Is Ibiza In Spain? A Guide For Your 2024 Visit
Where is Ibiza? Will my passport get me in? And can I safely swim without encountering any surprise sea creatures?
If you’ve just booked your trip to the White Isle and these are the questions swirling in your mind, don’t worry—you’re in the right place!
We’ve got all the answers you need, and trust us, we’re practically Ibiza experts.
After all, this sun-drenched slice of paradise happens to be our favourite place on the entire planet—and we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to help you make the most of your time on this gorgeous island.
Is Ibiza In Spain?
Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea, right between Spain and Algeria, just off the south-eastern coast of mainland Spain. So, to clear up any confusion—yes, Ibiza is 100% part of Spain.
It’s one of the four Balearic Islands, keeping good company with Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera.
The closest city on the mainland is Valencia, but unless you fancy a 5-hour ferry ride (which can set you back around €60), it’s not exactly a casual day trip.
Don’t worry, though—you’ll be way too busy soaking up all Ibiza has to offer to even think about leaving!
The official languages on the island are Catalan and Spanish, but with tourists flocking from all corners of the globe, you’ll hear plenty of English, Italian, German, and French. So, no need to brush up on your language skills too much—you’ll be just fine!
What Is The Capital Of Ibiza?
This UNESCO World Heritage site of Eivissa is the island’s proud capital, and it’s got stories to tell.
The Old Town, made up of Dalt Vila and Portal de Ses Taules, is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and dazzling white buildings that whisper of its 2,500-year history.
But don’t let the ancient vibes fool you—Ibiza City has fully embraced its party reputation.
Many of these centuries-old buildings now house buzzing nightclubs and lively bars, giving you a taste of both history and nightlife in one go.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, ditch the cab and explore the area on foot.
You’ll discover the fortified gem of Castell d’Eivissa, offering unbeatable panoramic views of the town below and the stunning turquoise waters beyond.
Trust us, it’s a photo op goldmine—perfect for an afternoon stroll when the sun’s shining.
And if you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, how about a guided bicycle tour through the charming streets?
It’s a fun way to chill with friends after a wild night out, or to recover from a morning lounging on Ibiza’s famous beaches.
How To Get Around Ibiza
Ibiza is only 571 square kilometers, making it the ideal island to visit for those wanting to explore. Due to its size, public transport is so easy to use.
Bus
The easiest and cheapest way to get around the island is by bus. The air-conditioned public transport is very frequent in Ibiza, so you won’t need to worry too much about where you choose to stay as everywhere is accessible.
The number 10 bus takes you from Ibiza Airport (Aeropuerto de Ibiza) directly to Ibiza Town, running every 20 minutes or so all year round.
Whereas the bus that takes you to San Antonio is less frequent- about every hour.
The buses are cash only, so make sure you have a couple of Euros on you!
You will also need to make sure you flag the bus down, and press the bell before your stop as they will not automatically stop at every chance.
Car
The roads in Ibiza are wonderful to drive, offering scenic views around every corner.
Renting a car provides you the opportunity to see the more remote areas of the island, and means you are not restricted when deciding how long to stay in one place.
We recommend having navigation on your phone, or on a Sat-Nav as the road signs can be quite worn!
Most driving licences are valid in Ibiza, so you should not have any problem with renting a car.
It is also affordable as there are so many companies in Ibiza offering hire cars.
Taxis
Taxis are meter run, and there can be quite a wait for them at times due to high demand!
If you are using taxis, ensure it is an official one. They will have a blue licence plate, and will have a green/red light on top.
They can be flagged down at any time as long as they have a green light on, and you are more than 300m away from the nearest taxi rank.
In 2024, the current minimum charge for a taxi is €4.00, with additions for mileage and times of day.
It is best to either ask the driver for a rough cost before you get in the taxi, or keep a close eye on the meter.
Boat
Being an island, it is only natural that the final suggestion for getting around would be by boat!
Ferries run regularly throughout the day, and can get you from one side of the island to the other.
Most of the main towns in Ibiza will have ferry stops, and it is not too costly.
Catamarans offer a much more luxurious way to see Ibiza and are better suited for day trips or to beach hop.
This is also the case with speedboats and jet skis. Ibiza’s calm seas are the perfect place to enjoy these activities.
What Are The Warmest Months In Ibiza?
With highs of 29°C (85°F) and lows of 22°C (74°F), July and August are absolutely the warmest months of the year in Ibiza.
It is also the busiest, as tourists flock to the island to enjoy their summer.
With how small Ibiza is, there is not much difference in temperature between the north and south of the island.
This is a good thing as it means you will be able to enjoy the beautiful sun no matter where you go, and the only thing you will need to think about is how busy will it be there.
Where To Stay In Ibiza If…
There’s so many layers to Ibiza, so we have comprised a list of hotels you could stay in depending on what you are wanting.
You Want To be In The Middle Of All The Action
Ibiza Town
Sir Joan Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located in the heart of Ibiza Town, Sir Joan Hotel is perfect for those wanting to be close to the marina and nightlife.
This 5-star boutique spot features modern rooms with private balconies, a pool, a trendy restaurant, and a cocktail bar.
Prices start at £300/$370 per night, offering a stylish and luxurious stay in the center of the action.
You Want To Stay Away From The Crowds
Portinatx
Barceló Portinatx ⭐⭐⭐⭐
For a peaceful escape, Barceló Portinatx is ideal. Located on Ibiza’s stunning northern coast, this adults-only hotel offers direct beach access, two outdoor pools, and spacious rooms with sea views.
With prices starting at £150/$180 per night, it’s a relaxing retreat away from the island’s party scene.
What Are The Coldest Months In Ibiza?
With highs of 17°C (64°F), the period of November-April are the coldest months in Ibiza.
During this time the temperature drops right down taking the crowds down with it!
The coldest month of the year is January, with lows of 8°C (47°F).
The wettest month of the year is actually October, with an average of 54mm of rain.
The beauty of the island does not change throughout the year, and where tourism dies down, the local life springs up.
With festivals and villages jumping to life, you can have a great cultural visit to Ibiza during these months.
This is the best time for those wanting a beach break, who don’t mind the colder weather.
The Islands Around Ibiza
Just South of the White Island is Formentera, full of charming villages, bright blue sea, and idyllic beaches.
Formentera pushes for relaxation– drinks on its bright white sands, eating at its beach-side restaurants. Everything you could ask for in a visit to the Balearics.
It is also a perfect peaceful day trip from Ibiza, using the ferries from various points of the island.
Upon your arrival on Formentera, you will be able to rent cars, scooters, bikes, or you could simply walk around the area.
Being only 82 square kilometers, it is so easy to see the entire Island in a day- though some choose to stay for a few weeks at a time!
How Far Is Ibiza From Barcelona?
Barcelona is located on mainland Spain, a 1 hour flight from Ibiza. If you were looking to get there by ferry, it would be a long 8 hour journey!
RyanAir offers flights to Barcelona for as little as £50 return. If you are on a longer trip to Ibiza, it would not be completely inconvenient to visit Barcelona for the day.
While there is much more to do in relation to tourism in Barcelona, it doesn’t necessarily make it the better choice.
This increased tourism could very well be the reason you do not enjoy Barcelona as much. Ibiza has a much more relaxed feel, making for a more enjoyable trip.
This being said, it is difficult to compare the two as they offer such different experiences. Barcelona is typically more of a city break, whereas Ibiza is a beach holiday to its core.
Can You Go To Ibiza For 2 Days?
Absolutely! You should definitely aim for at least 3 days in Ibiza, as you will never find yourself bored.
However you can definitely have a taste of everything in your 2 days in Ibiza.
If you are only visiting for 2 days, we suggest staying in the South of the island, as this is where you will land.
From the airport, use the bus or rental car services to travel over to San Antonio. This bustling area offers nightlife, water sports, a perfect beach, and many places to eat, drink, and shop. You can easily fill your day with activities here, such as scuba diving!
On the 2nd day, make your way back over to Ibiza Town to discover the historical heart of Ibiza. You will then be close to the airport for your flight home.
Does Ibiza Have A Drink Limit On All Inclusive?
It is amazing to go on holiday and be all-inclusive: meaning your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all your beverages are included.
For places like Ibiza – with its party reputation- the hotels in the lively areas were full constantly with those taking advantage of the “free” alcohol.
Unfortunately, this also led to too much anti-social behaviour from tourists. A new regulation had to be brought in, limiting all-inclusive drinks down to 6 per day for each visitor at certain hotels; 3 at lunch, and 3 in the evening.
Thankfully, it is not throughout the whole island, just San Antonio. This is to try and deter people from getting uncontrollably drunk throughout the day and causing havoc.
There are many great ways to enjoy San Antonio without upsetting the locals, and a sunset cruise is one of them! With live music and 2 free drinks, it is a fantastic way to spend your evening with your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We might have the answers!
Do UK Citizens Need A Visa For Ibiza?
No, they do not. They will need a valid passport, with which they can spend up to 90 days in a 180 day period in Spain. This is following the rules of the Schengen Zone.
If they want to work in Ibiza, then they will need a work visa.
Visitors must ensure they have travel insurance, and that they have applied for your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) once it expires.
Do US Citizens Need A Visa For Ibiza?
Similar to UK citizens, those from the US will not need a visa if they are planning to visit for less than 90 days.
They must be able to prove they have the funds to live on during their stay, and that they have a return ticket booked.
It is only in 2024 that those visiting Spain will need to fill out an ETIAS form.
Passport Validity Needed To Visit Ibiza?
In order to have no hiccups when attempting to enter Ibiza, you must ensure your passport is less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country, and that it will be valid for at least 3 months on returning.
This is the advice as of July 2023.
You can find out more on Spain’s entry requirements at gov.uk.
What Currency Is Used In Ibiza?
The Euro (€) is used in Ibiza.
It is wise to always have small amounts of cash on you, as some of the smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash.
There are ATM’s and Currency Exchange Bureaus spread throughout the Island, so you will never be far from a source of cash if needed.
Is It Safe To Swim In The Sea In Ibiza?
The sea in Ibiza is crystal clear for the most part, and is perfect for water sports and paddling around.
There have been no sightings of dangerous sharks since 1977, so it is okay to assume you are safe in this regard.
Before cliff diving, scout the area below to ensure there are no hidden rocks that may cause you harm. It can be hard to tell from above, but those few minutes of checking could end up saving your life.
Conclusion: Is Ibiza In Spain?
Taking all of this into account, you’re officially ready for your sun-soaked adventure to the White Isle! Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring the charming old town, or dancing the night away, you’re going to have an amazing time.
My best advice? Relax. Ibiza’s got a laid-back vibe, so go with the flow. Make sure to indulge in the local food—those fresh seafood dishes and tapas are unforgettable. And don’t forget to try some of the island’s unique drinks—hierbas ibicencas anyone?
Oh, and a little tip from personal experience: sunscreen is your best friend! The Ibizan sun is no joke, so lather up, stay hydrated, and keep your energy up for whatever the island has in store.
At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter Spain. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.
