A Long Weekend in Ibiza: There’s More to Ibiza Than Partying
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The Spanish island of Ibiza has developed a reputation as a party destination, with its lively nightlife and famous clubs attracting visitors from around the world. However, there is much more to Ibiza than just the nightlife scene. Beyond the clubs, Ibiza offers beautiful beaches, interesting history, great food, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation. During my visit to the island, I was surprised to see so many families and young children also enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
While the island undoubtedly comes alive at night, with world-class DJs and a pulsing party atmosphere, Ibiza shouldn't be defined solely by its nightlife. It's entirely possible to have an amazing weekend visiting Ibiza while avoiding the clubs altogether. To be honest, I didn’t even go out to nightclubs during my visit and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ibiza! This Mediterranean island has so much to offer for travelers looking for a unique getaway.
Is Ibiza Worth Visiting?
With its beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, fascinating history, and unique culture, Ibiza is absolutely worth a visit! Even if Ibiza isn’t your primary destination, I highly recommend adding a few days to your itinerary here as Ibiza is such a quick and easy flight from major Spanish cities like Barcelona and Valencia.
Ibiza boasts over 50 beaches, most with fine white sand and crystal clear waters in various shades of blue and green. The beaches range from secluded coves to long stretches perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Some of the most famous beaches include Playa d’en Bossa, Cala Conta, and Las Salines Beach.
Beyond the natural beauty, Ibiza has an intriguing history spanning over two thousand years. Visitors can explore Ibiza Town’s 16th-century fortified upper town Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Neolithic settlement of Sa Caleta is another interesting archaeological site and an absolutely stunning cove to swim in.
With dreamy beaches, pleasant weather, rich history, and distinct culture, Ibiza offers much more than nightclubs. It's a destination with extensive options for relaxation or exploration beyond the parties. And hey, if you’re visiting to party, that’s okay too! The sounds of Ibiza include pulse-pumping nightclubs where world-renowned DJs set up summer residencies to more chill beats in the daytime at beach clubs. Whatever your mood is, Ibiza will have the perfect vibe for you!
How Many Days Should You Spend in Ibiza
Ibiza may be small, but there's a lot to see and do on the island. With beautiful beaches, charming villages, lively nightlife, and great restaurants, you'll want at least 3 full days to experience Ibiza's highlights properly - making it the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway.
Many first-timers assume they can see Ibiza in just 1 or 2 days. This is a mistake as you'll end up rushing from place to place without really experiencing anything. I stayed on the island for only 2 nights and wished I had at least one more day. It's better to take it slower and immerse yourself in the island's culture, nature, and ambiance.
3 full days allow enough time to explore Ibiza Town, visit some of the island's famous beaches, go clubbing at night, and take a day trip to the tiny island of Formentera. You can also take time to simply relax at your hotel and recharge between sightseeing.
When is the Best Time to Visit Ibiza
Ibiza is primarily known as a summer party destination, with July and August being the peak season when crowds flock to the island for beach club parties and nightclubs. However, summer is also the most expensive and crowded time to visit.
For a more relaxed Ibiza experience and cheaper prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. Late April to early June and September to mid-October are ideal times with pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and lower hotel rates.
The island enjoys a lovely Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Temperatures can climb into the mid-80s in the summer - ideal weather for spending time at the beach. Like much of this region, the sea remains swimmable from May through October.
Visiting in May or June means fewer tourists, lower rates, and mild temperatures. The average highs are in the 70s Fahrenheit making it comfortable to enjoy the outdoors. Nightclubs start to ramp up for the summer season too.
The summer heat and crowds begin to dissipate in September while the weather is still warm and sunny. You'll get to experience Ibiza's famous nightlife during shoulder season too, but with a more laidback vibe. October brings cooler temperatures but still sunny days to explore beaches and villages.
Avoid visiting between November and March as many hotels, restaurants, and attractions shut down for the off-season. While you'll find the lowest rates and smallest crowds, the weather is cooler with more rain.
For a happy medium of decent weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices, aim to visit Ibiza in May, early June, or September to October. You'll get to experience the island's natural beauty and famous nightlife without the peak summer crowds and rates!
Where to Stay in Ibiza
Ibiza has a wide variety of accommodations ranging from hostels to luxury hotels. When choosing where to stay, it's best to pick a central location that will allow you to easily explore the island's top attractions.
The two most popular places for travelers to stay when visiting Ibiza are Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Both offer convenient access to beaches, nightlife, restaurants, and more. If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach getaway then you may want to consider staying outside of the major towns and opt for somewhere more off the beaten path.
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town is the largest city on the island and the perfect base for experiencing Ibiza's world-famous nightclubs. Stay near the port or Old Town to be within walking distance from the best restaurants and shops. From Ibiza Town, you can also easily take day trips to other parts of the island.
Hotels in Ibiza Town
Moderate: Hotel MIM Adults-Only - nightly rates start from $150/night
Luxury: Hotel One Ibiza Suites -nightly rates start from $250/night
San Antonio
San Antonio is a lively beach resort on Ibiza's west coast. It's known for its buzzing nightlife and sunset views. Stay near the main beach area to be close to the action. San Antonio puts you near some of Ibiza's best beaches like Cala Bassa and Cala Comte. It's also a short drive to Ibiza Town.
Hotels in San Antonio
Budget: Ryans Lola's - nightly rates from $80/night
Luxury: TRS Ibiza Hotel Adults-Only - nightly rates from $250/night
Off the Beaten Path Stays
If avoiding the crowds is high on your list and the party scene is low on your list, don’t be afraid to venture outside of the popular towns and stay near Cala San Vicente or Portinatx. Keep in mind that you may want to stay at these hidden gems longer than a weekend, but if your vacation is flexible, check them out.
Hotels Further Away
Budget: Grupotel Imperio Playa - nightly rates from $90/night
Luxury: El Somni Ibiza Dream Hotel - nightly rates from $300/night
Ultra Luxury: Six Senses - nightly rates from $500/night
Top Things to Do in Ibiza
Ibiza has so much more to offer than just its famous nightlife. During the day, get out and explore this beautiful island and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are some of the top things to do during your long weekend in Ibiza.
Wander around Dalt Vila
This UNESCO World Heritage site is Ibiza Town's old quarter. Meander through the narrow cobblestone streets and check out landmarks like the cathedral and city walls. Don't miss the stunning views from the top.
Hit the Beach Clubs
Ibiza is home to some of the most famous beach clubs in the world like Blue Marlin, Ushuaïa, and Ocean Beach. Spend a day lounging by the pool, dancing to DJs, and taking in the lively atmosphere. If you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy these much more than traditional nightclubs.
Explore Picturesque Villages
Check out charming villages around the island like Santa Gertrudis and Sant Rafel. These laidback towns have whitewashed buildings, specialty shops, and the ultimate European vacation vibes.
Take an Island Tour
Join a guided tour to experience some hidden gems near Ibiza Town. Make stops at places like Cala Comte and Es Vedrá and avoid the tourist crowds all day long.
Go Boating
Rent a private boat or join a boat cruise to explore Ibiza's hidden coves and crystal blue waters. Many tours come with food, drinks, and snorkeling or you can opt for a party cruise depending on your interests.
Relax at Agroturismo
Stay at one of Ibiza's countryside agroturismos (farm stays) like Atzaro. Enjoy activities like yoga, hiking, and farm-to-table dining. Agroturismos are popular in Spain and it’s a great way to support the local economy and agricultural areas while enjoying a truly unique stay.
Best Clubs in Ibiza
Ibiza is famous for its incredible nightlife scene and lively clubs. Although the island is still very much worth visiting even if you’re not into the party scene, Ibiza does set the bar extremely high for party-goers. If experiencing an Ibiza beach club or nightclub is one of your top priorities, make sure to check out some of the top clubs on the island.
Pacha
Pacha is one of the most iconic and legendary clubs in Ibiza. It's been around since the 1970s and is known for bringing in world-famous DJs. Dance the night away as you enjoy the multi-level club and its unique decor.
Amnesia
Amnesia is another famous Ibiza club that's been around for decades. The club attracts thousands of revelers each summer. Amnesia is known for booking renowned DJs and hosting residencies like Claptone and Elrow.
Ushuaïa
Ushuaïa in Playa d'en Bossa is a top pick for outdoor beach club parties. Dance and relax on luxurious beds while listening to DJs spin. Ushuaïa throws some of the biggest pool parties on the island and the club has an upscale, lively atmosphere.
With its vibrant nightclubs, Ibiza offers some of the best party and clubbing experiences in all of Europe. Don't miss out on dancing the night away at top spots like Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaïa when spending a weekend in Ibiza. The island's clubs are famous for good reason!
If You Have an Extra Day Visit Formentera Island
La Mola Lighthouse on Formentera
Formentera is a small island located just off the coast of Ibiza. It's known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe and it was one of my favorite things we did when visiting the area. If you can spare an extra day during your weekend in Ibiza, taking a ferry over to Formentera is highly recommended!
The beaches in Formentera look like they belong in the Caribbean, with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Playa de Ses Illetes is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The water is incredibly calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It gets quite busy during peak season, but the beach is long enough that you can always find a quiet spot.
Other stunning beaches to visit include Playa de Migjorn, Playa de Llevant, and Cala Saona. These beaches are backed by scenic sand dunes and pine trees making them unique. Formentera has also preserved its natural beauty and has not allowed large resorts or high-rise hotels to be built which keeps the island feeling secluded and untouched.
Getting to Formentera from Ibiza
You can take the public ferry to Formentera from Ibiza Town which is only a 30-minute ride and then rent a car once you’re on the island. Make sure to book ferry tickets in advance during the summer months as they’re likely to sell out.
If you don’t feel like renting a car once on the island, renting a bike is another great way to explore Formentera's beaches. Pack a picnic, put on your swimsuit, and spend the day beach hopping. The island only takes about 1.5 hours to cycle across. Stop at beach bars along the way for drinks and snacks.
If you’re one of those people who don’t like the hassle of booking tickets and planning out the logistics of a day trip, you can always book a small group day tour from Ibiza to Formentera. This is a really great and easy option and there are tons of tour options available.
With its stunning turquoise waters and pristine beaches, Formentera is the perfect way to end a weekend in Ibiza. It provides a nice contrast from Ibiza's lively party scene.
Ibiza is an island paradise that offers far more than just its famous nightlife. With its picturesque beaches, charming Old Town, and scenic countryside it's easy to see why Ibiza is such a popular destination.
During your weekend in Ibiza, make sure to spend time relaxing on the beach, exploring the cobblestone streets of Old Town, and dancing the night away at one of the island's legendary clubs. The island has something for every type of traveler!
The best time to visit is from late May to early October when the weather is ideal and all the hotspots are open. Spend at least 3 days in Ibiza to properly experience everything the island has to offer. And lastly, book your accommodations in Old Town or on one of the southern beaches close to the action unless you’re truly looking to get away from it all.
I hope this guide has piqued your interest in visiting Ibiz and has helped you understand what to expect when visiting this popular island oasis. Book your trip soon and get ready for an amazing weekend on this one-of-a-kind Balearic island! Ibiza is calling.
Happy travels!
- Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
