagès - a traditional stew of meals, potatoes, and vegetables - and the worldwide Spanish favourite, paella. We’ll provide a brief Ibiza food guide – the very best spots you should aim to incorporate into your trip. 

Es Torrent 

This is one of the island’s most famous seafood restaurants, set in a small remote cove near Sant Josep. With a seafaring history behind the majority of the staff, they’re experts in their specialities, which include mixed grills, authentic fish stew, paella, salted sea bass, and spiny lobster.

Mamajuana

Experience true Ibiza character here. A family-friendly beach club in Es Canar, this restaurant’s menu features fresh cuts of meat and fish, complemented by an extensive cocktail list that keeps you satiated long after you’re done eating.

Sa Capella

Managed by the family who founded Cafe Mambo, this restaurant in the hills of San Antonio is akin to a temple for Mediterranean cuisine. Everything is fresh, delicious, and cooked to perfection, whether it’s lemonfish carpaccio, oysters and lobster, steak tartare or grilled aubergine.

Jondal

As we’ve already mentioned, Cala Jondal is a hotspot for the rich and famous in Ibiza, and the beach restaurant is no exception. Sat in the same southern cove, Casa Jondal’s Mediterranean inspired menu is served in a beautiful Ibizan building – one famed for its views.

Ibiza's Nightlife: Clubs and Bars

Ibiza nightlife is famed the world over for a reason. Electric, exciting, and a way to experience some of the globe’s best and most famous DJs in a beautiful setting, the best clubs in Ibiza depend on what type of night you’re up for. 

Pacha

Pacha is a legacy, a club that opened in 1973 when Ibiza’s music scene was attracting the likes of Eric Clapton and Bob Marley. Today, its nightly programme of top DJs and performers create the very atmosphere the island is famed for: fun, addictive, and uniquely Ibizan.

Es Paradis

Another of the island’s oldest clubs, Es Paradis will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2025. Step inside ‘Paradise on Earth’ - the phrase its name translates to - and you’ll be greeted with a mix of dance, hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton beats.

Pikes 

Sat in the hills overlooking San Antonio, this iconic hotel hosted rock stars, threw infamous parties, and played the role of Club Tropicana in Wham’s hit music video. It played a significant role in Ibiza’s nightlife, and in the present day, it's like a boutique-hotel-cum-member’s-club. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Ibiza?

Ibiza is in the Mediterranean, meaning hot and dry summers, mild winters. If you’re looking to party in the sun in San Antonio, June to August is your best bet for the famous White Isle atmosphere and plenty of the season’s club events to attend. It’s also a great time for families to venture to other resorts dotted around the coast, with plenty to see and do. 

If you’re in search of a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, then May, September, and early October offer good weather with less crowds. The party scene isn’t quite as intense in San Antonio, but around the rest of the island you’ll get to enjoy the beaches, explore the island, and experience the local culture without the busyness of peak summer.

How to Get to Ibiza

By Air

Ibiza is incredibly easy to get to, with direct flights running with 19 different airlines from the UK. They’re available from all over the UK, and the flight takes just over 2.5 hours. 

Distance from the Airport:

• Ibiza Town – 10 minutes

• Cala Jondal – 15 minutes 

• San Antonio – 30 minutes

• Santa Eularia – 30 minutes 

• Es Canar – 35 minutes 

• Portinatx – 40 minutes 

By Sea

The Port of Ibiza has space for large cruise ships to berth, as well as 1,400 moorings for smaller, personal boats. It has several regular lines to and from other Balearic Islands and Valencia. 

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