Is Ibiza Worth Visiting?

TLDR: For years I’ve been visiting Ibiza, (I’ve even lived there too) and every year WITHOUT FAIL, people say, “Ibiza’s dead, everyone’s going to Croatia.” Or somewhere similar. YES, there are people going to Croatia, but there are more people than ever still coming to Ibiza and there is a reason or 2 why. In this guide, I am going to answer the question “Is Ibiza worth visiting?” for solo travellers, party fans, couples and even families. I’ve been there on my own, with friends, for the clubs in a couple and as a family. I’ve got this question well and truly covered!

But if you do want a quick answer 😉

Jump to: For Families | For Party Animals | For Couples | For Solo Travellers | For Retirees

Too busy to read? Listen to summary

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The Medium-sized Quick Yes – Ibiza is brilliant for most visitor types

It’s warm in the summer, and when you get out of the main tourist drags, Ibiza has some (for Southern Europe) lovely unspoiled beauty spots. From the beaches of Talamanca, Es Canar and Cala Gracioneta which offer sandy stretches for kids to bury their parents, to snorkelling and kayaking spots for couples to be playful, like Playa Porto in Portinatax – it’s geologically diverse.

Beyond the beach, active types are catered for, it’s a stop on the Spanish Cycling tours and hikers can enjoy the interior. I’ve had three near death moments while travelling in the last decade. One was doing the tuk tuk rally in Sri Lanka, the other two were here. Both of those were from hiking steep or pathless hills that left me and my best mate facing the fear of imminent death getting back down or across to safety.

You like good restaurants with soul? You’re covered – from the flash to the familial, gastronomy options are globally recognised. Personal ‘not to be missed’ is the local legendary Asador, Can Pilot in San Rafael. If you like partying that goes without saying, and if you want Zen or nature, it’s here in spades too. Waterslide parks to cliff jumping, great food to terrible jugs of cocktails, buckets and spades to beach parties, triathlons to all night sessions – YES YES YES.

And The No – Ibiza is a bit meh for all inclusive fans

If you’re coming in the winter months and are looking for warm weather, you might be disappointed. But that’s probably the same situation for a lot of the Med. If you’re coming peak season and don’t like the crowds, then you will need to look outside of the towns for accommodation which can reduce supply and spike the cost.

Where I think it lets a traveller type down the most is the quality of accommodation. There are some nice hotels but there’s also a lot of quite spartan places to stay. Quite simple, with underwhelming food options. Sometimes the buffets are very bland, and built more for an older Spanish market. Now, this won’t bother you if you plan on cooking for yourself, or eating out, but it will impact the standard of ‘All inclusives’ available. Standards are lower.

There’s one that I think performs well, The Palladium brand, over in Playa D’en Bossa. They have a great all inclusive operation, but that’s about it. So, if you want the all inclusive experience and you’re a family etc, you might feel like there are better places to go.

Can a family enjoy Ibiza – massively yes. I’ve taken my son there many times. He is happy with Froyo, a beach and a pool. But would he prefer going to somewhere like the Algarve with a wider range of waterslide parks, or Antalya with waterslides in the hotel complex – he would 100% tell you yes. So, there you go.

Here’s my kid enjoying the sunset in Ibiza 🙂

Common complaints

These are some of the common complaints from people’s experiences of visiting Ibiza. I’ve heard them all, I can probably debunk most, or give a work around. But here’s some things to think about.

• Getting around: Taxis are expensive and Uber is a rare find – so a lot of visitors are shocked by transport costs. But this is not completely accurate. Buses are air conditioned, safe, fairly regular and cheap. What might cost 45 euros by taxi can usually be had for 2-3 euros by bus. Out of peak season, you can pick up a hire car for pennies and explore on your own time.
  Valid complaint? Not really
  
• Beaches get crowded: Like a lot of Mediterranean islands, there are rocky beaches. This means sandy shores at weekends and in peak periods get a bit crowded. Some more than others. That said, it’s a rare day that you wouldn’t find a spot on the beach for you and your towel. But I get it. Expect more congestion around Sant Antoni and Playa d’En Bossa, although the beaches at Bossa are much more expansive. The beaches eschewed by the tourists and favoured by locals are the ones to head to.
  Valid complaint? Fair
  
• Dead on rainy day: If you like the outdoor life, then rainy days can mean busy cafes and washout day parties. When it rains in Ibiza….boy does it rain. We used to slide down the streets of the West End in Sant Antoni on lilos! There isn’t a lot of indoor attractions on the island so it can feel a bit of a lost day for families as kids gets bored or under their parent’s feet.
  Valid complaint? Fair
  
• Too much noise: Come on!! It’s hedonism central. What are you talking about!? That being said, there are plenty of places to visit if you want solitude. If you are located in the clubbing districts of Marina Botafoch, Playa D’En Bossa and Sant Antoni, it will get noisier at times of the year, or night, but elsewhere – you could be in any small town in Spain. So this doesn’t hold up when you have seen more of the island. If you stand next to the speakers, you will hear music. Understood?
  Valid complaint? No
  
• Parking: Right, this is a nightmare and can make hiring a car as fun as plucking teeth. I don’t really have much advice on this one. Drive around aimlessly for hours in the baking heat hoping to find a spot not remotely conveniently located? As more people hire cars and more people move to the island, it becomes harder each year. The Spanish parking method involves a slow shunt into the cars behind them, so you run the risk of an excess claim to on a hire car. Parking is miserable. Which means if you need mobile access, for people with physical needs etc, this can make a trip to Ibiza a bit tougher.
  Valid complaint? Yes – very valid.
  
• Drink prices: These aren’t getting any cheaper I am afraid. We used to load a rescrewable lid Capri-Sun with booze in and then slip that down the back of our jeans to feel like a body bulge. This was our hack. Well that and other things 😉. Personally, the cheapest place for drinks which is a nightclub of note, is the best one on the island – DC10. As DJ fees go up, so do the need for the venues to charge more to cover the costs. If you want the music and don’t need to drink much, you can cope with it. If you’re of the ‘Stag do’ mentality and like to get smashed to bits, probably pre-load or don’t do it in the Super-clubs.
  
  Or, look, just save up for a mega night and allow yourself to go wild for once in a blue moon. So you can enjoy it with the guilt pre-handled months back. One crazy adventure at Ushuaia or DC10, is something that you can comfortably afford to cover the cost of, over the rest of your life and look back when you’re old that you had a blinder.
  Valid complaint? Yes – but what you gonna do?
  
• Hotel Final Bosses: Right – this is for those with holiday romance in mind. If you want to bring someone back to your hotel after a successful night out, expect to have them turned away or having to pay an extra person supplement on the spot. Not exactly the pre-romance moment you need, but hotels are bang on this. If you think you are going to meet people while out – don’t book a single room, get an Airbnb or a place with exterior doors that avoid the reception.
  Valid complaint? Yes.

Ibiza isn’t without its flaws and if you’re on a budget, you’re possibly going to baulk at some parts of life as a tourist here, but for a lot of the bad, there is also a different tale to tell. Ibiza is not all noise and tourists, it’s not all nightclubs and full English breakfasts. It’s a place where many people live and seek a quieter pace of life successfully. The local population is largely community focused, the infrastructure while not about to rival a mega city, is affordable and surprisingly good. It’s still pretty charming.

Top reasons to visit Ibiza

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We all have our own levers, but here’s the top reasons why you might love visiting Ibiza, whether you’re 18 to 30, over 40, a young couple or a family with kids.

So having spent so much time in Ibiza, in many guises, I’ve pulled those experiences, and a couple of bessies on my Whatsapp, to help me detail why Ibiza may be worth visiting for your needs. Here goes…

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For Families With Kids

Small Spanish towns always strike me as very community focused. Kids running around while families sit and chat – Ibiza across the island has this friendly neighbourhood feeling. This makes for an inviting area to visit as a family. But apart from that, what else makes you feel Ibiza is a worthwhile trip? Here’s a few of my favourites.

#1 The Pintxo’s Train

More than just the train – which is the same type you see around seaside towns in the UK or US. The Pintxo’s experience is a period of time between March and April (sometimes it extends to May) that sees small restaurants and cafes, swing open their doors on a Thursday night offering up small plates with a small beer for 2-3 Euros. Families come out till late, and children play together. The mini-train runs a route from start to finish, which in Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio) is usually Caló des Moro by Golden Buddha down to Cebo in San Antonio Abad. Kids will love it, parents can appreciate it doesn’t cost anything.

Why it’s worth visiting? The event is widely participated in, it comes at a time of year when accommodation is more available, and therefore cheaper, plus the event gives you a chance to experience lots of food types in a range of venues that won’t blow the budget. With kids being at times food fussy, this is a great ‘try it, and move on’ approach. The train is fun and the kids tend to congregate together across nationalities playing around, while you can enjoy a beer, a wine or a moment’s peace. It’s a fantastic trade off and shows you what Spanish community culture is really like. It’s quite aspirational, it’s really charming and a unique experience.

Where to learn more? Check out the Sant Antoni tourist office website for more details. Try here >>

#2 Natural Aquarium

On the route to Cala Gració there’s a rather non descript archway that walks you down a rocky path to Cap Blanc and a converted cave that has been transformed into a natural Aquarium. Don’t expect SeaWorld or a Sealife Centre, but do expect a well preserved cave complex which dozens of pools each containing different types of interesting aquatic life discoverable around the Med.

The caves themselves probably work for most toddlers but the sealife is also fun to while away some hours in the day.

Why it’s worth visiting? I’ve actually never seen a natural aquarium before, so it’s fairly unique. It’s well stocked, it’s sympathetic to the region in that it features locally discovered species and it’s pennies in cost to visit.

I would say as a visitor attraction, it’s less glitz and more geo. On a hot day it keeps the kids occupied and shaded, it’s highly affordable. Entrance is 6 Euros as of 2026 and it is never overwhelmed with tourists. It’s maintained in the same way a small town museum is. Never going to have the funding a major city centre venue will get, so conducts itself with the same laid back charm.

As I was sifting through photos, I remembered a few more reasons. There’s parts to the aquarium when tides are higher, where you wade in the water surrounded by sealife. There are catfish, octopus, strange looking crustaceans, sea snakes and sting ray. To top it all off, the bar at the top is a beautful spot to have a coffee looking out to sea.

Where to learn more? Visit their website here >>

#3 There’s a waterpark

I know for my own son, if there’s no waterslides, there’s no viable trip. He approves a Daddy-Son trip based on the availability of slides. Which means the Sirenis Aquagames ticks a massive box. While it doesn’t compete with the likes of Atlantis in Dubai or Slide and Splash in the Algarve, or any of the Corfu resorts, it’s safe, modern and has a good choice of slides that to keep kids entertained.

Situated over on the West of the island, about 15 minutes drive Southwest of Sant Antoni, the Sirenis Seaview Park is open throughout the Summer months and while it isn’t a vast site, it does also have the toddler’s style water area too. You know the type. Pirate ship with a bucket being filled that eventually soaks everyone standing underneath it.

Why it’s worth visiting? It makes a break from the beach or the hotel pool and after the other waterpark “Aguamar” closed down, it’s your only choice for waterslides on the island.

Find out more about Aquagames >>>

Alternative choice? If you are looking for junior thrillseeking and are done with waterslides, then the Acrobosc centre is an aerial Tarzan style course that resembles ‘Go Ape’ in the UK or USA. Ziplines, treetop adventures, that sort of thing. The site is well reviewed and located just outside of Santa Eularia – a nice place to visit for the day also. Check out Acrobosc >>

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For Party Animals

I think this type of advice is pretty widely covered in generic terms, so I’m going to suggest a few stops that I think are not on your normal clubbers itinerary, and make for great fun and awesome memories. I will add though – DC10 for me is my absolute favourite clubbing spot. I used to answer that with the original Space nightclub, before the noise rules made it feel like a event centre-come-department store; and the Bora Bora Beach Club of the late 90s and early noughties. Those two spots are no longer present in those forms, so DC10 carries the torch.

I will add Sankeys in the mid-Twenteens was pretty epic too. Anyway – none of that matters for this, so here’s my top picks if you want to discover the ‘off the beaten track’ clubbing spots and see exactly why Ibiza is worth visiting for clubbers.

#1 Pikes

If you were to Google Pikes and look at the images, you would not get it. If this was your only frame of reference for ‘you must go to Pikes’; you’d be so meh about it.

Pictures of a pool in the day time, some shots of burgers, maybe a few people sat around a bar…and that’s it. But, that isn’t it. It couldn’t be further from what ‘it’ actually is.

Imagine the coolest party you got invited to in Ibiza, with the coolest people and no bad vibes. In one of the coolest looking venues, that feels like a ranch house come hotel from the 80s; and you have Pikes.

In fact, it is that house turned hotel from the 1980s and was made famous by being part of the music video in Club Tropicana. These days it’s frequented by a lot of locals, local workers and travelling music industry types and access is usually via a pre booked guest list. Don’t worry it’s not one of those LA style super exclusive guestlists, it’s pretty inclusive, but it just requires a bit of effort to get your planning in order and book it a week or three in advance. Knowing the Ibiza noise rules, I would assume there is a legal reason for guestlist access and not encouraging long drunk queues to get in.

So why are there few good photos? No camera policy at night. Sure some clowns try to circumvent it, but for the most part the security are hot on photos and videos being taken, which is why I have almost no good shots myself.

Why it’s worth visiting? Expect to find secret DJ sets from big name performers, or random celebrity residents – Idris Elba had the residency a few years back! Door entry costs are about 1/10th of a ticket to Pacha. The venue is homely and the clientele are always friendly. If you want to avoid gangs of Turkey teeth, Fendi shades and Prada wet look shorts adorning Steroid abusing clubbers, you’ll enjoy Pikes.

Want to learn more? The Pikes website is here >>

Alternative choice? If it opens again – Underground Ibiza is a close second place. An unassuming villa in the hills of San Rafael that was once owned by Jade Jagger (or so the rumour alleges). It’s been a must visit on the music itinerary for ITK clubbers for years. Sadly it got raided a couple of years ago and still isn’t open. For now – Pikes is one of the few truly cool anti-clubbing spots still standing.

#2 Cova Santa

Looks cool right? Cova Santa is a restaurant that morphs into a unique party destination. It’s not an everyday event, but you’ll find a couple of opportunities to experience it properly each week during the main summer months. It is open late most days, but the big open air events are usually best had at promotions like Woomoon.

Cova Santa sits on a hillside, just off the road driving to Ibiza town. Around halfway between Ses Salines and Sant Josep de sa Talaia; its about 25 minute taxi from Sant Antoni and about 10 minuts from Ibiza town. Get the bus there and a taxi back would be my advice to save money.

Why it’s worth visiting? It’s a unique venue, and while it does get busy, it’s busy in the right way. It’s not full of pretentious people. It’s those who seek out a little bit of the nostalgia of hedonism on the island. You’ll be going home having visited a hidden gem, and probably the world’s top DJs from the future. That said, a lot of DJs come and spin surprise sets here too. Finally with Cova Santa, it’s one of a few places that retains that Ibiza from the past charm. The outdoor dancing, the low visible commercialism – it’s what Ibiza is really about.

Alternative choices? Not quite alternative but other places you will probably love – Rhythm Point. Pretty exclusive with a private Instagram. If you can get a guestlist access and for the more straightforward, put Destino and Blue Marlin beach parties on your trip planner.

While there is nothing more annoying to others, than saying your Ibiza trip involved Blue Marlin, Cova Santa, Destino, Pikes and Rhythm Point, you will have undoubtedly had a blinder. Destino has a great outdoor vibe and so does Blue Marlin. Marlin on a Sunday is a top pick and Destino’s biggest day is usually Wednesday while they still have ‘Music On’.

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For Young Couples

Ibiza is definitely worth considering as a holiday spot for young couples. You have the romantic locations to head to. Whether that’s a walk to a stop overlooking Es Vedra, horse-riding around Es Murta, dinner at sunset, paddleboarding or just remembering to have fun with a big club night. But these are my top choices to make a trip here worth it for your next date trip.

#1 Cycle around Formentera

Feels an odd recommendation I know, fly to Ibiza and then leave. But bear with me.

Formentera is a tranquil little island just under an hour ferry ride from Ibiza. It’s laid back and is quiet compared to the White Isle. There are a lot of secluded beach bays and some busy ones at weekends. But it’s also a safe circuit to venture round on hired bikes. Beyond the idea of cycling as a couple and the cute that inspires, you’ll find some boujee but dressed up as hippy vibe restaurants too.

A lot of the brands that operate in Ibiza use a trip to Formentera as the ‘work do’ adventure, because it’s lovely.

Why it’s worth visiting? If you like pootling about on a bike in the sun; fixies and baskets – that kind of thing, then Formentera is amazing for it because the roads aren’t full of people finishing a 16 hour marathon party bender endangering you. Ibiza’s roads can be populated with dangerous drivers and unless you are off in the campo, they can be quite motorway style. No, Formentera feels like Sorrento in Oz, or any rather slightly backwater beach town. It’s low stress, easy to reach from Ibiza and works as a really thoughtful ‘date day’.

Personal experience makes me recommend this. I came here for the first time with my then girlfriend, her sister and her partner. It’s just a really cute way to spend a day. Cycling along peaceful paths, stopping to sunbathe, splash in the water, check out the Salt Pans, grab some dinner and then head back on the boat, sunsoaked and with a warm fuzzy feeling.

I have a picture on my phone that goes for the James Bond out the water look here!

Ferry Details: Expect to pay around £25/$30 for the trip or less if you’re local. But if you’re local, you don’t need this guide. You can book tickets from Omio and see all available ferry options >>

#2 Swim with the jellyfish

The water around Ibiza is pretty warm, and in the summer really blue. It’s a pretty scene. So what better way to explore, that hop on a little boat, and jump in for a dip further out and see what the Med harbours below the surface. As dates went, I went on a snorkel trip around Ibiza with my ex-wife and after getting back aboard, I could see this face bobbing around the water with a look of panic etched on.

In the time it had taken me to swim closer to the boat a gang of jellyfish had come between us, creating a likely stinging forcefield around the boat 😂!

This led to requests for help for me to fix the situation, which apart from morphing into a shark or a predator water creature was beyond my reasoning abilities.

Thankfully for her they dissippated enough to allow her to swim through only being slightly molested. The captain suggested I relieve myself on her stinging burns, but I think she was traumatised enough for the day. Besides that moment of panic for her, the trip was lush. We watched the sun come down with a cold beer, had been physically active for the day and caught the sun. It was a really fun way to spend a day here.

Why it’s worth visiting? Despite the absence of courtesy from jellyfish, the waters around Ibiza are as beautiful as any in the Med. That’s a wonderful reason to visit alone. But, that aside, for not a lot of money, you can splash about in the sea, get a tan and enjoy the sunset while feeling like you are somewhere far more remote than where you are.

The water is clean, the water is warm and there’s a lot of non angry aquatic life to discover. Finally – it’s quite romantic in a playful way isn’t it?

Find out more here >>

#3 Grab a secret picnic

Nothing says cute like a picnic. There’s two wonderful options in Ibiza that are easy to get to if you want the work done for you. Or you can take the more personal route, and pack your own daypack, hop on a quad bike, hire car or even the bus out to Cala Saladeta, or Cala Longa and spend the day with your partner away from the madding crowds.

Cala Saladeta is the true player beach, which is reached by a small hike along a ridgetop from the more widely access beach Cala Salada. Cala Longa, is also a reasonable shout. Why these beaches in particular? They are not besieged during peak months by tourists and retain a small town Spanish charm; although Cala Longa is a bit more built up than Saladeta.

Now, for the autopilot options. One I’ve done, the other my best mate has done.

Just a short drive from Playa d’En Bossa you have a couple of equestrian centres. Both cater for casual riders, but one offers a horseback riding hack and picnic experience. This was my choice, as I always try to find my way on to the back of a four legged beast with every trip I take. My good friend hopped on a scenie viewpoint version of a picnic trip day.

While not exactly a budget option, the horseback experience is hosted by Wine Stories, who host a number of quite exclusive feeling events around the world. These are low intensity, private and are meant to create a sense of real uniqueness in experience. Their goal is for you to want to tell others, largely through images and content. We booked outside of the main summer months, but expect around £300/$400 per head.

As I say – not exactly cheap, but very memorable in really peaceful surrounds. And for me and my partner time, that was one of the real joys of this. You’re in an at times chaotic place. Not all the time, but Ibiza has its wildness. Parties, noise etc. So, finding this oasis in the country feels almost alien. It’s perfect.

Horseback Picnic – See here >>

For the scenic spot option, this choice makes for a great way to pop a question, or share a special occasion together, with all the work done for you. From the catering, to the spot scouting and ensuring you’re left alone. Nothing beats romance like a tour group trampling past your big moment.

Secret Picnic Service: See here >>

Why it’s worth visiting? Ibiza beyond the clubs has so many hidden little beauty spots, which is why it’s adored year round by those seeking some peaceful order in their lives. Both of these picnic options, give you a chance to share in that experience, and while neither are low budget, they are high standard.

Alternative choice? As above – do it yourself. Head down to any local supermarket, grab a couple of crusty baguettes and have them buttered with that insane tomato spread they keep behind the deli counter, before picking out your choice of meats and cheeses. There is a secret ‘Subway’ experience in Ibiza that only the locals know. Hop on the bus and get yourself down to Cala Saladeta for the day.

Still charming, still romantic and enough money left over for two tickets to DC10 after.

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For Solo Travellers

My second visit to Ibiza (or maybe it was my 3rd) was on my own. I came here as a 27 year old with no mates. I mean, I had mates at home – just not in Ibiza. My plan was to find some work and have the Summer of my life.

I had exactly that. But I came here alone, and while you may not plan to spend quite as long as I did, it still rocks as a place to visit even if you come alone at first.

Obviously, walking into a sociable venue like a pool party alone, is pretty foreboding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a day bag and get yourself off to Ibiza for a few days or longer and not have a wonderful time. Just maybe take it one step at a time 🙂

If you’re a sociable solo traveller and fancy something to read next, try this: How to make friends while solo travelling.

#1 Stay at Amistad and get a readymade clubbing squad

I’ve recommended this place before in my guide on where to stay in Ibiza for solo travellers and it is THE stand-out sociable backpacker hostel on the island. I wouldn’t even say it’s a backpacker spot as it’s more glampacker really. In fact, I’d be surprised to see one rucksack there. Regardless, it’s a nice place to stay, with a good international clientele, mostly young and people who have flown over to Ibiza as solo travellers who want to make friends. There’s a good roster of events and bonding opportunities and if you book it via Hostelworld, you can use the social meetup group which is created once your reservation is confirmed.

Can’t sing its praises enough and as ways to make friends while travelling around Europe and seeing insane clubs, Ibiza’ solo travellers are blessed to have this place.

Why it’s worth visiting? Pre-arranged events to make friends with other guests, the price is right and look…Ibiza is a world draw for clubs. And if you’re travelling around Europe and starting on your own, but would love to visit somewhere like Ushuaia or Hi etc – then having a place like Amistad just makes that, a lot easier.

Alternative Choice? Not really, this place is pretty unique to be fair.

#2 Wandering the Hippy Market

Several decades ago, someone like you, came to ibiza with a dream to do yoga, read, meditate and make a little life for themselves. These days you can see them selling rope bracelets in Es Canar at the famous Hippy Market. And while I’m being a little bit jokey, it’s actually really fun and is always quite busy. There’s tons of craft stalls, food and drink stands, it’s a total vibe and you can end your day at one of the bongo drumming friendly cafes like Chirincana Cafe.

The Hippy Market is specifically located in Punta Arabi, Es Canar, on the east of the island. While there is another in Las Dalias, this is the original and best. It’s not operational every day; currently it runs every Wednesday during the summer months.

Why it’s worth visiting? It’s a very classic Ibiza event, and has been part of the fabric of the island for 50+ years. While it might sound a bit fake or cheesy – at it’s heart it’s not. Hippy culture is a legitimate part of the modern Ibiza story and it’s a lovely way to while away the day, supporting local craftspeople and getting in some steps.

Alternative Choice? Head to Las Dalias in San Carlos, which is about 5km from Santa Eularia. If you’re staying in Playa d’en Bossa OR Sant Antoni, you may find this a little easier to get to. It’s open on Saturdays and has over 200 stalls/stands. While it’s not as big as Es Canar’s, it’s a nice alternative option if you’re stuck for time.

Buses run regularly to both and if you’re on your own, save the taxi fare and get on a bus. Easy, cheap and often just as quick.

There are some guided tours going that way too, you can book on GYG for a hassle free approach >>

#3 Dating Apps Pop-off

Short and sweet this one. Few places in the world attract such a diverse melting pot of 20 to 40 somethings from all over the planet looking to enjoy themselves. There’s a lot of places to go on planet Earth and be ‘Zen’, so why pick Ibiza?

Amazing music and party credentials probably has something to do with that.

For that reason I’ve always found when single, the dating apps go crazy in Ibiza like nowhere else, and you really can make some great friends this way too.

Set your location to Ibiza and plan a few days to a week ahead. It beats nearly every other Mediterranean spot hands down for cultural choice.

#4 Get lost in Dalt Vila

When Ibiza isn’t being a beach, a waiting room for nightclubs or sunburned boat party, it’s also a collection of traditional European towns and villages with the old town being the core of it all. Look up high toward Ibiza Town and you’ll see a white fort perched aloft a hill overlooking the town. This is a military garrison built to protect the island but it forms the centrepiece of the Upper Town, or Dalt Vila as it’s known.

First populated around 6 BC, this part of Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

While the roads are steep in parts, it’s manageable by all, if not a little stifling on a warm day. The fort itself has been adapted to house bars, cafes and assorted stores and is a major draw for visitors coming to the town.

Why it’s worth visiting? It’s quaint, it’s a great solo activity, good exercise and as the sun goes down there is fun to be had discovering the hidden alleys with their cafes and bars. Some show films on the white walls like a projection screen outside of peak months and reminds you, you are in Spain and not on a holiday resort full of drunk Irish, Italians or Scots….OR ENGLISH (There you go, I knew you were waiting for that too!)

One tip though – the floor has been so well trodden the tiles are slippery even when dry. They have no grip, so just be careful when walking along parts of the street if a little inebriated.

But look, it’s free to see, something for the culture box to tick off, and you can walk here from Playa d’En Bossa and work off a previous night’s cocktails. Get the bus in from Sant Antoni to Ibiza Town and stroll up, or across to Bossa and walk into town.

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So, when’s best to go to Ibiza?

Depending on the type of traveller you are and what you’re looking for, the time of year can make a difference as to whether Ibiza is worth visiting or not. If you’re into music and big club nights, then you’re looking for the Summer months. Primarily between late June and Early September.

If you are coming with little kids, then the shoulder months will be more affordable, less busy and not as blistering heat for the little ones. If you’re a solo traveller, then really any time of the year works.

My Tip: I love the beginning of the season. The period around May and early June. I love it because it’s not too busy, it has plenty of life in the party hubs – but most importantly, there is this sense of a new season, new opportunities and general excitement locally. I love that. As someone who has run businesses on the island, that period for me is nostalgic and special. The chance to grow your business – new beginnings etc.

The weather is great, not stifling, the accommodation is more affordable and clubs have started opening. It’s got everything you need.

And of course for those who felt they missed the summer season – fly in for early October and check out the DC10 closing party. Also great fun. I tend to avoid the period between 20th July – 1st September.

Ibiza compared to Santorini, Hvar & St Tropez

Sources: Weather – UK’s Met Office | Leisure & Accommodation Pricing: UNWTO, Numbeo.com, Statista.org and Booking.

Just to help you decide a little easier if Ibiza is worth visiting for your needs, I’ve made this table to help you visualise how the island group compares to other Mediterranean hotspots. As you can see, it may not win out in every category but it does really well broadly.

My own travel experience with Ibiza

I first came to Ibiza in 2001 with some uni mates. I was 19. I still remember it vividly. I was with my pal Marksie and his buddies. I’d just discovered house music and all that goes with it and was experiencing Ibiza before the regulations. While it wasn’t anything like the 80s or the 60s I’m sure, I got a little bit of something I can feel is sorely missing these days.

We had clubs with no noise rulings, so parties were outdoors in the warm under the sun. We danced on cheap plastic tables and chairs, wedged wonkily in the sand to music from DJs who would go on to shape the music we all listen to now. From Space on a sunday to Bora Bora, the massive beach parties of Cala Gracio that just appeared out of nowhere. I was forever in love with that island.

In the 20+ years since I first visited, I’ve been there as a solo traveller, a season worker, a business owner, a boyfriend, and a family. I don’t think there is anywhere I’ve done more thoroughly. And it’s the one place outside of the road I grew up, that I feel most at home.

I say all this to give you some context as to how I can speak with any degree of authority. I started a restaurant business there in 2014 with 3 friends. It’s called the Skinny Kitchen. You may even see it. We wanted to do something that seemed lacking – healthy food but not boring. It popped off quickly and spawned more locations. 100s of thousands of people have eaten a little healthier when visiting Ibiza just because of that one idea. Wild. I’m not there anymore but it’s crazy to think this island I first landed on as a wreckless Uni student has had an indelible mark on it from me and the others, many years later.

Anyway – for the gazillionth time this year I’ll be going again, with my son and with my pal. It’s still worth visiting, even if it’s lost some of it’s maverick, new gems will emerge no doubt.

My favourite places to stay:

Solo Travel/Budget: Amistat Hostel – Make friends and save a bit of money 🙂
Mid-range: Hard Rock Ibiza – BEST breakfast in a hotel I’ve ever had. Insane. | Migjorn in Bossa – You get to book the spa for yourself privately every day. (Couples will appreciate this)
Luxury: Ushuaia for clubbers – It’s genuinely lovely | 7 Pines & Bless Hotel feel like luxury home living away from home | OKU is Zen Central.

And that’s why Ibiza is probably worth a visit

I’ve tried to answer a few more common questions I see on Reddit and across the web, about visiting Ibiza and what to know. I’ve popped them below. But in short, if you’re looking for somewhere new to visit, you can find a bit of everything to make a trip to Ibiza worthwhile.

That’s it. Thanks for reading.

Currency: Euro
Language: Catalan & Spanish
Time Diff to NYC: 6 hours
Flight Times: London to Ibiza – 2 hrs 30 mins; Berlin to Ibiza – 2 hrs 45 mins; No direct US to Ibiza flights.

Common Ibiza Travel Questions (FAQs)

For all the other common questions you’re likely to have if you’ve been wondering ‘is Ibiza worth visiting’, I have compiled some of the most common ones below. I’ve based this from my perspective, having spent years on the island and off of it since 2000.