Pack your suitcases and board on the ferry to Ibiza to witness a one-of-a-kind experience in the world's most energetic and famous party island in the Balearic!
Ibiza or Eivissa, named by the locals in Catalan, is one the 5 Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera, Cabrera) which are located southern of Barcelona and eastern of Valencia in the Spanish mainland. In addition, itself and Formentera are forming the Pityusic Islands (Pitiusas) or Pine Islands. It is the 3rd largest of its sisters and it is in the spotlight among young tourists who seek to party until the morning hours, often called "Europe's Party Capital" and "White Island". Ibiza owns some fine clubs and hosts parties / festivals like no other place in the world but keep in mind that the island can offer far more than just clubbing and dancing. With a little research, people can see that there are plenty of other things to do and while in Ibiza. It is also an ideal destination for someone with a family, especially its northern side. Months such as September, October and those before May are probably the best season for those who are traveling to Ibiza and look for relaxation combined with perfectly with the Mediterranean climate.
In 1930 the island had become a peaceful getaway for the non-conforming refugees who sought freedom from authoritarian status quo. Untouched from tourism back then, it slowly transformed into a hippie resort where people felt free to express their talents in art (handicrafts, pottery, musical instruments, jewelry and more). The island's popularity starting rising immensely after the 70's for its clubbing but also cultural profile. It is the year when the 3 globally known legendary clubs had opened their doors, Pacha, Amnesia and the largest nightclub in the world, Ku Club (now Privilege).
It is worth mentioning that Ibiza is a proud owner of some fine UNESCO World Heritage Site and this is an additional reason of why it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Regardless of the party lovers, those who give it a chance to be shown its other qualifications, do not regret it and confirm that the island has many more secrets to discover.
The island of Ibiza provides excellent well-developed infrastructure such as hospitals, medical centers, shops, grocery stores, an airport, all types of accommodation and frequent public transportation services.
Make your Ibiza booking with a ferry as early as possible and not in the last minute since it is possible that you will not find any as summer approaches!
How to get to Ibiza by ferry
Ibiza is situated less than 100km east of the Spanish mainland, making it easily approachable by ferry. There are numerous daily connections from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia towards the Balearic Islands with Ibiza usually being the first stop, followed by Palma de Mallorca. The ferries are providing a big variety of facilities and amenities on board in order to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the crossings while also giving you the ability to bring along your car in their spacious garages.
- Valencia to Ibiza - Valencia is relatively close to Ibiza and the ferries require 5-6 hours to dock. Routes are occurring almost every day
- Ferry to Ibiza from Barcelona - daily ferries are departing from Spain's capital with an average sailing time of around 9 hours
Ibiza port
The island owns 2 ports, one in the north and one in the south. As main Ibiza port is considered the southern one (Port d'Eivissa), in the capital, where the ancient city is located (Dalt Vila) and one of the best places to stay. It is an area with lots of character and plenty of shops, world class restaurants, great selections of bars, spectacular sights and accommodations for all budgets. La marina is also part of the port and is the place where big luxurious yachts are anchored, giving the region a cosmopolitan air. A walk among the narrow streets with the whitewashed houses surrounded by the old fortress is definitely worth it.
There is no issue if you preferred to travel without your car since there is the choice of using the public means of transport after the ships drops you off at the port. There are also many buses and taxis which depart from the island's airport, Aeroport d'Eivissa, that provide links with the port.
Public Transportation from Ibiza Port
The public transportation from Ibiza port is connecting it with its main towns and points or interest. The island possesses a well-developed road network infrastructure with buses and taxis that are running all day long. You can always rent a car or scooter if you don't want to rely on the public means of transport. Check below your alternatives in further detail:
Bus
The regular bus service operates throughout the entire island and buses run frequently. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. Please, visit Ibiza Bus for more details.
Taxi
Taxis are omnipresent in Ibiza. If you want to be more organized, take a look in Ibiza Taxis and book one in advance.
Aeroport d'Eivissa to Ibiza Port
In order to arrive to Ibiza port from Aeroport d'Eivissa, you can take advantage of the following means of transport:
Bus
Outside the airport facilities, you can find numerous buses that operate towards most villages. In Ibiza Airport Bus you will find all the needed information.
Taxi
Taxis are outside the arrivals terminal. Grab one and reach your destination on the island or visit Ibiza Airport Taxis so as to call one beforehand.
Vacation in Ibiza
During your vacation in Ibiza, you can surely dance till the morning to its great variety of nightclubs and bars. The parties and festivals hosted there are mind-blowing, having as guests globally known DJs and performers. Of course, swimming and sunbathing with a refreshing cocktail in its Blue Flag beaches is also a must-do. In the south, you can find crowded beaches and pools while in the north, they are rocky and wilder, being suitable for more privacy and seclusion. Moreover, spacious agritourism airbnb apartments, camping areas, luxury villas and some of the finest hotels and resorts can be found in Ibiza with deluxe facilities and plenty of extra services like tennis courts, spas, pools, gyms and more.
Except for the above, it is no coincidence that Ibiza is also visited for its rich past, culture, architecture and landmarks. The island owns some alluring World Heritage Sites along with plenty of other notable sights. Furthermore, Ibiza attracts sport lovers as well, since it provides a variety of activities that can be done, like all kinds of water sports, mountain biking, trekking, horse riding, go-kart, yoga, plus the many sport facilities it possesses (basketball, soccer, tennis). Last but not least, the Mediterranean climate and delicious cuisine could not be missed from the list. The Spanish are famous too, for their gastronomy and there, you can taste heavenly dishes in the many top-of-the-line restaurants and snack bars.
Ibiza Beaches
- Playa d'en Bossa in the south, hosting all day parties (Las Salinas, Bora Bora)
- Cala Jondal in the south, ideal for relaxing with many restaurants around such as the famous Tropicana
- Cala d'Hort and Cala Vadella in the west, offering spectacular views to the island Es Vedra
- Cala Salada, a rocky cove northwest with turquoise waters
- Benirrás in the north, hosting a famous Drumming Ritual every Sunday
- Cala Xarraca in the north, suitable for snorkeling
- Playa de La Cueva De Portinatx in the northernmost point of the island, being rocky and secluded
- Cala d'en Serra just 2km east of Playa de la Cueva, it is a small rocky cove surrounded by green nature
- Santa Eulalia northeast of the main town, with golden sand and a scenic promenade
- Talamanca is just a few meters away from the marina in the main town and its ideal for families
- Cala Compte (Cala Conta) on the island's west side, providing dazzling views when the sun sets. It is considered by many, as the best beach in Ibiza
- Experimental Beach just south of the airport, with a luxurious beach bar/restaurant
- O Beach (Ocean Beach) in the village of San Antonio in the north, once the central place for parties and now the 2nd busiest town in Ibiza
- Cala Blanca and Cala Llonga on the eastern part, being a mixture of pebbles and golden sand while having crystal clear waters
- Cala Martina, northeast, next to Punta Arabi Hippie Market and southern of Es Cana camping facilities
- Cala Gracio, a few kilometers north of San Antonio, with the graphical Cala Gracioneta beach bar
Ibiza Hotels & Accommodation
- Pikes Hotel, of course, no other could be in the top spot of the list than Pikes Hotel. The place where "Club Tropicana" by Wham! was filmed and where Freddy Mercury celebrated his 41th birthday in 1987
- Grand Palladium
- Rocks Hotel
- Ushuaia
- Nobu
- Amàre Beach Hotel
- Santa Eulalia
- Sensatori
- 7Pines
Places to Visit
- The first thing you will see after arriving in Ibiza is its capital and the ancient fortified city of Dalt Vila, very picturesque and ideal for strolling and dining in one of its restaurants (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Santo Domingo Church
- Puig des Molins necropolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site) & Contemporary Art Museum
- Cap Blanc Aquarium, built in a natural cave
- Moscarter Lighthouse. Just do not forget to bring your camera along
- Ses Salines Natural Park
- The ancient Phoenician village of Sa Caleta (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Santa Agnès de Corona, Es Cubells, Sant Miquel de Balansat, Sant Agustí des Vedrà, Sant Vicent de sa Cala & Santa Eulària des Riu villages
- The renowned sunset bar Cafe Del Mar
- Pacha, Amnesia, Privilege, Space, Bora Bora clubs, most of them being famous for the crazy parties they host with costumes, glitters, confetti and inflatables
- Medieval Fair in Dalt Vila which turns into a big festival & Punta Arabi & Las Dalias Hippie Market in Es Canar where you can buy handmade crafts, jewelry and more
- Es Vedra the mysterious island & Formentera, the Caribbean of the Mediterranean Sea
- If you visit Ibiza in May, you can attend Festa de Maig & Festa de Nostra Sayonara, the 2 colorful festivals taking place the 1st and 2nd Sunday of May respectively
Ibiza to Balearic Islands
You can effortlessly hop from Ibiza to the rest of the Balearic Islands since there are repeated ferry connections during the day. Organize your vacation in a way that you pay a visit to Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera at least for a day and your effort will be rewarded.
Formentera is south of Ibiza and is opposing the port in the main town. Vessels do not need more than 40 minutes to drop you. The crossings happen all day long, from early in the morning to late at night.
Mallorca and more specifically, Palma de Mallorca (the port of arrival), is northeastern of Ibiza and ferries can take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on their type. Sailings take place every day.
