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150 kilometers off the Spanish coast, surrounded by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Ibiza is the epitome of an island paradise. With 210 kilometers of white, sandy beaches, hidden coves and a UNESCO-listed old town, it’s no wonder over 7 million tourists descend on Ibiza every summer.
Well known as Europe’s party capital – and there’s nothing quite like an Ibiza party – it’s easy to forget just how much the White Island has to offer. First settled by the Phoenicians in 654 BC, this tiny island has plenty of tales to tell. For centuries under Moorish rule, it was only in 1715 that Ibiza, and its Balearian neighbors, became a part of Spain.
Whether you’ve come to Ibiza to go wild in Sant Antoni or discover the culture in Ibiza city, three days in Ibiza will give you the chance to try both and more. Our Ibiza itinerary shows you two very different sides to this captivating island.
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Best time of year for your Ibiza Itinerary
Summer is the most popular time to visit Ibiza. The busy season kicks off in early June and runs through to September when average temperatures hover around 27°C (80°F). As a popular destination for western Europeans, particularly Brits, the school summer holidays (the last week of July to the first week of September) is the busiest time.
To get the best deals on accommodation and avoid the worst of the crowds, we recommend visiting Ibiza before the seasons gets in to full swing. May and early June is our favorite time to visit. If Sant Antoni’s nightclubs are what’s drawing you to Ibiza, most clubs get going over the last weekend in April, so you won’t miss out.
Getting to Ibiza
The easiest way to reach Ibiza is to fly. Ibiza Airport (IBZ), 7 kilometers from Ibiza city, is well served by flights from across Europe. Many destinations are only served through the summer season, but year-round routes exist to several Spanish cities, London City, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris. If you’re coming from further afield, you’ll need to connect via a European hub. Rental cars are available at the airport and bus line 10 connects it with Ibiza city in around 30 minutes.
An alternative to flying, kick off this Ibiza itinerary with a relaxing ferry ride from mainland Spain. The Balearics main ferry operator, Balearia, offer daily departures from three Spanish ports. The quickest route, taking just two hours, departs from the port of Denia, half way between Valencia and Alicante. You can also sail from Valencia (six hours) and Barcelona (nine hours).
Travel tip: The largest Balearic island, Mallorca, is just 150 kilometers from Ibiza. Once you’ve experienced this Ibiza itinerary, it’s well worth heading up to Mallorca for a couple of days. There are several daily flights as well as an evening ferry.
Where to Stay in Ibiza
Ibiza City
For this Ibiza itinerary, we recommend staying in the island’s historic capital, Ibiza. Yes, just to confuse matters, Ibiza’s main city shares a name with the island itself. With a population of just 50,000, Ibiza has the charm of a small town with all the amenities of a big city. In my opinion, the UNESCO-listed old town is, hands down, the most enchanting place on the whole island.
Our top pick for Ibiza is Hostal Europa Punico. An excellent value, traditional hostal with a fantastic restaurant serving local cuisine, it’s right in the heart of the old town. If you want a room with a view, check out Ryans La Marina. True to its name, it’s right by the marina and sea view rooms, complete with balconies, offer some of the best views in town.
For those who prefer a more modern feel, Core Ibiza Town won’t disappoint. It may be in the heart of the old town, but the spacious rooms come with all the mod-cons. Ocean Drive is the perfect option when you need a classic, full-service hotel. Overlooking the small boat harbor, Ocean Drive is surrounded by some of Ibiza’s finest restaurants.
Sant Antoni
Ibiza’s party capital, Sant Antoni, also has an excellent selection of hotels. They do get booked up months in advance during summer, and prices can be on the higher side, so book as far ahead as possible. Our top pick here is M Hotel. A modern hotel, 10-minutes’ walk from the beach with a stunning rooftop pool, it offers the perfect balance between comfort and economy. The attached Hostal Marino is a great budget alternative.
If you’re searching for a spot right by the sea, Hotel Es Mitjorn couldn’t be closer. Adults-only Aparhotel Vibra Central City comes with great sea views, an outdoor pool and a relaxed vibe.
Ultimate 3-Day Ibiza Itinerary
Day One
Morning: Arrival & Brunch on the Water
Head straight to Ibiza from the airport or ferry terminal to offload your bags, or check in early if you’re able. Then, set you for a wander to get your bearings. Ibiza is a small city and easy to explore on foot. When you don’t fancy walking, local buses, taxis and Uber are readily available.
Once you’re settled in, head down to the marina at the foot of the old town. Take a seat outside Tender espresso bar to watch the world go by.
Kicking off your Ibiza itinerary in true White Isle style, round off your first morning on a brunch cruise with a live DJ. Cruise over the crystal clear, calm waters of the Med on a luxurious superyacht, taking in the views from your own VIP sunbed. Enjoy a bottomless brunch of Spanish classics, including paella prepared in front of your eyes, unlimited drinks and the chance to dive in for a swim. Does it get anymore Ibiza than this?
Afternoon: Explore Ibiza’s Old Town
Back on dry land, head up hill to explore Ibiza’s beautiful UNESCO-listed old town, Dalt Vila. Fortified 2500 years ago, stroll in through the main city gates into the main square, Plaza de Vila. Pay a visit to MACE (the Museum of Contemporary Art) before heading to the cathedral.
Travel tip: To get the most out of your afternoon in Dalt Vila, consider booking a guide for a private tour. Alternatively, join a local food expert to uncover the delicacies which make Ibizan cuisine so special on a food tour of the old town.
The old town highlight of this Ibiza itinerary, the Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves (the Virgin of the Snows) was built between the 14th & 18th centuries. Dedicated by Pope Pius VI in 1782, it’s the most important Catholic church on the island. Keep your eyes peeled for the Gothic monstrance of golden silver dating from 1399 and the panels depicting Saint Tecla and Saint Anthony, painted in the 14th century.
Wrap up your time in Dalt Vila with a visit to Ibiza’s imposing castle. At the highest point of the town, the castle originated as a Moorish fortification in the 8th century. Expanded upon gradually through the centuries, the most recent addition is an 18th century army barracks.
Evening: Dinner by the Harbor
Round off day one of this Ibiza itinerary with dinner at Calma. With a prime location in Ibiza Marina, they serve up delicious Ibizan cuisine with views to match. Highlights include fresh seafood, with calamari and fried octopus being the stars of the show, and succulent locally soured meat. Although I do find myself always going for the steak…
Day Two
Day Time: Island Hopping
The smallest of the Balearic islands, Formentera is only accessible by boat from Ibiza, making a visit a must on any Ibiza itinerary. A true island escape, Formentera is home to just 12,000 people. With some of the best beaches in Europe, this is the perfect place to unwind and get away from it all.
Ferries depart frequently from the marina in the heart of Ibiza city. Choose between a fast ferry (30 minutes) or more scenic traditional ferry (1 hour). Whichever you opt for, the views will be outstanding. It’s always worth booking your tickets in advance; a visit to Formentera is, quite possibly, the most popular day trip in Ibiza.
Once you’ve landed in La Savina, head straight for the beach. Whilst you could spend the entire day lounging on the soft sand, it’s well worth taking a walk along the cliff to Canteras. Dubbed Formentera’s natural swimming pools, these shallow sheltered caves are perfect for swimming away from the crowds.
After an afternoon relaxing amongst natural beauty, head back into La Savina for an early dinner. Quimera, in Hostal La Savina, has stunning views of the harbor. Choose from a five or eight course tasting menu which showcase Balearian cuisine at its finest. A vegan menu is also available.
If you fancy a break from Spanish cooking, Port Amagat is Formentera’s top Italian restaurant. They fresh pizza and pasta is divine, but the mixed seafood sampler and duck breast are the real highlights.
Ibiza After Dark: Sant Antoni’s Finest
No Ibiza itinerary would be complete without mention of the White Isle’s electric nightlife. Every summer, the world’s top DJs descend on the island and turn it in to Europe’s clubbing capital. Check the line up to see who’s on during your visit. It’s always best to book tickets in advance. Whilst they can usually be purchased on the door, the hottest gigs sell out fast.
Sant Antoni’s most famous club, Eden, comes with a fairly strict dress code. There’s no beach attire allowed here. Collared shirts and dress shoes are a must for men. For somewhere a little more laid back, head to Es Paradis. Only open during the summer months, it’s famous for its wild water parties.
Travel tip: Late night ‘DiscoBuses‘ run between the end of May and the end of September. They’re a great way to get between club and get back to your hotel safely at the end of the night. Last buses leave between 6 am and 7 am.
Day Three
Morning: A Leisurely Start
Whether you’ve been out all night or not, spend the final morning of your Ibiza itinerary relaxing by the pool or strolling around the streets of Dalt Vila in search of souvenirs. Plaza de Vila is the best place to pick up local handicrafts including jewellery and ceramics.
When lunch time comes around, head to Popa Ibiza. A traditional tapas and cocktail bar on the Plaza, sample Spanish favorites including patatas bravas, calamari rings, croquettes and tortilla.
Afternoon: Ibiza’s Secret Spots
For the final adventure of this Ibiza itinerary, hop into a Land Rover for a tour of some of Ibiza’s most secluded spots. Visiting the island’s best kept secrets, you’ll head west to Cala Comte. A beautiful beach overlooking uninhabited islets, Cala Comte is world’s away from the bustling beaches of Sant Antoni and Ibiza city.
After a couple of secret stops, you’ll arrive at Es Vedra. This stunning limestone rock formation is Ibiza’s answer to the Giant’s Causeway. Central to Ibizan folklore and mythology, this magical landmark is the perfect place to round off your Ibiza itinerary.
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