If you want to experience Ibiza’s nightclubs then you’ll need to visit the island during the party season. The clubs open at the end of May and close their doors at the end of August. However, many people prefer to visit the island at the tail-end of the season when the pace of life is less frenetic. That said, the off-season is great for seeing a different face of the island and providing that you can find flights, the hotels are relatively cheap.
Weather:
Spring: 
Between late February and March the weather is wet and changeable. While it can be a comfortable temperature during the day, the nights are often chilly.
Summer: From mid-May to June, Ibiza starts to warm up and temperatures reach between 25-30°C. It is not uncommon for this temperature to rise above 30° in July and August. The sea breeze means that even during the height of summer temperatures never become unbearable.
Autumn: In September temperatures start to drop, but the sea stays pleasantly warm. It isn’t until October when it starts to rain, yet during this time the air temperatures seldom drop below 23°C.
Winter: Winters are usually mild and sunny, although the odd rainy and windy day is to be expected. Leisure pursuits are popular during this season, particularly cycling and hiking.
Image: Ibiza Spring by Ayolt de Roos
When you think of activities in Ibiza, it’s often dancing until dawn that comes to mind. However, during the day you’ll find a wealth of attractions on the island from the stunning Old Town area of Dalt Villa to the fantastic beaches, where snorkelling and water sports are both popular pursuits.
Attractions:
Es Vedra: Believed to be Atlantis’ tip. This solitary islet is said to receive lots of UFO activity
Dalt Villa: Ibiza’s Old Town area. Explore the cobbled streets and historic buildings
Castle of Ibiza: Located at the top of Dalt Villa, the castle provides stunning views
Aguamar: Ibiza’s largest waterpark features slides and activities
Es Broll: A beautiful freshwater spring located amongst green scenery
Bodegas Can Rich: A vineyard providing tours and tastings of the local produce
Formentera: If you have a spare day, look at exploring Ibiza’s smaller sister island
Can Marca Caves: Explore the caves and accompanying beach at San Miguel
Nightlife:
Most tourists have heard of the super clubs, such as Café Del Mar and Mambo and these can be found in the equally famous San Antonio area. However, there are plenty more places on the White Isle where nightlife can be found. Space and Bora Bora are located in the district of Playa d’en Bossa which also has cool beach bars where you can start your night. In Ibiza Town you’ll find Pacha amongst the many bars and boutiques, whilst those seeking a quieter alternative could head to the more chilled San Antonio Bay where the nightlife revolves around the evening entertainment shows and is therefore more child-friendly.
Pacha: The oldest nightclub in Ibiza dates back to 1973 and features DJs like David Guetta
Café Del Mar: Enjoy sunset views as you sip on potent cocktails and listen to top DJs
Ibiza Rocks: The home of live music. The bands often take an impromptu dip in the pool after their set
Mambo: One of the liveliest sunset bars on Ibiza’s strip and home to world class DJs
Space: Awarded the Best Global Club award three times, this is perhaps the most famous club
Bora Bora: A legendary beach club dating from 1986
Amnesia: Providing the quintessential Ibiza clubbing experience. Watch out for the ice cannons
Eden: The newest super club in Ibiza. Caters to a range of different musical styles
Activities in Ibiza:
Ibiza is all about chilling out and having fun, and if you don’t fancy sightseeing there are plenty of leisure activities that you can take part in throughout the island. From water sports to horse riding, active pursuits are not only great for blowing away those cobwebs but can also help you recover after a night on the tiles.
Horse riding: Unique rides offered amongst the romantic scenery in the north of the island
Diving: Cave and wreck dives are both available in Ibiza, including the Don Pedro wreck
Water sports: Parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing and hydro bikes are some of the sports available
Go Karting: Alamo Karts offers karting for the whole family. No need to book in advance
Golf: Although golf is not a huge attraction in Ibiza, there is a 27-hole course near Cala Llonga
Mountain biking: A great way to see the sights of the island and take in the mountainous terrain
Bowling: A relaxing evening entertainment option, bowling is ideal for the whole family
Images: Ibiza Castle by MGSpiller / Formentera by iferrer1
The majority of shops in Ibiza can be found in the port area, but when picking up souvenirs many holidaymakers like to trawl the markets for something unique. Hand finished pottery is a popular souvenir as are the models of traditional houses with a lamp inside so that the windows light up. The main clubs also have their own shops selling merchandise.
Shopping Areas:
- Ibiza Town: Home to trendy designer boutiques, and craft stalls in the early evening
- San Antonio: This is the area to buy clubbing gear and sportswear
- Santa Eulalia: Cute boutiques and souvenir shops can be found in this area
Markets:
- Hippy Market: Ibiza’s most famous market takes place every Wednesday
- Eivissa: Every evening from 5pm stalls line the pretty market area
- Las Dalias: Sells souvenirs and handicrafts every Saturday in San Carols
- San Antonio: An arts and crafts market selling local homemade produce
- Santa Eulalia: A daily market selling homegrown produce and artisan foods
Images: Shopping by xornalcerto
In Ibiza you’ll find many restaurants serving traditional Spanish favourites such as paella and tapas. As you would expect from an island, seafood is extremely popular and it is freshly caught and usually accompanied by potatoes so that the taste of the fish comes through. Sobresada are blood sausages that are unique to the Balearic region. Another dish that you won’t come across on the mainland is sofrit pages, a stew made from spiced lamb, chicken, pork and potatoes. The island’s popularity with British and German travellers means that there are plenty of British and German restaurants around the main resorts, should you crave a full English breakfast.
Popular Ibiza Hotspots:
Ibiza Town: This best area for stylish and atmospheric restaurants
San Antonio: You can eat anything from traditional Spanish food to Tex-Mex in this area
San Antonio Bay: Budget travellers can find cheap restaurants here
Santa Gertrudis: Popular town for foodies, sample typical Ibicenco food and dry cured hams
Santa Eulalia: The best of the resorts for food features flavours from around the world
Figueretas: Great value restaurants lining the promenade
Image: Ibiza clams by Simon Welsh
Ibiza is more laid back than the rest of Spain, with thousands of tourists arriving from Britain each year. The local population do not expect holidaymakers to adopt their culture as much as they would in the major cities. Although having said that, there are some practices you should be aware of. Like the rest of Spain, Ibiza holds siestas from 2pm-5pm. One important thing to note is that Spaniards have less regard for personal space than other cultures and may stand close when talking to you. Backing away is seen as rude so be prepared.
Useful Phrases
Que parla Angles? – Do you speak English?
Donde esta el bar mas cercano? - Where is the nearest bar?
Vols ballar amb mi? – Do you want to dance with me?
Dos and Don’ts
DO try the menu del dia in restaurants. They offer three courses menus at reasonable prices
DON’T drink outdoors or on the beach as you may be fined by the Police
DO take advantage of the Disco Bus which runs between the main venues
DON’T drink the tap water! The tap water on Ibiza is treated sea water and not fit for consumption
DO catch a sunset at Café Del Mar during your stay
Tipping
Spanish restaurants have to add a service charge onto the receipt by law; however a small tip on top of this amount is very much appreciated for excellent service. Most locals will simply round up to the nearest euro. For taxi drivers on the island 5-10% is customary and you should tip hotel staff a small amount.
Image: Tipping by Daquella Manera
It is recommended that holidaymakers visiting Ibiza rent a car to explore the interior of the island. However there is a cheap bus service for those who can’t drive and wish to visit some of the neighbouring resorts. Alternatively, visitors can rent mopeds to take them around the resort or make the most of the inter-island ferries that travel around the beaches.
Getting Around:
- Buses: There is a bus service in the summer months serving the main holiday resorts
- Taxis: The official taxis are white with a green illuminated light at the top
- Inter-island Ferries: Passenger ferries run from the main resorts in the summer months
- Airports: Ibiza and the nearby island of Formentera are served by Ibiza airport
Fare Information:
- Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about €15
Image: Ibiza airport by Luke7100
Ibiza Bloggers: Top Tips
Marisa and Virgil - Ibiza Inside
"We are Marisa and Virgil and we like to share our love for Ibiza with you. Ibiza has many faces. You can dance the night away or you can relax on one of the beautiful beaches that Ibiza has to offer. You can wine and dine and live your life like a rock star for a little while.
"We have a great tip for you when you like to surprise your loved one with a romantic dinner. Come a little closer so we can whisper this tip in your ear, because this is one of Ibiza’s secrets. El Bigote which means moustache in Spanish is a lovely little restaurant on the beach of Cala Mastella. There is no phone, the only way you can make a reservation is by walking to the restaurant alongside the cliff. There is only one dish Bullit de Peix (fish cooked in saffron with potatoes), but we promise you this will be something you will never forget.
"We wish you a great stay in Ibiza and we hope you will love El Bigote. Stay tuned for some more tips that we will share with you soon."
Miss W - White Ibiza (Editor & Blogger)
"My top tip is to leave space in your luggage! Ibiza is renowned as a fashionable destination, attracting models, designers, fashionistas and beautiful people from all over the globe, but not as a shopping destination, but I beg to differ. Most visitors come with a suitcase full of their new holiday wardrobe, which means Ibiza's super cool fashion boutiques are often left with an overload of current fashion items and mark them down to up to 70% off. The summer sales are the best, as they happen from the second week of July until the end of August to make way for winter fashion - but it's perfect timing because that's exactly when you want to wear your new designer swimwear/shoes/frocks."
Gary Douglas - Ibiza Blog
"Just take one suitcase! Some airlines allow a larger baggage allowance for your first case, take advantage of that and remember, you spend all day and evening in the same shorts or bikini for your whole trip! Ive been to Ibiza more times than i remember with lots of different friends, and everyone has unworn clothes / shoes by the end of the holiday. After years of practice, even my girlfriend is happy to visit Ibiza with one suitcase and some forward outfit planning!"
If you're planning on booking a holiday to the island of Ibiza, check out the wide selection of Ibiza hotels available to suit every budget.
