Your Guide to a Romantic Ibiza Vacation

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Ibiza's whitewashed buildings earned the Balearic island the nickname "Isla Blanca," but since the 1970s, the Spanish beauty has been known more for its bohemian culture and nonstop parties. A highlight of an Ibiza trip, superstar DJs like David Guetta hold court at clubs in summer while party boats blaring what's been dubbed "Balearic Beats" cruise the coast. But when planning a romantic Ibiza vacation, whether that be an anniversary trip or honeymoon, couples can take their pick of seaside hotels and villas that are in the heart of the action—or far from it.

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The island's "live-and-let-live" attitude makes it a welcoming place for everyone, with gay beaches like Es Cavallet and LGBTQIA+ areas, family-friendly water parks and activities and cultural and natural attractions catering to active travelers who want to do more than bask on a beach. An easy flight from most major European cities, Ibiza is a wonderful choice for a couple's vacation in the Mediterranean with sunsets that would give Santorini's a run for their money, snorkeling that could rival the Maldives, and farm-fresh cuisine and seafood served in the most picturesque of settings.

When planning your Ibiza honeymoon or vacation, we're here to help with expert tips on everything from the best places to stay, what to see and do and the best times to visit this bohemian paradise—considered one of the best island vacations in the world for romance. And if you're planning on getting married in Spain, here's everything to know before saying, "I do."

Ibiza Vacation Tips in this Article:

• The Best Times to Travel to Ibiza
• Ibiza Travel Tips
• Places to Visit in Ibiza
• The Best Ibiza Resorts and Hotels
• Things to Do in Ibiza
• What to Pack for an Ibiza Vacation

Photo: Anton Petrus / Getty Images

The Best Times to Travel to Ibiza

May to September is when you'll experience the best weather in Ibiza, but the shoulder months of April and October (when closing parties take place) can also be exceptionally nice—and less crowded. The island is in full party mode in July and August, when it's peak summer, and it quiets down in winter as restaurants and bars shut for the season. If you want to snag a better deal and enjoy the island's natural beauty, winter is a great time for couples to visit Ibiza.
Best weather: May to September.

Festival highlights: Events take place throughout the year, some of the highlights being the Mardi Gras-like Carnival in February; Festa de Maig, Santa Eulalia, a spring celebration with fireworks and a parade in May; the Medieval Fair the second weekend of May in historic Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town; and Ibiza Rocks, a summer-long series of events like poolside sessions and open-air concerts from big-name acts.

Ibiza Travel Tips

With options ranging from high-end resorts and all-inclusives to luxury villas, hilltop fincas and contemporary, whitewashed cube-shaped homes with infinity pools, couples have plenty of places to choose from when planning a trip to Ibiza. If you prefer a quiet escape away from the all-day, all-night parties, book a B&B or agroturismo designed for rest and relaxation.

Days can be spent on or by the water, cycling or strolling through the countryside or on the coast, or soaking up the island's rich culture in the form of traditional dances or heritage sites like Dalt Vila, the UNESCO-protected fortified old town that dates back nearly 2,500 years.

Most places accept credit cards, but you'll want to carry some cash (currency here is the Euro) for markets and the occasional restaurant or bar that doesn't take cards. The destination is a seasonal one, so you'll find the most action in terms of events, parties and attractions in the summer months. Before settling on a date for your trip, here are a few other things to keep in mind.
Entry requirements: A US passport that will still be valid three months after entry.

Language: Spanish and Catalan.

Location: Spain's Balearic Islands.

Currency: Euro.

Flight time to destination: A little over an hour from Barcelona or Madrid, or around two hours from most major European cities.

Getting around: While there is a bus system on the island, taxi or water taxi is the easiest way to get around if you don't rent a car.
Pro tip: Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for Ibiza vacation expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

Places to Visit in Ibiza

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Ibiza Town (Eivissa)

The largest city on the island is also one of Europe's oldest, dating back 2,500 years. The beating heart of Ibiza, the port city is where you'll find some of the best restaurants, bars and nightlife, including world-famous nightclub Pacha.

Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio)

San Antonio is a favorite for its sunset bars, which include legendary Café del Mar. The party spills out along the bay, where you can set off parasailing or jet skiing, or hop on a ferry to nearby beaches like Cala Bassa and Cala Conta.

Portinatx

On the northern end of Ibiza, Portinatx is home to three beaches that are more suitable for swimming than other parts of the island. Since it's about a 40-minute drive to the heart of the island's nightlife, this village is more popular with couples who want to soak up nature on hikes throughout the hillside or set off on snorkel trips.

Playa d'en Bossa

Home to the longest beach on the island, lined with chic bars and restaurants, Playa d'en Bossa is also a clubbing destination thanks to two superclubs: Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza.

Santa Eulalia

For couples craving a low-key locale, Santa Eulalia is the place. Considered the island's gastronomic and cultural core, you'll be surrounded by a mix of wonderful restaurants, art galleries, spas and laid-back bars with live music.

The Best Ibiza Resorts and Hotels

Ibiza offers a wide range of options for couples, from adults-only all-inclusive resorts and luxurious five-star hotels to countryside villas and holiday rentals. Many hotels even offer Ibiza honeymoon packages with romantic meals and spa treatments. Here's a breakdown of the best hotels in Ibiza for a honeymoon perfect for couples of all budgets and styles.

Photo: Six Senses Ibiza

Six Senses Ibiza

Located on the secluded Cala Xarraca, curl up in one of the 137 accommodations (which include mansions, pool suites and beachfront caves) at Six Senses Ibiza, a holistic haven known for world-class wellness offerings and farm-fresh cuisine served up by superstar chefs. Start your morning with a sun salutation on the private deck or take a paddle board and explore the surrounding bay. Grab bikes and cycle through trails running through the pine forest or the nearby sleepy artisan towns. For a reset, you can't get much better than Six Senses Ibiza, whose outdoor massage catacombs sit near the gardens where the spa botanicals are grown. And when you're ready to let loose, no need to even leave the resort—cozy up on the bedouin-like blankets on the rocks by the sea and listen to the music streaming from cocktail bar and restaurant The Beach Caves.

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The Standard Ibiza

Stay in the center of the old town at The Standard in Eivissa, whose 53 rooms and suites sit steps from the marina. A few perks: one of Ibiza's only seasonal rooftop pools shows off stunning shots of the castle; the private villa-like Casa Privada sports its own rooftop pool and bar (plus there's a yoga studio and private lounge); and the hotel can arrange exclusive experiences like wine and cheese tastings and hot air balloon rides.

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Can Sastre

Agroturismo Can Sastre is a more intimate option for honeymooners, featuring just three casitas and two villa suites. Located in a more rural stretch of the island, near Santa Gertrudis, the restored finca is encased by orange and olive trees and serves up a menu inspired by the surrounding local products. Think of this as your own little rustic countryside getaway that's sure to help you feel rejuvenated after all the wedding stress.

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Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa

The newly renovated five-star all-inclusive resort is conveniently located on Playa d'en Bossa overlooking a nature reserve and salt lake. Expect tons of amenities, from multiple restaurants and pool bars to live music, theater shows and activities like archery and lawn bowling.

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Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

Watch the sunset with your other half without having to get out of bed at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, which sprawls along Talamanca Bay, within a short stroll of Marina Botafoch and the old town. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the waves, which you can admire from your private terrace or beach promenade right outside the hotel doors.

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Things to Do in Ibiza

From hidden coves and beaches to snorkel trips, hikes and seaside concerts—plus Ibiza tourist attractions like markets and heritage sites—couples will find plenty of things to do on their honeymoon or vacation in Ibiza.

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Eat Your Way Through Ibiza Town

Get your bearings—and a crash course on the island's food culture—on a small-group tour through Ibiza Town's food halls and Michelin-worthy spots, where you'll sample everything from traditional tapas to local ice cream and the island's sobrasada cured sausage, made with ground pork and paprika.

Shop at a Hippie Market

In Ibiza, markets are an all-day affair with live music, tapas stands and bars, and evening DJ sets. Two that should be on your radar: Las Dalias in Sant Carles, in the north, where more than 200 stalls set up in the gardens on Saturdays selling everything from jewelry to handmade clothing and artisanal items, and Punta Arabí, on the east coast in Es Canar, which is the largest market on the island and features a multicultural tent with live music and performances.

Set Off on a Snorkel and Sunset Cruise

Swim through hidden coves and sea caves along the coast on a half-day private cruise to beaches like Cala Conta and Cala Saladeta before watching the sunset over the water.

Take Part in a Cacao or Sunset Ceremony

Embrace the island's hippie side with a shamanic cacao ceremony or cleansing sunset ceremony offered at hotels like Six Senses Ibiza that are symbolic ways to start or end a special trip together.

Spend the Day on Sister Island Formentera

The smallest of Spain's Balearic Islands, Formentera's beaches are considered some of the most beautiful. Hop on a luxury catamaran and cruise over for a day of snorkeling and paddle boarding, anchoring at some of the island's best beaches.

Hike to Atlantis

Sa Pedrera de Cala d'Hort, also known as Atlantis, is a secret that locals won't give up easily, but it's one worth seeking out. The former sandstone quarry-turned-hippie hideaway shows off sweeping views of the rugged coastline with its natural, emerald-colored pools and otherworldly rock formations. On the way, stop at the Torre des Savinar, or Pirate's Tower, for views of the mythical island Es Vedrá.

Cycle Past Flamingos at Salinas Natural Park

From Playa d'en Bossa, set off on a bike tour to see the salt ponds and wildlife like flamingos in Salinas Natural Park, where you'll come across a 16th-century watchtower with sweeping views over Formentera and Es Freus, plus a fantastic sunset viewpoint from the tiny Sant Francesc de S'Estany church.

What to Pack for an Ibiza Vacation

The beauty of the Mediterranean is that the weather is pleasant year-round, so winters are never too chilly. The island is a casual one—think boho-chic and comfortable. Layers are key—especially if it's windy—so pack breezy dresses, linen separates, swimsuits and coverups, sandals (a nicer pair and one that can handle rugged coastlines and sand), and a pair of wedges or espadrilles for nights when you want to get dressed up. Sunscreen, a floppy straw hat and a beach tote are musts. Don't worry if you forget something—the island has fantastic shopping, so you can stock up on everything from designer names to hippie market finds.