Have you ever wondered where desktop-worthy shots of island life with inviting beaches and turquoise Mediterranean waters are taken? Meet Ibiza in Spain, home of epic nightlife, Cafe del Mar vibes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Good To Know About Ibiza

Ibiza is a 150000-inhabitant island that is part of the Spanish autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, along with Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, 150 kilometres east of Valencia. Ibiza Town is the capital city, and other major settlements on the island are Santa Eularia des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.

The annual average temperature on the island is approximately 18 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January, with an average high of almost 16 degrees Celsius, and the warmest is August, with a little over 30 degrees.

The local name of the island is the Catalan Eivissa, and the official languages on the island are Spanish and Catalan (the Eivissenc dialect).

Rich And Flavour-Packed Cuisine

Part of the appeal of enjoying your stay in exotic locations is sampling (or downright gulping) bits of local cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in Ibiza are seafood based. Paella de marisco is a classic must due to the fresh catch of the day off the shores of the island. Sofrit pages is a Balearic stew made with several types of meats and local sausages (butifarra and sobrasada); its fresh fish version is called bullit de peix. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll be happy to hear about greixonera (a dessert made from leftover pastries and bread, with milk, eggs and cinnamon), flao (pastries filled with goat cheese, nuts, and honey), ensaimadas (local croissants with various fillings), and orelletes (lemony fried biscuits). What better way to finish your meal than enjoying a glass of sangria? The appealing mix of wine and fresh fruit from the island has 'vacation' written all over it.

Eating Out

Getting hungry? Don't go rushing out to find a restaurant if the time is not right! Know that lunch hour usually starts around 2 PM, and dinner time is 9 PM and later. When in Spain, eat as the Spanish do!

If you fancy a cup of hot chocolate, order churros with it, like a true connoisseur. Churros are bite-sized fried pastries, and they taste like they were made for chocolate!

Tipping goes a long way, especially if you plan on returning to a particular restaurant or a bar, so make sure you leave at least an extra 10% on the table for good service.

Getting Around In Ibiza

There are several ways of getting where you want to go on the island. The least expensive one is by bus (public transport). Every bus stop has a timetable that you can check, and there is also an app that lets you plan your trips. If partying is the main reason you chose Ibiza for your summer vacation, you will be happy to hear that there is a bus that takes you from club to club to another club and that it is called the Disco Bus. It runs all night and is full of party-goers.

As far as private transport goes, you can always choose to take a water taxi, a regular taxi, or rent a car. The water taxis are available from morning to evening and leave at 30-minute intervals. So long, traffic jams! Regular taxis are found in ranks outside various hotels and along major routes. 

All things considered, when you stop and think that many hidden gems like remote beaches and coves are only reachable by car, you may consider renting a car for your convenience. It pays to book it online in advance rather than on-site. You will need a valid ID to prove you are 21 or older (in some cases, 25 or older). Don't forget to get car insurance.

Things To See And Do In Ibiza

Ibiza caters to various types of tourists, from beach lovers to party seekers, from festival-goers to cave explorers, and from wild nature enthusiasts to romantic cove seekers.

Epifania

It is a Christmas and New Year's time celebration that begins on January 5th. An abundance of foods and costumes makes this day a highly anticipated event among locals. 

Carnival

February is the month of Carnival, a party similar to mardi gras, with parades, costumed dancers, food, and games. 

Festa de Maig, Santa Eulalia

Seasonal decorations and fireworks announce the arrival of spring with Festa de Maig, Santa Eulalia. It is on this occasion that visitors get to see carriages drawn by horses on the street.

The Ibiza International Film Festival

If going to the movies is one of your favourite pastimes, know that this festival is the place to be to watch independent short films and feature films. 

The Mediaeval Fair

History buffs can have fun in Ibiza as well. The Mediaeval Fair is an event that celebrates the island's rich and diverse culture through reenactments and era-appropriate decor. 

The Traditional Folklore Dance

Summer is the season of traditional dancing and music at The Traditional Folklore Dance, which takes place in the church square of the village of San Miguel. 

Dia del Carmen

July 16th marks the Dia del Carmen celebration that honours the patron saint of fishermen. Flower garlands, fish markets, and fun on the beach are accompanied by decorated boats cruising through the harbour.

The Bloop Festival

The Bloop Festival is a vibrant display of contemporary art that centres on political and social themes. The entrance is free, and visitors get to interact with many of the showcased pieces of art.

The Can Marca caves

Adventurers seeking pirate loot can visit the Can Marca caves. Located in the town of Puerto de San Miguel, these caverns are famous for having been once used as secret storage for illegal goods.

The International Music Summit

The International Music Summit proves Ibiza is the capital of music festivals. The event also marks the beginning of boat parties, clubbing, and DJ sets from artists all over the world.

Best Time To Visit Ibiza

Ibiza has a hot Mediterranean climate. July and August are the hottest months, with average highs of 30 degrees Celsius. June and September's thermometers go up to an average of 27 degrees, while May and October average around 23 degrees. The other months' average highs are between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Summer months see one or two days of precipitation each, while the other seasons have around five rainy days per month.

If you want to avoid crowds of tourists on the streets but still enjoy warm weather, June and September may be your best bet.