Ibiza

• Destinations
• ➝
• Spain - Balearic islands: Ibiza

Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean Sea 79 km off the coast of the city of Valencia in Spain. It is the third largest of the Balearic Islands, an autonomous community of Spain. With Formentera, it is one of the two Pine Islands or Pityuses. Its largest cities are Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.

The relatively small island and its cities have become world-famous for their associations with tourism, nightlife, and the electronic music the island has originated. It is well known for its summer club parties which attract large numbers of tourists. Ibiza is also home to the legendary "port" in Ibiza Town, a popular stop for many tourists and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Public holidays

  National Bank Holidays:

  • January 1st: New Year´s day
  • January 6th: Epiphany
  • April: Holy Thrusday and Holy Friday (date varies )
  • May 1st: Labour day
  • August 15th: Assumption of the Virgin Mary
  • October 12th: National holiday
  • November 1st: All Saints day
  • December 6th: Day of the Spanish Constitution
  • December 8th: Immaculate Conception
  • December 25th: Christmas
  • December 26th: Christmas

  Local Bank Holidays:

  • January 17th: Patron Saint´s day in San Antonio
  • January 21st: Patron Saint´s day in Santa Inés
  • Febraury 12th: Patron Saint´s day in Santa Eulalia
  • March 19th: Patron Saint´s day in San José
  • April 2nd: Patron Saint´s day in San Francisco
  • April 5th: Patron Saint´s day in San Vicente
  • April 23rd: Patron Saint´s day in San Jorge
  • June 24th: Patron Saint´s day in San Juan
  • August 5th: Patron Saint´s day of Ntra. Sra. Nieves in Ibiza town
  • August 10th: Patron Saint´s day in San Lorenzo
  • August 24th: Patron Saint´s Bartolomeus in San Antonio
  • August 28th: Patron Saint´s day in San Agustin
  • September 8th: Patron Saint´s day in Jesús
  • September 21st: Patron Saint´s day in San Mateo
  • September 29th: Patron Saint´s day in San Miguel
  • October 24th: Patron Saint´s day in San Rafael
  • November 4th: Patron Saint´s day in San Carlos
  • November 16th: Patron Saint´s day in Santa Gertrudis

• Top things to do

  1. Dalt Vila Visit

  The walled city of Dalt Vila, should be one of the points required for all visitors to Ibiza for its impressive walls and the beauty and tranquility that gives a stroll through the ancient cobbled streets. But you can do much more things than just walking the streets of Old Ibiza, and visit the Cathedral of Ibiza, closer to the viewpoint of the cathedral, have a snack or lunch in any of the terraces. However, the slopes of the hills makes it a difficult road to travel during the day in the warmer months, so some choose to visit at night, with a totally different atmosphere.

  Exploring Dalt Vila is advisable not only to get to know a little about the history of Ibiza, but to enjoy a unique ride. The views change completely depending on day and night, so we recommend visiting at different times of the day. For beach lovers, visiting Dalt Vila is one of the things you can do on rainy or cloudy days.

   2. The island of Es Vedra

  Surely the island of Es Vedra is one of the most famous images of Ibiza. Almost 400 meters high it rises almost vertically from the sea, the magic of Es Vedra captivates everybody who sees it. And it’s not only an area for tourists: many locals need to see the island from time to time to feel protected by the energy emanating from this point.

  Worth a visit not only for Es Vedra: the area is of incomparable beauty with a natural environment of great pine forests. In addition, there are more things to do in the area, such as visiting the small town of Es Cubells or bathing on the beach of Cala d'Hort.

   3. Swim at the beach

  Of course you've already thought of this when setting foot on the island. The beaches of Ibiza are one of the bests in the Mediterranean Sea and some of them are listed as one of the best beaches in the world.

  In addition, the variety of beaches on the island, invite to do much more than swimming and sunbathing: scuba diving, jumping into the water from small cliffs, jet skiing or having lunch or dinner at a restaurant on the beach.

   4. Party Benirràs drums

  The Benirràs beach alone is worth a visit, but to experience the festival of the drums is one of the original things that can still be seen in Ibiza's legacy left to us by the hippies on the island.

  Though it began spontaneously by a group of hippies who found this place a magical point thanks to the light projected from the sea, now it is a special event and Benirràs has become a must-see for anyone. By the way, if you want to feel more like a hippie, you can also participate by playing a drum.

   5. Living like a celebrity

   In Ibiza the summer combines many cultures, a lot of people from different places with different lifestyles: clubbers eager to party, artists and craft vendors and famous international stars.

   If you want to, it is easy to see celebrities by sitting at the next table in a restaurant, on the beach or even going for a drink or going to the same club. Ibiza concentrates all the players of the tabloids and you can see them easily on the island.

   6. Dancing peasant

  If you like traditional dances and the culture of Ibiza, you should see a performance of ball pages, the old Ibiza courtship dance, a ritual of uncertain origin. The ball pages is the traditional dance of the Balearic Islands, which includes much of the folklore of Ibiza, and Formentera.

  And not only the ball pages (or folk dances) are of great importance to the cultural, but everything that surrounds them: the unique musical instruments, songs and traditional costumes of great complexity.

   7. Formentera Visit

  You probably already have thought of it, but make a trip to Formentera, it is one of the great things you can do if you're going to Ibiza. 

  Although the island of Formentera in itself is worth a visit, if you want a first contact with this little island, you can make a one day excursion. It is possible to see Formentera in one day and enjoy some of the incredible turquoise sea. 

   8. The sunset

  Another great attraction is the beautiful sunset! If you spend the day at the beach and want to go out at night, you will certainly have a time gap in between... Ibiza is the place where there are always things to do!

  On the west coast of Ibiza you have the best magical view of the sunset as the sun melts into the sea, in a natural spectacle that transforms the sky and the sea in beautiful colors. You can see the sunset from a mythical place like Café del Mar, from beaches as Benirràs, living the hippie atmosphere, or find yourself a secret place to see it in solitude.

   9. Mud bath

  One of the most attractive things and less known, you can do on some beaches in Ibiza and Formentera, is to take a natural mud bath! There is very little information about it but it’s worth a try. A completely free activity which is fun and beneficial for your skin.

   10. Ibiza Markets

   Experience the legacy left by hippies: the markets are some of the places where one can live the essence, walk and take a look at crafts and original products.

   But there are other things to do in these markets of Ibiza's; live performances with drums and rhythmic groups and restaurants with delicious food.

• Getting there

  Remember that Ibiza it’s mostly a beach destination, so you should pack light it you are coming during the summertime. You should always have sun protection available.

  The currency in Spain is the Euro. When changing money, you should always use official money exchange offices or banks.

  If you are travelling from a country outside the European Union you must declare any cash of over 10,000 Euros or more (or the equivalent in other currencies). When buying goods in Spain with credit or debit cards, all customers, regardless of the nationality, must show their ID. You may show a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport, but you may be required to show your passport.

  If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. As a general rule, if you require hospital treatment in Spain you are more likely to receive appropriate care in a public healthcare facility. Your insurance or medical assistance company will be able to provide further details.

• Did you know...?

  UNESCO commended Ibiza´s cultural and natural wealth by declaring more than 85 square kilometers of the island a World Heritage site in 1999. The Posidonia Oceanica plant, the Phoenician settlement at Sa Caleta, the necropolis at Puig des Molins and the walled enclosure of Dalt Vila are all considered by the organization to be unique in the world. As a result, the island is not only a wonderful place to enjoy the sun, its beaches, nature and night live, but it is also an ideal place for a culturally enriching experience due to the rich legacy left by the different civilizations that have formed part of the history of the island.

  Ibiza has a rich biological diversity, with many different endemic species like the famous lizard os ses Pitiüses (podarcis pityusensis), with can be found all over the countryside of the islands. The Podenco dog is a protected specimen for being a symbolic animal of the island. A great diversity of bird-life fly over and nest on the island. Moreover, Ibiza houses numerous indigenous birds such as Eleonor Falcon, the fisher eagle, called Monudo Cormorand, the barn owl and the Audouin seagull, as well as beautiful flamingos. Te marine environment of Ibiza and Formentera is home to numerous animal species, such as: Serranos (local fish), seahorses, groupers or octopuses. The marine ecosystem of Ibiza is famous for being rich and healthy.

• Trips, Tours & Activities

  Island Tour

  A full day excursion allowing you to discover what has made this “White Island” internationally famous. Charming enclaves, beautiful beaches and sites of cultural interest are all included on this guided bus tour. A stop for lunch will be made. The Wednesday excursion will include a visit to the Hippy Market at Es Cana and on Saturday the market of Las Dalias, San Carlos.

  Es Vedra-Cruise

  A full day cruise taking you along the coast from San Antonio to sail around the mythical island rock of Es Vedrá. For clients with transport included, the trip will start at your hotel or pick-up point; for others the start will be at the port of San Antonio, where we join the glass-bottom boat for a cruise along a coastline littered with small bays and coves.  On arrival at the bay of Cala D’Hort, situated in front of Es Vedra, you will be able to dive and swim in the crystal clear waters before being served an aperitif (sangria). We continue our journey to one of the nearby bays where lunch will be served – salad, paella, dessert, bread, wine and water, finishing off with a “Café Caleta”. After lunch there will be time for swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing before your journey back to San Antonio and, if applicable, onwards to your hotel/pick-up point.

  Formentera Bus

  A trip to Ibiza´s sister island of Formentera, a paradise which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. After being collected at your hotel or pick-up point and taken to the port in Ibiza, you will make the short sea crossing to Formentera before boarding a coach for the guided tour around the Island. Places of interest to be seen include San Francisco Javier (capital), Mirador – providing a panoramic view of the entire island, La Mola – the lighthouse, Las Salinas – salt flats, and Es Pujols or Mitjorn beach. Returning to la Sabina, you return by boat to Ibiza for onward transport to your hotel or pick up point.

  Katamaran

  An unforgettable experience for all lovers of the sea and sailing!  After being collected from your hotel or pick-up point, you will be taken to Ibiza port, to board our modern sailing catamaran. After cruising down the south-east coast, we turn and head for “Es Freus” as the area between the islands of Ibiza and Formentera is known. We finally drop anchor in the crystal clear water of “Illetas beach”. Here there will be time to swim, sunbath and enjoy a delicious BBQ prepared for you by the crew. Returning to Ibiza, you will be taken by bus to your departure point. Don’t forget swimming costumes, towels and sun-cream.

  Ibiza by night

  Enjoy an evening stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old walled town of Ibiza. Lose yourself in the magical atmosphere of one of the most famous areas of the Island.  After being collected from your hotel or pick-up point, you will be taken to Ibiza town where your visit will begin either from the port or from the upper part of the old town. Walking through the streets you will be able to admire the panoramic view as well as the cosmopolitan nightlife of Ibiza’s capital city. Free time will be given to visit the market stalls and shops around the port, or to sit and have a drink in one of the many bars whilst watching the world go by.

  Hippy Market

  A unique opportunity to browse or buy from the vast variety of both Hippy and Ibicencan hand-made goods! Collected from your hotel or pick-up point you travel to the popular Hippy Market of “Punta Arabí” situated in Es Caná, where you will have time to look around the stalls and to buy some of the locally produced goods.

• Accommodation

  Simbad 4*
  situated in the bay of Talamanca,only 3 km away from Ibiza town. The hotel Simbad was reformed during the winter of 2007 and offers a modern and a relaxing space in which one can enjoy holidays all year round in a lay back atmosphere. Its modern decor and privileged sea side position with outstanding views make it an ideal place to rest.
   
  Fiesta Hotel Don Toni 3*
  it is the perfect hotel for couples, friends and families looking for an unforgettable holiday on one of the most famous beaches. The hotel’s wide variety of services and facilities, spacious and comfortable rooms, entertainment program for all ages and privileged location makes it an ideal choice for a pleasant, fun-filled stay.
   
  Sirenis Cala Llonga Resort 3*
  it comprises two hotels: the Sirenis Hotel Playa Imperial*** and Sirenis Hotel Playa Dorada***. The resort is located in a peaceful area 12 km from the centre of Ibiza and 7 km from Santa Eulalia. The Resortstands out due to its unique location overlooking the magnificent Cala Llonga beach with its crystal clear sea. This hotel complex offers one of the most spectacular sea views in a fantastic environment, surrounded by pine-covered hills, the perfect place to spend a tranquil family holiday.

  Sirens Hotel Goleta & Spa 4*
  situated in the Playa d’en Bossa area, one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island, you will love the hotel with its spectacular views of the Mediterranean. You will also be able to discover the beauty of Dalt Vila, the old town of ibiza, declared world heritage by the UNESCO. The hotel is aproud bearer of the “Q” for quality, awarded by the tourism quality institute, offers its customers an international and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

• Transfers

  Private transfer can be booked during the whole year and shuttle transfers are offered from June to September.

  The clients will receive information about pick up time for departure transfers 1 day before they leave.

• Meetings and events

  Our company offers all kind of activities, charters, excursions with or without skipper, events in water, earth and air, incredible balloon flight that over the white island or parasailing; party’s at Benirras, party’s on board of any sailboat or yacht weddings, flower power party’s on board of a sailboat, wakeboard, or you can rent a catamaran and discover the island by yourself.

• What we recommended

  In general, restaurants on the coast offer exquisite fish and seafood dishes. Of particular interest are dishes such as “bullit de peix” (fish hotpot), paella or “la burrida de ratjada”, a typical local fish dish.

  We recommend the following restaurants: Es Boldado (Calda d’Hort), El Carmen (Calda d’Hort) and Balansat (Puerto de San Miguel).

  In the interior, tourists can find restaurants which serve typical dishes which are primarily meat-based. Outstanding dishes include “arrós de matances” (a rice dish with meat), “frita de porc” (a pork dish), and “sofrit pages” (a typical countryside dish). These are all rich dishes typical of local eating customs.

  We recommend the following restaurants: Ca na Pepeta (Sant Llorenç), Es Faralló (Santa Eulalia del Rio), Balafia (Sant Llorenç).

  Outstanding desserts include a delicious tart made with goat and sheep cheeses and mint, known as “flaó”; a pudding made of ensaimadas, milk and eggs called “greixonera”. On important social occasions, it’s typical to eat “orelletes”, small ear-shaped cakes.

  The adlib fashion has taken many characteristics of the Ibicencan garments. This fashion was taken from the spirit of the hippy way of dressing who arrived to the island during the 70s, under the emblem “Dress like you want, but with style”. This style, related to the white color, has become an important label in industrial, economic and tourist terms. You can buy them in any shop at Ibiza harbor or at the hippy markets.

• Special events

  During your holiday season the towns and villages come alive with the fiestas, the city of Ibiza is adorned in August to celebrate its patron saint. The homage to Saint Mary on the 5th and the commemoration of the conquest of the city on the 8th of August 1235 are the two key dates of these festivities that combine culture, sport and leisure activities. In the busiest month of the year, residents and tourists join together for the so-called “Festes de la Terra” (festivities of the land), attending concerts, displays and exhibitions of Ibiza folklore.

  The anniversary of the declaration of these World Heritage Sites is celebrated in style each year with an authentic Medieval Celebration in the city of Eivissa. In May, the whole town takes on a medieval atmosphere with bandoleers, standards, pennants, and street theatre performances featuring typical medieval characters.