Introduction
Welcome to Ibiza 2024!
Ibiza comes alive each Summer as tourists flock here for sun, fun, and nonstop partying. But there’s much more to experience in Ibiza beyond the dance clubs and beach bars. In this article, we’ll give you an in-depth guide to everything you need to know to plan the perfect Ibiza holiday in 2024, whether you’re looking for all-night raves or a more relaxed island getaway.
Ibiza 2024
Getting to Ibiza
Ibiza has its own international airport, so getting here is easy. There are direct flights to Ibiza Airport (IBZ) from major European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, and more. Flight time is around 2.5 hours from London and other western European cities. If you’re coming from the Americas, your best bet is to fly into Barcelona or Madrid, and then catch a connecting domestic flight to Ibiza.
You can also reach Ibiza by ferry from nearby coastal cities like Valencia, Barcelona, and Denia. The fast ferries take 2-3 hours while larger car ferries take around 6 hours.
When to Visit
July and August are peak tourist season in Ibiza when prices soar, beaches are packed, and clubs operate daily. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, aim for May-June or September-October. The Winter months are very quiet. Take note that many clubs and venues are only open from May through September.
If you plan to visit during the Summer, be sure to book hotels, flights, and rental cars well in advance. Club tickets also sell out faster at this time. For lower prices and more availability, visit in the shoulder season.
Getting Around
Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the island freely, as public transportation is limited. Scooter and motorbike rentals are another popular option. Taxis are available but expensive.
Most destinations in Ibiza Town as well as the major resort areas are walkable once you arrive. Just be aware that the island has few sidewalks outside of the main towns, so walking along roads can be dangerous.
Where to Stay
Ibiza offers a wide range of lodging options to fit any budget or style. Here are some top areas to stay:
- Ibiza Town – Ibiza’s largest city has it all – restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and a gorgeous old quarter. Accommodations run the gamut from hostels to 5-star hotels.
- Playa d’en Bossa – Home to famous clubs like Ushuaia and Hï Ibiza, this beach area also offers budget to mid-range hotels. It’s a prime party spot located close to Ibiza Town.
- San Antonio – A famous resort town with rollicking nightlife and beaches like Cala Bassa nearby. Choose from high-rise hotels or small boutique inns.
- Santa Eulària des Riu – A quiet, family-friendly resort town with a lovely promenade and kid-friendly beaches. Hotels and apartments are available.
- Formentera – For a peaceful getaway, stay on Ibiza’s tiny neighbour island connected by regular ferries. Rent a villa or stay in the main town of San Francesc.
Top Things to Do
Hit the Beaches
With over 70 beaches to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are some of the best:
- Platja d’en Bossa – A long, sandy beach backing lively beach clubs and hotels.
- Cala Bassa – A sheltered blue lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
- Cala Conta – Dramatic sunsets and turquoise waters make this one of Ibiza’s most photographed beaches.
- Platja de Ses Salines – A secluded beach near the salt flats on the southern tip of Ibiza.
- Caló des Moro – A small, cliff-framed cove with crystal clear waters.
- Benirrás – Famous for its sunsets complete with drum circles.
Party at the Clubs
Ibiza’s nightlife is legendary. Here are some of the top superclubs to experience:
- Pacha – One of the original Ibiza superclubs located in an old farmhouse, known for flamboyant theme nights.
- Amnesia – An iconic open-air club that’s home to the famous weekly foam party.
- Hï Ibiza (formerly Space) – A cavernous club that hosts top resident and guest DJs.
- Ushuaïa – An open-air beach club by day turns into a thumping EDM club at night.
- Eden – A newer club housed in a spectacular clifftop fortress venue with views of San Antonio Bay.
Don’t miss the pre-parties that happen during the day on boats, at beach clubs, and private villas. Top promoters include El Row, Skinny Kitchen, and Glitterbox.
Explore Ibiza’s Villages
Beyond the beaches and clubs, take time to explore Ibiza’s peaceful inland villages dotted with whitewashed churches, hippie markets, and local cafes.
- Santa Gertrudis is the island’s bohemian heart with artisan shops and galleries. Don’t miss the weekly hippy market.
- Sant Joan de Labritja is set amidst rolling hills in northern Ibiza; hike to the church for panoramic views.
- Sant Carles de Peralta is a laidback village known for its organic food scene and Sunday artisan market.
- Sant Llorenç de Balàfia is an under-the-radar village with just one shop and a quiet plaza.
Wander Ibiza Town
Ibiza’s capital city has a historic fortified old town or “Dalt Vila” built by the Phoenicians and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander cobblestone streets past Renaissance-era mansions and stop in hip boutiques and art galleries. Must-see sights include the castle overlooking the port and the cathedral with its impressive gold altarpiece. Don’t miss the lively food market Mercat Vell for local produce, artisan goods, and street food.
See the Sunset at Café del Mar
No trip to Ibiza is complete without catching the island’s famed pink and purple sunsets. While you can watch the sunset at any west-facing beach, the most iconic place to go is Café del Mar in Sant Antoni. Since opening in 1980, this beachfront chill-out bar has drawn crowds each evening with ambient music and jaw-dropping sunsets. Arrive early to secure a spot on the terrace.
Day Trip to Formentera
Ibiza’s sleepy neighbour island of Formentera offers a tranquil escape with pine forests, quiet beaches, and locals riding bicycles into town for fresh seafood. Rent a bike or scooter to explore the island – highlights include the lighthouse Far de la Mola, picture-perfect Platja de Ses Illetes, and the protected natural pools of Trucadors. Catch the ferry over for a blissful day in paradise.
Major Annual Events
Ibiza’s party calendar heats up every summer with festivals, regattas, and more. Here are some top annual events:
- Ibiza Opening Parties (May) – The Summer club season kicks off with lavish opening parties at all the major clubs.
- Ibiza Rocks (June-September) – Live rock concerts every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Ibiza Rocks Hotel.
- Ibiza Gay Pride (early June) – Parade, parties and more celebrate LGBTQ pride.
- La Cita (June) – Latin music festival at D’alt Vila featuring salsa, flamenco and more.
- Ibiza Regatta (second week of July) – Yachts parade along the coast in this prestigious nautical event.
- Benimussa Music Festival (July-August) – World music concerts in an outdoor amphitheatre.
- Closing Parties (late September) – Clubs bid farewell to the summer with massive final bashes.
Where to Eat and Drink
From beachside seafood shacks to gourmet restaurants, Ibiza offers diverse dining options. Try local specialities like sofrit pagès (country-style stew), bullit de peix (fish casserole), and flaó (mint cheese pastry).
Standout restaurants include:
- Locals corner Can Pau in Santa Gertrudis
- Seafood institution El Bigotes in Sant Antoni
- Vegan favourite Wild Beets in Santa Eulària
- Hip Israeli eatery The Shrimp in Ibiza Town
- Beach Club Blue Marlin Ibiza overlooking Cala Jondal
Ibiza also spoils you for choice when it comes to bars and lounges. Iconic sunset bars like Café Mambo and Sa Trinxa offer beachside cocktails and chill-out music. For pre-club drinks, head to bars along the Marina in Ibiza Town. Insider favourites include underground speakeasies like Cotton Club and Distillery.
Shopping in Ibiza
Ibiza offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy. For boho apparel and accessories, browse the boutiques in Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila and Santa Gertrudis. You can pick up hippie chic jewellery and clothing at the island’s street markets.
Big-name designer brands and fast fashion shops line Marina Botafoch. Shop for bespoke Panama hats at the century-old Can Furnet. Foodies should pick up edible souvenirs like herbs, olive oil, honey, and liquor at Mercado del Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
Before you depart, don’t forget to buy a stylish souvenir tee or hoodie from your favourite beach club or music venue.
Travelling with Kids
While Ibiza is known more for its wild nightlife, the White Isle can also be a fun family destination. Attractions like aquariums, glass-bottom boat tours, and horse riding cater to kids.
Some child-friendly beaches to try are Cala Llenya with its shallow, calm water, or Talamanca with paddleboarding and kayaking options for older kids. In Santa Eulària, the long promenade is ideal for cycling or strolling with ice cream in hand.
For a convenient base, stay in one of the family-oriented resorts such as Aguas de Ibiza on Playa d’en Bossa or the HYB Euphoria Retreat outside San Rafael. Kids will also love spotting the island’s sleepy donkeys roaming free in the north.
Travelling Solo
With its world-famous nightlife and social vibe, Ibiza is a great choice for solo travellers. Stay at a hostel or sociable hotel like Ibiza Rocks to meet fellow travellers. Chat with people pre-gaming at beach bars in Playa d’en Bossa and San Antonio before heading into the clubs together. Join multi-day boat parties to make fast friends. Sign up for group activities like yoga, paddleboarding, or pub crawls. Dining alone? Grab a table at a restaurant along the promenade in Figueretas or Ibiza Town’s port area.
Health and Safety Tips
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen to avoid dehydration and sunburn.
- Get sufficient sleep between nights out partying to stay healthy.
- Only take licensed taxis, especially when leaving clubs late at night.
- Keep valuables in your room safe and avoid carrying large cash amounts when going out.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers to avoid the risk of spiked drinks.
- Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches and be aware of your alcohol intake when swimming.
- Note that self-serve supermarket checkouts don’t accept 500 Euro notes.
- Carry photocopies of your passport/ID rather than the original.
Conclusion
Soak up the sun, sea, and sights during the day, then unleash your inner party animal after dark – this is Ibiza! With its scenic coves, whitewashed villages, throbbing nightclubs, and lively Spanish culture, Ibiza offers an unforgettable Mediterranean escape. We hope this article has provided you with excellent tips for planning the perfect Ibiza getaway in 2024. Get ready to have the holiday of a lifetime on the White Isle!
