The Ibiza issue, October 2026
Ibiza
Ibiza operates on a dual frequency.
Plan your Ibiza trip
Live prices from our booking partners.
Guests & rooms
Free cancellation on many rooms. We may earn a commission when you book.
The Ibiza reading list
All 22 Ibiza stories
Tours and ticketsThe lead story
From Ibiza to Formentera by Private Catamaran in October
What a chartered Formentera day in October actually involves: the crossing, the seagrass rules, which lunch tables are still open, and whether the whole-boat price is worth it.
Bram Vermeer
Tours and tickets
An October Catamaran Day from Ibiza to Formentera
A full-day private sail south from Ibiza in October 2026, with the anchorages, the tender you must insist on, the lunch minimums, and the days the ferry beats the boat.
Bram Vermeer
Tours and tickets
Watching Es Vedranell from the Western Inlets in September
The low islet in front of Es Vedrà is the one you actually photograph. Where to stand, swim, eat and sail for it in September 2026, now that the old clifftop path is shut.
Bram Vermeer
Ibiza's October Closing Parties Worth Planning Around
Fourteen venues close within a fortnight in October 2026. The dates, the door policies, the prices, and which nights suit your group.
Bram Vermeer
Getting Home in Ibiza Town After Midnight
What the night meter costs, which rank still has cars at five in the morning, and why a group of six should stop thinking in taxis.
Bram Vermeer
More from the Ibiza issue
Take the Helm in Ibiza Without a Licence or a Skipper
Bram Vermeer
An October Week in Ibiza Town With Children
Bram Vermeer
The Hippy Circuit: Ibiza's Markets and the Island's Boho Roots
Chiara De Luca
Between the Cliffs: Ibiza's Secret Calas and Where the Locals Swim
Bram Vermeer
Still Here at 9am: Ibiza's Sunrise Ritual
Toni Marí
From Farm to Fork, Ibiza Style: The Island's Quiet Agroturismo Table
Chiara De Luca
When the DJs Go Home: Ibiza's Other Life
Toni Marí
The Other Island: Finding Quiet Ibiza Beyond the Superclubs
Toni Marí
Riding Ibiza's Night Ferry to Formentera
Bram Vermeer
The Best Stag Do Spots in Ibiza for 2026
Danny Foster
Ibiza's Quiet North: Fincas, Villages and Empty Coves
Bram Vermeer
A Foraging Walk Through Ibiza's Pine Belt
Bram Vermeer
The Island Zeus Built: Ibiza's Ancient Soul Before the First Beat Dropped
Bram Vermeer
Ibiza's Fig Harvest and the Trees Farmers Prop Up
Bram Vermeer
Ibiza's Working Harbours Before the Day Boats Load
Bram Vermeer
Salt of the Earth: Ibiza's Salinas and the White Gold That Built the Island
Bram Vermeer
Es Vedrà at Sunset: Ibiza's Magnetic Rock and the Myths That Surround It
Bram Vermeer
An insider’s read on Ibiza
The island's identity has been shaped by waves of invaders and seekers. Originally settled by the Phoenicians in 654 BC, who established a major port and salt works, Ibiza later fell to the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. In the 1960s, it became a refuge for artists, draft dodgers, and hippies attracted by its remote location and tolerant atmosphere. This bohemian influx laid the groundwork for the electronic music revolution of the 1980s and 90s, transforming the island into the global nightlife capital it is today while retaining its deeply rooted rural traditions.
It is an island of sharp contrasts, where ultra-luxury yachts dock alongside rustic fishing shacks.
From our Ibiza guide
Six neighbourhoods, six ways to stay
Pick the neighbourhood first and the trip follows. Each one opens its own guide, with the hotels inside it.
Dalt Vila & Ibiza Town
Suits history enthusiasts and travelers who want to be close to high-end dining and the marina. The trade-off is steep climbs, limited parking, and noise from late-night bars.
The historic heart of the island, dominated by UNESCO-listed Renaissance stone walls, steep cobbled alleys, and whitewashed houses leading up to a Gothic cathedral.
Where to stay Look for boutique hotels housed in converted historic palaces within the city walls, or modern apartments near the marina.
Stay in Dalt Vila & Ibiza Town
Playa d'en Bossa
Suits dedicated clubbers who want to walk from their hotel to world-famous venues. The trade-off is a lack of traditional character, constant noise, and premium prices for basic amenities.
A high-energy, commercialized resort strip running along the island's longest sandy beach, dominated by beach clubs, music hotels, and souvenir shops.
Where to stay Large-scale music resorts and beachfront hotels dominate this area, offering direct pool and club access.
Stay in Playa d'en Bossa
San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany)
Suits younger travelers and budget-conscious visitors. The trade-off is that parts of the town center can become rowdy and overcrowded during the peak summer months.
A lively harbor town on the west coast, famous for its sunset views, budget-friendly bars, and a large British tourist presence.
Where to stay Options range from budget hostels and basic apartments to newly opened, design-focused boutique hotels near the northern outskirts.
Stay in San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany)
Santa Eulària des Riu
Suits families, couples, and those seeking a quieter, more traditional Balearic pace. The trade-off is that it lies far from the island's famous southwest mega-clubs.
A relaxed, family-friendly coastal town on the east coast with a palm-fringed promenade, a modern marina, and a reputation as a gastronomic hub.
Where to stay Choose from family-oriented beachfront resorts or upscale wellness hotels located just outside the town center.
Stay in Santa Eulària des Riu
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
Suits independent travelers, food lovers, and those seeking a central base to explore the island. The trade-off is the lack of direct beach access, making a rental car essential.
A traditional, inland village characterized by low-rise whitewashed buildings, a central church square, and a bohemian, artistic atmosphere.
Where to stay Chic rural hotels (agroturismos) and private villas scattered throughout the surrounding olive groves.
Stay in Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
Portinatx
Suits nature lovers, hikers, and families seeking calm waters and scenic landscapes. The trade-off is its isolated location, requiring a 40-minute drive to reach Ibiza Town.
A quiet, scenic resort area on the northern tip of the island, surrounded by pine-forested hills and dramatic rocky cliffs.
Where to stay Mid-range family resorts and upscale wellness retreats positioned along the rocky hillsides.
Stay in PortinatxBook before you land
Top-rated tours and tickets in Ibiza, with live prices from Viator.
MagiCharter: Private charter motorboat sunset in Ibiza
from $742
Combo : Boat, 4x4, hiking in Es Vedra for sunset
from $337
Ibiza Sunset Boat Party + 2 Superclub Entries
from $166
Es Vedra Sailing Voyage
from $3369
Unforgettable experience in Catamaran Ibiza and Formentera!
from $1256
Private Half Day Boat Charter in Traditional Balearic Yacht
from $1068
Sail Beyond The Bleu: A Formentera Day Escape!
from $908
Ibiza Hip Hop Party Pass Access 4 Events in 7 Days
from $56
Prices from Viator; we may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Tours are sold and operated by Viator, the merchant of record. Ratings are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Book direct
Book a hotel in Ibiza
Loading live availability and real-time prices…
The Ibiza guide
Where to eat, drink and look, how to get around, and what locals expect of you. Open any chapter.
Where to eat
Dining
Es Boldadó
Perched precariously on a cliffside, this rustic wooden restaurant offers unparalleled views of the mystical Es Vedrà rock alongside authentic local fish dishes.
Signature: Bullit de peix (traditional fish stew followed by rice cooked in the rich fish broth)
Es Torrent
A highly exclusive, low-key beach restaurant set on a pebbly cove, known for serving exceptionally fresh fish to a discerning international clientele.
Signature: Baked sea bass in a thick crust of local sea salt
Can Pujol
A no-frills, family-run institution where the tables sit right at the water's edge, far removed from the commercialized tourist dining spots.
Signature: Caldereta de langosta (rich local spiny lobster stew)
Cas Pagès
A legendary, cash-only rustic establishment that has resisted modern trends for decades, serving massive portions of grilled meats in a shaded garden.
Signature: Chuletas de cordero (charcoal-grilled lamb chops served with traditional spiced potatoes)
Can Pilot
A lively local favorite where guests cook high-quality cuts of aged beef to their own liking on hot stone grills placed directly on the table.
Signature: Chuletón de buey (aged beef ribeye cooked on a tabletop hot stone)
Baláfia
Famous for its minimalist menu and exceptional execution, this family-run spot grills meats over select wood fires in a simple stone courtyard.
Signature: Mixed grill of pork, chicken, and lamb served with exceptionally thin, hand-cut potato chips
Bar Costa
An iconic meeting place filled with cured hams hanging from the ceiling and walls covered in paintings traded by artists in decades past.
Signature: Bocadillo de jamón serrano y queso manchego on toasted tomato bread
La Bodega
Set in a former ibicenco storehouse at the foot of the Dalt Vila ramparts, this atmospheric venue offers a lively, high-energy environment.
Signature: Spiced Iberian pork cheeks cooked in red wine reduction
Bar Anita
The original hippy hangout of the 1960s, still featuring the original wooden mailboxes where residents collect their post over simple tapas.
Signature: Homemade hierbas ibicencas served alongside simple plates of local cheese and olives
La Gaia by Óscar Molina
Located inside the Ibiza Gran Hotel, this venue offers a sophisticated, art-filled setting for creative tasting menus inspired by local ingredients.
Signature: Tanit tasting menu, highlighting local red prawns and black Iberian pork
Es Tragón
Set in a quiet pine forest, this restaurant offers highly creative, historically researched tasting menus that trace the culinary history of the Mediterranean.
Signature: The multi-course historical culinary journey tasting menu
Amante
Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the cove of Sol d'en Serra, this venue offers high-end Mediterranean dining with unmatched coastal views.
Signature: Slow-cooked Spanish black pork belly with sweet potato puree
Fish Shack
A collection of plastic tables and chairs set on the flat rocks at the edge of the bay, serving incredibly fresh, simply grilled fish without any pretense.
Signature: Grilled sardines or sea bream served with a simple potato salad
Rita's Cantina
A bustling harbor-front cafe popular with locals and visitors alike for its extensive, highly affordable international menu and quick service.
Signature: Indonesian Nasi Goreng or Dutch-style apple crepes
Croissant Show
An eccentric, French-style bakery located at the entrance to the old market, famous for early morning pastries after the clubs close.
Signature: Freshly baked almond croissants and strong espresso
Wild Beets
A modern, light-filled space dedicated to nutrient-dense, plant-based, and raw food preparation with a focus on clean presentation.
Signature: Raw vegan lasagna made with zucchini sheets, cashew cheese, and sun-dried tomato marinara
Aubergine by Atzaró
A country-chic farm-to-table restaurant set in a quiet orchard, serving wholesome dishes made with ingredients harvested directly from the surrounding estate.
Signature: Warm roasted aubergine with pomegranate, tahini, and fresh garden herbs
La Paloma
A beautiful, family-run garden restaurant where tables are set under citrus trees, serving a small, daily-changing menu of Mediterranean-Middle Eastern dishes.
Signature: Homemade focaccia served with seasonal dips and organic garden salads
After dark
Nightlife
Pacha
The island's original, most glamorous club, open since 1973 and famous for its iconic cherry logo, intimate multi-room layout, and classic house music heritage.
Amnesia
A legendary multi-room club famous for its open-roof terrace design, powerful ice cannons, and historic sunrise dance floor moments.
Hï Ibiza
A highly advanced, multi-room superclub featuring state-of-the-art kinetic lighting, immersive projection mapping, and a DJ booth inside the unisex restrooms.
Roto
Cantilevered over the water in the marina, this high-energy lounge bar offers dramatic views of the illuminated Dalt Vila old town skyline.
Experimental Beach
Located at the end of a dirt track through the salt flats, this beachside cocktail bar offers sunset views over the sea with high-end mixology.
Sunset Ashram
Perched on a rocky cliff separating two sandy beaches, this venue offers panoramic sunset views accompanied by resident DJs.
Pikes Ibiza
A legendary boutique hotel and club that was the playground of rock stars in the 1980s, still hosting intimate live acts and eccentric parties in its quirky rooms.
Las Dalias
The island's historic hippy gathering place, hosting regular live music concerts ranging from reggae and world music to acoustic jam sessions.
Can Jordi Blues Station
A traditional roadside grocery store and bar that hosts local blues, rock, and folk bands on an outdoor stage every Saturday afternoon.
Art & history
Culture
Necròpolis de Puig des Molins
The largest and best-preserved Phoenician-Punic necropolis in the world, where visitors can descend into ancient burial chambers dating back to the 7th century BC.
MACE (Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa)
Housed in an 18th-century military storehouse, this museum showcases contemporary art from the 1960s to the present, alongside glass floors revealing excavated Phoenician dwellings.
Puget Museum
Located in a noble palace, this museum houses watercolors and oil paintings by Narcís Puget Riquer and Narcís Puget Viñas, depicting traditional Ibizan life and customs.
Dalt Vila Fortifications
An exceptionally preserved example of 16th-century military architecture, featuring massive stone bastions designed to protect the island from Ottoman pirates.
Es Vedrà
A dramatic, uninhabited limestone rock rising nearly 400 meters sheer out of the sea, surrounded by local myths of magnetic anomalies and sirens.
Ses Salines Salt Flats
Ancient salt pans that have been harvested for over two millennia, creating a unique wetland landscape that reflects the sky in shades of pink and silver.
Parra & Romero
A leading contemporary art gallery representing international conceptual and minimalist artists, set in a rural space that contrasts with the cutting-edge art on display.
Art Project Ibiza
A modern, industrial-style exhibition space showcasing cutting-edge international contemporary art in collaboration with major global galleries.
Timing
When to visit
Spring
April and May bring mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. The island is quiet, making it ideal for hiking and exploring, though the sea remains too cold for comfortable swimming and major clubs are not yet open.
Summer
From June to August, the island runs at full capacity. Temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, the mega-clubs host nightly events, and beaches are packed. Accommodation and car rental prices reach their peak.
Autumn
September and October are highly favored by seasoned travelers. The sea is warm, daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the legendary club closing parties bring a celebratory atmosphere without the mid-summer heat.
Winter
From November to March, the island enters a deep sleep. Most hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants close, leaving a peaceful landscape suited for quiet retreats and coastal walks.
What it costs
Budgeting
Logistics
Getting around
From the airport
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is located six kilometers flat southwest of Ibiza Town. Route 10 buses run regularly to the Ibiza Town bus station, while Route 9 connects to San Antonio during the summer. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, with fares to Ibiza Town costing around €20-€25 and to San Antonio around €35-€40.
Public transit
The Ibiza Bus network connects major towns and resorts, with increased frequency during the summer months. The Discobus operates throughout the night during the clubbing season, linking major nightlife venues in Ibiza Town, Playa d'en Bossa, and San Antonio.
Passes & tickets
There are no multi-day unlimited transit passes available. Instead, passengers can purchase single tickets directly from the driver or use contactless payment on select routes.
On foot
While towns like Ibiza Town and San Antonio are highly walkable, the island as a whole is not. Reaching the most scenic coves, rustic restaurants, and inland villages requires motorized transport.
Local etiquette
Safety & etiquette
- Dress appropriately when leaving the beach; walking through towns or entering restaurants in swimwear is considered disrespectful and can result in a fine.
- Respect the natural environment; do not leave trash on the beaches and strictly avoid smoking in pine forests due to extreme wildfire risks.
- Keep noise levels down when staying in residential areas or rural agroturismos, as local authorities strictly enforce noise ordinances.
Travel smart
Practical tips
- Purchase your club tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee entry, as door prices are significantly higher and popular nights sell out.
- Carry cash when dining at rustic inland venues like Cas Pagès, as several traditional establishments do not accept credit cards.
- Book your rental car months in advance if traveling in July or August, as local supply is limited and prices skyrocket closer to the date.
- Avoid driving near the salt flats of Ses Salines at sunset, as traffic congestion can cause severe delays on the single-lane access roads.
- Never accept rides from unlicensed 'pirate' taxis; they lack commercial insurance and frequently overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
- Visit popular beaches like Cala Salada or Cala Conta before 10:00 AM to secure a parking space before the access roads are closed by local authorities.
Before you go
Ibiza FAQs
When do the main clubs open and close for the season?
The clubbing season typically begins with opening parties in late April or May and concludes with legendary closing parties running through mid-October.
Do I need to rent a car in Ibiza?
Yes, renting a car is highly recommended if you wish to explore the quiet northern beaches, inland villages, and rustic restaurants, as public transit to these areas is limited.
How expensive are drinks inside the mega-clubs?
Drinks inside the major clubs are notoriously expensive, with small bottles of water often costing €10-€15, beers €15-€20, and mixed drinks €20-€30.
Can you drink the tap water in Ibiza?
While tap water is technically safe for brushing teeth, it is highly desalinated, salty, and metallic-tasting; most locals and visitors rely on bottled water for drinking.
What is the best way to travel to Formentera?
The best way is to take one of the regular fast ferries from the port of Ibiza Town, which run frequently throughout the day and take approximately 30 minutes.