Where to stay in Ibiza, the best hotel and restaurant recommendations and my top tips – my Ibiza travel guide has all you need to know.
We have all heard about Ibiza’s famous club scene, but did you know this small Island is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful white washed villages and 180 beaches? Ibiza’s resorts are so diverse, and knowing where to stay in Ibiza depends on what type of holiday you seek.
Whether you want to explore Ibiza’s pretty towns and coves, dance all night in its iconic clubs, or have a relaxing family holiday, my travel guide with personal recommendations on the top things to do will ensure you make the most of this beautiful island.
About Ibiza
I visited Ibiza recently and immediately saw why this small island has such mass appeal. I expected to see towns filled with terracotta stone like its neighbouring Balearic islands, but instead I found countless whitewashed buildings, and realised quickly why Ibiza is called The White Island.
Ibiza is only one-sixth the size of Majorca, and just 21 miles long, but it certainly punches above its weight in terms of beauty, style and substance. We found an island packed with beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains and amazing dining options, as well as one of Europe’s oldest towns.
However, it is important you choose the right place to stay in Ibiza to suit your holiday style. Resorts vary hugely, with some famous for having Ibiza’s party atmosphere, others are ideal for families and couples, but it is possible to chose a resort that offers a combination of both.
My travel guide on where to stay in Ibiza will help you choose the best Ibiza resorts for nightlife as well as relaxing holidays, I also have restaurant recommendations and my top picks on things to do in Ibiza.
Where to stay in Ibiza – Ibiza Resort Guide
Ibiza Town
I am often asked where to stay in Ibiza for couples, and I think it is hard to beat Ibiza Town. It is a must visit in Ibiza, no matter where you are staying on the island, but even better if you can stay there.
It’s got it all: a stunning old town, an impressive marina, superb shopping, and some of the best restaurants on the island. At night time it comes alive and the streets are lined with tourists and locals enjoying tasty tapas and cool cocktails, and there plenty of clubs and late bars if you want to party into the small hours. See more on my list of things to do in Ibiza below.
Where to stay in Ibiza Town:
The show-stopping Standard Hotel or Mirador de Dalt Vila are the best five star hotels in Ibiza Town, while the 4-Star La Torre del Canonigo is also a top class choice.
Ibiza Corso Hotel & Spa and El Puerto Ibiza Hotel Spa are more affordable options, although all accommodation in the capital is more expensive than any of the holiday resorts on the island.
Search All Hotels Search TUIPlaya d’en Bossa
Home to Ushuaia and some of the best clubs on the island, this is the place to stay if you want to see weekly performances from some of the world’s top DJ’s. Many take residency here, including Calvin Harris and David Guetta, although it is important to note they are strictly over 18’s and ID’s are checked on entry.
Families do choose to stay here too, and you will find some family-friendly facilities at the beach, however, this is a very lively resort so is more suited to those looking to enjoy its vibrant nightlife.
Playa d’en Bossa is also home to the Ibiza’s longest and widest beach, a great waterpark and its only a 10 minute taxi ride to Ibiza town.
Location: South East Coast, 10 minutes drive to Ibiza Town and airport.
Where to stay in Playa d’en Bossa
The Ebano apartments are good value option, while the 4-Star Ibiza Twiins, Torre del Mar, Migiron Ibiza Suites and Hotel Garbi are great all-rounders.
The 5-Star Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa offers a luxurious all-inclusive stay, while Ushuaia is the place for those looking to embrace Ibiza’s club scene.
TUI and Love Holidays offer a wide range of package holidays to Ibiza including hotels and apartments in Playa d’en Bossa.
Search TUIFigueretas
Located between Ibiza Town and Playa d’en Bossa, Figueretas is usually chosen more for its location than the resort itself. It’s beach is not as impressive as the nearby Playa d’en Bossa, and while it does offer a great selection of bars and restaurants along its seafront promenade, Ibiza Town is just 15-20 minutes walk away, so you will be more inclined to dine or shop there.
However, finding family friendly accommodation in Playa d’en Bossa or Ibiza Town is not easy, so if you want to be close to the capital but want a beach stay, then this is the resort to choose.
Location: South East Coast, 15-20 minutes walk to Ibiza Town, 10 minutes drive to airport.
Where to stay in Figueretas
We stayed in the spacious B-Llobet Sun & Confort apartments, which are ideal for a family stay close to Ibiza Town and the beach. A good breakfast is included in the cost, although the roof top pool is very small. The sister property Llobet Ibiza is located across the road and on the seafront and also top rated.
The Ibiza Playa is a good value choice while the 5-Star One Ibiza Suites is the luxury choice.
Search TUISan Antonio / San Antonio Bay & Port de Torrent
What was once a small fishing village, San Antonio is now one of the liveliest resorts on the island, and the one of the best places to stay in Ibiza for nightlife. Called Sant Antoni de Portmany locally, it not only has the famous sunset strip and top clubs, you will also find big brand shops and a beach with water sports here.
Even if you don’t stay in San Antonio it is worth stopping by to see Ibiza’s best sunset locations – although be prepared to pay for the privilege – see more on this in my top things to do in Ibiza section below,
The neighbouring resorts of San Antonio Bay and Port de Torrent are about 10 minutes drive from the main resort and offer a more laidback atmosphere with quieter sandy coves. A stay here offers the best of both worlds, a more relaxed atmosphere but with easy access into San Antonio’s eclectic night scene.
Location: West Coast, 30 minutes drive to Ibiza Town and airport.
Where to stay in San Antonio
TRS Ibiza Hotel and OKU Ibiza are highly sought after five star hotels, while NYX and Amare Beach Hotel are super four star adult only hotels in Ibiza.
The Sol Bahia Ibiza Suites and the Osiris Hotel are top-rated and well priced for seaside locations, while TUI and Love Holidays offer package holiday deals to a range of hotels in San Antonio.
Search TUISanta Eulalia
Santa Eulalia, also known as Santa Eulària des Riu, surprised me the most. I didn’t realise that it was Ibiza’s third-largest town and how much it has to offer couples, families and foodies!
There is an old town as well as a modern marina with boutiques and up-scale restaurants. The seafront promenade is lined with shops, bars and restaurants and there are two Blue Flag beaches here.
If you are looking for a relaxed resort with a large choice of dining and entertainment options, but without the rowdy nightclub scene, then this is the resort to choose. Santa Eulalia offers something for everyone to enjoy, and is one of the best resorts in Ibiza for families.
Location: West Coast, 25-30 minutes drive to Ibiza Town and airport.
Where to stay in Santa Eulalia
The Duquesa Playa and Ros apartments are of the most popular self catering apartments in Santa Eulalia, while the Grupotel Santa Eulària & Spa and Tres Torres are great 4 star hotels in Ibiza.
For couples or friends looking for luxury hotels in Ibiza look no further than the Grand Hotel Palladium Santa Eulalia del Río or Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel.
Families are spoilt for choice here. The Tropic Garden and Atlas are popular family apartments in Ibiza. TUI and Love Holidays offer a range of package holidays including all inclusive holidays in Ibiza for families and adults in the popular TUI Life Cala Pada.
Search TUIEs Cana
Es Cana, also known as Es Canar, is a harbour town surrounded by pretty white-washed houses. It has a relaxed vibe but there are still plenty of bars and restaurants to suit couples or families.
Its crescent shaped beach is located in the centre of the town and it has sun loungers and water sports a plenty. Ibiza’s original Hippy Market is held here, and people travel from all over the island to visit it – see more on this in my top things to do in Ibiza below.
The lesser known village of S’Argamassa is just a few kilometres away and is a popular choice for families or couples looking for a quiet relaxing stay.
Location: North East Coast, 30 minutes drive to Ibiza Town and airport.
Where to stay in Es Cana
Typic Sandic is a popualr choice for couples or friends, while the Cel Blau apartments are very popular for family holidays in Ibiza. TUI’s Invisa Hotel Ereso offers great value for an all inclusive hotel in Ibiza for families.
The Hotel Anfora is a top rated four star hotel, and the Bless Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, is the place to stay if you are looking a relaxing holiday in a five star hotel in Ibiza.
TUI and Love Holidays offer package holidays to a range of apartments in Es Cana.
Search TUICala Llonga
Cala Llonga is the perfect choice for couples or families looking for a relaxing holiday, but within easy access to Ibiza Town. There is a beautiful Blue Flag beach here with sun loungers and watersports, and restaurants and bars surround its beautiful cove.
Location: East Coast, 20 minutes drive to Ibiza Town and airport.
Where to stay in Cala Llonga
I spotted the superbly located Palladium Hotel on my travels and note that TUI offer this on their Ibiza package holidays.
The Typic Oasis Sa Tanca and the Cana Sofia are popular apartments in Cala Llonga, and TUI and Love Holidays offer package holidays to a range of hotels in Cala Llonga.
Search TUIPortinatx
Portinatx is what many like to call the ‘Real Ibiza’. This laid-back resort is located in a beautiful bay on the north coast of the island, surrounded by pine forests and walking trails. It is popular with families and couples who want a quiet resort with a good selection of restaurants, bars and water sports – it is also one of the best places for scuba diving in Ibiza.
Location: North Coast, 30 minutes drive to Ibiza Town and airport.
Where to stay in Portinatx
The Barcelo Portinatx nd Grupotel Ibiza Beach Resort are great adult-only hotels, while the Granada Familiar Deluxe apartments are ideal for a self catering stay for couples, friends or families.
TUI and Love Holidays offer package holidays to a range of hotels in Portinatx.
Search TUITop 10 Things to do in Ibiza
1. Explore Ibiza Town
If you only have time to visit one place in Ibiza, make it Ibiza Town. Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage Old town, also known as Dalt Vila (Upper Town in Spanish), was founded by the Phoenicians over 2500 years ago and is one of the oldest towns in Europe.
The Old Town is accessed by a drawbridge where you will find top class restaurants and beautiful boutiques inside white washed buildings. You will also find locals living inside its walls today. This is one of the top things to do in Ibiza Town, don’t miss it!
Some of our favourite restaurants in Ibiza Town were La Oliva inside the walled town and La Bodega for tapas just outside it.
Outside the walls there is an impressive marina lined with restaurants, bars boutiques and market stalls, as well as a New Town with a large plaza, and high street stores such as Mango and Sephora.
2. Pre Book a Sunset Experience
If you want to enjoy the best sunset bars in Ibiza you will have to pay for the privilege. You may choose to hang out at the iconic Café del Mar in San Antonio, or book an upmarket restaurant with a sunset view, but regardless of your personal choice, you need to make sure to pre book the experience.
Most bars and restaurants on the famous Sunset Strip have a minimum spend requirement for dining or drinks after 7.30 pm. Prices vary depending on where you are sitting – front row seafront tables are the most expensive, and can be anything from €60 per person in Cafe del Mar to €100 per person in Mint by Mambo.
Mint by Mambo was the most recommended to me and certainly appears to have a better food menu than Cafe del Mar. We arrived in Cafe del Mar for cocktails at 7pm but were advised we would need to vacate our table at 8pm unless we had pre booked the sunset experience.
TOP IBIZA TIPS: Many choose to sit on the rocks outside Cafe del Mar and enjoy the sunset view for free!
One the best restaurants in Ibiza with sunset views is Hostal La Torre and if you want a livelier beach club experience, check out Experimental Beach Club or Sunset Ashram. Sa Trinxa is also recommended for a more relaxed beach club experience.
Another good idea is to book a sunset cruise. These usually include snacks and drinks, and many pull up outside Cafe del Mar at sunset, so you can enjoy the atmosphere and view, without having to pay a supplement for a seafront table.
3. Spend a day in Formentera
While you may be impressed with Ibiza’s beaches, they are not a patch on the white sands you will find in nearby Formentera. Regarded as being home to some to Europe’s best beaches, this beautiful island can be reached from most of Ibiza’s main resorts and towns by ferry in less than an hour.
Bike hire is recommended to explore the island fully, and to enjoy its many amazing swimming spots – don’t miss the 7km stretch of beach at Migjorn which has amazing beach bars and restaurants.
Alternatively book a boat tour from Ibiza which will bring you to most of Formentera’s highlights.
4. Take a Hike
Ibiza is home to beautiful coastal trails that are ideal for beginners or experienced hikers. Many visitors enjoy walking along the cliff paths from beach to beach, while the trails along the north coast near Portinatx are usually popular with more experienced hikers.
The highest point on the island, Sa Talaia or Talaiassa, is one of the more challenging routes but it does provide some of the best views in Ibiza.
5. Marvel at Es Vedrà
The legendary rock of Es Vedrà is one of the top things to see in Ibiza. This 400-metre high rock is located off the south-west coast of Ibiza, and while you cant step foot on the island, you can get up close to it by boat, or enjoy the spectacular viewing points on land.
There are many myths and legends told about Es Vedrà, but the one most like to believe is that it is the world’s third most magnetic point, which is thought to be one of the reasons behind Ibiza’s energy. Others believe the rock has healing powers, and crowds gather at sunset to feel the heat and energy from this magnetic rock.
If time allows, enjoy some time at Cala d’Hort beach and enjoy a drink or meal in Es Boldado cliff top restaurant.
6. Visit Ses Salines Natural Park
Ses Salines is not only a nature park with UNESCO World Heritage status, but it is also home to Ibiza’s salt flats, and one of the best beaches in Ibiza, Ses Salines beach.
75% of the natural park’s area is the sea, but the salt flats and surrounding beaches are one of the popular Ibiza attractions, not only for its dramatic landscape but also because it is believed that the salt water here offers healing properties. The Posidonia Oceanica seagrass that is found here, is the best preserved in the Mediterranean.
TOP IBIZA TIP: Don’t miss Sa Trinxa for a laid back Ibiza beach club experience.
7. Shop the Hippy Markets
Believe it or not, a visit to one the Hippy Markets is one of the top things to do in Ibiza. There are several to choose from but the Hippy Market Punta Arabí near Es Cana is the oldest and largest on the island. Open on Wednesdays you will find over 500 stalls of crafts, clothing and jewellery from all over the world, as well as food trucks and restaurants and live music.
There are also designated areas for kids where they can design their own tee-shirts and take part in group activities – a visit here is one of the top things to do in Ibiza with kids.
Las Dalias Hippy Market is another top choice, and although slightly smaller ( about 200 stalls), it is open on Saturday and Sunday, and also offers night markets during the summer time with live music and DJ sessions.
Ibiza Town, Playa d’en Bossa and many other resorts have small Hippy Markets too.
8. Pre Book a Top Beachfront Restaurant
Ibiza is home to some top class restaurants in stunning seaside locations. However, I found out the hard way that you need to book some of the best places weeks if not months in advance.
The cliffside Amante Beach Club is one of these top destinations that was fully booked for lunch and dinner throughout our trip. We decided to stop by for drinks and I could see why it was such a popular spot.
The clifftop setting is spectacular. It has an up-scale yet relaxed vibe, with day beds, yoga classes, an outdoor massage area, night time cinema, and a service for lunch and dinner.
The Boat House in Cala San Vincente may not offer as dramatic a setting as Amante, but it shouldn’t be missed on your Ibiza holiday. The winding road to get here is impressive in its own right, but once you arrive in this pretty beach resort, you won’t want to leave.
Everything we ate in this boat-themed restaurant was superb, including tasty mini burgers and chicken fajitas that were on the tapas menu.
The seafood Paella for two was one of the best Paellas I have ever tasted and the whole meal offered surprisingly good value for money, considering the standard, service and setting. You can see more on my Instagram highlights.
9. Book a Boat Trip
I’m a firm believer of booking Ibiza activities, and most activities, in advance. Whether you want a beach-hopping party cruise with an open-bar, or a private sailing trip around the island, a boat trip is a great way to see Ibiza’s highlights, and there are many to choose from.
Sunset cruises can be a great and inexpensive way to see Ibiza’s iconic sunset without having to pay for tables by the sea – in fact many pull up right outside Cafe del Mar so you can enjoy the chill out sunset music and DJ sets for free!
Some of the party boats have DJ’s on board and even include champagne and admission to nightclubs! I suggest booking one of the top recommended boat tips below:
10. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Whether you are visiting Ibiza in your 20’s, 30’s 40’s, 50’s or 60’s, why not embrace Ibiza’s energy, if even for one night! I was amazed at the age group going to Ushuaia to see Calvin Harris – it was a wonderful mix of all ages.
If Ushuaia’s DJ gigs are not your scene, why not book tickets to one of the many concerts or events, or dance the night away in the world’s most iconic niteclub, Pacha – you are in Ibiza after all!
I hope my Ibiza travel guide on where to stay in Ibiza and the top things to do there will help you plan a trip to this beautiful island.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, descriptions and reviews are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional charge to you.