Ibiza Travel Guide – Highlights, Map & Best Time to Visit
Think of Ibiza in four frames: Dalt Vila & towns, coves & beaches, viewpoints & sunset coast, and island-hopping. Plan one anchor per frame across your stay and you'll keep balance—culture in the morning, water at noon, golden light by evening.
Places & Landmarks
The north feels rural and slow; the west is sunset theatre; the east leans family-friendly; the south concentrates ferries and nightlife. Start with fortified history, then widen to coastal towns and rock icons:
- Dalt Vila – Ibiza Old Town · UNESCO ramparts, cathedral plateau, white lanes that drop to the port.
- Santa Eulària des Riu · A calm base with promenade beaches, markets, and an easy coastal path.
- Cala Salada · Emerald water and boat access to lesser-known northern coves.
- Es Vedrà · A limestone monolith off the southwest coast—myth, magnetism, and perfect sunset angles.
Split the island into four driving zones (NW, NE, SW, SE). Cluster your plans by zone to avoid criss-cross traffic. Sunsets: west coast (San Antonio, Cala Comte, Es Vedrà lookouts). Early light: east & northeast.
Tours & Activities
Sea days define Ibiza. Add one signature experience: a sunset boat, a coastal hike, or a balloon dawn. The picks below open views you won't get from the road:
- Beach-Hopping Cruise – coves string together like pearls; swim stops included.
- San Antonio Sunset Boat Tour – music, calm seas, and violet-orange skies.
- Jeep Safari – pine ridges, farm tracks, secret viewpoints.
- Can Marçà Caves – cool chambers and fossilized formations above a turquoise inlet.
- Hot-Air Balloon Ride – sunrise quilt of fields, towns, and bays.
Season & Timing
- May–June · clear water, fresh greens, easier bookings.
- July–August · peak buzz & prices—reserve boats and family rooms early.
- September–October · warm sea, gentler tempo; best for balance.
- November–April · quiet trails, limited boat schedules, clubs mostly paused.
Getting Around
- Compact car or scooter unlocks coves beyond bus lines.
- Park above coves; paths can be rocky—closed shoes help.
- Carry water & shade—midday sun is stronger than it looks.
Day Trips from Ibiza
Ferries and small boats make island-hopping simple. Combine relaxed beaches with lighthouse walks on low-swell days:
- Formentera Day Trip – seagrass-filtered shallows and sugar-white sand.
- Two-Way Ferry Ticket – pick your outbound/return to catch sunset back in Ibiza.
Where to Stay
- Santa Eulària & NE – calmer family base, beaches & boardwalks.
- Ibiza Town – culture, dining, ferries; car-optional for short stays.
- San Antonio & West – sunsets, boat trips, budget variety.
- Rural North – fincas, slow mornings, stargazing.
Sample 3-Day Plan
Morning: Dalt Vila walk. Afternoon: Cala Salada swim. Sunset: San Antonio boat tour.
Jeep safari to northern ridges; Can Marçà Caves; dinner in Port de Sant Miquel.
Late morning beach; golden-hour viewpoints facing Es Vedrà; slow dinner back in town.
Planning the Balearics beyond Ibiza? Start broad with the Balearic Islands Overview, pair it with our dedicated Formentera Guide, and, if you like, add a learning angle via Intensive Spanish.