The über-chic Balearic Island of Ibiza is renowned for its raucous dance club scene, jet-setting glitterati and more than 50 white-sand beaches indenting its rugged, picture-perfect coastline – perfect for an exciting honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Once the playground for European hippies, Ibiza (pronounced ee-bee-thah) is now home to some of Europe’s most famous dance clubs, including Es Paradis, Pacha, Space, Amnesia, Manumission and Cream.
Choose from a wide selection of sugar-white beaches fringed by music bars, dance clubs, restaurants and hotels, which sit conveniently close to the main resorts of Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Or check out the less-crowded resorts of Portinatx on the north coast and Port de Sant Miquel on the east coast.
Away from the beaches, wander the narrow streets of D'Alt Vila, Ibiza’s medieval hilltop town surrounded by 22m-high stone walls and lined with 500-year-old houses – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Then explore the district of Sa Penya, a labyrinth of stone-paved streets crammed with shops, bars and restaurants descending from D'Alt Vila to the harbour.
Hire a car or water taxi and explore isolated coves along the coast. Go hiking along coastal paths and across rolling hillsides scattered with old whitewashed houses, pine forests and groves of orange, almond, fig and olive trees.
There is more to Ibiza than hot sun, gorgeous Blue Flag beaches, warm turquoise water and the frenetic nightclub scene. Check out some of the islands must-see attractions, including the following…
(Ibiza old town) – Wander the cobblestone ramps and narrow lanes of the old walled medieval town, built in 1585 and protected by 22m-high walls that circle a hilltop overlooking the bay.
Admire 500-year-old flat-roofed, whitewashed houses covered in colourful bougainvillea flowers.
Stroll splendid promenades offering panoramic sea and town views. Explore the ancient fortress, admire a fascinating collection of Phoenician, Punic and Roman artefacts in the Museu Arqueològic and visit the 13th century Gothic cathedral with its Baroque nave.
Wander Sa Carroza, a long and narrow plaza lined with boutiques and sidewalk cafés and set within the inner and outer walls of D'Alt Vila. Then stroll down Sa Penya, a delightful maze of stone-paved streets that descends to the harbour and is crammed with shops, bars and restaurants.
Follow a steep descent down a stairway to discover this amazing display of stalactites and stalagmites in a 100,000-year-old cave. Watch the light and sound show for a memorable surrealistic experience. Cova de Can Marça is located near Port de Sant Miquel (Puerto de San Miguel) on the west coast of Ibiza.
Descend a steep stone staircase into a hypogea (burial cavern) at one of the largest and best-preserved ancient burial sites dating from the Phoenician era. The cemetery is located amid olive trees on a hill in Ibiza town.
Ibiza offers more than 50 white- and golden-sand beaches that either stretch in front of promenades lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, or fringe tranquil and secluded coves a short walk, drive or water taxi ride from the nearest resort.
The best beaches in Ibiza Town and nearby, include following…
Sunbathe on the soft golden sands of this 900m-long beach that stretches along a promenade lined with bars, restaurants and hotels.
The shallow crystalline waters of Talamanca Bay are ideal for families with young children.
Facilities on this 25m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, showers, lifeguards and water sports such as windsurfing, pedalos (foot pedal boats) and banana boats.
Playa Talamanca is just a 15-minute walk from Ibiza town.
This small, 100m-long white-sand beach flanks a palm-fringed promenade lined with hotels, apartments, restaurants and bars.
The 50m-wide beach offers great views overlooking the old walled town of Ibiza, with a range of facilities including parasols and sun loungers for hire.
Playa Ses Figueretes is located in Figueretes, a suburb of Ibiza town.
Unwind on Ibiza’s longest beach, a gorgeous 2.7km-long strip of fine golden sand that gently shelves into shallow turquoise water perfect for swimming.
The beach is dotted with several beach bars that belt out tunes throughout the day and into the night, including the famous Bora Bora Bar, Ibiza's biggest beach-rave club.
To escape the noise and crowds, head to the southern end of the beach from where you can also enjoy panoramic views from the old watchtower.
Facilities on this 20m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, showers and lifeguards. Water sports include pedalos (foot pedal boats), windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing and beach volleyball. Or take the kids to Aguamar, the largest water park on Ibiza.
The nearby Ibiza Club de Campo offers eight tennis courts, five-a-side football, squash, a gym, sauna and swimming pool.
Platja d'en Bossa is located on the southeast coast of Ibiza, around 5km south of Ibiza town.
Pick your own spot to unwind on this 1.5km-long golden-sand beach that lies in a wildlife conservation area edged with pine woods ideal for short walks.
Expect to hear some cool beats from the beachfront bars and look out for celebrities on this beach popular with the glitterati – the beachfront Sa Trinxa Bar is an Ibiza institution.
Facilities on this 30m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, showers, massage services and lifeguards, as well as a beach service from the beachfront restaurants and bars.
Go surfing if the wind is up, otherwise hire a pedalo, electro boat or catamaran. The beach also hosts a scuba diving school.
Playa las Salinas is located around 10km from Ibiza town and 6km from Playa d'en Bossa.
Sunbathe on one of the trendiest beaches on Ibiza, popular with both the rich and famous as well as locals.
Framed by green hills and pine trees in a conservation area, this 225m-long white-sand and pebble beach shelves gently into turquoise crystalline waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Facilities on the 15m-wide beach include parasols, sun loungers and pedalos (foot pedal boats) for hire, massage and lifeguards as well as a beach service from the beachfront restaurants and bars.
Cala Jondal is located on the south coast, around 17km from Ibiza town. The nearest resort is Platja den Bossa.
Unwind on one of Ibiza’s official nudist beaches, a 1km-long, 30m-wide stretch of white sand backed with sand dunes and shelving into crystal clear water.
The beach offers a range of facilities including beach volleyball, restaurants, music bars and parasols and sun loungers for hire.
Playa Cavallet is located 10km from Ibiza town.
Discover this picturesque, 100m-long white-sand beach nestled between towering red cliffs and a turquoise bay of shallow water, perfect for families with small children.
Facilities on this 10m-wide beach include parasols, sun loungers for hire and massage services, as well as a beachfront restaurant.
Playa Bol Nou is located at Sa Caleta around 10km from Ibiza town.
Ibiza’s second-largest resort (formerly known as San Antonio) sits at the northern end of Portmany Bay on the west coast, around 16km northwest of the capital, Ibiza town.
For the best beaches in and around Sant Antoni, head to the following…
Unwind on Sant Antoni’s main beach, a 500m-long stretch of soft white sand that sits between a pleasant palm-fringed promenade and the turquoise San Antoni Bay.
The 50m-wide beach is conveniently located in the centre of the resort of San Antoni, with shallow water that is perfect for families and children.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, water sports such as pedalos (foot pedal boats) and water skiing, with boat trips available to nearby beaches. The promenade offers a variety of restaurants and bars.
Unwind on this 900m-long white-sand beach that curves around a turquoise cove framed by long rocky promontories indented with tiny beaches.
Swim in the warm clean waters, snorkel the rocky outcrops, sunbathe on the main beach or wander around the craggy hillsides to find a more secluded patch of white sand.
Facilities on this 25m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, water sports such as pedalos (foot pedal boats), volleyball and diving (the beach also has a diving school), as well as lifeguards, beachfront bars and restaurants.
Playa Cala Tarida is located in the resort of the same name, around 15 minutes by car or boat from Sant Antoni.
Discover a choice of three beaches on this 800m-long stretch of fine golden sand that gently shelves into shallow turquoise water just perfect for families with small children.
Enjoy views of the offshore islands and sunbathe on one of the three beaches; the beaches differ in that one is backed by rocks, another by high sand dunes, and the third lies in a small secluded cove frequented by naturists.
Facilities on this 15m- to 30m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, toilets, lifeguards and pedalos (foot pedal boats), as well as beachfront bars and restaurants.
Playa Cala Conte (also known as Platja de ses Comptes) is located 15 minutes by car or boat from Sant Antoni.
Relax in the sun on this crescent of fine white sand that nestles between a pine forest and the crystalline waters of a turquoise bay framed by long pine-covered headlands.
Sunbathe on the fine sand, swim or snorkel in the clear waters or follow trails through the pine trees to views overlooking an old watchtower and Conejere Island.
Facilities on this 30m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire, toilets, changing rooms, pedalos (foot pedal boats), volleyball, lifeguards, beachfront bars and restaurants.
Playa Cala Bassa is located in the resort of the same name, around 10 minutes by car or 15 minutes by boat from Sant Antoni.
Santa Eulària des Ríu sits on the east coast, around 15km northeast of the capital, Ibiza town. For the best beaches in and around Santa Eulària des Ríu head to some of the following…
Unwind on this 100m-long white-sand beach that lies facing a picture-perfect turquoise bay surrounded by pine-clad hills.
The 100m-wide beach shelves into clear shallow water that is perfect for families with small children.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, toilets, changing rooms, lifeguards, a children’s playground and a range of water sports such as pedalos (foot pedal boats), windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing and diving (a diving school is on the beach).
A choice of beachfront bars and restaurants line the beach.
Playa Cala Llonga is located in the resort of the same name, around 7km from Sant Antoni.
Relax on the soft golden sand of this 320m-long beach that nestles beneath rocky cliffs and shelves into the crystalline shallow waters of a turquoise bay ideal for families and small children.
Facilities on this 5m- to 50m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as a range of water sports such as pedalos (foot pedal boats), waterskiing, windsurfing and diving (the beach also has a diving school), as well as lifeguards, beachfront bars and restaurants.
Playa Es Figueral is located around 10km north of Sant Antoni.
Sunbathe on this gorgeous 190m-long crescent of white sand that sits beneath pine-clad hills and shelves into shallow turquoise water ideal for children.
Facilities on this 60m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as pedalos (foot pedal boats), windsurfing and a beachfront bar/restaurant.
Cala Leña Beach is located around 11km north of Sant Antoni.
Portinatx is located on the north coast of Ibiza, around 30km from Ibiza town. For the best beaches in and around Portinatx head to a selection of the following…
Choose from three golden-sand beaches that fringe rocky coves in the picturesque bay of this northern resort town.
Playa Portinatx offers safe swimming in clear shallow water with a range of water sport activities including pedalos (foot pedal boats), as well as a windsurfing and diving school.
Sunbathe and swim from the largest beach, a 170m-long stretch of sand known as S'Arenal Gros.
For more privacy, wander around the promontory to tiny, 60m-long S'Arenal Petit or head to Playa Porto, a 40m-long stretch of golden sand that sits surrounded by pine-clad hills facing a small cove of crystalline water a short walk around the bay.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as a good choice of bars and restaurants nearby. Playa Portinatx is located in the resort town of the same name, around 30km from Ibiza town.
Dig your toes into the soft golden sand of this 160m-long beach nestling beneath pine-clad hillsides and shelving into a sheltered turquoise bay.
Facilities on this 40m-wide beach include parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as pedalos (foot pedal boats) and beachfront bars and restaurants.
Playa Benirras is located around 12km north of Sant Antoni and around 7km from Port de Sant Miquel, the nearest resort town.
Ibiza Island offers a huge range of honeymoon accommodation to suit all budgets, including the following…
In Ibiza Town, choose the luxurious Mirador de Dalt Vila, a former palace filled with museum-quality furniture, Oriental rugs and works of art.
Or try the most famous boutique hotel on Ibiza – the legendary 4-star El Pacha, located on the Paseo Maritime and connected to the dance club, Pacha.
Mirador de Dalt Vila
Location: Plaza de España, Ibiza Town
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD703 per room
Description: This historic property overlooks the Mediterranean from its hilltop position in central Ibiza Town and is a 4-minute walk from the beach. It features a free airport shuttle and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and a whirlpool tub. The air-conditioned rooms at the Mirador de Dalt Vila feature parquet floors and stylish décor. Each one has plasma satellite TV and the bathrooms come equipped with Bulgari products and a bathrobe. Mirador de Dalt Vila serves breakfast until 12 pm. It can be served in the room. The hotel has an outdoor pool with lounge chairs and a hot tub. The staff at the 24-hour front desk can help booking tickets for guided tours, live shows and other events. Pacha Nightclub is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Ibiza Airport is just a 15-minute drive away, and a shuttle service is available from 8 am to 11 pm.
El Hotel Pacha
Location: Historiador Joan Mari Cardona, Ibiza Town
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD671 per room
Description: This chic hotel, in the heart of Ibiza Town, is 100 metres from the marina and a 19-minute walk from the beach. It features air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and free parking. The rooms at El Hotel Pacha are bright and spacious, decorated in natural tones, with touches of color from Toni Riera photos. All have a private balcony and sitting area. The bathrooms feature bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer. Hotel Pacha’s restaurant serves creative, avant-garde cuisine. There is a snack bar, elegant terrace bar, and room service is available. All guests have free entry to Pacha Ibiza Club, and the hotel concierge is happy to help with restaurant and club reservations. An airport shuttle service is available upon request, and you can rent a car, boat or plane at the hotel.
Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa
Location: Santa Eularia des Riu, Ibiza
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD670 per room
Description: Aguas de Ibiza is a luxury design hotel with a spa and outdoor pool. The rooftop bar-terrace offers views of Santa Eulalia Marina and the island of Formentera. The stylish rooms at the Aguas de Ibiza feature free internet, a Bang&Olufsen TV and a private terrace, most with sea views. The modern bathrooms include natural stone furnishings, a bathrobe and slippers. Free high-speed WiFi is available. Aguas de Ibiza’s Alabastro Restaurant prepares Mediterranean and Italian dishes, made with local, seasonal produce. The property also offers the Vi Cool tapas restaurant with a rooftop terrace and dishes by Michelin-star chef, Sergi Arola. The 1500m², prize-winning Revival Spa includes indoor pools, a fitness centre, saunas and a hot tub. A range of massages and treatments are available. Ibiza city centre is 20 minutes' drive from the hotel. Santa Eulalia Beach and Nikki Beach private club are 1 km away.
Insotel Fenicia Prestige Suites & Spa
Location: Santa Eularia des Riu, Ibiza
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD548 per room
Description: Insotel Fenicia Prestige Suites & Spa is on the seafront next to the Santa Eulalia River. The hotel provides free access to the fitness center and offers many treatments in the Thalasso Spa for an extra fee. All spacious rooms have a balcony and a flat-screen TV. The bathrooms have a separate bathtub and a hydro-massage shower. Guests are also provided with a bathrobe and slippers. An indoor and outdoor pool, a herbal steam room and an ice fountain are some of the spa facilities available for an extra fee. Foot baths and a variety of massages are also offered. There are 4 restaurants on-site, including a choice of Mediterranean, international and Asian cuisine. Insotel Fenicia Prestige Suites & Spa also has several bars serving snacks, cocktails and ice cream. At the Insotel Fenicia Thalasso Spa, reservations can be made for activities, such as yacht rentals. There are golf courses within 5.6 km of the hotel. Ibiza Airport is 20.9 km away.
Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa- All Inclusive
Location: Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD442 per room
Description: This all-inclusive seafront resort in Playa d’en Bossa in Ibiza air-conditioned rooms, some with sea views. It also offers a spa, 4 freshwater swimming pools, 7 tennis courts and a gym. The spacious rooms at the Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa feature tiled floors and a private balcony. The bathrooms are equipped with a hydro-massage bath and Wi-Fi is available. The hotel organises a varied entertainment programme for adults and children. The modern spa features an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam baths. There is also an outdoor pool with jets and waterfalls. There are 4 restaurants, 2 with a buffet service and 2 offering à la carte meals. There is also a pool bar and a lobby bar where guests can relax. Ibiza Airport is just 4 km from the Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa. Ibiza Town is 6 km away.
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza
Location: Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD361 per room
Description: Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is located right on the beachfront in Playa d'en Bossa. This modern hotel has a large open-air stage hosting prestigious weekly concerts. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. This large hotel has 2 outdoor pools and a spa with a hot tub and sauna, as well as a gym. There is also an exclusive private beach club with beach bar next to the hotel, and a range of chill-out areas. Hard Rock Ibiza is decorated with a range of music memorabilia. The stylish, air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers. The windows also have blackout curtains. There are 2 on-site restaurants and various bars. The hotel also offers a venue for teenagers, and there is an entertainment programme for children. All Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza guests have free access to the concerts held at the hotel. Ibiza Airport is just 7 minutes' drive from Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza.
The best time to visit Ibiza for a beach holiday is from late-June to mid-September. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures rarely falling below 29°C (84°F).
Ibiza is considered a year-round destination
Located in the Balearic Islands, Ibiza enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by long, hot summers and short, mild winters.
For more climate info: Ibiza Weather Guide…
Ibiza is located off the southeast coast of mainland Spain, one of four Balearic Islands that also includes Mallorca, Minorca and Formentera.
The most convenient route to Ibiza is by air to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), located 7km (4.3mi) southwest of Ibiza Town.
A frequent bus service runs from Ibiza Airport to Av. Espanya, Ibiza Town every 20 minutes, taking 14 minutes.
By sea, Ibiza is an overnight ferry ride from Barcelona or 4.5 hours by fast catamaran. There are also ferries to and from Denia, Valencia and Tarragona on the mainland.
More information on how to get to Ibiza…
Apart from walking, taxis, buses, ferries and hire cars are all available to explore Ibiza, which is small and easy to get around. You can also rent mopeds and bicycles.
However, the best way to get around Ibiza is by car, especially if you want to reach remote places or are renting a rural villa.
Motorbikes and mopeds are good alternatives and more convenient for easy parking at busy beaches during the high season.
Ibiza Town and Dalt Vila are best explored on foot. There are fine walks in Santa Eulària, Sant Antoni and Ibiza/Botafoc Marina.
Ibiza has some beautiful hikes – guided coastal walks and hikes into the interior are available with Walking Ibiza (walkingibiza.com) to suit all levels.
More information on how to get around Ibiza…
From Ibiza, enjoy a day trip or stay longer at one of the other Balearic Islands.
Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, is designated a ‘world treasure’ by UNESCO.
Mallorca, Spain’s most popular Mediterranean resort islands, is crammed with bars, restaurants, hotels and cool beaches.
Menorca is generally considered the least developed and most tranquil of the Balearic Islands.
Latest update: Ibiza honeymoon: 11 July, 2022
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