Known worldwide for its energetic party scene, you may be surprised to learn that Ibiza’s charm entices more than just young partygoers.

While its title of clubbing capital of the world may have made it famous, you’ll find a wide range of travellers eager to visit this Spanish Mediterranean island including families, backpackers, honeymooners, and those simply looking for a wellness getaway. 

Ibiza offers a nice mix of attractions and activities for all types of travellers, whether you’re seeking out cultural heritage, hiking in nature reserves, breathtaking beaches with some of the best sunset viewing in Europe, water-based activities, or a bit of self care in the form of yoga, rejuvenating spa treatments, and holistic experiences.

Fall in love with Ibiza’s historic fortified old town of Dalt Vila and savour the island’s rich culinary scene. Venture beyond the popular tourist spots to discover picturesque towns and villages as well as historic sites.  

To help guide you on booking your summer holiday to Ibiza, I thought I’d share my top tips for visiting this beautiful island including information on accommodation and transport, as well as what to see and do while also sharing ways to stay safe and healthy. 

Tips for Travelling this Summer to Ibiza

Who Should Visit

Let me start with touching on who Ibiza will appeal to and the answer as I mentioned previously is pretty much anyone.

Ibiza’s party scene is but one side of this Mediterranean gem. Beyond its nightclubs, bars, and beach parties are resorts and activities that cater more towards families and couples. There’s also a very large percentage of travellers that visit Ibiza for its wellness offerings. 

Kids will enjoy the outdoor adventure park with ziplines, water parks, jeep safaris, horseback riding and exploring caves. Outdoor enthusiasts can take to both land and sea, with hiking, cycling, and a broad range of water activities on offer. 

If you wish to avoid large crowds and the party atmosphere, you can either plan your trip outside of the busy summer clubbing season or take to the rural areas away from the main popular tourist centres of the island. 

Plan in Advance

Because Ibiza is a popular tourist destination during the summer season especially, it would be in your best interests to book your flights, accommodation, and tours well in advance.

Booking early ensures you will be able to create the holiday you want and likely at a better rate than booking last minute. 

If the energetic clubbing interests you, then July and August are the best months to plan a trip, whereas if you are looking for a more relaxed experience without large crowds then you would be better off maybe opting for the shoulder seasons such as May or September. 

Accommodation

Ibiza offers a wide range of accommodations that will suit nearly any budget or traveller type. You’ll find a variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.

You can choose from family-friendly hotels and resorts such as the popular Invisa Figueral Resort, cosy boutique hotels, beachfront resorts, hostels, and more.

If you want to set yourself up in the middle of all the action, you’ll want to book in Ibiza Town or places like San Antonio. For a quieter and more relaxed stay, choose accommodation away from the main clubbing and entertainment areas. 

While most travellers will choose to set themselves up in a hotel or resort due to their offering of many amenities such as pools, onsite restaurants, concierge services, free Wi-Fi, and often incredible sea views from your room, there are other accommodation options as well. 

Ibiza has several hostels that offer dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms. They often provide communal areas, shared kitchens, and organized activities that cater to the backpacker type.

Renting an apartment or condo is a popular choice for those looking for a more independent and self-catering accommodation option.

You can also find villas and vacation rentals in Ibiza if you need extra space for a large group or wish for more privacy. However, these can be priced well beyond most travellers’ budgets. 

Lastly, there are also options to book rural accommodation if you tend to be more of an agrotourist looking to surround yourself with nature in the countryside. There are also a few campsites where you can pitch a tent or park a rented caravan. 

Campsites often provide basic facilities you’d expect such as showers, toilets, and communal areas. I should note that wild camping is not allowed on the island, so stick to the designated camping areas to avoid potential fines. 

Transportation

Ibiza’s buses offer a low-cost way to get around and connect most areas on the island. During the popular summer season, you’ll find popular Discobuses offering routes between most popular hotels and resorts to the trendy nightclubs and bars.

Sadly there is no efficient metro system set up on the island. 

Renting a vehicle or scooter will of course give you far greater flexibility when it comes to getting around but may not be a good option if you are planning to largely party and drink of course. During peak season, navigating traffic can be burdensome as well with your own rental. 

While you won’t find Uber, there are taxis. Relying on taxis is fine during non-peak periods but during summer you may find difficulty and will likely have better luck having your hotel or resort book a taxi for you.  

There are also water taxis that operate during summer which can take you to the more secluded coastal beach clubs or places like nearby Formentera Island.

You will find water taxis located in the popular resort areas, especially around San Antonio Bay. There are also private boat charters that can arrange fun day trips. 

Explore Beyond the Nightlife

As I stated before, Ibiza offers far more than just clubbing and lively nightlife.

The Old Town which is known as Dalt Vila is a great place to walk around the narrow cobblestone streets and people watch, while also taking in some impressive views from the walls which surround the historic centre. 

The impressive Ibiza Cathedral is found within the walls of Dalt Villa as are a number of museums including MACE and Museo Puget. The Old Town also offers a wide selection of shops to browse and restaurants to grab a bite to eat.  

History lovers will want to check out the archaeological site of Sa Caleta or the Phoenician settlement of Puig des Molins. Another popular activity is browsing the local markets such as the Hippy Market in Es Canar or Las Dalias Market in San Carlos.

There’s definitely no shortage of beaches to enjoy such as the lively Playa d’en Bossa near Ibiza Town. Or to the south you have the very picturesque Las Salinas Beach which offers a more natural feel.

Aguas Blancas is a secluded and rather unspoiled beach known for its crystal-clear waters and cliffs, while Cala Comte is one of the best for catching sunsets as well as being popular for snorkelling.

When it comes to watersports, you can rent jet skis, try parasailing, enjoy SUP or kayaking, and even adventurous flyboarding in places like San Antonio Bay.

If you’d prefer to keep your feet on land, try exploring nature reserves such as Ses Salines Natural Park or commit to the roughly hour-long hike that leads from Sant Josep village to the summit of Sa Talaiassa, the highest point on the island. 

Nightlife and Clubs

While I love promoting the fact that Ibiza offers far more than just clubbing, no Ibiza travel guide would be complete without at least touching on the very thing the island is known for worldwide.

It’s safe to say Ibiza’s nightlife is legendary, with world-famous clubs hosting top DJs and music events.

Yet again, the technologically advanced club known as Hï Ibiza near Playa d’en Bossa was recently voted the number one club in the world. Other iconic venues include Pacha, Amnesia, Ushuaïa, and Privilege. 

Be sure to check clubs’ lineups, events, and dress codes and keep in mind that entry fees can be steep for major events and may require purchasing tickets early. Look for promotions or discounts for early bird tickets or group packages. 

It’s also worth mentioning that some clubs have dress codes. Most clubs in Ibiza enforce a smart-casual dress code, but some have more stringent requirements. Basically what I’m saying is you may not be able to just rock up in flip-flops and swimwear.

Arrive early to clubs to avoid long queues or to ensure your entry to popular events. Clubs typically get busier as the night goes on, so arriving early gives you time to secure a good spot and settle in.

Clubs also often offer VIP areas which provide better views of the DJ, dedicated service, and privacy if you want to avoid being ping-ponged around the crowds. 

Another helpful tip is to pace yourself since Ibiza’s party scene may be on another level than what you’re used to. The intensity can be overwhelming and parties commonly last until the early hours of the morning. 

Save energy for potential after-parties and keep in mind that disruptive behaviour or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. Beach clubs also often host daytime parties if your days of staying up late are long behind you. 

Culinary Scene

Enjoy a diverse culinary scene that includes both traditional Balearic dishes and international cuisine.

Be sure to try local specialties like seafood paella, bullit de peix (fish stew), arròs de matances (rice with meat), and sobrasada (a cured sausage). Sample traditional Spanish tapas, such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), jamón ibérico (cured ham), or albondigas (meatballs).

Don’t miss trying the famous Hierbas Ibicencas, an herbal liqueur. Ibiza also has an abundance of trendy seaside restaurants, beach clubs, and chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can enjoy a wide range of fresh Mediterranean seafood that includes grilled octopus and garlic prawns. 

You’ll find a wide range of dining options in Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia. Santa Eulalia offers family-friendly waterfront dining options, whereas tapas bars and international eateries are more common in Ibiza Town. 

Additional advice I can give when it comes to dining is to make reservations during the summer months, dinner service tends to commence later than you might be used to such as 8PM, the tap water is generally safe to drink in Ibiza, and it’s customary to leave a 10% or more gratuity. 

Stay Safe and Healthy

Before I leave you to go party in the clubs or relax on the beaches, the mother in me will offer a few health and safety tips. Ibiza is generally a safe place to visit, but you should always practice generally safety measures.

Travelling during the summer months means the sun can be quite strong, so wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially if consuming large amounts of alcohol.

And speaking of alcohol, be sure to practice responsible drinking. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose track of your alcohol consumption. 

Make sure you use public transport or have a designated driver in place if planning to drink at clubs. Be sure to watch your drinks at all times and avoid accepting drinks from strangers no matter how attractive they may be!

I always make sure to purchase travel insurance no matter where I go, mainly in the event I require overseas medical treatment but it has come in handy for lost belongings and flight cancellations/delays at times. 

And when it comes to health, Ibiza is once again a popular destination for wellness retreats and yoga enthusiasts. The island offers numerous yoga studios, wellness centres, and retreats where you can easily rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.