Known as one of the party capitals of the world, Ibiza’s sundrenched charm encompasses much more than its dazzling nightlife scene. From the village-dotted countryside, to dream-worthy beaches, choosing the best place to stay in Ibiza is half the fun. History also decorates the natural beauty, especially along the winding, cobbled streets of the enchanting old town, Dalt Vila.
When you emerge from some of the world’s top nightclubs, there’s plenty of things to do in Ibiza. Zip across the turquoise waters on wakeboards and jet skis, and discover the magical underwater world on scuba diving tours. Hike along coastal paths and meander through fragrant orange groves. No matter what you choose to do, get set to fall under the beguiling spell of Spain’s ‘White Island’.
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Getting Around Ibiza
Ibiza is the third smallest Balearic Island in Spain, with Mallorca being the largest, followed by Menorca. Formentera is the smallest. With this in mind, you may not be surprised to learn that you can drive almost anywhere on the island within 30 mins – 1hr.
This makes it great for exploring and making day trips around the island, and it also means you’ll always be close to the action, or a peaceful cove – depending on what takes your fancy.
Transport Options Around Ibiza
There are several ways to get around Ibiza, let’s look at the more popular options below.
Private Car Hire
Although not the cheapest option for exploring Ibiza, those wanting maximum flexibility will love having their own car to discover the island’s beaches, towns and villages.
There are several companies offering private car hire in Ibiza. I always use RentalCars.com to compare prices and find the best deal. You can pick up your hire car from the airport, Ibiza Town, or a few other locations around the island.
Bus Service
The bus from the airport into Ibiza Town is easy to use, fast and cheap. It only costs €3.50, and takes around 20 minutes. If you’re staying central, this is a fantastic option.
To get around the island, there are regular buses to other parts of the island such as Portinatx, Cala San Vicente, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and more. You can find the timetable here.
In the high season, there’s also the Discobus that transports partygoers to the best clubs on the island.
Private Shuttles / Taxi
Given the size and short journey times in Ibiza, hiring a private shuttle or taxi to get around is a viable option, especially if you’re travelling as part of a group, or as a family. You can prebook your transport here (advised if travelling to/from the airport), or ask your hotel in Ibiza to arrange this for you.
Water Taxi
If you’re staying in one of the larger coastal resorts (such as Playa D’en Bossa or San Antonio), water taxis can be a great option for exploring nearby beaches. They typically run all day in the summer season and cost around €3-4 per journey.
Where to Stay in Ibiza for the Best Nightlife
Looking for the best place to stay in Ibiza for partying? You can keep your dancing shoes on night and day in Playa d’en Bossa. It’s the home of iconic, open-air superclubs, like Ushuaïa and Hï. You’ll walk from bars to clubs and back again to the sounds of celebrity DJs during the summer season. Whether you’re lazing or dancing on white sand, this Ibiza party town stretches along the sparkling Mediterranean for the best of all holiday worlds.
Where to Stay in Ibiza for Couples
With a secluded and sophisticated vibe, Cala San Vicente is one of the best places to stay in Ibiza for couples. Surrounded by lush cliffs and mountains, you’ll find plenty of unspoilt nature for romantic strolling. Palm trees dot the beachfront promenade, along with restaurants featuring ocean views.
Go horse riding along the shore, snorkel in azure water or simply chill out on golden arcs of sand.
Best Place to Stay in Ibiza for Families
For fun in the sun with the kids, take your buckets and spades to Santa Eulalia des Riu. In terms of where to stay in Ibiza with family, the island’s third-largest resort boasts calm seas, water sports and a picturesque promenade for easy strolling. You’ll find buzzing bars for your sunset cocktails.
However, Santa Eulalia’s laidback vibe is world’s away from the island’s nightclub strips. From the marina, it’s easy to catch ferries to nearby beaches, Ibiza Town and the island of Formentera for family day trips.
Best Place to Stay in Ibiza for Beaches
In an island known for supermodel beaches, it’s easy to find the best beach hotels in Ibiza to suit you. Portinatx offers no less than three sandy stretches, with S’Arenal Gros, S’Arenal Petit and Playa Porto. Tranquil, aqua water laps the sand and rocky headlands are perfect for snorkelling.
Spend your days lazing on sunbeds, kayaking around the coast and sipping sangria at beach bars.
Best Areas to Stay in Ibiza, Spain
In terms of which area to stay in Ibiza, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. From buzzing beach towns to cobbled streets and peaceful countryside retreats, settle in or hop around for a taste of each diverse area.
Ibiza Town
Otherwise known as Eivissa, Ibiza Town is the capital and the largest city on the island. This is the best place to stay in Ibiza for a little bit of everything fabulous. Starting with the legendary nightlife, it’s home to the world-famous Pacha nightclub, cosmopolitan bars and a wealth of atmospheric restaurants. Many of the hotspots stretch along marinas filled with superyachts and celebrity spotting is the norm.
Get your camera ready for historic treats in Dalt Vila, the fortified old town perched atop a hill overlooking the sea. Wind your way up through cobbled lanes lined with art galleries, quaint boutiques and cafes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a cathedral and battlements that are beautifully floodlit at night.
Ibiza holidays aren’t complete without shopping for quirky crafts, designer clothes and novelty souvenirs. You’ll find glamorous buys around Marina Botafoch and pop-up market stalls with bohemian treasures along the bustling streets. To top it off, you’re never far from some of the best beaches in Ibiza, including Playa de Ses Figueretes, Playa Talamanca and Playa d’en Bossa.
Talamanca
The pretty bay of Talamanca is flanked by a curve of white sand and a long, wooden promenade. Just a stroll from Ibiza Town, it attracts families, couples and party-goers alike, with shallow, aqua water that’s impossible to resist. Ibiza hotels, gorgeous restaurants and breezy bars share spectacular views of the ocean and Ibiza Old Town.
Playa d’en Bossa / Sant Jordi de Ses Salines
With the best party hotels in Ibiza and a three-kilometre stretch of sand, Playa d’en Bossa ranks as one of the island’s most popular resorts. DJs spin chilled-out beats by day and the action heats up in the early afternoon. Simply stroll along the beachfront for fantastic restaurants, bars and clubs.
For a romantic vibe and a slice of history close to the nightlife, stay in the nearby village of Sant Jordi de Ses Salines.
Es Cubells
Among the quiet areas of Ibiza, Es Cubells offers a glimpse at traditional homes, scenic farmland and orange groves. The charming village is surrounded by luxury villas and panoramic views across to the island of Formentera. Visit the whitewashed church, snorkel in secluded coves and soak up the peaceful vibes of village life.
Cala Vadella
If you’re wondering where to stay in Ibiza with a family that’s far from the party scene, settle in at lovely Cala Vadella. Framed by pine trees, the sheltered, shallow bay is perfect for safe splashing.
Hire sunbeds for lazy days on the wide arc of sand and let the kids loose with a range of water sports. Family-friendly restaurants and hotels line the water and you’ll find shady walking trails through the lush hills.
Cala Tarida
The soft white sands of Cala Tarida drift into water that shimmers with a range of blues and greens. Located on the west coast in a quiet part of Ibiza, the petite resort is popular with families playing volleyball on the sand and dining in beachfront restaurants. If you’re looking for epic sunsets, this is one of the top spots on the island.
Port d’Es Torrent
Close to San Antonio, which is one of the top party places in Ibiza, Port d’Es Torrent is a little-known gem and a peaceful haven. Serene, transparent water rests on a backdrop of pine trees and rocks perfect for snorkelling around.
The golden-sand beach is rarely overcrowded, restaurants are just steps from the sea and water sports keep you active by day.
Sant Antoni de Portmany
Home to the famous Sunset Strip and Cafe del Mar, San Antonio is an Ibiza party area that’s famous for chill-out bars and a dynamic seafront promenade. It’s the place to be when the sun sinks into the horizon, and don’t expect to leave until it comes up again.
During the day, take in the views of San Antonio Bay, catch ferries from the marina to explore and soak up the rays on nearby beaches.
Cala Gracio
A leisurely walk from the partying crowds at San Antonio takes you to Cala Gracio. The calm, crystal clear water of the cove is ideal for swimming with children.
Pine trees provide shade and walking trails, while casual beach bars keep you fuelled up for fun in the sun. Stroll along the coast and you’ll find the serene stretch of Cala Gracioneta.
Port de Sant Miquel
For north Ibiza hotels by the sea, unpack your bags in the former fishing village of Port de Sant Miquel. Pine-studded cliffs surround a deep blue bay that’s ideal for water skiing and windsurfing.
Stroll through the resort to browse among quaint boutique stores and hop from bar to bar along the sand. Once a haven for pirates, the dripstone caves of Cuevas Can Marca are nearby.
Portinatx
There’s something for everyone at Portinatx, with three gorgeous beaches and Ibiza resorts to suit families, couples, groups and all budgets. Spend your days taking in sweeping views from the lighthouse and cycling around the scenic countryside.
Though the overall vibe is peaceful, there’s plenty of lively nightlife to enjoy when the sun goes down on this north coast resort.
Cala San Vicente
Walk to the top of the cliff to get a bird’s eye view of the dazzling azure waters of Cala San Vicente. This relaxing hideaway features Ibiza holiday resorts stretched around a crescent-moon shaped beach.
A palm-lined promenade is blissfully traffic-free and you’re spoilt for choice with cafes, beach bars and restaurants facing the sea.
Es Figueral
If you love to step off soft sands for snorkelling in crystal clear water, base your Ibiza vacation in Es Figueral. Rocky inlets create underwater magic and water sports help you explore from above.
Tree-dotted hills frame the sand and you won’t have a problem finding a free sunbed on this long, golden stretch. Enjoy views out to Tago Mago island off the coast and pop down the road to explore Santa Eulalia.
Cala Llenya
A lush valley of pine trees and clear, shallow water makes Cala Llenya a popular spot for family picnics. Or, settle in at beach bars for scrumptious paella.
Take a windsurfing lesson to drift across the glassy ocean surface, snorkel with marine life straight from the sand and get active with beach volleyball.
Es Canar
With a range of great hotels in Ibiza for all budgets, Es Canar is an all-rounder for a holiday by the sea. A pine-lined strip of golden sand features beach bars for cocktail-sipping after parasailing and windsurfing.
Along with the main beach, a short stroll takes you to the peaceful shores of Cala Nova and Cala Martina. A dive school helps you explore abundant marine life and you’ll find plenty of pubs and restaurants for a feast afterwards.
Santa Eularia des Riu
Whether you’re looking for luxury Ibiza holidays, a couple’s escape or family-friendly fun, Santa Eularia des Riu delivers. The main action takes place on the seafront promenade, complete with palm trees and landscaped gardens.
Home to a famous ‘restaurant street’ and some of the island’s top restaurants, Santa Eularia is a foodie’s delight. Shopaholics don’t miss out, with everything from designer boutiques to shoe shops and souvenir markets.
Cala Llonga
In terms of where to stay in Ibiza with kids, Cala Llonga offers the shallow, safe swimming water you’re looking for. Simply choose a sunbed, settle in and watch the kids explore the sea with pedalos or play on amusement rides by the beach.
Fabulous restaurants are geared towards families too, with cafes and snack bars around every corner.
Central Ibiza
Lovely vineyards, olive groves and lemon orchards decorate Ibiza’s charming interior. World’s away from the island’s thumping party scene, here you’ll eat homegrown produce, cycle along peaceful country laneways and see farmers tending herds.
Among whitewashed churches and rural homes, the pace of life is deliciously slow and ideal for those looking for relaxing places to stay in Ibiza.
If you’re a wine lover, explore the vineyards around the tiny village of San Mateu d’Albarca, then pop into town for a drink at the local bar and a picture of the pretty church. Once a famous hippy village, San Carlos is a bohemian favourite with the main street lined by yoga studios, health food stores and vintage shops.
At the heart of the island, Santa Gertrudis is a hip destination surrounded by tradition and plenty of galleries, craft shops and atmospheric cafes. Are you a keen hiker? Sa Talaiassa is Ibiza’s highest peak and you can trek to the top from a signposted trail that starts from the village of Sant Josep.
Ibiza is a small island and it’s easy to get around, whether you hire a car, or take a bus, taxi or boat. Therefore, you’ll enjoy all the different sides of this stunning island with ease. Base yourself in a party town to walk from club to club, a family-friendly beach resort for non-stop fun in the sun or the countryside to soak up island traditions. Ibiza’s irresistible charm follows you, no matter where you choose to stay.
Source :www.lelongweekend.com
