13 Best Things to do in Ibiza – Incredible Beaches in Ibiza

13 Incredible Beaches in Ibiza – Best Things to do in Ibiza (Travel Guide)

Dubbed as the White Isle, Ibiza is a rock island that is 10 times larger than Manhattan at more than 220 square miles. It is one of the 5 islands of the Balearic archipelago and is the larger half of the Pine Islands (or the Pityuses), with Formentera to the south. Modern life has transformed this destination into the raving, wild island it is today. Click here to book online Ibiza Island Hopping

There are still many places to visit in Ibiza outside its clubs and bars. Ibiza Island is definitely a breathtaking coastal destination. We recommend you to rent a car to discover the island! There is public transportation but you will be more flexible with a car to visit the beaches in Ibiza.

Read here Ibiza Airport sim card and the best Spain sim card for tourist 

Read here Ibiza food and most Instagrammable places in Ibiza

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Ibiza Travel Guide

How to get to Ibiza

By plane

Ibiza Airport receives international flights mainly during the peak season that starts in May and ends in October. If you’re only traveling to and from mainland Spain, domestic flights are available throughout the year so it’ll be wise to travel to Madrid, Barcelona or Seville before heading to Ibiza if you’re planning to gy by plane.

A trip from Madrid lasts for 40 minutes while coming from London can take more than 2 hours. Our flight coming from cost us €15-20 each, so going to Ibiza is affordable.

How to get to Ibiza downtown from the airport

Ibiza Airport is only a few minutes away from the town center and receives flights from easyJet, Iberia, Ryanair, British Airways and many more. From there, you can get taxis to take you to town for €15-20.

If you go bu bus to Playa d´en Bossa the ticket costs €3.5 and €4 if you go to City Center. You can pay in cash to the bus driver and he will let you know which one is your stop. 

By boat

As an island destination, Ibiza is also easily accessible through riding a ferry. The main companies that provide this service are Baleària, Iscomar and Trasmediterranea, which have boats departing from the Spanish mainland. A trip from Barcelona to Ibiza lasts 8.5 hours on a ferry but less than 4 hours on a catamaran.

However, catamarans can only be used in the summer months. Travel time from Valencia lasts around 5 to 6.5 hours. Trips to and from Formentera only take 1 hour on a sailboat and as short as 30 minutes on a fast ferry. The island has a port in Ibiza Town and another one in San Antonio.

Transportation around Ibiza

Though Ibiza is quite small and easy to walk around in, you can always rely on public transportation when going around the island. Car rentals are very common in Ibiza and companies have very competitive prices, especially during the summer months when cars an in high demand. Book as early as you can. 

You can book cars online ahead of time as we did for this trip. We rented a car for a few days while visiting Ibiza with Class Rent a Car. Prices for a day are around  €50 per day and for us everything was great. The cars were clean, and the most important there are many points where you can give back the car San Antonio, Bossa and the airport so it made so easy and flexible for us booking with them.

We believe the best way to go around the island is to rent a car since the beaches are far away and it allowed us to visit many beautiful beaches. There are no parking fees around the beaches in Ibiza and tourist points in Ibiza. There aren´t toll roads fees.

A cheap and convenient way to travel is to take the bus. Ibiza’s bus system is highly efficient in the island’s main cities but have irregular schedules in remote areas. Rides on the bus cost around €1.55-4. Click here to check the bus schedules in Ibiza.

For those who love motorbikes, and cycling, bicycles are available for rent and some rentals even offer guided rides around the island. If you’re staying in a rural hotel, its best to spend money on your own wheels.

Sailing on boats is not only an excellent way of enjoying Ibiza but also a convenient way to travel. You can also rent a boat or a yacht for a couple of days or ride water taxis that connect one beach to another in Ibiza.

Daily Budget to visit Ibiza

There are many things to do in Ibiza that are put into consideration when planning a trip and one main item to nail when going on a Eurotrip is your daily budget to visit Ibiza. Many travelers will be pleased to know that Ibiza can be enjoyed for less than €100 a day. Don’t believe us? Do the math with me.

Delicious food like bocadillo, tostada and some supermarket finds go for as low as €5-7. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €8-15 while dinner with wine at a mid-range restaurant costs around €30-40. Drinking at a beachfront bar goes for €12–15 for a cocktail and around €2 for a bottle of local beer. A gourmet dinner in Ibiza can be afforded at €40.

A bus ride around Ibiza goes for €4 or less while cars can be rented at €20-30 a day, with taxi rides costing pretty much the same depending on the distance.

If you’re planning on sleeping in a guesthouse, there are various hostels and guest houses that go for as low as €20-85. Those who prefer staying in a nice hotel can spend €75–150. while a luxurious boutique hotel room’s prices start at around €200. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS WITH BOOKING.COM AND WITH AGODA!

Beaches in Ibiza

1. Playa d’en Bossa

The most famous beach in all of Ibiza is Playa d’en Bossa, a location with many cool bars and all types of accommodations for tourists to choose from. Aside from the long stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing, The beach is also known for the two super clubs in the area: Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza. Playa d’en Bossa is without a doubt a hotspot for party loving travelers.

Where to stay in Playa d´en Bossa? Our choice was Ibiza Sun Apartments, and if you book in their website they will give you a discount using the promo code SUNGAMIN, you’ll get 15% off your booking!

The apartments are great with a common pool area, gym and only 5 minutes walking distance to the beach. With fast internet connection, great breakfast and a small kitchen to prepare lunch and dinner when you don’t feel like going out, Ibiza Sun Apartments got you covered.

2. Cala Xarraca

As one of the quieter bays in Ibiza, Cala Xarraca has become a favorite among those who love snorkeling and photography. Though the beach is only 90 meters long and 15 meters wide, nature lovers are attracted to this beach because of the dramatic pine forests, cliffs and rocky pathways surrounding it. The beach also has a natural mud bath on its left side that many believe has healing powers. Cala Xarraca is nice for walking, swimming and a relaxing, quiet day in Ibiza.

3. Es Portitxol

One of the best secret beaches in Ibiza is hidden in plain sight at Portinatx, the north coast’s best tourist resort. Es Portitxol can be reached after a 1.5 km trail and probably has the clearest waters in all of Ibiza.

Despite being tucked away by a downhill track, this beach is loved by those who want to experience a different side of Ibiza. It is a great place to go snorkeling and families will love the water sports available for all ages. There’s also a diving school, a beach bar and boats for hire that even solo travelers can enjoy.

4. Cala de Llonga

Looking for a family beach in Ibiza? Cala de Llonga is the ideal place to have fun with kids because the sand is fine and the water is very peaceful and shallow here. Aside from that, the people in Cala de Llonga are very friendly and the place is kempt. Just going to the beach is an adventure because of the scenic views in the winding roads when you go by bus or car.

There are paddle boats, sun loungers, beach parasols, a playground, volleyballs, and a nice hippy market on Thursday evenings. You can spend days enjoying all that Cala de Llonga has to offer!

5. Sol d’en Serra

Located in Ibiza’s east side is Sol d’en Serra, a secluded bay known for its gorgeous cliffs, crystal clear waters and breathtaking sunrise. The water is great for scuba diving if you’re in for an adventure or mooring your yacht if you just wanna chill.

The place has a beach club called Amante that has a great restaurant and is the perfect wedding venue. Sol d’en Serra is actually only 10 minutes away from Cala de Llonga.

More Beaches in Ibiza

6. Cala Mastella

Known as one of the smallest beaches in Ibiza, Cala Mastella is located in the northeast and has an untouched aesthetic. The vibe here is also very cool, very bohemian, and it’s a truly unique cove in an island known for its vibrancy and exuberance. Reaching Cala Mastella also takes a bit of a hike but it is well worth it. Bring your beach shoes (or rent one here) as the base of the cove’s waters can be quite pebbly. 

After swimming, if you get hungry, El Bigotes is close to Cala Mastella and is one of the most popular restaurants in the island.

7. Benirras Beach

A destination that combines Ibiza’s best qualities is Benirras Beach, a destination with crystal clear waters and an excellent vibe. How do we prove that? Well, it is frequented by families and plenty of hippies and locals, so there’s that. Benirras Beach is 10 minutes away from San Miguel and has several restaurants and a beach bar.

8. S’arenal de San Antonio

This is the main beach in San Antonio and is a spot frequented by the youth, especially during the summer months. It’s a hip and fun place with lots of water sports facilities and this is also where you’ll find the Ibiza Rocks Bar, a popular clubbing spot. S’arenal de San Antonio is a busy stretch of white sand, for sure. If you go in the morning, it will be much more quiet than in the afternoon.

9. Cala des Moro

Also located in the resort of San Antonio is Caló des Moro, Ibiza’s Sunset Strip. It is a smaller beach but is just as vibrant as S’arenal. One great thing about this beach is the unlimited dining options it has. Caló des Moro is a great place to sunbathe, watch the sunset and just have a wonderful time. Plus it´s very well located if you are staying in San Antonio area. 

10. Santa Eulalia

As the third largest resort in Ibiza, Santa Eulalia is flocked by tourists from all over the world. Located in the east coast of the island, this coastal destination offers a quieter vibe and is a cultural hub that art enthusiasts, shopaholics and foodies will enjoy. The nightlife is also way more chill than the other beaches, proving that Ibiza is not just about partying and drinking the night away.

11. Talamanca

Just next to Ibiza Town is Talamanca Beach, a resort smaller than Ibiza’s most famous coastal destinations but has its own unique appeal with its fine sand and the boardwalk that goes through the entire beach. Compared to S’arenal de San Antonio’s youthful vibrance, Talamanca Beach is more adult-oriented and shines more during the winter months.

12. Platges de Comte

Also known as Cala Conta Beach, Platges de Comte is only 15 minutes away from San Antonio and has beautiful views of the islands surrounding Ibiza’s waters. Speaking of water, the one at Cala Conta is a magical turquoise blue. It is definitely one of the must-see places to visit in Ibiza for its unique landscape and breathtaking seascape.

It´s one of our favorite beaches in Ibiza. We spent an amazing day at Cala Conta just sunbathing, swimming and taking pictures everywhere! And yes, taking lots of underwater shots, too.

13. Cala d’Hort

A beach that offers great views of the famous Es Vedra is Cala d’Hort, one of the smaller beaches in the island but is still among the most visited as well, especially in the summer.

The sea base varies from pebbly to sandy and the beach is backed by gorgeous cliffs. Waves get a little high in Cala d’Hort, making it an excellent beach to body surf. Sunsets are also spectacular in Cala d’Hort.

Places to visit in Ibiza

Es Vedra

One of the most famous attractions in the White Isle is Es Vedra, a small island that is considered a magical place in Ibiza. It’s known for its stunning views (especially during the sunset), its rock formations and the myths surrounding the island. As an inhabited island standing 1,200 feet high, Es Vedra is believed to have been home to all sorts of creatures like sirens, a lunar goddess and a meditating friar.

Dalt Vila

Ibiza’s Old Town (or Dalt Vila) is an area filled with cobbled streets, antique and jewellery shops, bars and restaurants, and has stunning views of Ibiza. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s the perfect combination of traditional and contemporary life in Ibiza. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Ibiza for a nice stroll.

Ibiza Cathedral

Another iconic site in the island is Ibiza Cathedral. It is also located in Ibiza’s Old Town and is officially known as The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows. The Gothic cathedral rests on top of the walled area of Dalt Vita. There are some steep sections that you need to walk on to reach the top, but all the effort is worth it once you see the spectacular ocean views here.

Punta d’es Moscarter

This lighthouse in the fishing village of Portinatx (what a strange name!) is a great place to walk around and relax while looking at wonderful views. Making your way to the lighthouse is one of the best things to do in Ibiza because it starts off as an adventure since there’s no clear path towards the structure.

Still, the lighthouse is obviously not hard to miss and the journey towards it is as thrilling as the ocean views you’ll discover and be surrounded with.

Ibosim Brewhouse

If you’re a beer lover like me, you should definitely head to Ibosim Brewhouse, Ibiza’s first-ever brewery! They obviously have the best craft beer in the island but they also offer a tranquil space away from the tourist crowds in San Antonio. The place is filled with mostly locals and the vibe is truly amazing. Here, you can just relax and drink your beer in peace.

Cap Blanc Aquarium

If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination in Ibiza, Cap Blanc Aquarium is a wonderful spot for tourists to enjoy. Here, you will see all kinds of marine life from rays and fishes to lobsters and turtles. In fact, the aquarium is home to a recuperation center for injured totals that are then released to the wild once they heal. It was also known as the Lobster Cave back when fishermen stored their catch on this underground cave.

Now, Cap Blanc Aquarium has become an underground attraction with a beautiful terrace overlooking the ocean. It can be reached via bus from San Antonio or through a boat cruise.

Las Dalias Hippy Market

Looking for a fun, vibrant place with a great atmosphere that’s filled local crafts, handmade items and delicious food? Then head on out to Las Dalias Hippy Market, a true Ibiza legend. It has been visited by equally legendary artists like Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin, and is the best place unique clothing, musical instruments, jewellery, ornaments and all your hippy needs!

There are over 200 stalls in Las Dalias Hippy Market which opens every Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and from 7 PM to 1 AM on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Things to do in Ibiza

Water sports

Since Ibiza is one of the most beautiful island destinations in Spain, there are plenty of water activities you can do here. Aside from swimming and snorkeling in its clear and cool waters, you can also go kayaking from one beach to another in Ibiza.

Sailing is also an option as there are several boat companies that rent out yachts and other boats in the island. Parasailing is another cool activity for those who want to see Ibiza from a different angle. There are also canoes, jet skis, and flyboards that you can rent in Ibiza.

Practice Sports in the Beach

Especially when the sun goes down is perfect to play tennis in the seashore, so popular in Ibiza. You can also join friends and people and play voleyball. There are also free gyms in the beach if you want to exercise anytime in Ibiza.

Sunrise

It takes and effort to wake up on time to see the sunrise or just stay up until later after clubbing in Ibiza. It´s a perfect time to enjoy the whole beach for yourself since most of the people will be sleeping.

Underwater Shots

Since the water is so clear in many of the calas in Ibiza, you will have so much fun taking underwater shots with friends, your family or your partner. Just look at how clear the water is in that photo!

Cycling around the island

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who likes to explore the island’s roads on a motorbike or a nature lover who enjoys going off the beaten path with a mountain bike, Ibiza will satisfy your cycling thrills. There are plenty of motorcycles and scooters for going around the island at €30-60 and trail motorbikes that go for €45-90 per day.

You can also ride a mountain bike in Ibiza for €30-60, with the option of availing two- to three-hour guided tours for individuals or groups for all cycling levels.

Cliff jumping at Cala Tarida

Located a few minutes away from San Jose and San Antonio is Cala Tarida, a beautiful beach with rocky areas and hills all around. It’s one of the quieter beaches in the island and is the perfect spot to go cliff jumping in Ibiza.

The waters are crystal clear and the cliff can be enjoyed both by the young and the young at heart. Cala Tarida is an amazing cove and is definitely one of the places to visit in Ibiza.

Visiting caves

One of the unique features of Ibiza’s landscape are the caves that can be found all over the island. From the Cap Blanc Museum to prehistoric paintings inside Ses Fontanelles, there are many many underground attractions in Ibiza.

You can go on a 40-minute tour inside the Cova de Can Marca Caves in San Miguel or visit the hidden spot called Atlantis Beach that only locals know how to reach.

Bird watching

There are several birding sites in Ibiza that are frequented by enthusiasts from all over the world. Though not as big as the ones in other Balearic countries, the sites in Ibiza are quite incredible too. Some notable species birders can see at Ibiza are Audouin’s Gull, the Balearic Walber and Eleonora’s Falcon.

The most well-known birding area in Ibiza is Las Salinas, while Atalaia, Ibiza’s highest point, is a nice place to see birds too. Other places to visit in Ibiza for bird watching are Cala d’Hort, Santa Inez and Santa Eulalia.

Day Trip to Formentera

Visitors to Ibiza can also enjoy a day trip to Formentera by going on the public ferry to La Savina in the island’s northern coast. These ferries travel 24-30 times a day with trips lasting 30-40 minutes at €20 for a return ticket. In Formentera, you can visit the gorgeous beaches of the island like Cala Saona, Espalmador, Platja Es Arsenals, Platja Llevant, and many more.

There are also plenty of cycle tracks, breathtaking cliffs, coastal views and birdlife in Formentera. You can go by bus, rent a motorbike or a car if you are planning a day trip in Formentera.

More Things to do in Ibiza

Watching the sunset

When traveling to an island destination like Ibiza, the sunset is always a must-see. If you want to view the dusk while having a drink with your buddies at the bar, Sunset Strip would be the best spot to do so. You can also enjoy the setting of the sun on a boat out in the water.

Some other amazing places to visit in Ibiza with lovely sunset views are Benirras Beach, the Sunset Ashram restaurant in Cala Conta and on the cliffs overlooking Es Vedra.

We spent amazing time in Es Vedra point of view, it´s full of people and one of the favorite things to do in Ibiza that we can recommend you in your trip around the island.

Riding the Disco Bus

Ibiza’s Disco Bus is a very convenient and fun way to travel for those who want to hit the island’s best clubs. One leaves San Antonio every half hour and a ride only costs €3-3.50. The Disco Bus travels around San Antonio, Playa d’en Bossa and Ibiza Town, the three main party resorts in the island.

The bus itself is a great place to meet people, but remember to be considerate of everyone you’re riding with since not all of them are on the bus to just go to clubs.

Here’s a tip: Transfer all beverages you want to bring on the bus with you on a plastic bottle since glass bottles are not allowed in the Disco Bus. Also, the bus only makes its way to Santa Eulalia and Es Cana regularly during the peak season which is around the end of June to the first week of September.

Clubbing

There are so many exciting places to party and have fun in Ibiza. There’s Amnesia, the most iconic clubbing hotspot in the island, and Pacha, Ibiza’s original club. Ushuaïa is also a popular destination because of its open-air setup while Eden is a superclub in Ibiza. Most clubs have an entrance fee of around €25-40 on regular days and up to €60 during parties and big events.

Food to try in Ibiza

Our favorite place to try food in Ibiza was Punta Carretas, 9.8 kilometer off the road to Santa Eulalia. Our friends Pablo and Laura prepared amazing food for us. I met them in Thailand 8 years ago and Pablo is an experienced cook who has been working in ElBulli, a place nominated as one of the best restaurants in the world. 

Bread with Alioli

As appetizer before lunch or dinner, bread with alioli is perfect to eat with olives while waiting for your main course.

Molleja

It was our first time trying this dish during our trip to Ibiza.  The molleja we had was cooked well and had such an amazing taste that it actually became in Rachel’s favorite food in our European trip besides the Cochinillo in Segovia. 

Bread with tomato

It’s very typical to eat bread with tomato in Spain, especially in the region of Ibiza. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can eat this anytime – seriously. It’s so delicious and you can also add ham, cecina or other kinds of embutidos.

Crema Catalana

This is also our first time trying Crema Catalana, a food typically found in the Catalonia region. It was so delicious with the foam and the chocolate! It was the perfect way to finish our dinner.

Licor De Hierbas

When you finish your lunch or dinner in Spain, they usually offer a Chupito in the House. Rachel liked this drink so much and how people usually get a free shot after their meal. They have a variety of herbs in Ibiza.

Ensalada Payesa

One of the traditional meals in Ibiza is ensalada payesa, which is basically a salad made from roasted red and green peppers, boiled potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olives, boiled eggs and a topping of crostes (bread crusts). Ensalada payesa is usually eaten in the hot summer months in Ibiza.

Arroz de Mantanzas

A hearty soup that’s deeply rooted in Ibiza’s history is arroz de mantanzas. This dish is best served in autumn and winter, and is made from a mix of herbs and leftover pork cuts cooked with rice and vegetables. The dish used to be a way to survive and provide enough food for an entire family during the cold winter months but is now abundant in many restaurants.

Bullit de Peix

An island destination usually boasts of its delicious seafood and bullit de peix is the ultimate fish dish in Ibiza. This tasty delicacy is a stew made from boiled fish, potatoes, garlic, tomato and saffron, and has a stock that is also used for its accompanying dish called arroz a banda. This dish is as traditional as it gets in Ibiza.

Sofrit Pagès

Meat lovers will surely enjoy this rich stew cooked with lamb, pork, chicken and sobrasada (sausages). Add potatoes and artichokes into the mix and you’ve got yourself one hearty meal! Sofrit pagès is a dish usually cooked during celebrations and fiestas especially in the winter, with each family having their own versions of the dish.

This comfort food is a local delicacy that will make you forget to count your calories and is the perfect hangover cure after a night of clubbing in Ibiza.

Greixonera

Now, we move on to dessert! Greixonera is a type of bread pudding that is made from leftover ensaimadas, a kind of sweet bread. Despite being leftovers, greixonera triumphs as its own dessert that’s perfect for those lazy Spanish afternoons.

Festivals in Ibiza

Medieval Fair and Festival

Celebrated in Dalt Vila, the island’s Medieval Fair and Festival is a celebration of Ibiza’s World Heritage status and honors the island’s Arab, Christian, Phoenician and Roman roots. The festival is held every second weekend of May and features craft markets, exhibitions and traditional performances.

Festival of Santa Eulalia

Also known as Patron Saints Day, the Festival of Santa Eulalia is celebrated annually in February and is based off the legendary story of Eulalia, a devout Christian who stood up for her beliefs at a young age and died as a martyr.

She is actually the patron saint of runaways, torture victims and widows. As tragic as those may sound, the festivities in honor of her name are nothing short of spectacular as people all over Santa Eulalia celebrate with parades, live music, competitions, fairs and lots of traditional food.

Nuestra Señora del Carmen

The people of Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Formentera do a water procession every July 16 in honor of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the patron saint of all fishermen. A mass is held at San Antoni Church in the evening to kick off the festival and is followed by the sea procession and folk dance performances.

Festivals are not only fun but they are also a great way to get to know a destination, so it’d be great if you could visit Ibiza during its most vibrant and culturally-rich periods.

Where to Stay in Ibiza

We found this paradise just a few kilometers from the city center called Mariposas Club where you can enjoy your paradise vacation. The place was perfectly peaceful and quiet, very clean, the fresh air was nice, and we loved the pool area so much. The owner, Antonella, is super friendly and if you visit Mariposas Club, you will realize why they have the highest score in Agoda around Ibiza. 

Prices for a room starts at €100 and is totally worth it if you want to find peace from the bustling areas like San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa.

If you prefer to visit Ibiza on a budget, a great option is Amistat Island Hotel where you can have a bed for €25 in a dorm. It’s very convenient if you want to party around the San Antonio area and enjoy in nice beaches like Cala del Moro. You will find a shared kitchen, a common area and a good internet connection if you ever need to catch up with online work.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS WITH BOOKING.COM AND WITH AGODA!

So, what do you think about our Ibiza travel guide? We hope we were able to help you plan your Ibiza travel itinerary and give you all the best tips on places to visit in Ibiza and things to do in Ibiza. It truly is a magical island that we’d love to visit again!

We are loving our European getaway! Click here to read about our trip to Lisbon or  Rachel´s favorite in Seville and our adventures in Madrid!

Did we miss any of your favorite places in Ibiza? Let us know in the comments! You can also share this guide with friends who are going on a trip to Ibiza.

Happy travels!