Ibiza
Weather
Local Information
Plug Socket Type
Type C/F (European two-pin). Irish visitors need a travel adapter.
Currency
Euro
Time Zones
GMT+1 (1 hour ahead of Ireland in winter, same in summer).
Local Emergency Contact
112 (general emergency). Irish Embassy Madrid: +34 914 364 093.
Travel Information
Flight Time
Approximately 2.5 hours from Dublin. Seasonal flights May-October.
Distance from Beach
All resorts are near beaches. Ibiza Town has rocky coastline — sandy beaches require short transport.
Do I need a Visa?
No. Spain is an EU member state. Irish citizens need only a valid passport or identity card.
3 Things to do in Ibiza
Dalt Vila (Old Town)
–UNESCO World Heritage fortified old town in Ibiza Town with cathedral, ramparts and panoramic views.
Formentera Day Trip
–Ferry to Ibiza's sister island — Caribbean-like beaches, cycling and a totally different pace.
Sunset at Cafe del Mar
–The legendary San Antonio sunset strip experience — cocktails and chill-out music as the sun drops.
Description
Experience Ibiza, the Balearic island famed for its world-class nightlife and iconic sunsets, but also offering tranquil beaches, bohemian markets, and stunning natural beauty for a diverse Irish getaway.
Ibiza is an island of two personalities, and both are worth discovering. The world-famous party island with its legendary superclubs — Pacha, Ushuaïa, Hï and Amnesia — attracts music lovers and nightlife enthusiasts from across the globe, and the sunset strip at San Antonio's Café del Mar remains one of the Mediterranean's most iconic experiences. But there is much more to Ibiza than clubs and DJs. The island's north is a haven of tranquillity, with hidden coves, organic fincas, yoga retreats and the bohemian spirit that first drew artists and hippies in the 1960s. Ibiza Town's Dalt Vila — the fortified old town perched above the harbour — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning views, atmospheric restaurants and a sense of history dating back to the Phoenicians. The island's beaches are among the best in the Balearics, from the family-friendly sands of Cala Llonga to the turquoise waters of Cala Conta and the legendary beach parties of Playa d'en Bossa. The food scene has evolved dramatically, with farm-to-table restaurants, fresh seafood chiringuitos and a growing reputation for quality dining. Direct seasonal flights from Dublin reach Ibiza in around two and a half hours, making it accessible for both long weekends and full holiday stays.
Culture and Experiences
What's Nearby?
Formentera
– 30-minute ferry from Ibiza Town. Stunning beaches, cycling paradise, boho restaurants.
Es Vedra
– Mysterious rocky islet off the south-west coast — viewable from cliffs near Cala d'Hort. Stunning at sunset.
North Island
– The quieter north has yoga retreats, organic restaurants and hidden coves far from the club scene.
History
Phoenician & Carthaginian
– Ibiza was founded by the Phoenicians in 654 BC. Puig des Molins is a UNESCO site.
Hippy Heritage
– Ibiza's 1960s counterculture left a lasting legacy of bohemian spirit.
Superclub Era
– The dance music revolution of the late 1980s-90s made Ibiza the world capital of electronic music.
Local Markets
Las Dalias Hippy Market (Saturday)
– The most famous hippy market in Ibiza, near San Carlos.
Punta Arabi (Wednesday)
– Huge hippy market in Es Cana — the oldest on the island.
Events and Festivals
Club Opening/Closing Parties (May-Oct)
– Superclubs mark the season with spectacular events.
Medieval Fair (May)
– Ibiza Town's Dalt Vila hosts a medieval market within the castle walls.
Flower Power (Summer)
– Pacha's legendary weekly flower power night.
Local Etiquette
Club Dress Codes
– Superclubs have dress codes — no flip-flops or beachwear.
Prices
– Ibiza is not cheap, especially in clubs and beach clubs.
Respect the Island
– Don't litter beaches and respect noise regulations.
Dining and Night Life
Local Cuisine
Bullit de Peix
– Traditional Ibizan fish stew with rice.
Flaó
– Sweet cheesecake flavoured with mint and anise — the traditional Ibizan dessert.
Hierbas Ibicencas
– Herbal liqueur made from local herbs — digestif offered in most restaurants.
Farm-to-Table
– Ibiza has a growing organic and farm-to-table scene in the north.
Night Life
Pacha
– The only superclub open year-round since 1973.
Ushuaia & Hi
– Playa d'en Bossa's megaclubs — open-air poolside parties and all-night events.
San Antonio Sunset Strip
– Cafe del Mar, Cafe Mambo, Savannah — sunset cocktails and pre-party atmosphere.
Read Time: 3 mins
San Antonio is Ibiza's second-largest town and its most famous sunset destination. The resort occupies a wide natural harbour on the west coast and is best known for the legendary Sunset Strip — a line of bars including the world-famous Cafe del Mar where crowds gather each evening to watch the sun drop into the Mediterranean. San Antonio attracts a diverse mix of visitors, from clubbers drawn by Ibiza's legendary nightlife to families enjoying the west coast beaches and boat trips.
Location and Getting There
San Antonio is on Ibiza's west coast, approximately fifteen minutes from Ibiza Airport (IBZ). Seasonal flights from Dublin take around two and a half hours, with services typically running from May to October. The town is connected by bus to Ibiza Town and the main beaches, and water taxis operate along the coast in summer.
Beaches
The town's own beach, S'Arenal, has been improved in recent years and is a decent sandy stretch close to the centre. The real beach highlights are slightly further afield — Cala Bassa and Cala Conta are among Ibiza's finest beaches, reachable by boat or bus from San Antonio. These coves have turquoise water, fine sand and a beautiful island backdrop. The bay itself is popular for water sports including paddleboarding and kayaking.
Things to Do
The Sunset Strip is the signature experience — arrive early to grab a spot at Cafe del Mar, Cafe Mambo or Savannah and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Boat trips around the island, including trips to Formentera, depart from the harbour. The old town has a pleasant church square and a small market. Es Vedra, the mysterious rocky island off the south-west coast, can be viewed from nearby viewpoints and boat trips. For nightlife, the superclubs of Ibiza Town (Pacha, Amnesia, Privilege) are a bus ride away.
Dining and Nightlife
San Antonio has restaurants for every budget along the harbour front and West End. Fresh seafood, tapas, Italian and international cuisine are all available. The West End strip is famous for its lively bar scene. The superclub scene is primarily in Ibiza Town and the road between the two towns, but San Antonio has its own clubs and late-night venues. The atmosphere is energetic and sociable.
Best Time to Visit
Ibiza's season runs from May to October, with peak heat and nightlife intensity in July and August. June and September offer warm weather with a slightly more relaxed pace. The sunsets are spectacular year-round but most atmospheric during the busy summer months when the Sunset Strip is in full swing.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Ibiza is part of Spain and the EU. Euro currency, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken in tourist areas. Driving on the right. EHIC healthcare cover applies, travel insurance recommended. Note that Ibiza flights from Ireland are seasonal, typically May to October.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team can advise on the best areas within San Antonio for your group.
Read Time: 3 mins
Playa d'en Bossa is Ibiza's longest beach and one of the island's most popular resort areas, stretching for nearly three kilometres along the south-east coast between Ibiza Town and the airport. It occupies a unique position in the Ibiza landscape — home to world-famous superclubs like Ushuaia and Hi, but also hosting family hotels, water parks and a long sandy beach with shallow water. The result is a resort that caters to a surprisingly wide audience.
Location and Getting There
Playa d'en Bossa is on Ibiza's south-east coast, just ten minutes from Ibiza Airport (IBZ) and a similar distance from Ibiza Town. Seasonal flights from Dublin take approximately two and a half hours. The resort's proximity to both the airport and Ibiza Town makes it one of the most conveniently located on the island.
Beaches
The beach is the resort's defining feature — a long, wide stretch of fine sand that runs almost unbroken for three kilometres. The water is shallow and calm, making it family-friendly. Beach clubs line parts of the shore, offering sunbeds, cocktails and DJ sets. The northern end near the tower is generally quieter, while the central section near the clubs is livelier. Bora Bora beach bar is a famous landmark.
Things to Do
Aguamar water park provides family entertainment. The clubs — Ushuaia (open-air), Hi (formerly Space), and DC-10 — are bucket-list venues for dance music fans, with world-class DJs performing throughout the summer season. Ibiza Town's old town (Dalt Vila), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short taxi ride away and worth exploring for its fortress, cathedral and harbour views. Boat trips to Formentera, Ibiza's tranquil sister island, depart from the nearby port.
Dining and Nightlife
The resort has a wide range of restaurants along the beach road and within the hotel complexes. International cuisine, tapas, pizzas and beach club dining are all readily available. The nightlife is Playa d'en Bossa's main attraction — Ushuaia's open-air poolside parties and Hi's all-night events are legendary. However, the resort is large enough to find quiet corners away from the clubbing scene.
Best Time to Visit
Ibiza's season runs May to October. The major clubs open in late May and close in early October. July and August are peak season with the biggest DJ line-ups and highest prices. June and September offer warm weather, great beach days and a lively but less hectic atmosphere.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Ibiza is part of Spain and the EU. Euro, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken. Driving on the right. EHIC applies, travel insurance recommended. Ibiza flights from Ireland are seasonal.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team can help you choose a hotel in the right part of the resort — close to the action or tucked away from it.
Read Time: 3 mins
Santa Eularia des Riu is Ibiza's third-largest town and its most family-friendly resort, offering a welcome contrast to the island's famous party scene. Set around a pretty river estuary on the east coast, Santa Eularia has a palm-lined promenade, a good sandy beach, a yacht marina and a charming hilltop church. It has a genuine town atmosphere with local shops and excellent restaurants, making it an appealing base for families and couples who want to experience Ibiza's natural beauty and culture.
Location and Getting There
Santa Eularia is on Ibiza's east coast, approximately fifteen minutes from Ibiza Airport (IBZ). Seasonal flights from Dublin take around two and a half hours. The town is well connected by bus and boat to Ibiza Town and the north of the island.
Beaches
The main town beach is a pleasant crescent of sand with calm, shallow water, backed by the promenade with its cafes and palm trees. Cala Llonga, a short drive south, is a sheltered family beach in a dramatic narrow bay. Es Canar, north of town, has a good sandy beach and the famous Punta Arabi hippy market. The east coast coves, including Cala Pada and Cala Nova, offer quieter alternatives with clear water ideal for snorkelling.
Things to Do
The hilltop Puig de Missa church offers panoramic views over the town and coast. The Wednesday hippy market at Punta Arabi (Es Canar) is one of the largest and most colourful markets in the Balearics. The marina has boat trips and yacht charter options. Santa Eularia's river walk is a pleasant stroll through lush greenery — this is Ibiza's only river. Cycling is popular along the coastal paths. For a contrast, the nightlife of Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa are twenty minutes away by taxi.
Dining and Nightlife
Santa Eularia has one of the best restaurant scenes on Ibiza, with a good mix of Spanish, Mediterranean, Asian and international cuisine along the promenade and marina. Several restaurants are genuinely excellent and represent good value by Ibiza standards. Nightlife is relaxed — cocktail bars, live music and a sociable promenade atmosphere. This is a resort for evening dining and conversation rather than clubbing.
Best Time to Visit
The east coast is warm and sheltered from May to October. Summer temperatures reach the low thirties. The Wednesday market runs throughout the summer season. Spring and early autumn are pleasant for walking and cycling. Sea temperatures are comfortable for swimming from June through October.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Ibiza is part of Spain and the EU. Euro, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken. Driving on the right. EHIC healthcare applies, travel insurance recommended.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team knows Ibiza well and can recommend the right accommodation for a family-focused Ibiza experience.
Read Time: 2 mins
Es Cana is a small, laid-back resort on Ibiza's east coast that has been a favourite with families for decades. It is best known as the home of the Punta Arabi hippy market, a legendary Wednesday bazaar that has been running since the early 1970s. The resort has a pleasant sandy beach, a handful of good restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a world away from Ibiza's clubbing reputation. For Irish families who want Ibiza's sunshine and beaches without the party scene, Es Cana delivers.
Location and Getting There
Es Cana is on Ibiza's east coast, approximately twenty minutes from Ibiza Airport (IBZ). Seasonal flights from Dublin take around two and a half hours. The resort is a short bus ride from Santa Eularia, Ibiza's main family town, and connected by ferry to Ibiza Town in summer.
Beaches
Es Cana's main beach is a wide, sheltered stretch of golden sand with calm, shallow water. It is ideal for families with young children. Cala Nova, just north of the resort, is a slightly larger beach popular with surfers when there is a swell. Cala Pada to the south is another pleasant option. The water along this stretch of coast is exceptionally clear.
Things to Do
The Punta Arabi hippy market is the main attraction — a vast Wednesday market with hundreds of stalls selling handmade jewellery, clothing, art, leather goods and local produce. It has a great atmosphere with live music and food stalls. Water sports are available on the beach, and boat trips operate to Ibiza Town and Formentera. The resort is small enough to explore on foot, and the coastal path to Santa Eularia is a pleasant walk or cycle.
Dining and Nightlife
Es Cana has a modest but sufficient restaurant selection, with Spanish, Italian and international options along the beach road. Several beachfront restaurants are particularly pleasant for evening meals. Nightlife is very low-key — a few bars with live music and hotel entertainment. Those wanting more lively evenings can easily reach Santa Eularia or Ibiza Town.
Best Time to Visit
The east coast enjoys warm, sheltered conditions from May to October. The hippy market runs every Wednesday from late April through October. Peak season is July and August. For a quieter experience, June and September are ideal.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Ibiza is part of Spain and the EU. Euro, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English spoken in tourist areas. Driving on the right. EHIC applies, travel insurance recommended.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee.