Where to Stay in Ibiza

If crazy summer parties, phenomenal nightlife, and beautiful beaches are your holiday dreams, then Ibiza is the place to be. From the warm embrace of the sand to the ice-cold taste of beer, Ibiza has everything you can imagine for a wild vacation!

Ibiza is an island off the coast of mainland Spain and one of the largest Balearic Islands. With a population of only 150,000, it’s quiet and soothing atmosphere during the day gets turned upside down with its electric nightlife. Despite being known as a popular party spot, it also has some of the most amazing sand beaches and offerings of nature for everyone to experience, even if you’re not into partying.

If Ibiza is next on your bucket list, this is the perfect guide for you as I will be going through the 5 best areas and top hotels for each budget within them, answering your question – “where to stay in Ibiza”. I’ll be sprinkling in a bonus afterward, so be on the lookout for that. From the hip and modern to relaxing and soothing, there will be a lot to cover since the island of Ibiza is huge, so get your party moves set and ready! 

If you are in a hurry:

If you really want to know the best hotels in Ibiza from the get-go, then this list is for you.

Here is an Ibiza map with all the 5 areas I will be going through on this post to help you visualize them: 

1. Ibiza Town – Where to Stay in Ibiza for the First Time 

Ibiza Town (also known as Old Town Ibiza) really does have something for everyone. Its cobbled streets are lined with historic structures and artifacts from the past such as The UNESCO World Heritage site Dalt Vila. Food lovers will be glad to know that Ibiza Town has a lot of restaurants and you may also visit the beautiful De Ses Salines beach, where guests can enjoy warm swims and lively atmospheres. 

Additionally, nightfall is when the town really comes alive. The city centre has multiple bars and clubs such as the famous Pacha, where decorated DJs from around the world like Calvin Harris and David Guetta host events and parties. 

With the perfect blend between past and contemporary offering diverse choices of activities to do, and electric nightlife, Ibiza Town is the best place to stay if you are a first-timer. 

Other accommodation options in Ibiza Town

Things to do in Ibiza Town

• Take a walk down at the stunning streets of Ibiza Town 
• Go for a dip at De Ses Salines beach
• See the sunset from Cafe Del Mar
• Catch an open-air film at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dalt Vila
• Snap a picture of Ibiza Cathedral
• Experience the taste of Spanish cuisine at Tapas & Garden Bar
• Get out and indulge yourself in Ibiza Town’s world-famous nightlife at Pacha

2. San Antonio – Where to Stay in Ibiza for Budget Travelers 

Clubbing and partying can be expensive activities for some. Let alone the cost of resort hotels and fancy restaurants. Budget travelers may be daunted at the thought of expenses when staying in Ibiza Town. But thankfully, there is a budget alternative to Ibiza Town – San Antonio!

San Antonio (Sant Antoni De Portmany) is situated across the northern coast of Ibiza and is accessed by either cab or bus from both Ibiza Town (20 mins) and the airport (25 mins). It is a part of Ibiza best for budget travelers because of its cheaper selection of accommodations when compared to its counterparts. Fortunately, it does not cheap out on things to do and sights to see as it is the home of some of the most popular sites in Ibiza. 

The vibe of San Antonio isn’t any different from the rest of the island either. When the sunset draws near, you can check out the famed San Antonio Sunset Strip and fall in love with the beauty of nature.

Other accommodation options in San Antonio

Things to do in San Antonio

• Feel the warmth of the white sand at San Antonio beach 
• See the beauty of Ibiza’s underwater world with a scuba diving session
• Visit the Aquarium Cap Blanc inside a cave
• Experience the joy of beach hopping and paddle cruising
• Go cliff jumping at Punta Galera
• Enjoy the sunset from the San Antonio strip

3. Santa Eularia des Riu – Where to Stay in Ibiza for Families 

If you are traveling with your kids and family, chances are you won’t want to party. Though some of Ibiza’s most famous experiences are derived from those activities, there are still many family-friendly things to see and do in Santa Eularia des Riu! 

Santa Eulària des Riu (also known as Santa Eulalia) is a beach resort town that is 20 mins drive east of Ibiza town and relatively quiet compared to its party-centric neighbors like San Antonio. It is filled with resorts featuring huge swimming pools, slides, and play areas perfect for your kids. Suppose you decide to enjoy the day outside of your beach resort or hotel. In that case, Santa Eulària des Riu also has its own playground right on the town’s white sandy beach. Children and adults alike will surely appreciate the beauty of this town, making it an excellent option for those seeking a low-key, family-friendly holiday in Ibiza.

Couples can enjoy their alone time at one of their beach bars – though not as wild as San Antonio and Ibiza Town, it’s still a great place to take time off from the kids. 

Other accommodation in Santa Eularia des Riu

Things to do in Santa Eulària des Riu

• Spend quality time with your kids at Playa De Santa Eulalia
• Get wet at the various selection of resort beaches to choose from 
• Unwind at the Guarana Club
• Snap a picture of Pont Vell (the ancient bridge)
• See the beauty of the town from Mirador de Santa Eulalia del Río
• Visit the Etnogràfic d’Eivissa Museum
• Check out the Las Dalias Hippy Market at San Carlos and the flea markets of Es Canar

4. Playa d’en Bossa – Where to Stay in Ibiza for Nightlife 

Of course, we cannot talk about Ibiza without mentioning its trademark crazy nightlife with some of the best parties in Europe. Playa d’en Bossa (or en Bossa Ibiza) is the island’s nightlife capital, and for good reason. Most of the beach bars and clubs are located here, and it’s just a 5-minute drive south of Ibiza Town. On top of that, it is also where the longest stretch of white sand beach can be seen.

Nightowls and party lovers should be looking at Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel, Playa d’en Bossa’s busiest outdoor beach club. While waiting for the night to come and the party to start, chill by the outdoor pool with sun set views while music plays and drinks roll in. Once the night has settled in, it’s time to get funky! In Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel, you may come across some of the world’s famous DJs who occasionally visit the island to host events. Make sure to book ahead of time, though, since once a DJ has announced that they will be playing in the area, accommodations will be hard to come by. 

Other accommodation options in Playa d’en Bossa

Things to do in Playa d’en Bossa

5. Talamanca + Cala Talamanca – Where to Stay for Relaxation

The neighborhood of Talamanca is just a 2 minute drive from the heart of Ibiza and includes two great areas full of accommodation options. Talamanca port with its waterfront bars and restaurants, and Cala Talmanca. Cala Talamanca (Talamanca Beach), is a long walkway of sand, home to various beach bars, restaurants, and clubs. If you are the type of laid-back person who would rather relax right on the beach while hearing the waves crash, then this is the best place to stay. 

Talamanca has all the things you need for a relaxing time in Ibiza without having to get involved in the loud music and lively crowds of Ibiza Town everyday. At the end of the day, make sure to take in an astounding view of the sunset and the aroma of good vibes.

Other accommodation options in Talamanca

Things to do in Cala Talamanca

• Chill and unwind at the beautiful Playa de Talamanca beach
• Further destress with a private spa at the number of nearby resorts
• Check out the Ses Feixes Wetlands
• Embrace the laid back nature of Cala Talamanca with a drink at Flotante

BONUS #1: How to Get Around Ibiza 

Ibiza is a relatively small island. Though it’s one of the largest in the context of the Balearic Islands, it still is, after all, just 550 square kilometers of land. It’s a compact yet wonderful island full of endless things to do and parties to enjoy. Luckily enough, getting around Ibiza shouldn’t be too difficult because its transport network is well-connected and easy enough for tourists to understand. And lastly, it’s affordable! Let’s take a closer look at the different ways on how to get around Ibiza: 

• Car Rentals can be an excellent option for those who want the freedom to explore the beautiful island of Ibiza. I highly recommend first-time travelers to rent a car as you will be able to visit sites at your own pace, without being limited by tour buses’ strict schedules. Prices are also very competitive since many businesses around the island offer rentals.
• Renting a Bike is another plausible alternative that will fit your budget even better. If you are an active explorer, you will love the freedom a bike will give you, allowing you to get to know the island up close. The good news is most of Ibiza’s roads are bicycle-safe and are wide enough to cater to both bikes and vehicles. (Don’t forget to rent a safety helmet.) Joining a guided bike tour is also a great way to learn about the town of Ibiza.
• Public Transportation by Bus is one more way that is easy to get around, comfortable, and best of all, cheap. Check here or ask your resort hotel’s staff for the nearest bus stations to make it easy for you. Tickets cost €1-4 and can be purchased at specific booths, or onboard. Fortunately, you can book in advance with the Ibiza Bus App so that you wouldn’t have any problems.
• Take a Taxi to get precisely where you want to go, in the quickest way possible. For those of you who want a more private and quiet alternative to busses or if you want to enjoy your night fully without having to worry about driving, taxis are standard throughout the island. You can flag them down if they have a green light showing on their roof, or book on the Ibiza Taxi App. Although Ibiza doesn’t have Uber, its own taxi app works in a very similar way. All taxis in Ibiza work with a meter and cost up to €1.33 per km (remember to check that the last fare has been cleared before you set off). 
• Taking a Disco Bus is another alternative that is a great way to start the party early. You can easily find one of these roaming about Ibiza Town at night for €3 – €4 per trip. These bus services will pick and drop you off at your resort or hotel and will transport you to your beach club or bar of choice in style. Do take note that these busses only run during peak summer (June to September) and are only available during the nighttime. Book in advance with Ibiza Bus App so that you will have no trouble if demand is high. 

Getting around Ibiza is fairly easy because of its size and well-built transportation system. With tons of choices and cheap options, I can guarantee that you won’t have any problems visiting the places and towns in Ibiza! 

BONUS #2: Best Day Trips around Ibiza

It’s easy to forget about Ibiza’s wonders during the daytime when you are dazzled by its nightlife. Here are some activities and more places you can visit during your holiday at Ibiza island:

1. Visit the most beautiful island in the Balearic Islands – Formentera.
After a 45 minute scenic ride across the water you will find yourself in the island paradise that is Formentera. This tiny island is just 20km across and full of bright red rocks which contrast with the pristine white sands of turquoise beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for the brightly coloured lizards that also inhabit the island and make sure to have your camera at the ready as you’ll never want to stop snapping pictures of this photogenic place.

2. See more of Ibiza’s beaches at Cala Tarida and Cala Llonga.
Just 20 minutes away from San Antonio is Cala Tarida, a sheltered bay for those who wish to swim, boat, and dive. Cala Llonga is yet another wonder of Ibiza that should not go unnoticed. Cala Llonga is also home to some of Ibiza’s most stunning sandy beaches frequented by a bustling community of tourists and residents alike. If you haven’t had enough of your summer beach fix, then Cala Tarida and Cala Llonga are a must-visit during the day.

3. Enjoy a food trip at Santa Gertrudis.
Santa Gertrudis is a small village located right in the center of Ibiza. It hosts a diverse selection of bars, restaurants, and chapels within walking distance of each other. You can eat, relax, pray or do whatever your heart desires here! 

4. Stay active and enjoy Ibiza’s stunning views on a hike.
Ibiza isn’t only praised for its sandy beaches. It’s also an excellent spot for hiking. Choose any of the incredible hikes suiting all abilities and get ready for an adventure. I recommend the hike from Calo des Moro to Punta Galera as a quiet option with easily accessible paths passing through the beautiful coastline of Ibiza. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ibiza

🏡 What is the best area to stay in Ibiza? 

The city center – Ibiza Town (or Old Town Ibiza), is the best place to stay on Ibiza because of its unrivaled old-world charm and jaw-dropping architecture from another century. It is also paired with an atmosphere that roars at night with its shining lights and lively community.

🌲 Which side of Ibiza is best?

The south side, where Old Town Ibiza and City Center are located, is the best place to stay because of the number of activities to do and attractions to see. 

🎉 Where should I stay in Ibiza for clubbing?

If you are all about the nightlife and clubbing culture of Ibiza, then Playa d’en Bossa is the place to stay. On top of that, it still has beautiful beaches like De Ses Salines.

🏖️ Where should I stay in Ibiza without a club?

A popular spot in Ibiza for relaxing and without a club is Cala Talamanca area. There are some clubs and bars on its outskirts, but it is generally far away from the sandy beach where you can rest peacefully. 

Conclusion

Hooray! You have finished reading my where to Stay in Ibiza guide! Thank you for reading, and I hope you are finally set on which neighborhood or town is right for you before you visit Ibiza. 

In this guide, I have shown you the best areas for each interest! Moreover, I have also recommended accommodations and hotels that suit every budget to make it easy for you to choose the best places to stay in Ibiza. 

Here are two of the best hotels in Ibiza you should book immediately for their quality and great locations: 

Ibiza and its culture indeed are one of a kind, and because of its insane nightlife, it has become one of the best party spots in the world. If you’re stopping off in Barcelona after your Ibiza trip, check out our guides for where to stay in Barcelona and where to go out. It’s perfect for those who cannot get enough of Spain’s beautiful scenery and diverse culture. 

Also, make sure to plan ahead of time since Ibiza is a crowd favorite year-round. Accommodations are running out fast, so be quick with bookings! If you have any thoughts, questions, suggestions, or anything you would like to share with me, please do so in the comments below. I will happily read and respond to them! 

Stay safe and party hard in Ibiza,

Kate