Summer is well and truly upon us. Shops and bars are opening and we have even spotted a few bikini-clad bodies on the beach! So, in preparation, we have decided to produce a handy little series for you, giving you expert advice on all the things that will help you have a smooth, cost-effective and authentic taste of this beautiful island that we call our home when you come to visit this year.
And where better to start than how to get around the island? It's easy to spend a fortune on taxis and even they can be difficult to locate in the height of the season. So read on for some invaluable tips.
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.
Find much more detailed information in our Holiday tips - getting around on Ibiza.
Taxis
Taxis in Ibiza run on a meter, so by catching an official one (with the green/red light on top and the blue number plate), you won't get ripped off by the "pirate taxis".
You can flag a taxi down if the green light is showing, as long as you are more than 100 metres away from the next taxi rank. Taxi ranks in the towns and at the airport often come with a long queue; but be patient and you will get one eventually as there is a steady flow of taxis returning to their posts.
Top tip
Try the taxi app for Apple and Android phones - TaxiClick. Available at both app stores. And since November 2023, the ride-share company Uber is also available on Ibiza.
Water bus
Another mode of transport that's a favourite with locals are the water taxis. All are great value and, for little money, you can discover parts of the island which are more trouble to access by car.
San Antonio harbour is full of small craft that have been transporting tourists to all the beautiful beaches around the bay for decades.
In Ibiza Town, you can catch a small ferry from the port to Marina Botafoch, Talamanca, Figueretes and Playa d'en Bossa. And the views up to the citadel of Dalt Vila during the journey are delightful!
Top tip
The Ibiza Town Beach City Boat runs until midnight in the summer and offers a great value day-ticket, so it is just perfect if you want to go to Ibiza Town for shopping in the morning, nip over to the beaches of Talamanca or Playa d'en Bossa in the afternoon, and then back to Ibiza Town in time for dinner and the nightlife action in the port!
For more boat trips around the island click here.
Car rental
We always profess that the best way to enjoy the island is to rent a car and go exploring. It is recommended that you do this online and well in advance so that you can pick your car up from the airport. Parking can be notoriously difficult and/or expensive, so it's always best to check with your hotel or apartment owner that there is a safe and cheap place to park nearby.
Top tip
Always take out the full no-excess travel insurance. Cars can often be scratched when parked, and you will almost certainly encounter inconsiderate/reckless driving on the roads. Any little scratch or dent could end up with you paying €600 excess - or more - unless you take out this cover.
Scooters
Again, there are scooter hire places all over the island and this is a fab, fun and cheap way to get around. You can grab a scooter and a couple of helmets and go where even cars can't go! They are free to park in the towns too, in designated motorcycle and scooter spaces!
Top tip
Stay safe! Don't ever drink and ride, don't pass cars on the inside, slow down on the winding rural roads and use your common sense. We see so many horrific scooter accidents where inexperienced riders try to show off and ride without due caution. In summer, the roads are full of dust and thus slippery, and even more so, when rain hits the dust on the asphalt, when it can be like riding on icy roads.
Public transport
We are massive fans of the buses on Ibiza. Clean, air-conditioned and just a couple of euros a ride, the network, although slightly limited, is reliable. A bus ride from the airport will help you dodge the long taxi queues in peak season. The buses run from right outside Arrivals into Ibiza Town and San Antonio. They depart every 15 minutes in the high season.
Disco bus
Regular buses wrap up service around midnight for lines between Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa, but for those with designs on late-night activity, things don't stop there. Oh no, not on Ibiza.
Typically running from 1 June till the end of September, the disco bus connects the party resorts to all of the large clubs. Departing every half hour to 45 minutes, a one-way trip costs between €4 and €5, subject to which line you travel on.
Depending on the size of your group and how far you're travelling to the club, that normally equates to big savings compared to a taxi. It's also a really fun way to get to the club, meet new friends and get in the party spirit.
You can find more information on the different lines and how the disco bus works by visiting our dedicated guide.
Top tip
This website is available in a number of languages including English, German, Italian and French, which breaks down all the routes, show stops on a map and gives times. This will definitely save you money and allow you to see much more of our beautiful towns and beaches.
Private hire/chauffeur
If you need an airport transfer or you’re on holiday with a large group and are planning a long, lazy lunch at your favourite beach restaurant or a big night out clubbing, why not travel in style and let your own personal driver deal with all the stress?
There are many professional private hire companies on Ibiza, but our first recommendation is always Dipesa. The Dipesa Group have a large fleet of vehicles, large and small, that can handle your transfer in a timely and comfortable manner.
Top tip
When feeling really extravagant, you could enjoy Dipesa’s exclusive Luxive service, with the highest standards of chauffeur-driven limousines and buses to be found on the island.
Yacht
If you've got a bit of spare cash, and you want a day out to remember, then chartering a boat is really special. If you get a group together and split the cost, you could get a day's charter including skipper, drinks and food for as little as €150 each! There are a number of reputable charter companies on the island that will offer you a range of styles and prices. This really is worth every penny for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Top tip
Ask your captain to moor outside Mambo, on the Sunset Strip in San Antonio, at sunset for an unforgettable sundowner session. Or spend the day diving into the crystal waters around the neighbouring island of Formentera.
