Travel

Ibiza Travel Guide: all the hotspots and tips for this Spanish island

Guys, it can happen again. The Balearic Islands have been code yellow for a while now, and it won't surprise you that my (and probably yours too) Instagram feed is full of people sitting in Ibiza. They naturally want to make those who stayed at home jealous, and I can tell you: it works. It works tremendously. It works so well that I've picked up my own tips again because I want to go that way too. It really is a very nice island. So much delicious food, beautiful nature, the sun, Formentera, and if you want to join in on the parties, you can do that too. Are you also planning to head to Ibiza soon? Check out the best restaurants, hotels, and tips for this lovely island here.

Restaurants

1. La Paloma
I find it truly paradise-like here, and I'm not exaggerating. This is a restaurant that you will find on every list, but that's not so strange: everyone falls in love with this spot. It's not cheap, but you quickly forget that. They are open for lunch and dinner, and personally, I prefer dinner because I find it the most beautiful here in the evening.
Carrer Can Pou, 4, Sant Llorenç de Balàfia

2. La Bodega
If you are staying in Ibiza town, this is a must-visit. Delicious Spanish food, with cheerful service and good tapas (and always mega busy). The chance is high that you will have to wait a bit, but with a glass of wine or a jug of sangria at the bar, that's no punishment. You will find this restaurant just outside the gate to Dalt Vila.
Carrer Bisbe Torres Mayans 2, Ibiza-stad 

3. S’Escalinata
Breakfast and/or lunch in Ibiza town is done at this place, that is now common knowledge. You can also go there in the evening for cocktails, but especially during the day, I find this a very nice spot. The menu is not super special: it mainly features sandwiches and smoothies, but they are very tasty.
Carrer Portal Nou 10, Ibiza-stad

4. S’Ametller
The first time I was in Ibiza, I ate here (on the recommendation of friends), and since then, I have been passing on this tip. I was served by the owner, who was so friendly and sweet. The food was particularly good and affordable; I wish him a fully booked restaurant every night. Especially if you're not in the mood for tapas, this is a recommendation, as they serve a multi-course menu every evening.
Carrer de Pere Francès, Ibiza-stad

5. Cala Bonita
Lunch, dinner, wine, cocktails... Everything here is enjoyable. No longer a well-kept secret, as the large crowd discovered this hotspot a few years ago in Ibiza, but that doesn't take away from the fun. I personally love to tour around this island, and then a visit to the beach of s’Estanyol — and thus Cala Bonita — is a must.
Playa de s’Estanyol

6. Babylon Beach Bar
Confession: I don't really like lying on the beach. Yes, I know, it sounds very strange, but you really won't make me happy with that. Hanging out at a beach bar, however, makes me very happy. And if I can snag a spot, I prefer to do that at Babylon Beach Bar in Ibiza.
Carrer Bartomea Tur Clapés, 20, Santa Eulalia del Río

7. Aiyanna Ibiza
I may not like beaches, but I really love all the hotspots by the beach. Like this one, with the colorful cheerful umbrellas, the lovely view, and the delicious food. From the same team behind Amante (also a recommendation, by the way), so you know it's good.
Playa de, Av. Cala Nova, Eivissa

8. nº74 L’atelier Ibiza
Something different from all the tapas, sangria, and cocktails. I can't pronounce the name in Spanish, but I can tell you that you want to go here. Besides a restaurant, this spot also has a shop that makes you very greedy. The menu features everything, but especially a lot of healthy options. This is also a recommendation for kids; activities are often organized for them. If you want to do a workshop (like learning to edit), they do that here too. FUN.; Carrer Venda de Fruitera, n°4, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera.

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Finca La Plaza

9. For a fine dining evening, you are in the right place here. It has an incredibly beautiful courtyard (very romantic in the evening) and the menu is to die for (steak tartare! Burrata!).
Plaza de la Iglesia, 5, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera.
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Bambuddha


10. Get that credit card out of your wallet, because this is going to cost you money, but then you really get something for it. The restaurant is a sight to behold, and the food is just as beautiful. It's a combination of Mediterranean and Asian, and it works really well. The sushi rolls, dumplings, baos... Sooooo delicious.
Carretera de, Carrer de Sant Joan, Km 8.5, Santa Eulària des Riu.
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La Oliva

11. A restaurant where it's always nice to be, right in the old town of Ibiza town (Dalt Vila). This street where the restaurant is located is always very cozy in the evening, and even though it is surrounded by other restaurants, this one remains the absolute favorite of the street. By the way, don't expect tapas here, but rather delicious pasta and antipasti. Also nice for a change.
Carrer de la Santa Creu, 2, Ibiza-stad.
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Salvia Restaurant

12. This restaurant belongs to the hotel Ca Na Xica, so it's definitely nice to stay there when you enjoy a fine dining evening here. It's not in the big city, not by the sea, it's really an oasis of peace. Wonderful to be pampered here.
Sant Joan de Labritja.
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Little Ibiza

13. If you happen to get lost in Ibiza town and accidentally end up in the lesser part, there's a good chance you're around here. HAHA. No, it's not the most authentic neighborhood, but this is really a nice café to have lunch or grab a drink. The food is good, not super expensive, and you sit there wonderfully with a view of the sea. 
Passeig ses Pitiüses, Ibiza-stad.
Passeig ses Pitiüses, Ibiza-stad

14. La Scala
This one really can't be missing from this list. Not unknown to regular Ibiza visitors, but I always enjoy it here. Based on the website, you wouldn't expect much (HAHA, does that really come from the year 1900?), but don't let that scare you off because this restaurant is definitely worth trying. You'll find La Scala right in the middle of Dalt Vila, in a quiet spot, and it's very suitable for a romantic date night.
Carrer de sa Carrossa, 7, Ibiza Town

15. Los Enamorados
All the way in the north of Ibiza, near Portinatx, you'll find this restaurant, which makes the trip worth it. It's part of a hotel, so staying overnight is actually a must. You'll find a completely different atmosphere here than, for example, in Ibiza Town, and I really like that variety. It's wonderful to relax here and enjoy the view.
Ctra. Vénda de Portinatx, 103

Hotels
1. Los Enamorados
Yes, as a hotel I also recommend it, because the north is definitely worth a visit. And then staying in this boutique hotel is more than logical.
Ctra. Vénda de Portinatx, 103

2. Hotel Xereca
Oooh, I think this is such a beautiful hotel. It's still on my bucket list because it comes with a pretty price tag.. But someday... I'll stay here for weeks. It's only a few kilometers from Ibiza Town, making it ideal for staying if you want a combination of hustle and tranquility.

Carrer Torrent s/n, 07813 Puig d’en Valls

3. Gare du Nord
A very nice, sweet, and beautiful boutique hotel that is also very affordable. Plus: there's a bistro and wine bar. You can find this hotel in the north of the island, just below Portinatx. Ideal for a road trip if you're heading this way.
Carrer de sa Cala, 11, Sant Joan de Labritja

4. Las Dunas Playa
If you're planning a trip to Formentera, this is a recommendation for staying. It seems obvious to me that Formentera is a lot quieter than Ibiza and there's also less to do, but if you're coming for the peace, a mini trip here is really nice to do.
Carr. de la mola, Km 11, Formentera

5. OKU IBIZA
With all the Jaimie Vaes/Lil Kleine drama, you might almost forget that this is genuinely a very beautiful hotel. Personally, I find it a shame that it's in San Antonio (I've mainly seen drunk English people there), but that town seems to be getting nicer. And even if you don't come from this hotel, that's not a punishment.
Camí del Portixol, 2, Sant Antoni de Portmany

6. Ocean Drive Talamanca
Close to Ibiza Town (about a 30-minute walk to the center), I found this hotel really top in terms of price-quality. There are very comfortable beds, a nice pool, and plenty of space. They also have a rooftop bar, which I always find a plus.
Carrer de Jesús, 28, Ibiza-stad

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7. Dorado Ibiza 
If you're more into parties or want to catch them, this is a very nice hotel to stay in. You'll find this hotel at Playa d’en Bossa, so within crawling distance of places like Ushuaia, and then you can relax by the pool the next day. Wonderful. Oh yes: no kids here, as the hotel is adult only.
Carrer de la Ruda, 2, Sant Josep de sa Talaia

8. Les Terrasses
A lovely boutique hotel that has an ideal location if you want to easily get to Ibiza Town, but also a nice spot to explore the rest of the island from. An oasis of peace with the city around the corner, a very beautiful environment, and a pool with loungers.
Carretera Santa Eulalia, Km. 1

More tips for Ibiza:

  • You probably already figured it out, but a car is really a must if you're going for more than a week. Of course, you can also relax for a week in one place, but that depends on what you're in the mood for. I think it's a shame if you see so little of the island because there's really so much to see.
  • The hippie markets. Well... You have to love it. It's quite nice to walk around for a bit, but it's mainly very busy and touristy; the big buses come and go. Nice for a morning, but I would manage expectations.
  • Visit the various beaches. The island is really full of hidden beaches. My tips: Cala Conta, Sa Caleta, Cala Llonga, Cala Vadella, and Cala Xaracca.
  • Go to the viewpoint at Es Vedra. Cliché? Maybe, but it's just very beautiful.
  • Ibiza Town is really a nice city, and besides the fact that it has many nice restaurants, it's also just fun to stroll through the streets. For example, a shopping street in the new part, but Dalt Vila is especially beautiful to walk through. Really, you can wander around for hours in the old part.