The most famous of the Balearic Islands is a real party temple and entertainment. Bars that never close, the greatest DJs in the world, generous sunshine and dream beaches… everything is there for the amusement and pleasure of travelers. But Ibiza also benefits from a magnificent natural setting and some islands of calm on its land, conducive to idleness and relaxation. Here are our tips for travelers who want to visit Ibiza without missing a beat!
What are the must-see visits to do on the island?
Here are some ideas for visits and things to do absolutely during your stay in Ibiza!
Party till the end of the night
It is not strictly speaking a visit, but how not to evoke the party when we speak of Ibiza. The clubs are legion but we particularly recommend Amnesia, which has been voted the best club in the world several times. Ushuaïa Ibiza, between beaches and coconut palms, should also be part of your list because the outdoor party is much better!
Party in Ibiza
Explore the island by scooter
Go on an adventure with your hair in the wind and a light mind, that's what we suggest you do to rediscover some of the charm of Ibiza, sometimes lost under mountains of commercial fireworks. With the scooter, you will regain your independence and be able to achieve the most unspoiled places on the island, a perfect and easily accessible means of transport thanks to the many rental companies that line the main roads.
Ibiza stroll
Getting lost in the old town of Eivissa
The so-called Old Town is, according to archeology, more than 2 years old. Which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world! In its small winding and colorful streets, you will follow in the footsteps of all the civilizations that once set foot on this earth once arid and dry. A counterpoint to the festive atmosphere of the East Coast, but just as revealing of the identity of Ibiza.
The old town of Eivissa
Go deeper into the Caves of San Marca
Open to the public only in 1980, the Caves of San Marca were for a long time the exclusive property of criminals who used it as a natural refuge. From now on, it is the stalagmites and stalactites that keep the places and the sound, light and water games shows that put forward all the wild beauty of the natural magnificences of Ibiza.
The San Marca cave
Stroll along the quays of the Ibiza Marina
The Ibiza Marina is one of the most popular places for a walk. Luxury yachts have now replaced fishing boats in what was only a small port a few decades ago. But the colorful architecture of the buildings signed Jean Nouvel and the splendor of the establishments that line the quayside give a magical cachet to this exceptional place.
La Marina
When is the best time to visit Ibiza?
For the majority of tourists, Ibiza is a destination first and foremost for its paradisiacal beaches and its frenzied nightlife. They will therefore prefer summer and its hot and dry climate, almost arid in some years. It is therefore important to cover your head and to regularly anoint yourself with sunscreen to avoid hot spots. Also be aware that prices soar during the period. It will therefore be necessary to book in advance to hope to obtain a correct rate.
Nature-loving hikers and those who prefer calm for their cultural visits will prefer the shoulder seasons. In spring or fall, temperatures are milder and crowds are scarce. A great time to take the backcountry hiking trails or visit the thousand-year-old narrow streets of Ibiza town, under the benevolent gaze of the locals. In winter, temperatures are cooler but rarely drop below 10 ° C.
PRACTICAL TIPS : month by month, compare the climate in Ibiza to find out when is the best time to go.
What budget to plan on site?
Compared to its neighbors of Mallorca and Menorca, Ibiza has higher prices overall throughout the year. In question, its reputation of festive and luxurious island where all the follies allowed. It is mainly the hotel industry that will inflate the bill for your vacation. With prices 60% higher than in France, it is not uncommon to pay a night in a 1-star hotel at 100 euros in the summer period. We can't say it enough, book in advance!
On the catering side, again the additions can be salty in the tourist corners of the island. However, there are also small taverns that serve quite decent lunches for less than 10 euros, especially during shoulder seasons. Obviously, alcohol and beer are cheap in Ibiza, except in luxury clubs or discos. On the leisure side, it all depends on your expectations and your personal tastes. If you prefer the jet ski in summer, your wallet will feel it pass. But hikers can have fun without spending a dime!
How to get to Ibiza?
To get to Ibiza, the plane is clearly the fastest way and the cheapest. From Paris, there are many direct flights throughout the summer. During the rest of the year, the frequency of flights decreases, and it is often necessary to make a stopover, but the prices also go down. You can sometimes find tickets for less than 100 euros during the shoulder seasons, while the prices double or even triple during the summer! From Es Codolar Airport you can reach the city by bus, taxi or rental scooter easily and inexpensively.
Reach the beaches of Ibiza
Can also choose to take the ferry to get to Ibiza from the port of Barcelona. The crossing is done most of the time at night and lasts 10 hours. Schedules and fares fluctuate greatly depending on the season and the type of boarding you choose. Beware of the prices that can soar if you have a large volume vehicle. In general, know that this solution is practical to be independent in your travels on the island but that it will cost you relatively expensive.
How to get around the island?
The bus is an ideal means of transport to avoid the tedious search for parking spaces in crowded city centers. Although they are not always very practical, they serve most of the beaches from Ibiza town, Sant Antoni or Santa Eulària. The road network is indeed important in Ibiza, much to the chagrin of some residents. This is nevertheless very practical to maintain your autonomy of movement on the island, but beware of the sometimes angry driving of some motorists, especially at night.
Motorcycles or scooters offer a good compromise between autonomy and ease of parking. They make it possible to reach the majority of the sites of interest of the island and many rental companies offer their services in all the cities. Taxi is very useful to reach Ibiza town center from the airport, but it is very difficult to find one in high season. We recommend cycling and walking anyway to discover Ibiza at a more serene pace and take the time to live on an island that is sometimes a little too hectic.
What to eat and drink in Ibiza?
Ibiza's gastronomy revolves mainly around fishery products. The famous Bullit de Peix is a kind of fish stew, in which we mix grouper, cuttlefish or scorpion fish with rice cooked in the broth. The Burrida de Ratjata, or skate stew, is also emblematic of the island. Parsley, garlic cloves and toasted almonds give this dish unmistakable flavors, which have made the reputation of Ibizan cuisine far beyond its borders.
Indecrottable meats will prefer to turn to the traditional peasant cuisine of Ibiza. The local hotpot, Sofrit Pagès, mixes the flavors of Sobrasada pork with mutton, lamb, chili and paprika. Accompanied by potatoes, this invigorating dish will be perfect for recharging your batteries before a long hike, for example. For dessert, we particularly like the Flao, a kind of sheep's cheese tart which, served cold and sprinkled with sugar, will delight the taste buds of young and old alike.
Where on the island to stay?
Ibiza town, called Eivissa in Catalan, welcomes the majority of tourists when they disembark. With only 50 resident inhabitants, its population increases dramatically in summer. A place of convergence for revelers, it is also charming for its architecture and Renaissance ramparts. The best place for incontinent revelers is the seaside resort of Playa d'en Bossa. Here, hotel complexes have established themselves on the coast and numerous bars and nightclubs lively day and night provide an ideal setting for meeting and entertainment.
D'en Bossa beach
For those looking for relative calm in Ibiza, we rather recommend the west of the island. Although touristy, the atmosphere of the region is more relaxed and more conducive to relaxation. Porroig, Vista Allegre or Es Cubells are ideal destinations for resting in peace. The north of the island is also preserved from the festive madness that reigns on the east coast. In Sant Miquel and Portinatx for example, you will find an area mainly covered with forest and cultivated land, but still with a good quality of accommodation.
Useful information
Here is some additional information to prepare your stay:
- Formalities: To visit Ibiza, no need to apply for a visa for European Union nationals, a valid passport will suffice.
- Change : Note that the currency used is the euro, because Ibiza belongs to Spain.
- Language : The two officially spoken languages are Catalan and Castilian but given the ultra touristy status of the island, you will be able to make yourself understood in English without any problem, and often even in French.
- Visitor Center : For more information, you can reach the Tourist Office of Eivissa (Ibiza town) or that of Sant Antoni de Portmany.
With Ibiza, discover the joys of partying until the end of the night, but also the assertive character of an island that conceals many natural treasures!
And don't hesitate to share your experiences by leaving us a little comment !
