Heading to Ibiza for the first time? This quick-start guide covers the island’s best beaches, how to navigate nightlife without blowing your budget, and transport tricks that make getting around simple even at 4 a.m. You’ll find practical, step-by-step advice tailored for first-timers who want a balance of sun, sea, and clubs.
Plan a couple of key experiences (sunset, one or two headline clubs, and a beach day), then let the rest flow. Local guides consistently recommend arriving rested, booking club tickets in advance, and choosing flexible transport so you can chase calas (coves) and sunsets on your own schedule. For logistics, jump to Transport hacks that actually help; to pick your shores, see Beaches and calas to prioritize.
Quick orientation: distances, timing, and when to go
- The island is compact driving end-to-end takes roughly 45–60 minutes without traffic.
- Peak season runs June–September for beach weather and full club calendars; shoulder season (May, early October) brings fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Expect late nights: clubs peak after 1–2 a.m., so plan rest and naps before big nights.
Transport hacks that actually help
Local advice stresses mixing transport modes: rent wheels for beach days, use water taxis for scenic hops, and ride the Disco Bus at night to avoid parking and pricey cabs. For clubs, also see Nightlife and club strategy for timing and exit tips.
Transport at a glance
| Option | Best for | Typical time for 15–20 km | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car | Beach-hopping, remote calas, sunset spots | 20–35 min (traffic/parking vary) | Flexible, A/C, trunk for gear | Parking fills by late morning; blue zones are paid; sober driver needed |
| Scooter | Solo/couples, easy daytime parking | 20–35 min | Cheap to run, squeezes into tight spots | Helmet a must; avoid night rides on unlit roads; pack light |
| Water taxi | Scenic hops (e.g., San Antonio area) | 10–25 min per hop | Sea breeze, great views, no road traffic | Fixed routes/timetables; weather dependent |
| Disco Bus | Nightclub transfers summer season | 20–45 min | Runs late, connects resorts to clubs, budget-friendly | Seasonal, can be busy at peak times |
| Public bus | Airport–town, towns–resorts daytime | Varies by route | Economical, straightforward main corridors | Limited late-night coverage outside summer |
| Taxi | Door-to-door, late nights, small groups | 15–30 min typical town hops | Convenient, metered fares | Queues after club close; costs add up |
Pro moves
- Rent early in high season; pick up near the airport to save transfer time.
- Beach day rhythm: arrive before 10:30 a.m. for parking; siesta/drinks midday; sunset at a west-facing cala.
- For club nights, take the Disco Bus in and a taxi back cheaper and faster than hunting for parking at 2 a.m.
- Water taxi loops are perfect for a breezy beach crawl and sunset return with skyline views.
First-timer rule: never schedule a dawn flight after a big club night local guides suggest resting up before you arrive and building recovery time into your itinerary.
Where to stay your first time
- Ibiza Town (Eivissa): Central base for first-timers easy bus/taxi connections, dining, old town (Dalt Vila), and quick access to clubs.
- Santa Gertrudis: Charming inland village vibe, excellent eateries, and a calm base if you’ll day-trip to beaches and nightlife.
- San Antonio: Sunset strip access, boat/water taxis, and budget-friendly stays great for west-coast beaches.
Beaches and calas to prioritize
Start with these crowd-pleasers, then add one remote cala for contrast.
- Cala Comte (Cala Conta): Turquoise water, sandy shelves, and epic sunsets. Go early; parking is limited by late morning.
- Cala d’Hort: Dramatic views of Es Vedrà; superb for sunset photos. Bring water shoes for pebbly entries.
- Cala Bassa: Clear, calm snorkel-friendly water; tree shade behind the sand. Family-friendly.
- Benirràs: Famous Sunday sunset drum circles in summer; arrive very early on Sundays.
Beach kit checklist: reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight rash guard, compact beach towel, water shoes, and small cash for loungers or boat taxis.
Nightlife and club strategy (without the stress)
- Book tickets ahead: Major clubs often sell out or charge more at the door. Pre-book to skip queues.
- Arrive late: Peak atmosphere is after 1–2 a.m. plan a power nap and a late dinner.
- Pre-game smart: Start with a sunset drink on the west coast or in Ibiza Town, then bus/taxi to the club.
- Pack light: Phone, ID, card, small cash, and a thin layer the A/C can be chilly.
- Exit plan: Taxis queue after closing; if you’re near a Disco Bus stop, you’ll often get home quicker.
Money- and time-savers
- Two big days, one buffer day: Alternate a heavy club night with a relaxed beach day.
- Lunch in villages: Inland menus can be better value than beachfront equivalents.
- Share rides: Split taxis after club close or use the Disco Bus for predictable costs.
- Hydration plan: Pick up large waters at supermarkets and refill reusable bottles.
48-hour first-timer game plan
- Day 1: Check in, siesta, sunset at Cala Comte, dinner in San Antonio or Ibiza Town, Disco Bus to your chosen club, taxi back.
- Day 2: Slow morning, beach-hop by car/scooter (try Cala Bassa then Cala d’Hort), golden-hour photos with Es Vedrà backdrop, relaxed dinner in Santa Gertrudis.
- Optional: Sunday sunset at Benirràs for the drumming session arrive very early or take organized transport.
Packing and etiquette essentials
- Footwear: Beach sandals plus sturdy sneakers for cobbles and club queues.
- Sun care: Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat UV is strong even in shoulder season.
- Respect the coast: No glass on beaches; leave no trace. Many coves are small keep music volume low.
- Driving basics: Designated driver for beach days; obey blue-zone parking rules; don’t leave valuables visible.
- Cash vs card: Cards widely accepted, but carry small cash for loungers, kiosks, or rural cafés.
FAQs
How do Disco Buses work and where to catch one at night?
In summer, Disco Buses run late into the night linking major resorts with top clubs on fixed routes. Look for signed stops near hotel zones, town centers, and outside club entrances; services run frequently around opening and closing times. Buy tickets on board; carry small cash and allow extra time after peak closing. For planning your ride home, see Nightlife and club strategy.
Should I rent a car or scooter for Ibiza beach-hopping and parking?
Cars suit groups, gear, and late returns; they’re safer after dark and offer A/C, but parking fills by late morning. Scooters are cheaper to run and slip into tight spaces, ideal for solo/couples in daylight avoid unlit roads at night and pack light. If you’ll chase remote calas and sunsets, a car wins on flexibility; for short daytime hops, a scooter shines. Compare options in Transport hacks.
What’s the cheapest way to get back after clubs late at night?
The Disco Bus is usually the most budget-friendly, especially on popular routes around closing time. If queues are heavy or you’re off-route, share a metered taxi with friends to split costs and head to the nearest taxi rank for faster pickup. Walking a few minutes to a main road can shorten waits. Build this into your plan in Nightlife and club strategy.
How early should I arrive at Cala Comte to secure parking and space?
In peak season, aim for 9:30–10:00 a.m. to find parking and a good spot; by late morning it often fills. For sunset, arrive 60–90 minutes early, especially on weekends, and consider nearby viewpoints as backups. Off-season timings are more forgiving, but wind and swell can affect comfort.
How do I schedule two heavy club nights with a recovery day?
Alternate: Night 1 out late, Day 2 beach and siesta, Night 2 late again so you’re never stacking dawn finishes back-to-back. Plan afternoon naps, a late dinner, and a slow morning after each night; hydrate and keep Day 2’s beach picks close to your base. Use the 48-hour game plan as a template and adjust for your club dates.
Key takeaways
- Mix transport: rent wheels for daytime exploring, water taxis for scenic hops, and the Disco Bus for club nights.
- Book club tickets early and plan naps peak hours are late.
- Prioritize a few standout calas (Cala Comte, Cala d’Hort, Cala Bassa, Benirràs) and arrive early for parking.
- Base in Ibiza Town for convenience or Santa Gertrudis for a calmer village feel.
With a flexible transport plan, two or three must-do experiences, and smart timing, your first Ibiza trip will feel effortless. Pick your beaches, lock in tickets, and map one sunset then let the island do the rest.
