While Ibiza's 'party capital of the planet' crown is very much deserved, with some of the globe's best nightclubs being rocked by the most in-demand DJs, holidaymakers are constantly surprised and delighted by this luscious green island, with its abundance of high-end shopping, high-class bars, and fabulous down-to-earth hippy markets.
The beaches of Ibiza are also worthy of a crown: they are clean, safe, sun-baked and there are enough of them that you might just find an isolated spot all to yourselves.
Fly into Ibiza Airport (IBZ) and head to your resort before unpacking your bags and getting out to see the island. Two great beaches worth finding are Port d'es Torrent, which is a popular choice near the resort of San Antonio, and S'argamassa, which is a secluded stretch of sand near Es Cana.
Ibiza Town and San Antonio are two of the biggest resorts and home to the island's legendary clubbing scene. It's here - and a
t spots between the two - that nights are spent partying and days are spent recovering. Playa d'en Bossa also attracts its fair share of clubbers. Pacha, Eden, Es Paradis, Space, Amnesia, Sankeys Ibiza and Privilege are the big clubs.
The resort of Santa Eulalia is large but relatively quiet and Es Cana is small and friendly. The beautiful beach at Portinatx attracts holidaymakers, and the family-friendly beaches at Cala Llonga and Cala Llenya draw a calmer crowd.
Other beaches with excellent reputations include Es Figueral and the broad sands of Puerto de San Miguel.
Popular day trips from the resorts include Ibiza Town, which offers the delights of the old town and great shopping, and trips by ferry to the lovely neighbouring island of Formentera, where a beachfront building ban has preserved the rural beauty of Ibiza's little sister.
Ibiza holidays are suitable for families, singles, couples and groups, and all kinds of accommodation (hotels, villas, apartments, farmhouses) can be found to suit every type of holiday - and at very good prices too. Add all of this to a fantastic food scene, brilliant shopping and an industry built around the healing properties of the island, and you've got the recipe for a mesmerising and intoxicating holiday.
Ready to be surprised by sophisticated Ibiza yet? Compare holiday prices today on TravelSupermarket.
Weather
The months that the clubs open and close give you a clue as to when the temperature rises in Ibiza, both literally and metaphorically. Doors open in late May/early June and close in late September and early October. Expect temperatures pushing 30C in July and August. Spring and autumn are great seasons in which to visit Ibiza if you want to enjoy the beach scene and you're not a clubber. But summertime is fun time in Ibiza.
Events
Easter (Semana Santa); March/April: Processions take to the streets of Santa Eulalia and Ibiza Town and around the fortifications of Dalt Vila in the old town. It's a pretty remarkable event to witness.
Eivissa Medieval Festival; May: The medieval action centres on Dalt Vila, where food fairs, market stalls and performances honour the town's past.
International Music Summit; May: Industry bigwigs get together in Ibiza every year to discuss, well, music. Before you think all the action is behind closed doors, know that there are lots of cool events taking place during this time for all to enjoy.
Halloween; October 31: Ibiza takes Halloween seriously - any excuse for a party really - so expect to see lots of ghostly adventures at parties around the island.
New Year's Eve; December 31: Everyone loves a good NYE bash and residents, plus ex-pats living in Ibiza, are no different. A handful of clubs open again, staging massive parties to usher in the New Year.
Best of Ibiza holidays for...
Relaxing: Bohemian San Juan in the north of the island is a far cry from the hedonistic clubbing resorts of the west. Here you'll be able to unwind on tranquil beaches surrounded by rolling hills, wander around hippy markets and discover ancient architecture around every corner.
Active types: The conditions on the east side of the island are ideal for those looking for water sports, from windsurfing and sailing, to jet skiing, wakeboarding and snorkelling.
Nightlife: San Antonio and Ibiza Town are the two main resorts for party-goers. Whether it's partying from dawn till dusk at Space, sipping a cocktail on Pacha's rooftop terrace or clubbing at Es Paradis on the San Antonio waterfront, it's not hard to see why Ibiza is a party hotspot.
Kids and teens: Santa Eulalia on the east side of the island is quieter than other resorts but still lively with plenty for families to do. The beaches offer shallow waters and on-duty lifeguards, while the town frequently holds children's entertainment.
Romance: Hire a car and take the steep drive up to St Talaia - the highest point on the island. Watch the sun go down and share a picnic as you look down on the island below.
Free and cheap: Explore Ibiza Old Town (Dalt Vila) by foot. Take the dramatic entrance up a steep slope and over a drawbridge into the fortress then enjoy meandering into the square and around the cobbled streets.
Shopping: For beach chic outfits there are plenty of boutiques dotted along the island's beaches. Head to the hippy markets for unusual finds while Ibiza Town will present you with a variety of designer boutiques.
