Ibiza, Spain - Travel Guide

Ibiza is far more than its legendary nightlife. Yes, superclubs like Ushuaia and Pacha draw the world's top DJs, but the island also offers UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila old town, mystical Es Vedra rock, pristine hidden coves, and a bohemian spirit dating to the 1960s hippie era. Sunset at Cafe del Mar remains a Mediterranean ritual.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$80/day

Mid-range$180/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

ibizaspainbalearic_islandspartyclubsnightlifeushuaiapachaamnesiabeachescala_comtees_vedradalt_vilaunescobohemianhippie_marketelectronic_musicdjssunsetmediterraneanbeach_clubs

🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain

CapitalMadrid

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Phone Code+34

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others

Common Phrases

HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor

Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temps 25-35°C (77-95°F). Sea temperature reaches 26°C in August. Winters mild (10-16°C). Very little rain May-September. Occasional winter storms.

Best Time to Visit

Party Season: May
October (clubs open)
Peak: July
August (maximum crowds and prices)
Opening/Closing Parties: May and September
October
Off Season: November
April (quiet, many closures)

Getting There

Ibiza Airport (IBZ) has direct flights from most European cities, especially UK, Germany, and Spain
Summer season brings massive flight capacity
Some carriers from US (seasonal via connecting cities)
Airport 7km from Ibiza Town
Ferries available from Barcelona, Valencia, and Denia (mainland Spain) plus Mallorca and Formentera

Getting Around

Rental car recommended for exploring hidden beaches and the north
Discobus runs between major clubs and resorts at night during season
Regular buses connect main towns
Taxis expensive, especially at night
Water taxis to Formentera and beaches
Mopeds/scooters popular but be careful

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
European health standards
EHIC/GHIC card for EU citizens
Good medical facilities
Late nights and alcohol mean pace yourself

Staying Connected

Spanish carriers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange)
Excellent 4G/5G coverage
eSIM works perfectly
Free WiFi at hotels, cafes, clubs
EU roaming applies

Local Cuisine

Bullit de Peix must_try

Traditional Ibicencan fish stew served in two courses - first the rich broth with rice or noodles, then the fish. A true taste of island fishing herit

Sofrit Pagès local_favorite

Hearty meat and potato stew with chicken, lamb, sobrasada sausage, and local herbs. Traditional farmer's dish, perfect after a night of dancing.

Hierbas Ibicencas must_try

Anise-based herbal digestif made with local herbs from the island - rosemary, thyme, fennel, and more. Served ice cold after meals. The taste of Ibiza

Flaó must_try

Traditional Ibicencan cheesecake made with local fresh cheese, eggs, and mint or aniseed. Not too sweet, perfect end to a meal. Easter specialty now a

Seafood Paella must_try

While not originally Ibicencan, fresh seafood paella at a beach restaurant is essential. Best with local lobster or mixed seafood.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Major Club Events (Ushuaia, Pacha, Amnesia) tour_or_activity

Book 1-8 weeks in advance

Big DJs and special events sell out. Tickets at door much more expensive.

Peak Season Hotels Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance for peak season

July-August hotels book up months ahead. Good locations expensive and scarce.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Beach Club Reservations Dining

Book 3-14 days in advance

Popular beach clubs like Blue Marlin and Nikki Beach fill up.

Café del Mar Sunset Seats Dining

Book 1-7 days in advance

Prime sunset seats highly sought after in peak season.

Fun Facts

1. Ibiza's Dalt Vila (old town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with walls dating to the 16th century.
2. The island was a hippie haven in the 1960s before becoming the world's clubbing capital.
3. Es Vedrà, the mystical rock off Ibiza's coast, is said to be the third most magnetic spot on Earth after the North Pole and Bermuda Triangle.
4. Ibiza produces the only legal sea salt in Spain that can be called "Flor de Sal."

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