Before visiting Ibiza, we had a certain image of the island.
Like many people, we thought of nightlife, beach clubs, and expensive holidays.
But after spending 7 unforgettable days exploring Ibiza as a family, we discovered a completely different side of the island—one filled with hidden coves, charming villages, breathtaking viewpoints, and relaxed family-friendly beaches.
Looking back, there are several things we wish we’d known before arriving. Some would have saved us money, others would have made planning easier, and a few simply helped us enjoy the island even more.
If you’re planning your first trip to Ibiza, here are the lessons we learned.
1. Ibiza Is Much More Than a Party Island
This surprised us the most.
Yes, Ibiza has world-famous nightlife, but that’s only one part of the island.
We discovered peaceful beaches, family-friendly resorts, scenic hiking trails, traditional villages, local markets, and beautiful nature.
If you’re travelling with children or simply looking to relax, don’t let Ibiza’s party reputation put you off.
2. Renting a Car Is Absolutely Worth It
Without a car, we would have missed many of our favourite places.
Some of Ibiza’s most beautiful beaches are difficult to reach by public transport, and having a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
We visited:
- Cala Nova
- Cala Llenya
- Cala Benirràs
- Cala Xarraca
- Portinatx
- Cala Salada
- Cala Saladeta
- Cala d’Hort
- Cala Bassa
- Cala Comte
- Dalt Vila
For us, renting a car completely transformed the trip.
3. Book Everything Early
One of the best decisions we made was booking in January for our July holiday.
Because we booked six months in advance, we secured:
- Better flight prices
- Better hotel rates
- Discounted car rental
- More room choices
If you’re travelling during summer, don’t wait until the last minute.
4. Parking Can Be Difficult
Some of Ibiza’s most popular beaches have limited parking.
At places like Cala Salada, Cala Comte, and Cala Benirràs, arriving late can mean long walks or waiting for spaces to become available.
Our advice?
Try to arrive before 10:00 AM, especially in July and August.
5. Half Board Saved Us Money
We stayed at Leonardo Royal Suites Ibiza Santa Eulalia on a half-board basis.
Having breakfast and dinner included meant we only needed to budget for lunch, drinks, snacks, and ice cream while exploring.
It also made travelling with children much easier after long days of sightseeing.
6. The East Coast Was Perfect for Families
Many first-time visitors stay in San Antonio or Playa d’en Bossa.
We chose Es Canar, and we’re so glad we did.
The atmosphere was quieter, the beaches were calmer, and it became the perfect base for exploring the island.
7. Every Beach Feels Different
One thing we didn’t expect was how unique each beach would be.
Some were surrounded by pine forests.
Others had dramatic cliffs.
Some were perfect for snorkeling, while others were ideal for families with young children.
Don’t spend your entire holiday at one beach—exploring different calas became one of our favourite parts of the trip.
8. Water Shoes Are a Great Idea
Not every beach in Ibiza has soft sand.
Many beautiful coves have pebbles or rocky entrances.
A simple pair of water shoes makes swimming much more comfortable, especially for children.
9. Bring Your Own Snorkeling Gear
This is something we learned halfway through the trip.
Ibiza’s water is incredibly clear, especially at places like:
- Portinatx
- Cala Xarraca
- Cala Salada
- Cala d’Hort
Having your own snorkeling mask means you can stop whenever you find a beautiful cove.
10. Sunset Is an Activity
Before visiting, we thought sunsets were just something you happened to see.
In Ibiza, they’re an experience.
Watching the sunset at Cala Benirràs and admiring Es Vedrà in the evening became some of our favourite memories.
Plan at least one evening around sunset—you won’t regret it.
11. The North of Ibiza Is Incredible
Many visitors spend all their time on the west coast.
But northern Ibiza completely surprised us.
Portinatx, Cala Benirràs, Cala Xarraca, and the scenic coastal roads offered some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes.
If you rent a car, don’t skip the north.
12. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
At first, we wanted to see everything.
By the third day, we realised Ibiza is best enjoyed slowly.
Leave time to relax on the beach, swim, enjoy long lunches, and watch the sunset.
Sometimes the best memories happen when you’re not rushing.
13. Budget for the Small Extras
When planning a holiday, it’s easy to focus on flights and hotels.
But don’t forget about:
- Tourism tax
- Fuel
- Parking
- Sunscreen
- Beach equipment
- Ice cream
- Snacks
- Souvenirs
These little expenses add up over the course of the week.
14. Ibiza Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
Many people assume Ibiza is only for luxury travellers.
Our experience was different.
By booking early, staying on half board, renting a car in advance, and spending most of our time exploring beaches instead of beach clubs, we kept our holiday within a reasonable budget.
Ibiza doesn’t have to be expensive—it all depends on the type of trip you plan.
15. One Week Isn’t Enough
This might be the biggest lesson of all.
Even after seven full days, there were still beaches, villages, hiking trails, and restaurants we didn’t have time to visit.
Ibiza is much more diverse than we expected, and we’d happily return to discover even more.
Bonus Tips
✔ Download offline Google Maps before arriving.
✔ Bring reusable water bottles.
✔ Pack reef-safe sunscreen.
✔ Start beach days early.
✔ Reserve restaurants with sea views in advance.
✔ Carry cash for some markets and small cafés.
✔ Always leave time to watch the sunset.
Final Thoughts
Our week in Ibiza completely changed the way we see the island. We arrived expecting famous beaches and beautiful sunsets, but we left with memories of hidden coves, kayaking adventures, peaceful evenings in Es Canar, and some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen.
If we could give one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t try to copy someone else’s itinerary. Take your time, explore different parts of the island, and leave space for unexpected discoveries. Those spontaneous moments often become the highlights of your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surprised us most about Ibiza?
How peaceful and family-friendly it was. We expected crowds and nightlife everywhere, but instead discovered quiet beaches, charming towns, and a relaxed atmosphere, especially on the east and north coasts.
Is renting a car really necessary in Ibiza?
If you want to explore the island properly, absolutely. It gave us the flexibility to visit more than ten beaches, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems that would have been difficult to reach otherwise.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time visitors make in Ibiza?
Trying to do too much in too little time. Ibiza is an island best enjoyed at a slower pace, with time to swim, explore, and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Is Ibiza suitable for families?
Definitely. Once you move beyond the party hotspots, you’ll find calm beaches, excellent family hotels, outdoor activities, and plenty of places where children can enjoy the island just as much as adults.
