Ibiza Tips

The west coast has the clearest water and the finest sunsets. Go early — the best-known coves fill up by noon in July and August.

• ★Cala Comte — arguably the finest water in the Balearics, looking out over the offshore islets.
• ★Cala d’Hort — swim with a full view of the mystical rock of Es Vedrà. Stay for sunset.
• ★Cala Salada & Saladeta — two coves side by side; take the path over the rocks to the quieter Saladeta.
• ★Benirràs — come on Sunday for the famous sunset drum circles.

Six things that cost nothing — and they are not the leftovers. By day Ibiza is largely free: the beaches, the old town, the sunsets and the salt flats ask for nothing. The money goes on the night, not the day.

• ★Every beach in Ibiza is public and free to enter. You only pay for a sunbed or parasol — your own towel on the sand costs nothing, including at Cala Comte and Ses Salines.
• ★Dalt Vila, the walled old town, is UNESCO World Heritage and you simply walk in. Climb to the cathedral square for the view over the harbour — the walk itself is the sight.
• ★The viewpoint above Cala d’Hort, with Es Vedrà in front of you: no ticket, no gate, just the road there. The island’s most photographed view is also its cheapest.
• ★The Ses Salines salt flats are a nature park: walking, watching flamingos and seeing the old salt pans costs nothing. The quietest part of the island, ten minutes from the airport.
• ★You do not have to buy the sunset at Café del Mar. The rocks and the beach in front are public and you get the same sun with the same music — a drink is a choice, not an entry fee.
• ★On Sunday afternoon the drummers gather on Benirràs beach until the sun drops. Anyone can come and nothing is asked — arrive early for a parking spot.

The club season runs from the openings in May to the closings in October. Every world-class club has fixed nights — plan your week around the DJs you really want to see.

• ★Buy tickets online in advance — at the door you often pay more and risk a sold-out night.
• ★Combine a day club (Ushuaïa, O Beach) with a night club — a power nap in between is the local standard.
• ★Clubs start late: before 1 AM it’s quiet. Have a long, good dinner first, then go all in.
• ★Want to be on a club’s guestlist? We arrange that for free via WhatsApp.

From paella with your feet in the sand to fine dining in the old town — you eat well everywhere on Ibiza, if you know where.

• ★Eat paella the Spanish way: as a long seaside lunch, not dinner. Always book ahead in high season.
• ★Wander through Dalt Vila (UNESCO World Heritage) and eat at one of the little restaurants inside the walls.
• ★Hippy markets Las Dalias (Saturday) and Punta Arabí (Wednesday): street food, live music and the best souvenirs.
• ★Try the local classics: bullit de peix (fish stew), sobrasada, and hierbas ibicencas as a digestif.

Sunset is a daily ritual on Ibiza. Pick your spot: with music on the strip, in silence at Es Vedrà, or from the water.

• ★San Antonio’s sunset strip (Café del Mar, Café Mambo): DJs literally play the sun down.
• ★The viewpoint above Cala d’Hort: Es Vedrà turns gold — the most photographed spot on the island.
• ★Best of all: a sunset cruise. Champagne, a swim stop and the sun sinking into the sea.

Ibiza is small (40 km top to bottom) but taxis are scarce in high season. Being mobile is how you see the real island.

• ★Rent a car or scooter for at least a few days — the hidden coves can’t be reached by bus.
• ★Going clubbing? The Discobus runs all night between the hotspots in season for a few euros.
• ★Never park on the verge near the coves — fines are steep. Go early to get a real parking spot.

Neighbouring Formentera feels like the Caribbean of Europe — and the best of Ibiza is seen from the water anyway.

• ★Ses Illetes on Formentera is a fixture on Europe’s best-beach lists — deservedly so.
• ★The ferry takes only ± 30 minutes; rent a bike or scooter at the port on Formentera.
• ★With a group? A private boat with skipper is often surprisingly affordable per person — and unforgettable.

The small things that make your trip — learned over years of living and working on the island.

• ★June and September are the golden months: great weather, every club open, yet calmer and cheaper than August.
• ★Live on island rhythm: late breakfast, siesta, dinner at 10 PM, club at 1 AM. Fight that rhythm and you lose.
• ★Bring cash for the hippy markets and little beach bars — not everywhere takes cards.
• ★Unsure about anything? Just message us — we live here and usually reply within the hour.