After spending a week exploring Ibiza by car, visiting beaches across the island, walking through historic towns, and trying different family activities, we realised that a few simple tips can make your holiday much easier.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an entire week, these practical travel tips will help you save time, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy everything Ibiza has to offer.
1. Rent a Car
This is our number one recommendation.
Having a rental car allowed us to visit beaches like Cala Nova, Cala Xarraca, Portinatx, Cala Salada, Cala Bassa, and Cala d’Hort whenever we wanted.
Without a car, many of Ibiza’s best beaches are difficult to reach.
2. Book Early for Summer
Hotels, rental cars, and popular restaurants fill up quickly between June and September.
We recommend booking at least three to four months in advance for the best prices.
3. Stay Outside the Party Areas
If you’re travelling with children or simply want a quieter holiday, consider staying in:
- Es Canar
- Santa Eulalia
- Portinatx
- Cala Llonga
We stayed in Es Canar and loved its relaxed atmosphere.
4. Visit Beaches Early
Popular beaches become busy quickly.
Arriving before 10:00 AM usually means:
- Easier parking
- More space
- Better photos
- Calmer water
5. Don’t Only Visit Famous Beaches
Some of our favourite places weren’t the most famous ones.
Explore smaller coves and nearby viewpoints whenever possible.
6. Watch at Least One Sunset
Ibiza sunsets are unforgettable.
Our favourite sunset was at Cala Benirràs.
Other great options include:
- Cala Comte
- Es Vedrà
- Punta Galera
7. Explore Dalt Vila
Don’t spend your whole holiday at the beach.
Dalt Vila offers incredible views, fascinating history, and charming streets that show a completely different side of Ibiza.
8. Wear Water Shoes
Many beaches have rocky entrances or coastal paths.
Water shoes are especially useful at:
- Cala Saladeta
- Cala Xarraca
- Sa Pedrera
9. Bring Snorkelling Gear
Some of the clearest water we found was at:
- Portinatx
- Cala Xarraca
- Cala Comte
Having your own mask and snorkel saves money and lets you explore whenever you want.
10. Try a Water Activity
One of our favourite memories was renting a kayak in Portinatx and exploring hidden coves.
We also loved renting the catamaran with a slide at Es Canar.
11. Download Offline Google Maps
Some coastal roads have weak mobile coverage.
Downloading your maps in advance makes navigation much easier.
12. Pack Plenty of Water
This is especially important if you’re visiting viewpoints or hiking to Sa Pedrera.
Summer temperatures can be very high.
13. Expect Narrow Roads
Some beach access roads are winding and narrow.
Drive carefully and allow extra time.
14. Parking Can Fill Up
Many beaches have limited parking.
Early mornings are your best chance of finding a space.
15. Bring Cash
Although most places accept cards, some beach kiosks and small businesses still prefer cash.
16. Don’t Skip the North of Ibiza
Many visitors stay in the south.
Northern Ibiza gave us some of our favourite beaches and quieter landscapes.
17. Ibiza Is Family-Friendly
Before visiting, we only associated Ibiza with nightlife.
The reality was completely different.
We found calm beaches, family hotels, playgrounds, water sports, and plenty of activities for children.
18. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully
Your hotel location affects your entire trip.
For exploring the island, we found Es Canar to be an excellent base.
19. Respect Nature
Stay on marked paths.
Don’t leave rubbish behind.
Avoid climbing fragile cliffs.
Protect Ibiza’s beautiful coastline for future visitors.
20. Carry Sun Protection
The Mediterranean sun is strong, even outside peak summer.
Always bring:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water
21. Visit Cala Benirràs for Sunset
Even if you don’t spend the whole day there, make time for sunset.
It was one of the highlights of our holiday.
22. Explore Beyond the Beach
Visit:
- Dalt Vila
- Santa Eulalia Marina
- Es Vedrà viewpoints
They add another dimension to your trip.
23. Plan Your Driving Route
Instead of crossing the island multiple times, group nearby beaches together.
This saves time and fuel.
24. Travel With a Flexible Itinerary
Some beaches become busy, weather changes, or you may discover somewhere unexpected.
Leave room in your schedule for spontaneous stops.
Final Thoughts
Ibiza surprised us in the best possible way. Beyond the famous nightlife, we discovered an island filled with crystal-clear beaches, historic towns, spectacular viewpoints, and unforgettable family experiences.
With a little planning—and the right base—you can experience everything from peaceful coves in the north to iconic sunsets on the west coast, all while creating memories that last long after your holiday ends.
If you’re planning your own trip, be sure to explore our other Ibiza guides, including:
- Ultimate Ibiza Travel Guide
- Where to Stay in Ibiza
- 7-Day Ibiza Itineraries
- Best Beaches in Ibiza
- Best Viewpoints in Ibiza
- Leonardo Royal Suites Ibiza Review
- Hiper Rent a Car Ibiza Review
Together, these resources will help you plan a smoother, more memorable Ibiza adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ibiza
What should I know before visiting Ibiza?
Plan your accommodation and rental car well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the summer months. Ibiza is much more than its nightlife and offers beautiful beaches, charming villages, scenic viewpoints, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Do I need to rent a car in Ibiza?
Yes, if you want to explore beyond your hotel. Renting a car makes it much easier to reach hidden coves, viewpoints, and beaches that are difficult to access by public transport.
What is the best area to stay in Ibiza?
It depends on your travel style. We recommend Es Canar and Santa Eulària for families, Portinatx for relaxation, Playa d’en Bossa for nightlife, and San Antonio for sunsets and budget-friendly accommodation.
When is the best time to visit Ibiza?
May, June, September, and early October offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and excellent conditions for sightseeing, swimming, and outdoor activities.
Is Ibiza suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. During our trip we found calm beaches, family-friendly hotels, playgrounds, water sports, boat trips, and plenty of activities suitable for children of all ages.
How many days should I spend in Ibiza?
Three days are enough to see the highlights, while five to seven days allow you to explore the island at a more relaxed pace and discover hidden beaches and charming villages.
What are the best beaches in Ibiza?
Some of our favourites include Cala Nova, Cala Llenya, Portinatx, L’Arenal Petit, Cala Xarraca, Cala Comte, Cala Bassa, Cala Salada, Cala Saladeta, Cala Benirràs, and Cala d’Hort.
Is parking difficult in Ibiza?
Parking at popular beaches can fill up quickly during summer. Arriving before 10:00 AM greatly increases your chances of finding a convenient parking space.
Is Ibiza expensive?
Ibiza can be expensive during peak season, but booking accommodation and car rental early, travelling outside July and August, and exploring local restaurants can help reduce costs.
What should I pack for Ibiza?
Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, snorkelling gear, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
What is the best sunset spot in Ibiza?
Our favourite sunset was at Cala Benirràs. Other unforgettable sunset locations include Es Vedrà Viewpoint, Cala Comte, Punta Galera, and Cap des Falcó.
Can I explore Ibiza without public transport?
Yes. Renting a car is by far the easiest way to discover Ibiza’s beaches, viewpoints, villages, and hidden gems at your own pace.
