Eivissa, also known as Ibiza town, is a vibrant destination with rich history and pulsating nightlife. While the town might not be the best spot for beach enthusiasts, it has 3 beautiful beaches nearby. Beyond the beaches, Dalt Villa, invites visitors to explore its historic charm. The town is also a hub for clubbers, with the world-renowned Pacha’s nightclub and many others just a taxi ride away. Culinary adventurers enjoy local delicacies, while shoppers can find local boutiques and luxury brands.
Beaches
Eivissa is not the best place for a beach holiday in Ibiza. However, there are 3 lovely beaches nearby and the tourist boats from the harbour can also take you to many other beaches nearby. These include Talamanca, Figueretes, Playa d’en Bossa, Ses Salines beach, Cala Llonga and Cala Jondal, and its well-known beach clubs.
Talamanca
The Talamanca beach is closest for those staying on the North and East side of the harbour, where most of the boats and yachts are located. From here, it is even easy to walk to, less than 15 minutes for most from anywhere in this area. This is a lovely golden sand beach with still large parts having a very natural feel with few buildings or roads next to it.
Figueretes
The Figueretes beach is closest for those staying on the South and West sides of the harbour, close to Ibiza’s famous old town. It is best to taxi from here or walk for about 30 minutes to reach the beach. This beach consists of several lightly separated beaches with a few rocks here and there and has much more bars, restaurants and hotels next to it and is much more developed. It is very popular with the local population living nearby.
Beaches with “City Boat”
The “City Boats” can easily take you to many different beaches nearby:
- Playa den Bossa
- Figueretes
- Talamanca (with a bit of walking from Marina Botafoch)
- Cala Llonga
- Santa Eularia
- Cala Pada
- Es Canar
Where to stay in Eivissa
Here are some of the best hotels in Eivissa. Since the town is divided into 2 large parts by the marina and harbour, the main question you need to ask yourself is what area you want to stay in:
Botafoc/Marina area with restaurants, Talamanca beach, Pachas and Lio’s nearby:
- Ibiza Corso Hotel: A nice boat-style themed hotel within walking distance from Talamanca beach. For a good combo of city life and beach. Do know that you best book a room overlooking the marina and old town in the distance to get the real Eivissa experience, as the rooms to the back are far less enjoyable.
- El Hotel Pacha: Ideal for those flying in for a weekend or a few days of clubbing and partying. With free entrance and right across the street from the famous Pacha’s nightclub.
The old town area with culture, history, Figueretes, and many more restaurants and bars nearby:
- El Puerto Ibiza: One of the more budget-friendly options in this area, close to the town and old town but also not so close you can’t sleep if you want to.
- The Standard Ibiza: An ideal adults-only party hotel and one of the only places on this side of the water with a decent pool. This pool is on the rooftop with excellent day and night views over the town.
- R&C Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila: Luxury boutique hotel with only a few rooms in the old town of Ibiza.
Things to do in Eivissa
- Dalt Villa (old town): Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, with its historic buildings and panoramic views from the city walls.
- Clubbing: In town, you will find the famous Pacha’s nightclubs, but many more clubs are just a short taxi ride away.
- Boat trips: Take the City Boat to the beaches along the coast or take a day trip to the Formentera island.
- Local cuisine: With one of the largest selections of restaurants in Ibiza, this is one of the best areas to try “Bullit de Peix” (fish stew), “Ensaimadas” (Balearic Pastry) or “Flao” (mint cheesecake).
- Ibiza light festival: This is a unique experience for those visiting in October.
- Shopping: The town has many boutiques with clothing and local products but also many upscale and luxury brands.
- Wine and tapas: Ibiza town has many places to try local wines and authentic Spanish tapas. There are too many places to mention, so best to look for reviews online.
- Rent a boat: With or without crew. You can find something for everyone’s budget here for a truly authentic and unique boat trip.
- S’Escalinata: One of the most unique places to have tapas or drinks in the old town.
These are things you can do in or close to Eivissa. For a full list of things to see and do in Ibiza, have a look here.
Restaurant
Eivissa offers something for everyone when it comes to restaurants, with one of the largest selections of restaurants on the island. From pricey upscale restaurants in the harbour area to local and budget-friendly places in the back street. You can even find all your favourite fast food restaurants here for those who are picky eaters.
Nightlife
Nightlife is split up into two differing parts. Many lounge and chill-out bars are open till the early hours on both sides of the marina.
On the north side, there are also 2 famous and popular nightclubs where you can dance the night away. They include Pacha Ibiza and Lio Eivissa, both located directly on the North side of the marina. While Pachas is well-known worldwide for clubbing and nightlife, Lio Eivissa focuses more on shows and dining with clubbing afterwards. Also, while Pacha has a relaxed dress code, Lio Ibiza is much more strict, so dress correctly.
Nearby, but out of town, there are many more nightclubs like Amnesia, Ushuaia and Privilege Ibiza. Most clubs open up only in the last weeks of May or ending of June, while the biggest and best (and most expensive) parties are in July and August.
Ibiza Airport to Eivissa
- Public transport (3.60 €/pp): Budget-friendly option, but buses stop far from most of the hotels and accommodations in this area. Also, this is a very busy route so it will be crowded in high season, and you might struggle to get on the bus.
- Shuttle bus online (16.63 €/pp): Good budget-friendly option for solo travellers. Usually, the bus drops you off at your hotel, but this is sometimes not possible because of the narrow streets in this area. Better than the public transport for evening and weekend arrival.
- Taxi or minibus online (62.53 €): These taxis are best if you want child safety seats and no queuing and waiting at the airport taxi stop during high season. The minibus is the same but fits more than 4 people or for those with a lot of luggage.
- Taxi at the airport (16.00 €): Base price for weekdays. No child safety seats are available, and maximum 4 people. The price will be much higher on weekends, evenings, detours, traffic jams or roadworks.
You can find more about the public transport options here and here you can book a taxi, shuttle or minibus online.
Eivissa: When to go
Eivissa is one of the few places in Ibiza that can be visited all year round. Since this town has plenty of locals living here, much stays open all year round, while many other holiday destinations in Ibiza see almost everything close in winter. However, Eivissa also changes a lot during the year. While June, July, August and early September are very popular for the nightlife, May and October offer great budget holidays that feel less busy and crowded. The rest of the year, this area of Ibiza is ideal for those looking for a cultural or relaxing holiday.
Is Eivissa the best holiday destination for you?
Holidaymakers seeking a mix of history, beach relaxation, and nightlife will find Eivissa a good destination. Foodies will also appreciate the diverse culinary offerings, from local specialities to upscale dining.
Those looking for a quiet, secluded beach holiday might find Eivissa too bustling. Similarly, travellers not interested in the clubbing scene might find the nightlife overwhelming. Families with young children might also prefer more child-friendly destinations.
Not sure if Eivissa is the best holiday destination for you? Then, find out where to stay in Ibiza here.