Ibiza is constantly evolving and figuring out where to stay on your first trip can be a conundrum for those who have never visited the island before. There's such a huge amount of information available, that it's hard to know where to begin, so we're going to break it up into digestible chunks for you.
If you know what kind of holiday you would like, let our super Ibiza Virgins' Guide help you find out where to stay and why.
For a complete list of great places to stay, island-wide, check out our hotels' section.
Wherever you stay, dining next to the sand and sea is a must, so make sure to check out our list of the best Ibiza beach restaurants.
Ibiza Town
Ideal for: culture, foodies, nightlife, luxury, LGBTQIA-friendly
The island's capital is steeped in history and has lots of pretty places to visit. It is essential to explore the narrow cobbled streets of the walled citadel of Dalt Vila, which teem with charming bars and restaurants. Make sure you stroll down the lively port and the gay street, Calle de la Virgen, for a preview of all the pre-club activity every night, if only just to watch the colour of the club parades.
Ibiza Town also has a fantastic selection of museums and art galleries to wander around, for the more discerning historians and art fans amongst you. Across in the marina, you can gasp at the super-yachts, chill on the neighbouring beach resort of Talamanca, dine in some of the island's finest restaurants and dance all night at the world-famous Pacha, Lío and Club Chinois nightclubs - find all events and parties in our party calendar.
There are not many hotels in the city itself and those that are can be at the high-end, price-wise. That said, accommodation varies from budget to deluxe and you'll find all age groups here, from families to older ex-ravers who still love the island and all it has to offer. Here is our list of hotels and apartments in Ibiza Town.
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Given their enviable proximity to the town centre and the port with its bustling night-time action, it’s hard to imagine anywhere more convenient for travellers than Ibiza's city centre hotels. The Standard and the El Puerto Ibiza Hotel & Spa offer all the benefits of downtown accommodation. Lovers of Rock, Soul and Blues music will be delighted by the legendary Teatro Ibiza music bar in El Puerto's lobby.
Figueretas
Ideal for: clubbers, groups, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget
Big with Ibiza's gay travellers, the close proximity of Figueretas to Ibiza Town also makes it a hit with just about everyone. Cheaper than the nearby city, hotels and apartments can range from bargain to boutique.
The clean beach and wide promenade have fabulous views all the way across to Formentera and new trendy restaurants and bars have cropped up along the recently renovated seafront, making it a haven for everyone.
Providing a midway point between Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa means that you have a choice of party or arty. No wonder it is always such a popular choice! Here is our list of hotels and apartments in Figueretas.
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For an LGBTQIA-friendly family-run hotel, close to the city, try the Cenit Hotel and Apartments, with a roof terrace pool and bar that has amazing views along the south coast to Formentera. From here, just a 10-minute walk takes you right into the heart of Dalt Vila, Ibiza's fortified old town.
Playa d'en Bossa
Ideal for: clubbers, nightlife, groups, budget
Playa d'en Bossa knows how to party. This extremely popular resort has positioned itself as the hedonist capital of Ibiza. With all the action condensed along one stretch of road, you'll never be too far from the fiesta.
There are quieter parts of the resort too, so know that staying here does not automatically mean noise. You'll find all ages here - it's far from just for people under the age of 25.
Along the main street, you have the super-clubs Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa and countless music bars. There are also some smaller clubs like Swag in the Hotel Garbi or Top 21 in the Jet Apartments. Find descriptions of all clubs in our Ibiza clubs section.
Playa d'en Bossa is also well known for its daytime, beachside action. The beach is long and wide and is studded along its length with wonderful bars and restaurants – from glamorous beach clubs like Coco Beach or Nassau Beach Club to smaller local restaurants there is something for every taste. All make great spots from which to observe, have a great meal and sup cool cocktails.
Playa d'en Bossa offers an array of accommodation options, ranging from the high-end deluxe of super-club resorts Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel to affordable and fun hotels and apartments like the Bora Bora Apartments. Here is our complete list of hotels and apartments in Playa d'en Bossa.
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Stay in comfort and excellent four-star style at the Torre del Mar hotel, which is close to just about everything and has a gorgeous spa and pool.
For an alternative night out, go to Children of the 80s at the Hard Rock Hotel to indulge in some techno-dodging pop pleasures.
San Antonio
Ideal for: clubbers, nightlife, groups, young families, budget
San Antonio is many an Ibiza Virgin's first taste of the island and has much to offer the enthusiastic young party-lover.
The main beach of San Antonio is busy in the summer months and the centre of all daytime activity. You will find some great bars to stop at and refresh yourself, as you stroll along the beachfront promenade. Tulp and Ibiza Rocks Bar are amongst our favourites.
Pool parties are all the rage in Ibiza and San Antonio boasts two of the best venues on the island: O Beach and the Ibiza Rocks Hotel. Be sure to check the line-ups in our party calendar and pack your best bikini or trunks.
The iconic Sunset Strip is home to a host of bars, including the famous Mambo and Café del Mar, with the vantage point, DJs and soundtrack fine-tuned for those legendary Ibiza sunsets. Over in the centre of town, the famous West End packs a staggering amount of fast-food eateries and bars into a small area.
At night, the big "San An" clubs, Eden and Es Paradis, come alive for dancing the night away or enjoy daytime clubbing in the open-air venues O Beach and Ibiza Rocks. Finally, the super-clubs Amnesia and Privilege are just a short Disco Bus ride away. Again, find the descriptions of all clubs on our Ibiza clubs page.
In between all this partying, you're sure to want something to eat. San Antonio has just about anything you could shake your fork at. From healthy breakfasts to fry-ups, tapas to burgers and pizza to romantic gourmet experiences and even one of the island's Michelin-starred restaurants - San Antonio has it all, spread within an easily accessible few square kilometres.
Accommodation comes at a reasonable budget price, as does food and drink. The average age seemingly spans from 18-30 where partying is the focus, though more recently many places to stay, usually outside the centre, have had a facelift and are aimed at more sophisticated party people. Here is our list of hotels and apartments in San Antonio.
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A stay at the adults-only, Wi-Ki-Woo hotel near the sunset strip, for the most Instagrammable moment of the day.
For the utmost in luxury, those of you with a bigger budget might fancy checking in to TRS Ibiza Hotel just a short walk from the soft sand of Cala Gracio beach. This is Ibiza's only 5-star all-inclusive adults-only resort!
San Antonio Bay
Ideal for: clubbers, groups, young families, budget
Just a short distance away from San Antonio, the Bay area has some pretty, smaller beaches and is largely geared towards families looking for an affordable break.
San Antonio Bay has the greatest density of hotels on the island; from the very cheap and best value to recently-renovated hotels, aimed at a young and affluent clientele. San Antonio Bay has some nice small beaches along its stretch, as well as a good selection of restaurants. It's ideal for a quieter stay, yet still with plenty of action. Here is our complete list of hotels and apartments along the bay of San Antonio.
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Sophisticated clubbers will love staying at INNSiDE Ibiza Beach, its rooftop bar is as close to heaven as you can get with live DJ sets and a fabulous infinity pool to chill by. For a touch of quality and excellent gastronomy, Can Salia Hotel at the end of the Bay will surprise you.
Sunset lovers should head to a true bay gem, Kumharas for a cool hippy vibe and excellent cocktails.
Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella
Ideal for: young families, budget, nature, retreat
The southwest coast of Ibiza has some of the most beautiful sandy coves on the island. Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella are two of the most family-friendly, tucked away from the crowded resorts. They are easily accessible and ideal for those happy to relax with a drink in hand during the day and a romantic meal in the evening.
Cala Tarida is an ideal resort for families, plus there are watersports activities, such as guided kayaking and snorkelling tours to two sea caves departing from the nearby Cala Codolar beach. You are guaranteed to enjoy sublime views at sunset and to return home tanned and feeling very refreshed.
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For independent holiday-makers, Petunia Ibiza near Cala Carbo offers its guests the ultimate in iconic Ibizan views from its well-tended terraces. Seeing is believing.
Santa Eulalia
Ideal for: groups, families, foodies, couples, retreat, older travellers
Santa Eulalia is a pretty town, attracting all nationalities and age groups and has lots of reasonably-priced apartments and hotels to choose from. Here is our list of hotels and apartments in Santa Eulalia.
As most of the hotels are situated on the outskirts, the town centre and marina maintain a chic, cosmopolitan feel. There are plenty of shops and boutiques to browse and the pavement cafes are perfect spots for watching beautiful people pass by.
Particularly known for its eateries, you'll find a great range of restaurants, especially on Calle San Vicente in the centre, a place that transforms at night into a lively, bustling Mediterranean location.
With a wide sweeping beach, a lively promenade and plenty of bars to choose from, you don't even have to leave town.
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For a touch of class, check out the newly refurbished, boutique-style Hotel Riomar at Santa Eulalia Bay. Situated beside the beach, in a mellow corner of the resort, Riomar is a Mediterranean haven for all the family.
Es Caná
Ideal for: families, budget
The small beach resort of Es Caná, along the coast from Santa Eulalia, was built with families in mind and houses a number of all-inclusive hotels with entertainment and kids' facilities and all at competitive prices. A clean, wide and shallow beach makes it perfect for the little ones.
Famous for hosting one of the large weekly hippy markets on the island, holidaymakers descend in droves to snag the handmade wares for holiday gifts or presents for themselves. Es Caná is well worth considering if it's a cheaper, hassle-free family break you're after. Here is our list of hotels and apartments in Es Caná.
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Halfway along the promenade, Mamajuana is a top spot for authentic Mediterranean food (check out their fish dishes) in a chilled-out setting. If you're in search of a really special place to stay, BLESS Hotel Ibiza - situated in Cala Nova, just beyond Es Caná - is the pinnacle of luxury.
Cala Llonga
Ideal for: families, budget, nature
A stunning bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Cala Llonga is a sun trap of a location with hotels clustered around the long sandy beach.
Another resort that offers everything families require on a plate; with lots of activities to keep the kids occupied, plus plenty of bars and restaurants to keep hunger and thirst at bay. Cala Llonga is another safe bet for a relaxing break, with prices that won't break the bank. Here is our list of hotels and apartments in and near Cala Llonga.
A regular ferry service to the resort offers the option of day trips to Santa Eulalia, Ibiza or even to the magical sister island Formentera.
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The resort has had a recent upgrade with the opening of the newly renovated Hyde Ibiza and Mondrian Ibiza hotels. Together they will host the 2024 International Music Summit.
Next to Cala Llonga is the stylish and exclusive restaurant Amante, nestled upon the cliffs. Here, daytime luxury is accessed easily. Look out for its evening summer open-air movie nights too.
Cala San Vicente
Ideal for: young families, budget, nature, retreat
Situated in the northeast of the island, Cala San Vicente is a secluded resort, which attracts an international clientele and features a long, sweeping beach, hugged by a lovely curving promenade.
Facilities are huddled together in this compact little resort, making it relaxed and inexpensive for all ages. Hire a moped or car and explore the unspoilt nature of this corner of Ibiza.
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The nearby lookout point on the cliff tops is a lovely spot for a romantic picnic at sunset.
Recently relaunched after a major refit, the El Somni Ibiza Dream Hotel in the middle of the beach has brought a uniquely surrealist vision to the hospitality of this traditional beach resort.
Portinatx
Ideal for: families, budget, adventure, nature
The island's most northerly resort, Portinatx, is well out of the way of all the young party crowd and represents a more rugged Ibiza. With three lovely beaches and lots of water activities such as snorkelling, pedalos and paddleboarding as well as many great boat excursions, this is a resort much more suited to families.
Self-contained, this little paradise of a town has bars and restaurants within walking distance of all the hotels, so you can relax without having to move too far. Here is our list of hotels and apartments in and near Portinatx.
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The walk to the Portinatx lighthouse is a beautiful one, with the views over the cliffs simply stunning.
The Port of San Miguel
Ideal for: families, budget, tranquillity, nature
Peaceful and calm, with a wide expanse of white sand, the Port of San Miguel is the perfect location for those who love to just chill and relax on the beach. This picturesque playa is protected in a lovely secluded bay that makes it great for snorkelling and kayaking.
Many quality hotels ring the bay, of which a few are brand new or recently renovated, such as the Cala San Miguel The Club, by Hilton.
If you wish to explore further afield, the neighbouring beach is the famous Benirras just a few kilometres away. Alternatively, dive off into the campo along the many hiking trails that lead to Torre des Molar or the smuggler's caves at Cova de Can Marca
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Why not pamper yourself at the La Posidonia Spa and cliff-top pools at the world-famous deluxe resort Hacienda Na Xamena nearby?
The Interior
Ideal for: nature, retreat
A network of rural hotels that go under the banner of agritourism venues, populate the pretty interior of Ibiza.
Agritourism hotels celebrate the agricultural heritage of the island by growing their own vegetables and fruit and are havens of peace and tranquillity. Generally developed from lovingly restored farmhouses, they cater for a higher-end clientele and give you a glimpse into a more rustic Ibizan lifestyle.
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Just outside Ibiza Town and set in the lovely countryside is the delightful Las Mariposas, a lovely rural boutique hotel.
When you want to get about the island with ease, our selection of local Ibiza car rental companies has all you need.
This article is part of our Ibiza Virgins' Guides, packed full of information on how to get the most out of your stay on Ibiza. Check them out.
WORDS | by Leena Sharma and Tim Dackombe
