7 days in Ibiza - your recommendation?

For 7 days in Ibiza, my recommendation is to base yourself in Ibiza Town or Playa d'en Bossa for the first half, then move to Sant Antoni for the second. That split lets you cover culture, beaches and nightlife without long daily drives. Book a hotel like vibra mare nostrum or Vibra Algarb for the town half, and plan around the sunset at Café del Mar for the west-coast half.

This plan uses the island's main hubs as anchors. You get two distinct bases, a clear list of venues, and enough slack to actually relax. The order below is flexible: swap days if the weather or your energy levels demand it.

Why split your week between two bases?

Ibiza is small, but traffic between the east and west coasts can eat your day. Splitting the week cuts transfer time and gives you two different holiday moods. The first half is about town life, culture and the big beach; the second is about sunsets and a slower pace.

Ibiza Town (Eivissa) sits on the east coast, close to Playa d'en Bossa. Sant Antoni de Portmany is on the west, known for its sunset strip. Staying in each for a few nights means you wake up near the day's activity, not an hour away.

Book accommodation early, especially for July and August. The two Vibra properties give you a ready-made east-coast base. For the west, you can choose any hotel in Sant Antoni, but keep Café del Mar as your sunset reference point.

Days 1-3: Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa

Start with the old town. The Catedral de Eivissa, also known as Santa Maria, sits in the fortified upper town (Dalt Vila). It holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating across 8,173 reviews, and the climb up Carrer Bisbe Torres Mayans rewards you with views over the harbour. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.

After the cathedral, wander the surrounding streets of Dalt Vila. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the whitewashed walls and sea views explain why. Allow two hours, more if you stop for coffee.

For the afternoon, head to Playa d'en Bossa. It is the island's longest beach and sits right next to Ibiza Town. Vibra Algarb, at Av. Pere Matutes Noguera, 107, puts you on the shoreline, while vibra mare nostrum at number 92 is a short walk away. Both are rated above 4.3 out of 5 by thousands of guests.

On day two, give the beach a full day. The Beach Club on Camí de la Bassa is a good spot for sunbeds and drinks, but book ahead in peak season. The club is rated 4.3 out of 5 from over 8,000 reviews, so it pays to reserve.

Day three is for the old town again, but with a different focus: food and shopping. The High Class Ibiza Weed Club on Avinguda d'Ignasi Wallis is a members-only venue in the heart of Eivissa. It holds a 5 out of 5 rating from nearly 8,000 reviews. Note that it is a private club, so check access rules before you go.

East-coast essentials

Catedral de Eivissa

4.7 (8173)

Vibra Algarb

4.3 (7262)

vibra mare nostrum

4.4 (9243)

The Beach Club

4.3 (8070)

The High Class Ibiza Weed Club

5.0 (8070)

Days 4-6: Sant Antoni and the west coast

Move west on day four. The drive from Ibiza Town to Sant Antoni takes about 30 minutes outside rush hour. Check in, then head straight to Café del Mar for sunset. The bar opens from 15:30 to 24:00 between March and October and sits on Carrer Vara de Rey, 27. It is rated 4.1 out of 5 from over 8,600 reviews, and the sunset crowd is part of the experience.

Day five is beach day. Cala Bassa Beach, on Carr. de Cala Conta, is a sheltered cove with a 4.4 out of 5 rating from more than 7,300 reviews. It has beach services and amenities, and the water is calm. Arrive before 11:00 to secure a spot, especially in summer.

For day six, revisit the sunset strip or explore the coast. Café del Mar is the classic choice, but you can also book a beach club for the afternoon. The Beach Club on Camí de la Bassa is closer to the east, so save it for the first half if you prefer. On the west, Cala Bassa is your anchor.

If you want a big night out, Ushuaïa on Ctra. de Platja d'en Bossa, 10, is the island's famous open-air club. It is rated 4.3 out of 5 from over 8,300 reviews. It is back on the east side, so plan it for the first half or accept a taxi ride.

Day 7: airport and last swim

Your last day depends on your flight time. Aeropuerto de Ibiza is the island's main gateway, rated 4.1 out of 5 from over 9,300 reviews. It sits on the east side, roughly 15 minutes from Playa d'en Bossa and 30 minutes from Sant Antoni. If you have a late flight, squeeze in a morning swim at Cala Bassa or Playa d'en Bossa before you go.

Allow extra time at the airport in peak season. The terminal gets busy, and car rental returns can be slow. Drop your bags first, then return the car if you have one.

Where to stay: two reliable bases

For the east, vibra mare nostrum and Vibra Algarb are both on Av. Pere Matutes Noguera in Eivissa. vibra mare nostrum is at number 92, on the edge of Ibiza Town and close to the Playa d'en Bossa shoreline. It is rated 4.4 out of 5 from over 9,200 reviews. Vibra Algarb at number 107 is rated 4.3 out of 5 from over 7,200 reviews and sits beside the same beach.

Both put you within walking distance of the beach and a short taxi ride from the old town. That combination is hard to beat for a first visit.

For the west, I cannot recommend a specific hotel from the facts I have, but Sant Antoni has plenty of options. Use Café del Mar as your landmark and book somewhere within walking distance of the sunset strip.

Getting around Ibiza

A car gives you the most flexibility. Roads are good, but parking in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni can be tight. If you plan to drink, taxis are easy to find in the main resorts, though queues build after midnight.

Buses connect Ibiza Town, Playa d'en Bossa and Sant Antoni in summer. They are cheap and frequent, but slower than driving. For beach-hopping, a car is worth it.

If you need sports gear or beach equipment, Decathlon on Carrer Mar Mediterrània, 1, in Puig d'en Valls is a large store rated 4.6 out of 5 from over 7,100 reviews. It is a short drive from Ibiza Town.

When to go and what to book

July and August are the busiest and hottest months. Book hotels, beach clubs and sunset tables well in advance. June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds, and Café del Mar is open from March to October.

For Ushuaïa, check the event calendar before you travel. The club hosts major parties, and tickets sell out. The same goes for The Beach Club: reserve sunbeds ahead in peak season.

Pack light, but bring a hat and high-factor sunscreen. The sun is strong, and shade on the beaches is limited.

A sample 7-day itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Arrive at Aeropuerto de Ibiza, check in to vibra mare nostrum or Vibra Algarb, and explore Dalt Vila and the Catedral de Eivissa. Day 2: Full beach day at Playa d'en Bossa, with sunbeds at The Beach Club. Day 3: Old town food and shopping, perhaps a visit to The High Class Ibiza Weed Club if you are a member.

Day 4: Transfer to Sant Antoni, sunset at Café del Mar. Day 5: Beach day at Cala Bassa Beach. Day 6: Relaxed morning, then Ushuaïa if you want a big night (or a second sunset at Café del Mar). Day 7: Last swim and departure from Aeropuerto de Ibiza.

This plan balances activity with rest. Adjust it to your own pace: the island rewards slow mornings and late afternoons.

Two bases, one week: Ibiza Town for culture and the big beach, Sant Antoni for sunsets and coves.

Practical tips for your week

Packing: bring a refillable water bottle, a light layer for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for Dalt Vila's cobbled streets. Beach towels are often provided by hotels, but check before you pack.

Budget: Ibiza can be expensive, especially beach clubs and sunset bars. Set a daily budget and carry some cash for small purchases; most places accept cards, but not all taxis do.

Health and safety: the sun is strong, so use high-factor sunscreen and avoid the midday heat. Tap water is safe to drink, but many prefer bottled. Pharmacies are easy to find in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni.

Etiquette: dress codes apply at some clubs and restaurants: smart casual is usually fine. When visiting Dalt Vila, remember it is a residential area, so keep noise down.

What to expect at each base

Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa have a lively, urban feel. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and historic sites, while the beach is a long stretch of sand backed by bars and clubs. Expect crowds in the evening and a buzz that lasts late. Sant Antoni is more relaxed during the day, with a promenade and sunset strip that draws a mixed crowd of families and partygoers. The vibe is casual, and you can walk between the beach and the bars.

In Dalt Vila, wear comfortable shoes: the cobbles are uneven and the climb to the cathedral is steep. Carry water, especially if you visit in the afternoon. Playa d'en Bossa is a long beach, so pick your spot near the amenities you want. The Beach Club is a good option for sunbeds, but you can also find quieter stretches further along. Cala Bassa is smaller and more sheltered, with calm water that's ideal for swimming. It gets busy, so arrive early to rent a lounger.

Budgeting for your week

Ibiza can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. Accommodation is the biggest variable: peak-season rates are high, especially in Playa d'en Bossa and Sant Antoni. Book early to get the best deals. Food ranges from cheap tapas bars to high-end restaurants; a mix of both keeps costs down. Beach clubs and sunset bars charge a premium for location and atmosphere, so factor those into your daily budget. Car rental is worth it if you plan to explore, but add fuel and parking costs. Buses are a budget-friendly alternative for getting between the main hubs.

Set a daily limit and track your spending. Carry some cash for small purchases, but use cards for larger transactions. Many businesses accept cards, but not all taxis do, so keep some euros handy.

Staying safe and healthy

The Mediterranean sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Use high-factor sunscreen, reapply often, and avoid the midday heat. Drink plenty of water, especially if you're walking around Dalt Vila or spending the day at the beach. Tap water in Ibiza is safe to drink, but many visitors prefer bottled. Pharmacies are easy to find in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, and they can advise on minor ailments.

When swimming, check the flags on the beach: red means no swimming, yellow means caution. Cala Bassa is sheltered, but currents can still be present. If you're renting a car, drive carefully on the winding roads, and never drink and drive. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and on the beach.