First Time Ibiza: Your Complete Travel Guide for 2025
I want to take you back to that first time I set foot on Ibiza… It was quite a while ago – 2013 – and I was just starting to travel solo. Ibiza had been on my list for years, but taking that first step to the mystical island that everyone describes as ‘magical’ felt quite exciting.
The island that changes you forever – a personal journey of discovery through the real Ibiza highlights
The magic of a first visit to La Isla Blanca
And what a discovery it became! For my first time in Ibiza, I only had five days, but that short time was enough to understand why people say: “Once you’ve been there once, you’ll always want to return.” Now, more than ten years later, that feeling is still there.
Because Ibiza is so much more than just a party island. Yes, there are world-famous clubs and beach parties, but there are also hidden coves, picturesque villages, and moments of pure serenity that you’ll never forget.
In this guide, I share everything you need to know for your first time in Ibiza in 2025 – from practical tips to the hidden gems that make the difference between a nice vacation and an unforgettable experience.
Why is Ibiza so special?
Let me be honest: before I was there, I didn’t quite understand the hype. But there’s something intangible about this island that you only feel when you’re there. The Ibiza feeling is a broad and flexible concept, where every tourist gives their own interpretation. And yet there remains that one common denominator: the feeling that Ibiza is something special, something almost elusive and indefinable.
Did you know that Ibiza and Formentera are Spanish islands that belong to the Balearics? The island is often called Eivissa – that’s the Catalan name. And although Ibiza attracts about six to seven million visitors annually, there are still places where you can experience the authentic, unspoiled atmosphere of the past.
Practical preparation for your first time in Ibiza
When to go? Choosing the perfect season
The high season (when all club nights also take place) runs from May through September (extending into October). But here comes my personal tip: go in the pre-season (April-May) or post-season (September-October) if you love tranquility and want to benefit from lower prices.
I was there in the pre-season and it was wonderfully quiet. Some beach bars weren’t open yet, but that gave an authentic feeling. Plus: In high season (late May through September) you easily pay 150 euros for a ticket, while you can fly from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven from just 34 euros with Transavia or KLM in the quieter season.
Transportation: A car is your freedom ticket
This is my golden tip: definitely rent a car or scooter. You can travel by car within an hour from north to south and within half an hour from east to west. That freedom to spontaneously take an exit to a hidden beach – that makes the difference.
A scooter can also work perfectly, especially for couples. In 2025, you can easily compare at sites like Sunny Cars or local rental companies. And don’t worry about parking – there are spots to be found everywhere, even in Ibiza town.
Where to stay? My accommodation advice
For your first time in Ibiza, I recommend not staying in San Antonio or Playa d’en Bossa. Choose:
- Ibiza town: Center of everything, easy access
- Santa Gertrudis: Charming village in the interior
- Northeast: Peace and authentic atmosphere
- Sant Josep de sa Talaia: Small-scale and cozy
🏨 $$$ Hotel tip for 2025: Check out for example the Amare Beach Hotel in San Antonio (beautiful seaside location) or discover new hotspots like hotel Mongibello with La Dolce Vita vibes.
The absolute must-do’s for your first time in Ibiza
1. Dalt Vila – A fairytale in stone
Start your first day with a visit to Dalt Vila, the old town center of Ibiza town. Dalt Vila has a special status: it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The charming cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings give you the feeling that you’ve traveled back in time.
My favorite moment: The sunset from the city walls. Come around 7:00 PM and walk slowly upward. You have a panoramic view over the harbor, the sea, and if you’re lucky you can see Formentera in the distance.
2. Es Vedra – The mystical heart of Ibiza
Es Vedra is a rocky islet off the coast of Ibiza and is considered one of the most mysterious and mystical places on earth. It’s surrounded by legends and myths, and some claim it’s a source of energy with healing powers.
There are several ways to experience Es Vedra:
- From Cala d’Hort beach (with the iconic pier for photos)
- From the viewpoint (combine with a visit to the hippie caves)
- From a boat – this gives the most spectacular perspective
⛵ Boat trip tip: Book a sunset cruise around Es Vedra. The ultimate feeling of freedom: wind in your hair, during the day swimming in natural pools and in the evening a glass of rosé, and that magical rock getting closer and closer.
3. Beach hopping – Discovering the most beautiful bays
For your first time in Ibiza, these are the unmissable beaches:
- Cala Comte: Listed in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe
- Cala d’Hort: Perfect for sunset + Es Vedra view
- Cala Bassa: Beautiful turquoise blue water
- Benirras: The famous ‘hippie beach’ with drums at sunset
Secret tip: Cala Xarraca in the north – much quieter than the popular beaches, but just as beautiful.
🏖️ Beach club experience: Try Experimental Beach at Ses Salinas. You drive through the UNESCO nature reserve where flamingos live!
4. The real Ibiza: Exploring small villages
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera was my absolute favorite. The small idyllic village has the 18th-century church Església de Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera as its centerpiece. The church is located on the square Plaça de L’Església, where you’ll also find a number of boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Other charming spots:
- San Carlos: For the hippie market Las Dalias
- Sant Miquel: Quiet and authentic
- Portinatx: Picturesque fishing village in the north
The hippie market experience: Las Dalias and more
A visit to a hippie market is part of the experience, even though nowadays it’s more ‘market’ than ‘hippie’. There are 3 large hippie markets on Ibiza and many smaller street markets.
Las Dalias near San Carlos is the most famous. My experience? Nice atmosphere, but touristy and expensive. Go there for the vibe, not necessarily to buy something. Punta Arabi in Es Canar is quieter and more authentic.
🎨 Insider tip: Look for the smaller local markets in villages – there you often find nicer things for better prices.
Formentera: The little sister
A day trip to Formentera is definitely worth it. On my last day, I took the boat from Ibiza town and rented a scooter to explore the island. Formentera is the ‘little sister’ of Ibiza and easily reached by boat, it’s tiny but wonderfully beautiful and easy to discover in one day.
Highlights of Formentera:
- Ses Illetes: Caribbean beaches
- La Mola lighthouse: Spectacular views
- Sant Francesc Xavier: Charming capital with defense church
⛴️ Cruise tip: Book your Formentera cruise by catamaran for a relaxing day on the water.
Culinary discoveries: More than sangria and paella
During my first visit, I discovered that Ibiza is also a culinary paradise. Yes, you must try the Spanish paella, but there’s so much more:
Local specialties:
- Pan con tomate: Simple but perfect
- Bullit de peix: Traditional fish dish
- Flaó: Local dessert with cheese and mint leaves
Restaurant tips for 2025:
- Ca La Nina: Perfect tapas in Ibiza town
- La Bodega: Local favorite (make reservations!)
- Giri: Pure and simple, fantastic ratatouille
🍽️ New hotspot 2025: Try Madunia for fresh local products with panoramic views over Cap Negret.
Nightlife and going out: More than just big clubs
For your first time in Ibiza, you don’t have to go straight to the most expensive clubs. There are many ways to taste the famous nightlife:
Beginner-friendly options:
- Ushuaïa: Open-air club, you can leave early
- Sunset bars: Café Mambo or Sunset Ashram
- Beach bars: Chill with locals
Club tips 2025:
The Ibiza club season runs from April to October, with Opening Parties in early May and Closing Parties until mid-October. You can book tickets in advance via Ibiza Spotlight or buy them on-site.
💃 Budget tip: Many beach clubs have free entrance during the day, you only pay for drinks.
Safety and practical tips for solo travelers
As a woman who travels solo a lot, I understand the concerns. Ibiza is generally very safe, but here are my tips:
Safe going out:
- Book a taxi via app (TaxiClick is the most trusted one or FREENOW and Uber)
- Share your location with friends at home
- Save your hotel number in your phone
- Don’t go alone to remote beaches at sunset
General safety:
- Don’t leave valuables visible in the car
- Bring enough cash (not everywhere accepts cards)
- Always check accommodation reviews beforehand
Budget tips: Ibiza doesn’t have to be expensive
Yes, Ibiza can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Anyone who thinks Ibiza is an expensive island is generally wrong. Yes, it’s more expensive than the average beach resorts in Spain, but you can make it as crazy as you want.
Save money in 2025:
- Travel in pre- or post-season (April/May or September/October)
- Rent an apartment with friends instead of a hotel
- Cook breakfast and lunch yourself, go out for dinner in the evening
- Avoid beach club beds – bring a towel to free beaches
Free activities:
- Walking through Dalt Vila
- Watching sunset at various viewpoints
- Exploring small villages
- Swimming at free beaches
- Visiting hippie markets (free entrance)
What to expect in 2025: New trends and hotspots
Ibiza continues to evolve. Never a dull moment on our favorite Spanish island! For 2025, there are several new developments:
New hotspots 2025:
- Maison Savannah: Coffee, breakfast, yoga and co-working space
- Roca House: Restaurant with swimming pool (not a hotel!)
- Los Felices: A pink, very artificial – over the top – vibe adults-only hotel
Trends for 2025:
- More focus on sustainability and eco-tourism
- Wellness and yoga retreats becoming more popular
- ‘Slow travel’ – staying longer, experiencing deeper
- Local products and farm-to-table restaurants
🌱 Sustainable travel: Choose local rental companies, eat at restaurants that use local products, and respect nature.
My personal Ibiza planning for beginners
For your first time in Ibiza, I recommend a week. A week is enough to ‘taste the famous Ibiza atmosphere’ and do everything you enjoy. But longer is certainly not a punishment!
On day 1: Arrival and orientation
- Arrival, pick up car, to accommodation
- First exploration tour through Ibiza town
- Take it easy, acclimatize
Day 2: Culture and history
- Morning: Explore Dalt Vila
- Afternoon: Lunch in La Marina, shopping
- Evening: Find first sunset spot
Day 3: Beach and nature day
- Cala Comte or Cala Bassa
- Lunch break in Santa Gertrudis
- Es Vedra viewpoint at sunset
On Day 4: Formentera day trip
- Early boat to Formentera
- Rent scooter, explore island
- Lighthouse, beaches, and back for dinner
Or will you go for the laid-back day trip Formentera by catamaran? Closing with the sunset, of course!
Day 5: Explore North Ibiza
- Benirras beach (drums at sunset!)
- San Miguel and Port de Sant Miquel
- Cozy village Sant Joan
Day 6: Hippie market and relax
- Visit Las Dalias market
- Relaxed afternoon at a beach club
- Prepare for going out (if you want)
On Day 7: Repeat favorites
- Back to your favorite spots
- Buy last souvenirs
- Say goodbye (and plan for return!)
In conclusion: Why Ibiza will change you
When I first stepped off that plane seven years ago, I had expectations but no idea what awaited me. Ibiza taught me that traveling isn’t just about seeing new places, but about feeling new energy.
What’s special about your first time in Ibiza is that the island gives you something back. Whether it’s the calm of a sunset at Es Vedra, the liveliness of the hippie markets, or that indefinable freedom you feel when you’re riding a scooter over a mountain road – Ibiza touches something in you that lingers long.
And honestly? I’m still not done exploring it. This was seven years ago now and I haven’t gotten around to going back… But every time I write about it, it starts itching again. Because as they say: “Once you’ve been there once, you’ll always want to return.”
Your turn to experience it
Have you ever been to the famous island of Ibiza? Or are you not such a party animal and have you always ignored the island for that reason? I can assure you: Ibiza and Formentera is a combination I can recommend to everyone – party animal or not.
How are you going to experience your first time in Ibiza this year? And which place is at the top of your list?
Want more inspiration for meaningful travel? Discover also my stories about Portugal and read why minfdul travel is becoming increasingly important, especially for women.
Useful links for your Ibiza planning 2025:
- 🎫 GetYourGuide Ibiza activities
- 🏨 Booking.com hotels Ibiza
- ⛴️ Ferry tickets Formentera
- 🚕 Ibiza Taxi apps for 2025
Jacomijn loves challenges: a pilgrimage, meditating for 10 days or slow travel. Her latest adventure? Setting up Zinvol Reizen and organising inspiring trips. Will you join her?
