Everyone thinks they know Ibiza. Superclubs, sunset bars and unforgettable (sometimes regrettable) nights out. And yes, that Ibiza is very real – you’ll find it out late, loud and loving life.
But that’s not the whole story.
Away from the dancefloors, Ibiza is cobbled streets, viewpoints over the harbour, pine-covered hills and small coves with water so clear you can see fish darting past your ankles. Days start with a quick swim, turn into long lunches, and end somewhere unexpected – usually with a drink in hand.
Looking for the island’s quieter side? Read our guide to family-friendly things to do in Ibiza
Ibiza works just as well for people who love a colour-coded itinerary as it does for those who prefer to wake up at noon and go with the flow. The island has a way of easing you into its rhythm.
We’ve written you a guide to cover everything you need to plan your trip properly when you fly to Ibiza from London Southend Airport – where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and which bars are genuinely worth staying out for.
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Why visit Ibiza?
Ibiza needs no introduction. By mid-afternoon, beach bars are humming, DJs are warming up and plans are already delightfully loose. But that buzz is only half the story.
Step away from the resorts and you’ll find clear-water coves made for long swims, inland villages built around café tables and church squares, and quiet roads winding through pine-covered hills. Thanks to the island’s small size, slipping between those worlds in a single day feels effortless.
That freedom is what defines Ibiza. Start with a swim, drift inland for a lazy lunch, then follow the light west as the sky turns gold. As evening falls, music carries across the water and everything slows while the sun drops into the sea. With a historic old town that stays lively after dark and beaches that invite you into the water, Ibiza fits around how you travel, whether you plan everything or make it up as you go.
When does the holiday season start in Ibiza?
Ibiza starts to get lively from late April, when many hotels reopen, beach bars roll out their sunbeds and evenings stretch a little longer. By May, the island is warm, busy and buzzing, but still comfortable enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Summer brings hotter days, fuller beaches and a packed calendar of events, before things ease off again in September and October. The sea stays warm well into autumn, making early evenings and quieter beaches especially appealing.
Outside the summer months, Ibiza slows down rather than switches off. From November to March, cafés stay open in Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària, walking routes are at their best, and the island shows a more everyday side. It’s a different pace, but one many people end up loving.
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Where should I stay in Ibiza?
From lively beach towns to quiet coves, there’s somewhere to stay in Ibiza for every type of trip,
Ibiza Town (Eivissa)
Ibiza Town is where history, food and nightlife overlap. The Old Town (Dalt Vila) rises above the harbour, packed with narrow streets, viewpoints and hidden bars, while the lower town stays busy with restaurants, boutiques and late-night spots. If you like evenings that start with a chill wander and end somewhere lively, this is the place to be.
Playa d’en Bossa
Playa d’en Bossa is classic Ibiza beach energy. A long stretch of sand just south of Ibiza Town, it’s all about beach clubs by day and music-led nights you can walk home from. If you want sunbeds, sea dips and nightlife on your doorstep, this one’s an easy win.
San Antonio (Sant Antoni)
San Antonio is built around sunset. Every evening, the west-facing bay draws people to the promenade for drinks, music and that moment when the sky puts on a show. It’s social, lively and well placed for exploring west-coast beaches, making it a good choice if sunsets and sociable nights are high on your wish-list.
Santa Eulària des Riu
Santa Eulària keeps things calmer without feeling quiet. Set on the east coast, it’s known for its marina, seafront promenade and strong restaurant scene. If your ideal evening involves good food, a stroll by the water and an early-ish night, this area fits the bill.
Northern Ibiza
The north of the island shows a softer side of Ibiza. Small coves, winding roads and countryside dotted with fincas set the tone here. If you’re drawn to peaceful beaches, walking routes and mornings that start slowly, this is where Ibiza feels most laid-back.
What is there to do in Ibiza?
There’s a lot more to Ibiza than beaches and late nights. The island is at its best when you mix a bit of exploring into the downtime.
Explore Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s old town
Dalt Vila is the walled old town that rises above Ibiza’s harbour, and it’s impossible to miss. Enter through the old stone gates, climb steep streets and staircases, and circle the ramparts for sweeping sea views. The higher you go, the quieter it gets. Inside the walls you’ll find hidden cafés, small museums and viewpoints that make the climb more than worth it.
Get out on the water
Seeing Ibiza from the sea changes everything. Boat trips hug the coastline, cut into rocky inlets and stop at coves you can’t reach by road. Make time for swimming and snorkelling in clear water, with plenty of chances to jump straight off the boat. It’s one of the easiest ways to escape the crowds and see how wild parts of the island still are.
Take a day trip to Formentera
Formentera is a small neighbouring island just south of Ibiza, and it feels noticeably calmer from the moment you arrive. Ferries run regularly and take under an hour. Once there, you’ll find wide, pale beaches, shallow turquoise water and quiet roads that are ideal for cycling or scootering between stops. It’s an easy day trip that feels like a proper change of scene.
Discover inland villages and local markets
Head away from the coast and Ibiza slows down fast. Inland villages revolve around cafés, bakeries and church squares, while markets pop up selling handmade jewellery, crafts and local food. This is one the best ways to get a feel for everyday island life beyond the resorts.
Chase viewpoints and scenic routes
Ibiza rewards curiosity. Coastal roads and inland routes lead to clifftop viewpoints, hidden beaches and roadside pull-ins with incredible views. Some are marked, many aren’t. Hiring a car makes it easy to follow your instincts and stop whenever something catches your eye.
What are the best beaches in Ibiza?
Ibiza’s beaches are all about variety. Some are made for full days with lunch plans built in, while others are perfect for a quick swim before heading elsewhere on the island:
- Cala d’Hort – On the southwest coast near Sant Josep, this relaxed beach combines good swimming with unforgettable views of Es Vedrà rising from the sea.
- Playa d’en Bossa – Located just south of Ibiza Town, this long, sandy beach is ideal if you want easy swimming, plenty of space and everything close at hand, from beach bars to hotels.
- Cala Comte – On the island’s west coast near Sant Antoni, this is one of Ibiza’s most popular beaches thanks to its clear water, small coves and wide-open sunset views.
- Cala Saladeta – Just north of Sant Antoni, this small, natural cove is known for its bright turquoise water and tucked-away feel, reached by a short walk from Cala Salada.
Beyond the headline names, Ibiza’s smaller calas are scattered around the coast and offer shade, calmer water and far fewer distractions. Mix one easy-to-reach beach with one quieter cove and you’ll quickly see why beach-hopping is such a big part of the island’s appeal.
The best bars, restaurants and nightlife in Ibiza
In Ibiza, evenings don’t follow a strict schedule – and that’s half the appeal. Here’s where you can eat, drink and dance the night away.
Bars
- Café del Mar (San Antonio) – This bar sports whitewashed walls, low seating and Balearic beats facing the open sea. People arrive early to secure a spot and stay as the sky fades from gold to deep blue.
- Café Mambo – This one’s a little livelier and louder, with DJs setting the pace as sunset turns into night. Expect a busy terrace and a sociable crowd.
- Pikes Bar – Hidden in the hills above San Antonio, this iconic spot is known for its eclectic décor, candlelit corners and anything-can-happen atmosphere. Dress up and lean into it.
- Las Dalias Bar – Bohemian and colourful, and often busiest after market days, Las Dalias has a mixed-age crowd and relaxed, free-spirited energy.
- Experimental Beach – A calmer option on the south coast, Experimental Beach is perfect for sunset drinks with uninterrupted sea views and a slower, more refined pace.
Restaurants
- La Paloma – Tucked away inland near San Lorenzo, this much-loved spot is known for its garden setting, Mediterranean comfort food and laid-back, communal feel. Best for slow lunches that stretch into the afternoon.
- Es Torrent – A classic beachfront restaurant on a pebbled cove, Es Torrent specialises in seafood cooked simply and well. Ideal if you want lunch with your feet almost in the sea.
- Sa Punta – Set above Talamanca Bay with views back towards Ibiza Town, this is a more polished dining experience with a DJ-led soundtrack and a fashionable crowd.
- El Bigotes – Found on the north coast, this tiny, no-frills restaurant is famous for its bullit de peix fish stew. Limited seating and set menus mean it’s all about the food, not the fuss.
- Casa Maca – Sitting in the hills just outside Ibiza Town, Casa Maca combines farm-to-table cooking with sunset views over the old town, making it a favourite for relaxed but special evenings.
Nightlife
- Pacha – Located close to Ibiza Town, Pacha is glamorous, busy and polished, with international DJs and a crowd that mixes locals, visitors and industry regulars.
- Amnesia – Known for its cavernous rooms, intense lighting and sunrise moments, this is a high-energy club for people who want to dance until morning.
- Ushuaïa – An open-air venue in Playa d’en Bossa where parties start in the afternoon and finish before midnight. Big productions, headline DJs and festival-style crowds.
- Hï Ibiza – Right next door to Ushuaïa, Hï is sleek, modern and usually packed, with cutting-edge sound and lighting to boot. A favourite for those who want a full-scale club experience.
- DC-10 – Close to the airport and famous for its raw, underground feel, DC-10 is known for long sessions, stripped-back spaces and serious music lovers.
Get ready for your trip
Top tips for your stay in Ibiza
Here’s some quick tips before you jet off!
- Pack for warm days and late evenings. Lightweight fabrics, swimwear that dries quickly and comfortable shoes will take you from the beach to dinner without a costume change. Evenings are relaxed, but most people make a little effort, especially in Ibiza Town.
- If you’re travelling in summer, book accommodation and popular restaurants early. Ibiza fills up fast during peak months.
- Leave space in your plans. Some of Ibiza’s best moments come from following a recommendation, a sign by the road or the sound of music in the distance.
Ready to go? Ibiza’s calling – and with London to Ibiza flights from London Southend Airport taking off from April 2026, you could be swapping plans for sunsets sooner than you think.
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