Printable destination guide
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Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Spain
- Coastline
- Social-scene beaches
- Coast life
- Boho bars and superstars
Crystal-clear waters, quiet beaches, pine forests and great seafood may not be the first things that spring to mind about Ibiza, but the legendary nightlife is only one aspect of this lovely Mediterranean island.
Ibiza has long been luring a cool, cosmopolitan crew, following in the footsteps of Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Catalans,all drawn to the tranquillity of the rural interior and the natural beauty of its lesser-known coastlines. Of course there are always the world’s best clubs, and the charming narrow streets of Ibiza Town’s old quarter on hand if you feel you’re getting a little too relaxed.
Pictured: Les Terrasses
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Ibiza, Balearic Islands
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Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
more
Highlights the best Ibiza, Balearic Islands has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
more
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Ibiza, Balearic Islands.
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Use this interactive map to find your Smith hotel as well as get the most out of your stay on the island.
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Local knowledge
- Taxis
- Try to use licensed taxis. You can flag them down if their green light is lit; prices are metered and reasonable. Get your hotel to book for you when possible.
- Tipping culture
- If you experience good service, it’s nice to leave up to about ten per cent, although it’s not always expected.
- Siesta and Fiesta
- Some shops close for siesta between 13h30 and 17h. Restaurants don’t get busy until after 21h. Head for the clubs after midnight. Of course it’s also possible to party 24 hours a day throughout the summer if the urge takes you.
- Packing tips
- Hippie chic forever; style here is always about boho luxe. Pack something glam for those indulgent evenings out.
- Recommended reads
- Dorothy Dunnett wrote a much-loved mystery novel set on the island, Ibiza Surprise. For something chewier, try Elliot Paul’s forgotten classic The Life and Death of a Spanish Town, which tells of the impact of the civil war on Thirties Santa Eulalia, now Ibiza’s third largest resort. Many will fully appreciate The White Island: The Extraordinary History of the Mediterranean’s Capital of Hedonism by Stephen Armstrong.
- Cuisine
- Seafood is unsurprisingly popular. Local specialities include ray with almonds, Fideuá seafood stew with pasta, and anglerfish casserole. Fish stews can be exceptionally good, and fresh lobster and squid are delicious.
- Currency
- Euro.
- Dialing codes
- The country code for Spain is +34; Ibiza is 971.
- Do go/don't go
- May, September or October are perfect, although in summer you can find uncrowded beaches on Formentera and the north coast. The opening and closing parties in June and September are highlights of the clubbing calendar.
Getting there
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
- Planes
- Ibiza airport is about five miles southwest of Ibiza Town. If you’re not hiring a car, taxis from the rank outside the airport are metered and reasonable (around €10 for the trip to Ibiza Town). There are lots of flights in the summer; far fewer in winter.
- Boats
- Ferries to Barcelona (4hrs), Valencia (3hrs), Denia (2hrs) and Palma (2hrs) run regularly; see www.trasmediterranea.com for more details. The ferry to Formentera takes 25 minutes.
- Trains
- There’s no railway system on Ibiza, although the Ibitren, the mini funfare-style train that departs from San Antonio and Santa Eulalia can be an amusing way to relax and while away a hungover afternoon.
- Automobiles
- Driving can be a real pleasure here, with good signposting and some great coastal roads. The drivers are not half as scary as their reputation makes out, either. Go off-road in the northern pine forests with a 4x4.
Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Ibiza, Balearic Islands has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
Irresistibly Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Ibiza sunsets have graced a thousand compilation CD covers. We love Benirràs beach with its impromptu sunset drumming on Sundays, and the secluded cliffs near Portinatx lighthouse.
- Viewpoint
- Overlooking Las Salinas are the pirate towers, which along with the old walls around Ibiza Town, serve as a reminder that this island once had more terrifying invaders than whistle-blowing ravers to worry about. A clamber up to one of the towers gives you great views, including a look at the spooky but lovely, uninhabited island of Es Vedra.
- Arts and culture
- Ibiza Town was founded in the 7th century BC, making it one of the oldest European towns. The Carthaginians constructed the amazing salt flats – or Las Salinas – which are still there and still look beautiful, especially when there are a few flamingos wading about. For more contemporary history, the hippy culture in Ibiza is still alive and well: go along to the Es Cana market every Wednesday or the smaller San Carlos market, every Saturday (both in the summer only).
- Something for nothing
- The clubs put on parades in Ibiza Town on summer evenings to draw in the crowds. The strategy is simple: the more outrageously eye-catching the better.
- Shopping
- For funky boho threads, pop into Ganesha on Montgri, in Ibiza Town (+34 971 193605). For designer labels, try Atelier at 12 Vara de Rey (+34 971 313135).
- Daytripper
- Charter a speedboat or yacht and cruise to Formentera, Ibiza’s quieter neighbour, where there are natural mud baths at Espalmador. Contact deliciouslysortedibiza.com for VIP charters.
- Best beach
- North-coast Cala d’en Serra near Portinatx is a well-kept secret. Aguas Blancas on the northeast coast has a great chiringuito serving caipirinhas and steak sandwiches. Cala Jondal in the east is beloved for its seafood restaurants.
- Perfect Picnic
- If you have access to a private dining area, why don't you completely spoil yourselves, and contact Emanuel and Barbara on 6673 74898 and ask them to arrange some catering for you?
- Activities
- Hire a 4x4 and take to the dirt tracks that criss-cross the pine forests in the north of the island. There’s limitless opportunity for sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing, too.
- And...
- If you have access to a private dining area, why don't you completely spoil yourselves and contact vegetarian caterers Emanuel and Barbara on 6673 74898 and ask them to arrange a meal with friends for you?
Diary
See in the New Year at Space, DC10 or Pacha. February Carnaval street parties in Ibiza Town lend a flavour of Brazil with samba parades and music. June The clubs come out of hibernation with a bang and set up for another long summer of excess. 24 June The Festival of Fuegos de San Juan sees a fantastic fireworks display over Ibiza Town. Last week of July The five-day Ibiza Jazz Festival is held on the Santa Lucia bulwark in Ibiza Town and attracts international artists. September Clubbing season comes to a fitting climax with closing parties. December During the two weeks before Christmas there’s a festive daily market at Las Dalias near San Carlos.
Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Ibiza, Balearic Islands.
Cafés
El Chiringuito
A beach cafe that caters to a clientele requiring being waited on hand and foot; snacks from the varied, Mediterranean menu are brought to the sunloungers. Playa des Cavallet is a nudist beach.
Playa des Cavallet, Ibiza
(+34 971 395 355)
Café Benirràs
This popular Italian café on the hippie-fied Benirràs beach is one of the island's most spectacular spots for watching the sunset.
Benirràs beach, Northern tip of the island, near Port de San Miquel
Montesol
Located in a grand, colonial-style hotel, this is the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Paseo Vara de Rey, Ibiza Town
(+34 971 31 01 61)
Bon Lloc
A traditional roadside tapas bar that serves authentic Ibizan dishes and is particularly popular at breakfast and lunchtime.
Nuestra Señora de Jesus
(+34 971 311 813)
Restaurants
Es Bigote
El Bigote ("the moustache") refers to the proprietor of this beach-shack restaurant overlooking a bay with crystal-clear water and first-class snorkelling. You have to make a reservation in person (there is no phone) a day in advance before being allowed to eat the fish you catch, washed down with jugfuls of local wine.
Cala Mastella, north-east coast, near San Carlos
Es Torrent
Located in a beautiful bay near Porroig, this restaurant does excellent seafood. Book a week in advance in summer and order your fish the day before.
C/ Porroig, Sant Josep
(+34 971 802 160)
The Jockey Club
An informal brasserie on a beautiful beach, popular all year round thanks to its fresh fish, good music and international menu. Bring a yacht – everyone else seems to.
Las Salinas, Sant Josep
(+34 971 395 788)
La Brasa
For dinner, this place serves local dishes in a gorgeous courtyard garden backing on to the city ramparts; ask for a table amid the fronds of banana plants
Carre Pere Sala 3, Ibiza Town
(+34 971 301202)
El Ayoun
The atmosphere in this restaurant’s dining room, lounge and terrace garden is a cool Moroccan Arabian Nights-style.
Calle Isidor, Macabich, San Rafael Centre
(+34 971 198 335)
L’Elephant
An elegant dining room with wonderful views of Old Ibiza Town from the terraces and rooftop bar. The French cuisine is as stylish as the crowd this restaurant attracts.
Plaza Inglesia, San Rafael
(+34 971 19 80 56)
Las Dos Lunas
An exclusive restaurant, much favoured by the Spanish jet set. Upscale Italian cooking, done with some panache. But, outrageously, menus offered to female diners omit prices!
Carretera Eivissa-Sant Antoni 5.4km, 07816 Sant Rafel
(+34 97 1198 102)
Macao Café
At the far end of the Marina in Ibiza Town, this stylish waterfront bar is popular at sunset and has a good reputation for serving delicious seafood and Italian dishes. Booking is essential.
Plaza Sa Riba 10, Ibiza Town
(+34 971 314 707)
Bars and clubs
KM5
This popular venue is decked out with Bedouin tents and loungers, KM5 is so-called because it’s around 5km out of Ibiza Town on the road to San José. It bills itself as ‘the perfect escape from the craziness of Ibiza’s pounding club culture’.
5km down the road from Ibiza Town to San Jose
(+34 971 396 349)
Base Bar
Get the lowdown on the best parties over cocktails in this cool, waterside hangout, before boarding the Disco Bus.
Carre Cipriano Garijo 16, Ibiza Town
(+34 971 317 786)
Pacha
This enormous, 3,000-capacity club/worldwide brand that is celebrating its 40th anniversary somehow manages to retain a cosy, intimate vibe.
Avda 8 d'Agost, Ibiza town
(+34 971 31 36 12)
Amnesia
Another Ibiza super-club, gay night on Wednesdays is one of the best parties on the island, possibly the world.
Ctra. San Antonio, San Rafael
(+34 971 198 041)
Privilege
The biggest nightclub in the world with a 25 metre-high ceiling, huge indoor pool and windows offering a view over the island. Most people don’t come here for the views though.
On the main road, halfway between Ibiza Town and San Antonio, on the opposite side from San Rafael.
(+34 971 198 160)
Space
One of the original Ibiza super-clubs, established in 1989 and the first to open on Sunday nights and in the morning when other clubs had shut. It is located right under the flight path of planes landing at Ibiza Airport.
Playa D'en Bossa, Ibiza
(+34 971 315 127)
DC10
In a former airport hangar, a stone’s throw from the runway of Ibiza Airport. It's a covered terrace with a sideroom that squeezes in 1,500 clubbers for its wild all-day Monday Circo Loco parties. Bring sun cream.
Carretera de las Salinas KM1
©2008 Mr & Mrs Smith
