Ibiza (Eivissa in Catalan) is the third-largest of the Balearic Islands, about 80 km off the Spanish east coast, with roughly 164,000 residents (INE, 2025); the capital, Ibiza Town or Eivissa, has about 55,000. The Phoenicians founded the settlement of Ebusus in 654 BCE, and the walled upper town, Dalt Vila, together with the Puig des Molins necropolis, the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta and the Posidonia meadows off Ses Salines, forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 1999. Dalt Vila's bastioned walls were raised in the 16th century under Philip II and shelter the Catalan Gothic cathedral, the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera and the contemporary art museum. Ibiza Town's harbour, the La Marina quarter and Passeig de Vara de Rey are the hub for restaurants and bars, with the island's airport (IBZ) about 7 km south-west of the centre. Beyond the town, visitors treat the whole island as Ibiza: Playa d'en Bossa and Ses Salines to the south, the Sant Antoni sunset strip and Cala Comte to the west, Santa Eulalia and the hippy markets to the east, and Es Vedra and Cala d'Hort in the south-west. Formentera is a day trip by ferry from the town harbour. Summers are hot (July highs near 30 C / 86 F), winters mild (January highs near 15 C / 59 F), and the club season runs from about May to early October.
Capital
Ibiza Town (Eivissa) is the island capital; the Balearic capital is Palma
Largest city
Ibiza Town (Eivissa)
Population
Approximately 55,000 (Eivissa municipality, INE 2025); island about 164,000 (INE, 1 January 2025)
The 17 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Dalt Vila
The fortified upper town of Ibiza, enclosed by seven bastions built in the 16th century under Philip II and listed by UNESCO in 1999. The Portal de ses Taules gate leads into lanes of whitewashed houses, small plazas, the cathedral at the top and the Archaeological Museum beside it.
Ibiza Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria d'Eivissa)
A Catalan Gothic church at the highest point of Dalt Vila, begun on the site of the former mosque after the 1235 conquest, with a 14th-century tower and a Baroque nave added in the 18th century. The terrace in front gives the best panorama of Ibiza Town and the harbour.
Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera (MAEF)
The main archaeology museum of the Pitiusic Islands, beside the cathedral in the old Dalt Vila, with Phoenician, Punic and Roman finds including terracotta figurines, jewellery and amphorae from Ibiza and Formentera.
Puig des Molins Necropolis and Museum
The Phoenician-Punic cemetery on a hill outside the walls, in use from the 7th century BCE for centuries, with hypogea (underground tombs) and a museum of grave goods. It is part of the 1999 UNESCO listing.
Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa (MACE)
A contemporary art museum in the former military buildings at the foot of the Dalt Vila ramparts, with a ramparts terrace looking over the port. Exhibitions change through the year.
Es Vedra Viewpoint (Torre des Savinar)
The 17th-century Savinar watchtower on the cliff road above Cala d'Hort looks directly at Es Vedra, a 382 m limestone island, and its smaller neighbour Es Vedranell. Es Vedra is a protected nature reserve and cannot be landed on.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Ibiza Explorer
Day 1Arrive in Ibiza, explore city center
Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Ibiza
Days 1-2Ibiza city highlights
Days 3-4Regional exploration
Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Ibiza
Days 1-3Ibiza comprehensive city tour
Days 4-6Northern region exploration
Days 7-9Eastern highlights
Days 10-12Southern attractions
Days 13-14Return to Ibiza, departure
Where to stay in Ibiza
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 70-160 (about USD 80.5-184)/day
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 220-490 (about USD 253-563.5)/day
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 710-1900 (about USD 816.5-2185)/day
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hostal Roca
Sant Antoni de Portmany · €45–€130/night (~$52–$150)
A hostal in Sant Antoni de Portmany. About 13.8 km in a straight line from Plaça de Vara de Rey in Ibiza Town.
Ibiza Town (Eivissa) is compact: the port, Dalt Vila and the Marina district are walkable, while the rest of the island is spread across Sant Antoni on the west coast, Santa Eulària on the east coast and beaches in between. Since 1 April 2026 Alsa has run the island bus network from the CETIS bus station in Ibiza Town and the Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària bus stations, with airport (AERO), trunk (T), beach (P), urban (U), discobus (D) and night (N) lines. Taxis are metered and island-wide, and ferries leave the Port of Ibiza for Formentera, Dénia, Valencia, Barcelona and Palma.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
Category
Budget
Mid-range
Luxury
Accommodation
EUR 40-90 (about USD 46-103.5)/night hostel dorm or basic guesthouse (high season prices at the top)
EUR 130-280 (about USD 149.5-322)/night 3-4-star hotel (July and August at the top)
EUR 400-1000 (about USD 460-1150)/night 5-star hotel or villa-style suite
Food (per day)
EUR 25-40 (about USD 28.75-46)/day using a menu del dia and supermarket picnics
EUR 60-100 (about USD 69-115)/day restaurants and beach bars
EUR 150-300 (about USD 172.5-345)/day fine dining and beach club lunches
Transportation
EUR 3-10 (about USD 3.45-11.5)/day on island buses
EUR 10-40 (about USD 11.5-46)/day buses and taxis
EUR 60-200 (about USD 69-230)/day private transfers, yacht taxis and a hired driver
Activities
EUR 0-20 (about USD 0-23)/day on free beaches, Dalt Vila walls and the Wednesday hippy market
EUR 20-70 (about USD 23-80.5)/day museums, a boat trip and a beach club day bed
EUR 100-400 (about USD 115-460)/day club tables, private boat charters and spa days
Daily total
EUR 70-160 (about USD 80.5-184)/day
EUR 220-490 (about USD 253-563.5)/day
EUR 710-1900 (about USD 816.5-2185)/day
Best time to visit Ibiza
Weather through the year in Balearic Islands
Best timeShoulderWorth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Balearic Islands.
Late May to June and September to mid-October
May, June and September combine warm days, swimmable sea and fewer crowds than July and August. Most hotels, beach clubs and nightclubs run from about May to early October, so winter is quiet, cheap and mild but many venues are closed and the sea is too cold for most swimmers. October brings the first heavy autumn showers. These are long-term normals; confirm the forecast at aemet.es before travel.
Essential travel tips
Book the Dalt Vila museums on the day; most are small and run by the Balearic and Ibiza governments, with low entry fees
Reserve parking-restricted beaches (Cala Comte, Cala d'Hort) early in the day or use the summer bus and boat shuttles
Wear flat, comfortable shoes in Dalt Vila: the walk from the harbour is steep and cobbled, about 15 minutes to the cathedral
Many small shops close from 14:00 to 17:00 outside the main tourist streets; lunch is served from about 13:30 and dinner from about 21:00
Hotels add the Balearic sustainable tourism tax per adult per night (reported to reach about EUR 6, about USD 6.90, in peak months; children under 16 exempt); confirm the current rate on the hotel invoice
Hidden gems
Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.
Safety information
INFO
Keep wallet and phone in front pockets or zipped bags in crowded streets, buses, markets and clubs
INFO
Carry ID or a copy of your passport; Spanish law requires identification to be carried
INFO
Use the licensed airport taxi rank (white taxis with a roof light) or ride apps, and check the meter is running before you move
INFO
Never leave bags or phones unattended on the beach; swim only when the flag is green
INFO
Buy club tickets only from the club's official site or an established ticket platform
INFO
Drink water regularly in summer and avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 12:00 to 17:00
INFO
Report theft by calling 091 or online at denuncias.policia.es and keep the report for insurance claims
INFO
Wear a helmet and carry the correct licence on a scooter or quad, and never ride after drinking
INFO
In the West End of Sant Antoni and at Playa d'en Bossa, keep your drink in sight and travel with companions after dark
Frequently asked questions
Is Ibiza safe to visit in 2026?
Ibiza is a busy Mediterranean party and beach island. The main risks are opportunistic theft on crowded streets, beaches and nightlife strips (Ibiza Town port area, Playa d'en Bossa and the West End of Sant Antoni de Portmany), theft from rental cars and unattended beach bags, unlicensed pirate taxi
What is the best time to visit Ibiza?
The best time to visit Ibiza is Late. Ibiza has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers, mild winters and about 2,800 hours of sunshine a year. July and August highs average about 30 to 31 degrees Celsius with nights near
Do I need a visa to visit Ibiza?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa. US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens: visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days under Schengen rules. Check the current status of the EU ETIAS travel authorisation before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Ibiza?
The currency in Ibiza is the Euro (EUR) (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Ibiza?
The main language(s) spoken in Ibiza: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan (Ibizan variety, Eivissenc). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Ibiza?
The top attractions in Ibiza include Dalt Vila, Ibiza Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria d'Eivissa), Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera (MAEF), Puig des Molins Necropolis and Museum, and Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa (MACE). Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.