Name a more iconic party holiday destination, we’ll wait. Ibiza’s clubbing scene needs no introduction, but this buzzy Balearic Island’s got a lot going for it beyond the booming basslines and bright lights, too. The north side’s home to secluded coves and cute coastal villages, and Ibiza Town itself has a UNESCO-protected old quarter, ancient architecture and a pretty port. With so much to squeeze in, here’s how you can get the most out of your Ibiza trip.
Pick your perfect party
If you want to dabble in Ibiza’s nightlife but don’t fancy a late one, you’re in luck. From boat parties to poolside events, there’s something going on at all hours of the day here, so you can do as much dancing as you like and still get your full eight hours.
When the evening rolls around, San Antonio’s Sunset Strip is the place to be. Beachfront bars Café del Mar and Café Mambo serve up an unreal atmosphere with chilled-out beats and scenery that’s guaranteed to give you a serotonin boost.
Going out out? The superclubs over in Playa d’en Bossa are the real deal. Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza never disappoint, with the biggest DJs and serious special effects making it very difficult not to dance ‘til late.
Add in an experience – or three
Whether you prefer culture to clubbing or need a time-out before you go again, Ibiza’s got a softer side that feels a whole world away from its party resorts. Of course, you can make your own way around, but we’ve picked out our fave First Choice Experiences that tick off all of the island’s best bits, too.
Nothing feels more boujie than kicking back on a catamaran and sailing across the Med in style. You’ll stop at pretty s’Espalmador – a secluded island with a dreamy beach – before getting back on board for a barbecue freshly prepared by the crew. Then, you’ll park up near Ibiza’s Balearic neighbour Formentera to soak up the coastline scenery with a dip in the sea before heading back home.
Get your history on with an evening tour of island’s main city. You’ll start in the old quarter, known by the locals as Dalt Vila. It’s earned every part of its UNESCO status, with huge defensive walls, cobbled streets and a 13th-century cathedral that’s got some of the best views over the town. Your next stop’s the pretty marina, lined with bars, shops and restaurants, before wrapping up the tour at Las Dalias Hippy Market. Stroll through the colourful stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothes and art, or soak up the good vibes at one of the bars.
Pack all of Ibiza’s must-see things into one handy tour. First up’s the ancient salt flats of Las Salinas, a huge stretch of wetland that used to be Ibiza’s main moneymaker and local flamingo hangout. You’ll stop at a few of the island’s prettiest villages along the way, like San Jose and Santa Eulalia, then it’s onto Portinatx for lunch by the coast. The day’s rounded off with a trip to the cute port of San Miguel, and a visit to the nearby Caves of Can Marca.
Check out all our First Choice Experiences in Ibiza.
Make a whole trip of it with Byway
You might as well add in a few extra stops while you’re in the area – it would be rude not to, right? Pick the scenic route and make the most out of your trip to Ibiza by train and ferry with our flight-free partner, Byway. You’ll whizz down through France and into Spain, where you’ll spend a night in Girona. The Catalan capital’s split in half by a river, with a Medieval quarter on one side and the more modern side of the city on the other. After an evening of sightseeing, you’ll catch a train and an overnight ferry over to Ibiza. You’ve got five nights here, which is plenty of time to pack everything in. Spend sunny days on the sand at Playa de Talamanca, weave through the age-old streets of Ibiza Town, and live your best life two-stepping to a live DJ in beach club.
No sad home-time feels here – next up is one night in Barcelona. Wander down Las Ramblas, squeeze in a trip to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia or see some Roman Ruins at Museu Historia de Barcelona. Then, it’s onto Paris for strolls along the seine, Montmartre skyline views and all the baguettes you can eat, before jumping on the Eurostar back to London.
Book before the 30th of June 2024 to get £100 off your flight-free pick! Just use our exclusive code FIRSTCHOICE100 at the checkout – it’s valid on all Byway trips with no minimum spend.
If you’re ready to experience Ibiza in all its glory, find your perfect deal on our Spain deals page.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 08/04/2024
You may also like
Things to doTravel hacks