Ibiza fits in a lot of life in its almost 600 square kilometres. This small Mediterranean island is renowned worldwide for its clubs, dance music, hippy counterculture spirit and for being the best place on earth to hold a party.
In our special itinerary guide, we give you ideas on how to spend your time well on the White Isle that go beyond dancing and take in the bright blue skies, crystal-clear waters and beautiful sunsets that make Ibiza the island of dreams.
Your 72-hour action and discovery-filled tour starts here.
Day 1: Ibiza Town and a south coast beach
The ramp of Portal de ses Taules that leads to Dalt Vila
You will have been smart and booked a morning flight, so you can make the most of your time on Ibiza. Get a taxi to your hotel and drop off your bags, freshen up and then make your way to Ibiza Town and get a late breakfast or lunch, depending on what time you get there.
La Cava on the pretty central promenade of Ibiza Town's Vara de Rey is a wonderful place to have breakfast or island intitution Le Croissant Show next to the old market is a cafe you should at least try once. For a budget breakfast with a sea view, Bar Flotante on Talamanca beach offers spectacular views of the bay to add to your coffee and tostada, for a more stylish sea view breakfast and experience head to the beautiful Beachouse on Playa d'en Bossa beach.
With your bellies full, head next to see Dalt Vila whose history spans centuries and multiple invaders, like Phoenicians and Moors. You will see posts with plaques in several languages that delve into the island's rich history. Walk through narrow cobbled streets and go up the steep tunnel to get to the Cathedral, admiring the view on the way up.
A beach reward: Las Salinas beach
A lovely reward after that sightseeing would be to head to Las Salinas beach. On the way marvel at the salt flats and after your beach soujourn, head to Boutique Hostal Salinas for one of its excellent cocktails. Sit back, relax and think that life can't get much better than this.
If you are lucky and are leaving at sunset time, you will see the sky turn the salt flats a reflective pink to match the sky as you pass by.
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Freshly scrubbed and washed, it's time for dinner which in Spain means 10:00. You can go earlier, but "when in Ibiza". Marina Botafoch is the hip part of town with great restaurants like A Son de Mar, where you'll get the freshest seafood and a lovely sunny terrace or the glamorous STK Ibiza, for sizzling steaks and "giant" cocktails.
Across the water in the walled castle of Dalt Vila, El Olivo Mio offers modern Mediterranean food in an atmospheric setting. For a more secluded setting, dining under the stars at cliff top beach club restaurant Amante makes for a positively romantic evening out.
Day 2: The golden west
Cala Conta, a divine beach in the west of Ibiza
After you have had breakfast it is time to hit the road and head west. When you see the stunning beaches of the west coast of Ibiza, you will fall in love, It is almost impossible not to. Take a trip to the divine beach of Cala Conta and gaze at the pretty outlying islands or for a view of the majestic San Antonio Bay from an equally heavenly beach go to Cala Bassa.
Both beaches have great food and drink options with restaurants close by for long leisurely meals. If you feel like pushing the boat out, the spectacular setting of the Cone Club at seven-star luxury resort, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza is a real treat.
Try almost any type of watersport from jet skiing to Stand Up Paddles to having the kids towed on a banana boat anywhere in San Antonio Bay. For a wider choice of watersports, San Antonio has the lot. where you can parasail or simply head off on a kayak tour. See our video to get a flavour.
Time to relax at Cala Bassa Beach Club
After a long day of active relaxing, you should head over to the Sunset Strip, where you will find the famous sunset cafes like Cafe Mambo and Cafe del Mar. Here, sit back and watch the glorious oranges and reds of the sun as it falls below the horizon. If you wanted a more wild setting, the view from boutique hotel Hostal la Torre is magnificent as is the view from Punta Galera, next to Cala Salada beach.
If Ibiza were a religion, perhaps the super-clubs would be its temples, dispensing a special brand of carefree hedonism that is unique to Ibiza. Is there a club to rule them all? We would say, it all depends on taste.
If you haven't already we would recommend stepping into state-of-the-art super-club Hï Ibiza or daytime party venue Ushuaïa, both in Playa d'en Bossa or try the recently revamped and original club Pacha in Ibiza Town. For a moment of clubbing magic, Amnesia's terrace at 06:00 is where you will want to end up dancing (if you make it that far). Whichever club you land in, know you are stepping in the footsteps of many a happy reveller.
Day 3: Relax and see sights
Es Vedra - the mystical and magical rock of Ibiza
Depending on how close you were to sunrise before bedtime, you will want today to be a more relaxing affair. Go and see some sights, sit in bars and cafes or go back to the beach to relax. A trip to Cala d'Hort gives you the best views of the mystical rock of Es Vedra, or drive to the tiny village of Es Cubells and gaze at the dreamy sea views there. For chocolate box prettiness, the village of San Agustín is hard to beat and gives uninterrupted views of the gorgeous Ibizan countryside.
Benirras beach in the north is a must and where you can try out the excellent Elements restaurant. Stick around till evening and watch the sunset drummers, a modern Ibiza legend. Along from here are the Can Marça caves with 1000 year old stalactites.
If you fancy some shopping, there are lots of lovely boutiques in old town Ibiza Town. Local island shop La Sirena has branches in every resort with the latest fashions and some really lovely souvenirs. In case you forget to get your holiday presents, online ordering is available too.
Then, drive to the village of Santa Gertrudis for its chi chi and cosmopolitan air. The village is easy to get to from all over the island as it is in its centre. Bar Costa is a very affordable and agreeable spot to get some amazing cured meats and cheeses and yes it is worth queuing to eat at this popular place or just go straight for a nice dinging experience in the beautiful patio of Finca La Plaza.
Follow in the footsteps of the famous at Las dos Lunas
For a glamorous evening dinner to end your trip, worth a visit is Las dos Lunas, where even the King of Spain has dined or make a trip to gastro temple Bambuddha for some gorgeous fusion food. If you like fresh fish and are a fan of Robert de Niro, try out the local branch of his restaurant, the inventive Nobu Ibiza Bay.
To end your day and to make good use of all your 72 hours, make your way back to where you are staying for a refreshing sleep. That way if you did tour or party too much, you will go back home with a big smile on your face and remember fondly your fabulous trip to the White Isle.
Any 72-hour trip needs wheels, so check out these local car hire companies. Plus if you need somewhere to stay, Ibiza Spotlight's accommodation pages offer an island-wide selection.
Article completely revised and updated in May 2019
