Where to Stay in Ibiza

Our Favorite Hotels in Ibiza

• 5-Star: The Hacienda Na Xamena offers luxurious amenities.

• 4-Star: Sir Joan
• 3- For romantic getaways: Mercer Sevilla

• For Families: Hard Rock
• For Couples: Aguas de Ibiza

a beach with palm trees and palm trees

The Best Areas to Stay in Ibiza

Everything is in close proximity around Ibiza. The northernmost point of Portinatx is merely a 45-minute drive from the southernmost area of Platja de Ses Salines. Even if you took secondary roads, you`d be hard-pressed to travel much more than an hour. This detail should reassure anyone struggling to find lodging in their preferred location during high season; regardless of where you end up staying, whether an idyllic rural agriturismo (farm stay) or a hotel that hosts daytime pool parties, you can find a totally opposite experience within minutes. Whether you reside in one of the suburbs, the lesser-known north, the rural center, or the secluded south, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, charming villages, and open-minded locals who typically are glad to share their island.

Most travelers opt to rent a car, but buses adequately cover the island – especially during peak season when an all-night “Discobus” operates. There is no Uber or Lyft, but local taxis have trilingual staff (Catalan, Spanish, and English) who can assist foreigners. They`ve recently introduced their own app similar to Uber for hailing rides.

Thanks to the island’s diversity and splendor, accommodation options are available at every budget, whether one seeks an all-inclusive package designed for families, an indulgent resort hotel, or a luxurious rural retreat.

To truly grasp the island’s diverse landscape, stay in or around the main city known as Ibiza Town (Vila d’Eivissa in the local Catalan tongue), which offers an eclectic mix of attractions. This includes the exquisitely preserved medieval old quarter called Dalt Vila; a bustling port region filled with stylish shops, restaurants and nightspots; a scenic harbor flanked by the turquoise Mediterranean Sea; globally renowned clubs such as Pacha and Heart; magnificent beaches along the coast such as Talamanca, Figueretes and d’en Bossa (home to ultra-clubs Ushuaia and Hi); and the lush Ses Salines national park featuring otherworldly salt flats and picturesque beaches along the shoreline. All situated within a brief 10-minute drive from the airport.

a city filled with lots of buildings and lots of trees

The area surrounding (and including) the island of Ibiza’s second city, Sant Antoni de Portmany (also known as San Antonio Abad, or simply ‘San An’ to the British who take over during summer months), represents another highlight of the island. Choosing to base your holiday in this area will provide you with almost as much variety as Ibiza Town (although you can easily experience both; they’re only 20 minutes apart): renowned nightlife and superclubs, worship-worthy sunset relaxation spots, a surprisingly excellent food scene, and easy access to nearby beaches and villages.

Northern Ibiza includes the pleasant town of Santa Eulària des Riu (Santa Eulalia del Río), with its unmissable Puig de Missa church and Portinatx, whose family-friendly beaches and iconic lighthouse draw people up to the otherwise remote north-east area. Between those two locations, there are so many delightful small coves to explore that even those visiting during the peak season should be able to find a spot to themselves. The north has traditionally attracted the island’s relaxed community: the famous Las Dalias is just outside Sant Carles de Peralta (San Carlos) and there’s a smaller casual market in Sant Joan de Latbrija (San Juan) on Saturdays.

A principle attraction of Central Ibiza must be the epic superclubs Amnesia and Privilege, located around halfway between Sant Antoni and Ibiza Town in the otherwise sleepy village of Sant Rafel de sa Creu. However, while the clubs may be the area`s most famous offerings, more waits discovery, like a vibrant food and beverage scene with some of the island`s finest eateries and world-class shopping in and around Santa Gertrudis – essential for anybody wanting to depart with something authentic, stylish, or exotic.

The southern area of Ibiza is thought by some to be where the Island possesses its most romantic and relaxed characteristics. It is mainly rural, with the sole significant town being Sant Josep de sa Talaia (San José), and its primary attractions are the stunning beaches and coves, numerous of which provide spectacular views of the rock formation Es Vedrà or Formentera. Meanwhile, Sa Talaia is the island’s highest peak and offers good hiking possibilities, and there are the intellectual delights of the ‘Stonehenge’ art installation and the spiritual pilgrimage ‘Atlantis.’

The Best Places to Stay in Ibiza

a table that has some chairs around it

Best Areas in Ibiza for…

  • Ibiza Town has many interesting sights and is a good base for sightseeing in Ibiza.
  • Undoubtedly the jewel of the island in terms of attractions packed into a small area was the walled 16th century urban center within Ibiza Town`s old quarter featuring a maze of steep pedestrian cobbled roads leading to a cathedral, fortress, UNESCO protected ruins and attached archaeological museum, churches, chapels, a monastery, a museum on Moorish Ibiza, a contemporary art gallery, scenic viewpoints, and medieval defenses. Exiting Dalt Vila via Portal de ses Taules would bring visitors to the Plaça de sa Constitució and Mercat Vell (Old Market). From here, a stroll along the many excellent shopping lanes extended to the Port and a walk around the harbor (past mega clubs Heart and Pacha) to Talamanca bay with its pretty beach. Then a short ferry ride back to the old part of town was available from Marina Botafoch. Great people watching occurred around the graceful Passeig de Vara de Rey and nearby Plaça des Parc.

  • The top places for nightlife are Sant Antoni de Portmany & Ibiza Town.
  • In the town of Ibiza, Marina Botafoch has several popular nightclubs and fancy bars catering to those visiting by yacht, such as Heart, Pacha, and Lío. On the opposite side of the harbor, the area between Dalt Vila and the Port known as Sa Penya is perpetually lively. For LGBT+ nightlife, head to Carrer de la Mare Déu. In Sant Antoni there are three principal zones of activity: begin at the Sunset Strip (Passeig de Ponent) at Café del Mar or Café Mambo to observe the sun sinking below the waves with relaxed tunes and live DJs; load up on cheap beverages in Carrer de Santa Agnes also called Little UK, packed with English, Irish, Welsh, and Scottish bars; then head over to Avinguda del Doctor Fleming, home to Ibiza Rocks Bar and megaclubs Es Paradis and Eden. Between the two towns are the enormouse nightclubs Amnesia and Privilege (the largest club globally); many individuals make a night out starting on one side of the island and winding up at the other. The optimal way to commence the night is, in actuality, at one of Ibiza’s daytime clubs, which get going in the late afternoon. Near Ibiza Town, there’s nowhere better than Ushuaïa Beach Hotel (adults only, 2 km south of town). In San An, head to O Beach or Ibiza Rocks Hotel

  • Best area in Ibiza for food and restaurants: Ibiza Town..
  • In food-obsessed Ibiza, there is serious competition for the area with the best eating. There’s great food to be found all over the island, but Ibiza Town has the most varied selection of cuisines from all over the world to suit all budgets. It has the largest concentration of Michelin-Plate spots, including the fashionable Sa Brisa and the modern fusion tapas at Re.Art. And many of the hotels boast fantastic eating, like Izakaya at Sir Joan, MiKasa’s Levantine mezzes served on a marina-side terrace, and Mirador de Dalt Vila, where a romantic stroll around the old city afterward is mandatory. For a dining experience you’ll never forget, try Heart, run by the Adrià brothers of elBulli fame, along with Cirque du Soleil.

  • Preferred Family-Friendly Area in Ibiza: Ibiza Town
  • Ibiza Town will deliver the most diverse entertainment. Platja de Talamanca is an ideal beach for kids with its wide shallow waters, supplied well with little shops and restaurants. From there, visitors can take the small ferry to the old port section, climb Dalt Vila, and explore the necropolis. Boat trips and various rental spots make bikes accessible. Sant Antoni hosts many kid-friendly events and small family-suitable beaches. Port d’es Torrent along the south bay rim has a resort atmosphere, with an avenue full of attractions. Portinatx`s three beaches provide variety within a compact space, and exceptional child-friendly hotels exist at Es Figueral, Cala Gració, Es Canar, Cala Llonga, and Cala Tarida

  • Best area in Ibiza for first timers to stay: Ibiza Town..
  • Bust any preconceptions that the island is one big foam party by staying in the heart of Ibiza Town. The historic Dalt Vila and the breathtaking views out to sea will instantly show you that nightlife is just one of Ibiza’s many facets. The port area provides great shopping, food, and drinking options. Meanwhile, Figueretes and d’en Bossa beaches to the south and Platja de Talamanca just north of the city are all beautiful, well-served and, yes, have excellent options to party. Most importantly, the city is well-connected by buses to the other main towns, and it’s a cinch to rent a car, bike, or kayak if you want to get off the beaten track.

  • Most Romantic Area in Ibiza: Hacienda Na Xamena
    Ibiza offers magnificent scenery and settings for honeymooners and couples. In Ibiza Town, unforgettable views of Dalt Vila can be enjoyed from many spots. In Sant Antoni, you must sip cocktails at sunset at Sunset Ashram, Café del Mar, or Hostal La Torre. Another excellent spot for romantic drinks overlooks Experimental Beach in Ses Salines. If a meal is desired, try the wonderfully positioned Es Boldadó (with views of Es Vedrà), or be surrounded by twinkling lights while dining outdoors at Finca La Plaza in Santa Gertrudis, Can Bof in Ibiza Town (Marina Botafoch), or La Luna Nell’Orto in Sant Miquel de Balansat. For outstanding vantage points, a dawn hike up Sa Talaia is challenging but the glorious 360 degree views from Puig de Missa make it worthwhile. However, for an unrivaled singular Ibizan luxury experience, head to Hacienda Na Xamena. Either relax in the day spa facilities and treat yourself to a tasting menu at Edén run by renowned two-Michelin-star chef Fran López, or book one of the hotel`s incredible suites each with their own cliffside open-air jacuzzi offering breathtaking ocean views.
  • Best Area in Ibiza for Local Ambiance: Off-peak seasons Anywhere
    The easiest approach to experiencing the authentic aspects of Ibiza is to visit in the off-season months. Each summer, over 3 million tourists flock to the island, massively altering its character until they depart – the permanent population is less than 150,000. While this means many facilities close for half the year, you can still find plenty to do, with some of the best-established shopping, dining, and drinking venues remaining open year-round. If visiting in summer and wanting to see local life, try exploring interior towns like Sant Rafel where you can wander ceramics studios or Sant Carles de Peralta where locals pick up mail from Bar Anita, as well as the naturally gorgeous northeast edge famed for lesser-known beaches, the `Stonehenge` art feature in the south or Sant Josep for beautiful hiking routes
  • Best Area in Ibiza for Walkability: Sa Talaia
    The tourist board has developed a helpful guide to some of the finest hikes on the island. However, for those wanting scenic views, head for Sa Talaia, Ibiza’s highest point at 1,550ft above sea level. The walk begins in the charming town of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, which remarkably combines the best aspects of tranquil inland Ibiza with stylish shops and eateries
  • Safety in Ibiza

    The gallery is housed inside a lovely Baroque-style building and was inaugurated in 1809 thanks to Napoleon Bonaparte, who dedicated the museum to educating students (theMilan Academy of Fine Arts occupies the floor above).

The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Ibiza for Tourists

a boat sitting on top of a sandy beach

1. Ibiza Town & around Dalt Vila

The 16th century enclosed city within the old quarter of Ibiza Town contains steep, walk-only, cobbled streets (wear shoes with good traction). Places of interest include a cathedral, castle, the ancient Unesco-protected Puig des Molins necropolis and attached archaeological museum, churches and small chapels, a monastery, a contemporary art museum, lookout points, and medieval fortifications. There are a few access points into Dalt Vila, but the magnificent Portal de ses Taules on Plaça de la Constitució provides the most dramatic entrance. Every Friday evening, visitors can enjoy traditional Ibizan dancing and costumes at the Baluarde de Sant Pere.

2. Ses Salines

South of Ibiza Town are spectacular salt flats and sheltered woodlands offering excellent birdwatching opportunities where sometimes flamingos can be seen. There’s an interpretation center for learning more about the area. The beach of the same name is one of the island’s best. For one of the most fabulous bar-restaurants on the whole island, take the dirt road to Experimental Beach on Cap des Falcó where you can eat and drink from the comfort of your sun lounger.

3. Sant Antoni de Portmany & around

‘San An’ is often unfairly criticized for being overrun with young, intoxicated Brits, however, if you can navigate past them (avoid the blocks around Carrer Santa Agnes), you’ll discover a charming, diverse town with excellent restaurants set in a magnificent bay full of little villages and coves begging to be explored. It houses some of the island’s most famous and enduring mega clubs like Es Paradis, as well as bars, including the perpetually popular Sunset Strip favorites Cafe Mambo and Cafe del Mar.

4. North Puig de Missa & Santa Eulària des Riu

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Santa Eulària is a charming city to explore, with a pleasant beach and great indoor marketplace for food, but if you only have time for one aspect in this area, do not miss the magnificent 16th-century Puig de Missa (pweesh deh meesa). It is possible to drive up there, but be sure to wander around the characterful cluster of streets and marvel at the views.

5. North Las Dalias

For long, Ibiza has attracted people seeking an alternative lifestyle, and nowhere remains a more enduring symbol of their legacy than Las Dalias hippy market just outside Sant Carles de Peralta. As the popularity of the market grew (now attracting up to 20,000 people on Saturdays), it understandably became more commercialized: many stalls accept credit cards and there’s an online store. Nonetheless, exploring the heady mix of clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, handicrafts, artwork and more available remains worthwhile, and it’s an enjoyable place to spend time, with numerous food stalls, clubs, and live music nights.

6. Central Shopping in Santa Gertrudis

a house that has some flowers in front of it

While Ibiza Town contains the most retail establishments, those seeking Ibiza`s relaxed bohemian aesthetic should make their way directly to the village of Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. While visiting, be sure to stop at Aurobelle, where one can stock up on whimsical, ethically-sourced women`s apparel; Es Cuçons La Tienda offers home goods fitting of one`s newly carefree lifestyle; acquire your drink of choice from Somm, whose proprietors specialize in small-batch Ibizan wines. Additional boutiques await exploration within town, but do not depart the region without experiencing the bohemian concept superstores Sluiz and La Galería Elefante situated just outside the boundaries (a brief two-minute drive). The latter presents more of a sensory experience than a typical shopping destination, with rooms arranged throughout an antique abode featuring apparel, jewelry, children`s toys, gifts and home decor in a riot of textures, fabrics and hues maintaining chicness despite an artsy craftiness. For modern tongue-in-cheek kitsch, venture across the way to Sluiz. One cannot miss it thanks to the fluorescent cows suspended from the trees and outlandish parking signage. An enormous warehouse brimming with fanciful, fun and fabulous merchandise, apparel, gifts and home decor, it`s easy to become lost in its enormity, and a café provides sustenance if such occurs

  • Top Hotels: Cas GasiHacienda Na XamenaCa Na Xica
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels: None in the immediate area. 15-20 minutes’ drive from Ibiza Town/Sant Antoni/Santa Eulària.

7. South Es Vedrà & southern beaches

The southwestern portion of the island is most renowned for the magnificent Es Vedrà rock formation jutting from the sea, but it also houses some exceptional beaches. Noteworthy beaches include: Cala d`Hort for the finest perspectives of Es Vedrà – you can embark on boat trips to view it up close; Es Cubells, for its splendidly positioned seaside church and secluded cove away from the crowds, and Cala Vadella, one of the most flawless little beach hamlets, with a crescent of sand and a charming plaza directly on the beach offering all the amenities needed for a day out.

8. South Hiking in Ibiza: Sant Josep & Sa Talaia

The tourist board has produced a helpful guide to some of the best hikes on the island, but for those seeking views, head for Sa Talaia, the highest peak on Ibiza at 1,550ft above sea level. The trail starts in the delightful town of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, which somehow manages to blend the best of peaceful inland Ibiza with trendy stores and eateries.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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