One of the most important things to do before you go on holiday to Ibiza (or anywhere else) is to check the local laws and ensure that what you plan on doing in Ibiza is legal. Spain's laws can be different from the laws in your home country.
Drinking
You have to be 18 years old to drink alcohol in Spain. It is forbidden to give alcoholic drinks to people who are younger than 18 years, regardless whether it's free or with the consent of the parents. It is illegal to drink in public zones where there could be children, so not on the streets, in parks or at the beach; there are strict fines for it.
Drink driving
For adults, the drink driving limit is 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air or 0.5 g/l in the blood; if you have less than two years driving experience, your limit will lower to 0.15 mg/l in exhaled air or 0.3 g/l in blood. If you are under age, since 2023 a new law states that you are not allowed to drink any alcohol at all when driving. If the slightest amount is detected in your breath or blood at a police checkpoint, you will be given a fine ranging from 500 to 1000 euros.
Spanish police have the right to make random stops and check any vehicle if desired - alcohol checks are common around Ibiza's nightclubs and on the whole island. They also control for drugs: it goes without saying that driving under the influence of drugs is strictly prohibited as well.
Tobacco
You are not allowed to purchase tobacco if you are under 18 years old, neither in shops nor from vending machines.
Topless in Public
Walking around without a t-shirt: Though you are unlikely to be arrested, it is an offence to be shirtless in some places. San Antonio has banned walking around without a shirt on, and there are indeed controls and fines. Most of the shops, many bars and restaurants, the bus service and public services all require you to wear a t-shirt. Please respect this when out and about.
It is also possible that the police might fine you when driving topless. The law only states that you have to be dressed adequately for driving - it is at the discretion of the police how they interpret this. We have read about cases where driving without a t-shirt has resulted in fines on Ibiza. This also applies to driving in flip-flops, barefoot or high heels.
There is no law which prohibits nudism on any of the beaches in Spain, though the municipalities can impose rules to only allow it in the designated areas of a beach. We would recommend to sunbathe completely nude only on the designated nudist beaches Es Cavallet and Aguas Blancas, in order to avoid any potential problems.
Renting a hotel room
Officially you need to be 18 years old to rent a hotel room, since a contract has to be signed. However many 16+ teens have been able to rent hotel rooms via special youth travel agencies. Ibiza does not have any youth hostels.
Renting a moped
Whilst you can drive a moped in Spain from 15 years old, renting one is quite different since you have to sign a contract; the minimum age to rent a 50cc moped is therefore 18 years old. Still, most rental companies won't rent you a moped if you are not at least 21 or even 23 years old. Morevoer, you also must have had a driving licence for at least two years.
Holders of a full driving licence are entitled to ride a motorbike up to 125cc in Spain and we would recommend that option, as the vehicles are generally better suited to the road conditions. Nevertheless, if you are an inexperienced rider, learning to ride on an island you are not familiar with is not recommended.
Renting a car
Even though the minimum driving age in Spain is 18 (like in virtually all of Europe), most of the car rental agencies will not rent you a car until you are 21 or even 23 years old. And you also must have had a driving licence for at least two years.
Entering a party
This depends what kind of party you want to enter.
1. For most venues, eg super-clubs like Pacha, Ushuaia, Hi Ibiza, Amnesia or Eden, smaller clubs like Octan or Bora Bora, other daytime venues like O Beach Ibiza or Ibiza Rocks and also for all boat parties you will need to be 18 years old and often show an ID. These rules are quite strictly enforced.
2. Daytime parties not held in a club: Most daytime parties allow you to enter at any age, sometimes accompanied by your parents. Many beach clubs hold good parties with good local DJs.
3. Night-time bars: Bars such as the ones found in San Antonio's West End or in Playa d'en Bossa often have quite relaxed entry guidelines – check out your favourites for specific details. But be aware that you are not allowed to buy alcoholic drinks if you are under 18, and anyone 18+ buying you a drink is guilty of an offence.
Sex
The age of consent in Spain is 16. Sexual relations with minors under 16 years are forbidden. Having sex in public is not allowed - this includes beaches, also at night time! Always use a condom and your common sense!
The above information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but may be subject to change.
Text last updated: 11 April 2023
