Thanks to the ‘Ibiza Uncovered’ style documentaries and news coverage Ibiza has developed a reputation for wild, anything goes partying. Some four million visitors head there every summer in search of the notorious nightlife that the island of Ibiza has to offer. However, there is a lot more to this stunningly beautiful little island than its nightlife.
When to Visit
It comes as no great surprise that Ibiza is one of Europe’s tourism hotspots. Summers here are hot, hot, hot with very little likelihood of any rain. Daytime temperatures in July and August will frequently surpass the 30ºC mark with lovely warm evenings lasting late into the night. Visitor numbers peak during these months with resorts packed to the seams. The notorious nightlife attracts vast numbers of young party goers to the main resorts such as San Antonio during these months whilst the more family orientated holiday resorts such as Santa Eulalia march to a different beat.
If you aren’t tied to school holidays then a lovely time to visit pretty much anywhere on the island is during the months of May, June and September when you get all the advantages of the lovely climate but without the hords of people. Temperatures tend to be only slightly lower during these months with lovely blue skies all day long and little chance of rain. Winters are a different matter and can be quite unpredictable. In a good winter temperatures usually remain mild for most of the daytime with clear blue skies but with chilly evenings. October tends to be the wettest month but on average the winter months are usually fairly dry. Accurate predictions for the winter months aren’t as easy as they used to be since the issue of climate change raised its ugly head. Just pack accordingly and you can enjoy visits to Ibiza during many months of the year.
Below is a short term forecast for those of you who will be travelling soon together with temperature and rainfall graphs to give you some idea of what you can expect weather wise based on previous years.
Ibiza Airport Car Hire
No matter where you choose to stay in Ibiza you’re never far from the airport which makes car hire a sensible choice. Not only does it provide you with your airport transfers but also allows you to get out and see the island during your stay.
If you’d prefer not to drive during your holidays then you’ll find plenty other transfer options from Ibiza Airport.
Ibiza Town (Eivissa)
The capital of the island is Ibiza Town (Eivissa) which is a mere 7km from the airport. This charming, historical town has a vibrant nightlife centred on Sa Penya near the port and is home to some of Ibiza’s best nightclubs as well as many great bars and restaurants. Just a short bus ride to the south are some of the island’s finest beaches at Platja de Ses Salines and Platja d’es Cavallet.
Just east of Ibiza Town, on the coast, are three popular tourist destinations which have the advantage of being at the beach yet being within walking distance of the capital’s nightlife. Playa d’en Bossa is the largest and has a great nightlife of its own whilst Figueretas and Playa de Talamanca are smaller but are also popular destinations.
Ibiza Uncovered – San Antonio
Considerably more tacky than Ibiza Town and its suburbs is the notorious resort of San Antonio (Sant Antoni De Portmany) on the west coast where the worst (or best, depending on your point of view) of the ‘Ibiza Uncovered’ behaviour is to be found. It’s packed with mainly young singles from northern Europe who sleep by day and rave by night at well known clubs with famous guest DJs. There are plenty nice beaches nearby if you’re awake during the hours of sunrise.
Family Holidays in Ibiza
Not all of Ibiza is dedicated to wild nightlife. In fact, most of the northern half of the island is made up of unspoilt forest which proves very popular with cyclists and walkers. Santa Eulalia (Santa Eularia de’es Riu) on the east coast is Ibiza’s third largest tourist destination which is a long established resort particularly popular with families and couples. It’s nightlife is considerably more laid back and there are some nice sandy beaches in the area such as the beautiful S’Argamassa. The nearby resorts of Es Cana to the north and Cala Llonga to the south are also popular with families.
The coastline of northeastern Ibiza consists of countless small coves and some of the island’s most charming beaches. Two great bases from which to discover the north are the laid back family resorts of Portinatx and Puerto San Miguel which provide easy access to lovely inland villages set amongst the wooded landscape as well as fabulous little beaches well away from the tourist masses.