Dear travelers,
Let me tell you about Ibiza, that little Balearic island that’s famous for two things: beaches and parties. Now, before you roll your eyes and picture neon tank tops, glow sticks, and overpriced mojitos, hear me out. Ibiza can be absolutely magical… if you know a few insider tricks. Otherwise, it’ll happily chew up your wallet and leave you sunburned, dehydrated, and wondering why you spent €40 on a beer-and-water combo (yes, that really happened to me).
I went in October 2024, and let me just say: I’d do it again in a heartbeat. So, consider this post my love letter slash survival guide to Ibiza. Here are the Ibiza travel tips no one tells you (until it’s too late).
Getting to Ibiza Without Breaking the Bank
First things first: how do you actually get there without sacrificing your entire holiday budget?
From within Spain: If you’re already in Spain, do what we did, hop on an internal flight. We flew from Barcelona, and it wasn’t expensive at all. Think of it like buying two concert tickets instead of a whole VIP pass.
Direct flights from Europe: Ibiza has direct flights from cities like Vienna and Venice, so book early for the best deals.
The ferry option: If you’re feeling adventurous (or seasick-prone, maybe skip this), you can also take a ferry from the mainland. It’s slower but scenic, and sometimes cheaper if you’re booking last-minute.
Pro tip: Book flights early for May/June or September/October (more on this later), they’re way less expensive than July and August.
Getting Around Ibiza
From Ibiza airport to town: don’t get ripped off. You land, you’re tired, and the first shiny taxi looks like a good idea. But here’s the truth: you don’t need it.
Take the bus: We hopped on a bus from the airport straight to our apartment. Cost? Around €3. Yes, you read that right. €3. Compare that to a taxi or private transfer and you’ve already saved enough for tapas and a glass of wine.
Uber works too: Yep, Ibiza has Uber and it’s not outrageously priced like some touristy islands.
Walking-friendly: Depending on where you’re staying, you might not even need much transport. Our apartment was perfectly between Ibiza Town and the clubs, so we walked everywhere, about 20 minutes on foot.
Pro tip: Don’t overspend on transfers. Ibiza is compact, and transport is straightforward once you know the options.
Location Matters: Where You Stay Will Make or Break Your Trip
Picking your accommodation in Ibiza is like choosing your Hogwarts house, it completely shapes your experience.
Near the clubs: If you’re here for the nightlife (like we were), stay central. Our apartment was strategically located between Ibiza Town and the clubs. It saved us taxi money and gave us the freedom to stumble home on foot without waiting in 4 a.m. taxi queues.
Near the beaches: If you’re more into sun, sea, and sipping sangria by day, base yourself closer to Ibiza’s famous beaches. Sant Antoni, for example, has a more relaxed vibe (plus those epic sunsets).
Luxury vs. budget: Ibiza has both. Villas with infinity pools exist, but so do budget-friendly apartments and hostels. Just decide where your euros are better spent: on your pillow, or on that next night at Ushuaïa.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the value of walking-distance accommodation. Taxis at 5 a.m. are both expensive and scarce.
Clubbing in Ibiza: The Truth They Don’t Put on the Flyer
This is the part that everyone secretly asks about, right? Let’s talk about clubs.
The big names: You’ve probably heard of them — Hï Ibiza, Ushuaïa, Pacha, Amnesia, DC10, Unvrs. These aren’t just clubs, they’re temples of electronic music.
Tickets are pricey: We paid around €100 per ticket, depending on the DJ lineup. Book in advance or you’ll pay even more (or worse, miss out).
Drinks are… astronomical: My personal “never again” moment was paying €40 for a beer and a water. Yes, water. Hydration is a luxury in Ibiza apparently.
Food tip: Eat beforehand at one of the nearby restaurants. Prices outside are normal, inside the clubs, they’re wallet-crushing.
Pro tip: Pre-drink responsibly before heading in, and stock up on water beforehand.
The Best Time to Visit Ibiza? (Hint: It’s Not August)
Everyone asks this question: When is the best time to visit Ibiza? And I’ve got a clear answer after my October trip.
Opening parties (May–June): These are legendary. The island shakes off its winter quiet, DJs return, and everyone’s energy is fresh. Prices for flights and stays are still reasonable.
Closing parties (September–October): My personal favorite. We went in October, the weather was still warm, the crowds were thinner, and the vibe was unbeatable. Plus, prices were noticeably cheaper compared to peak summer.
Peak summer (July–August): Unless you love being sardined in a club and spending triple your budget, avoid it. Yes, the island buzzes, but so does your credit card bill.
My opinion: Go for either opening (May/June) or closing (Sept/Oct). You’ll get the same world-class DJs, perfect weather, and spend way less than in July/August.
Ibiza Town: The Cute Side You Didn’t Expect
Now, let’s step away from the strobe lights for a moment. Ibiza isn’t only about nightlife.
Wander Ibiza Town: It’s genuinely adorable.
Dalt Vila (the old town): Dalt Vila is a UNESCO site. It’s like walking through a Mediterranean movie set.
Cafés and small restaurants: Perfect for people-watching and grabbing a much-needed recovery breakfast.
Pro tip: Don’t skip Ibiza Town just because you came for the parties. It’s a side of the island that makes the whole trip feel more balanced.
Budget Travel in Ibiza Is Possible
Yes, Ibiza has a reputation as the playground for the rich. And yes, a single club night can cost the same as a weekend trip elsewhere. But it doesn’t have to drain your savings.
Here’s how we managed:
Public transport: Buses are cheap, reliable, and cover the key spots. But keep in mind there are no buses running during the night, the first ones usually start around 7 a.m. If you’re out clubbing until sunrise, plan to walk, grab an Uber, or wait it out until morning.
Walking: If you plan your accommodation well, you’ll walk a lot and save on taxis.
Eat smart: Restaurants outside the clubs aren’t overpriced. We found plenty of local spots where meals were completely reasonable.
Mix your spending: Splurge on one or two big club nights, then keep the rest of the trip low-key.
Pro tip: Budget in advance for one shockingly expensive night (because it will happen) and balance it out with affordable meals and transport.
Essential Ibiza Travel Tips That Will Save Your Trip
Here’s the part where I save you from rookie mistakes:
Buy club tickets online in advance. You’ll save money and guarantee entry.
Don’t rely on taxis late at night. Queues are long, drivers scarce. Plan to walk or use Uber when possible.
Always carry cash. Not every place takes cards, especially smaller cafés.
Hydrate before entering clubs. Paying €15 for water inside hurts.
Check the club calendar. Some venues shut earlier than you’d expect, depending on the season.
Pack comfy shoes. Walking is inevitable, stilettos and cobblestones don’t mix.
Why I’d Do It Again
So, after three days in Ibiza, exploring Ibiza Town, dancing at Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa, learning the hard way about drink prices, and basking in that perfect October sunshine, would I do it again? Absolutely.
Ibiza isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. It’s chaotic, beautiful, sometimes overpriced, but always unforgettable. If you go in with these tips in mind, you’ll avoid the rookie mistakes and actually enjoy every beat of it.
So, pack your dancing shoes (the comfy ones), book your tickets in advance, and trust me on this one: Ibiza will steal your heart, but maybe not your whole bank account.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us
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