Spain's laws can be different from the laws in your home country, so one of the most important things to do before your trip to Ibiza (or anywhere else) is to check the local laws. Ensuring that your plans for exploring, partying and relaxation are all legal will mean you return home with only the best Ibiza memories.
Covering up in public
Though you are unlikely to be arrested, it is an offence to be shirtless and not covered up in some public places. In fact, San Antonio has banned walking around without a shirt on, and there are indeed controls and fines.
Although it may be hot in the peak summer months, it is important to be respectful, and you’ll find most of the shops, many bars and restaurants, the bus service and public services all require you to be covered up. This applies to both men who may be completely shirtless and women in just bikini tops or swimwear.
It is also possible that the police might fine you when driving topless. The law only states that you have to be dressed adequately for driving - it is at the discretion of the police how they interpret this. We have read about cases where driving without a t-shirt has resulted in fines on Ibiza. This can also apply to driving in flip-flops, barefoot or high heels, if the police consider that you cannot maintain full control of your vehicle.
There is no law which prohibits nudism on any of the beaches in Ibiza, though the municipalities can impose rules to only allow it in designated areas of a beach. Therefore, in order to avoid any potential problems, we would recommend only sunbathing completely nude on the designated nudist beaches, such as Es Cavallet and Aguas Blancas.
Renting a hotel room
Officially, you need to be 18 years old to rent a hotel room, as a contract has to be signed. However, some 16+ teens have been permitted to rent hotel rooms via special youth travel agencies, if a guardian accepts responsibility. Ibiza does not have any specific youth hostels.
When arriving at your accommodation, you will have to show your passport or national identity card so you are officially registered. You will also be required to pay a Sustainable Tourism Tax (also referred to as Eco Tax), with the amount based on accommodation type and season. In high season, from May to October, the amount can range between €1 to €4 per person per night.
The amount may be changeable, so always check with your hotel for the exact rate required for your stay.
Renting a car
Even though the minimum driving age in Spain is 18 (like in virtually all of Europe), most of the car rental agencies will not rent you a car until you are 21 or even 23 years old. It is also a common requirement for the registered driver to have had a licence for at least two years.
It's worth noting that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required to rent a car in Spain if your licence is from outside the EU/EEA, and a valid passport and even a credit card to secure insurance and rental.
Always check with your specific rental company beforehand to ensure you have everything necessary to meet their requirements.
Renting a moped, buggy or scooter
Whilst you can drive a moped in Spain from 15 years old, renting one is quite different. Since you have to sign a contract, the minimum age to rent a 50cc moped is 18 years old. Still, you will find that many rental companies won't rent you a moped if you are not at least 21, or even 23 years old. Moreover, with many, you must have had a driving licence for at least two years.
Holders of a B driving licence are entitled to rent a motorbike (after three years of ownership) of up to 125cc in Spain, and we would recommend that option, as the vehicles are generally better suited to the road conditions. Nevertheless, if you are an inexperienced rider, learning to ride on an island you are not familiar with should be done with caution.
Buggies, quads and scooters have become increasingly popular on Ibiza, with many tour companies offering guided excursions and self-tour rentals. The requirements for renting one or joining a tour may vary slightly, but in general would be in line with the requirements for hiring a moped. To avoid disappointment on the day, always check with the company before securing your mode of transport.
Joining the party
For most venues, e.g., super-clubs like [UNVRS], Pacha, Ushuaïa Ibiza, Hï Ibiza, Amnesia, Eden, etc, along with boat parties and daytime party spots such as O Beach Ibiza or Ibiza Rocks Pool Club, you will need to be at least 18 years old (or sometimes older) and often required to show an ID at the door, even with a ticket.
There are still some venues, such as the Las Dalias garden, cool beach restaurants and clubs and bustling towns such as Ibiza Town and the San Antonio Sunset Strip, where anyone can soak up the party atmosphere. But be aware that you are not allowed to buy alcoholic drinks if you are under 18, and anyone 18+ buying you a drink is guilty of an offence.
If you’re over 18, then our party calendar has all the options available (please check the specific party details for any age restrictions), and our events calendar also shares fantastic events for all ages across the island.
If you want to find out more about how the younger generation can make the most of the island, you'll find even more tips here.
Drinking and drug taking
Be aware that you must be 18 years old to drink alcohol in Spain, and it is also forbidden to give alcoholic drinks to people who are younger than 18 years old. So, regardless of whether it's with parental consent or in social settings, the age limit still applies.
To avoid safety issues arising and to protect children, many Municipalities ban or regulate public drinking, which can apply to beaches, parks, and on the streets. While it can be enforced differently depending on the area, there can still be strict fines.
Being caught purchasing or carrying drugs can result in swift consequences, ranging from removal from venues, fines and even prison sentences. Door staff and the police are swift to act, so save your night and holiday from being ruined and stick to ordering a drink from the bar.
Driving under the influence
For adults, the drink driving limit in Spain is 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air or 0.5 g/l in the blood, and if you have less than two years of driving experience, your limit will be lowered to 0.15 mg/l in exhaled air or 0.3 g/l in the blood.
If you are underage, a new zero-alcohol law established in 2023 states that you are not allowed to drink any alcohol at all when driving. If the slightest amount is detected in your breath or blood at a police checkpoint, you will be issued a hefty fine.
Be aware that there is an active proposal within the Spanish Parliament to reduce the limit even further across the board, making it an almost zero-tolerance policy to alcohol when driving. Be prepared for these changes to start coming into effect throughout 2026.
Spanish police have the right to make random stops and check any vehicle if desired, and you will see them enforcing this across the island, notably at night time, whilst the clubs are in full swing.
These checks can be for both alcohol and drug testing, and again, strict penalties can be imposed if tests are positive or over the limit.
Tobacco and e-cigarettes
If you wish to purchase tobacco or e-cigarettes (vapes), you must be at least 18 years old; this applies to both shops and vending machines. The law also states that smoking inside is illegal (like most of the world); this applies to all public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.
You’ll also find that there are now many beaches with smoking bans, with more coming into force not just in Ibiza, but across the Balearic Islands. There’s no excuse, as there will be signage to inform you of this, so if you are caught, fines will be imposed.
Smoking on the outside terraces of restaurants and bars is also facing more tightening restrictions, and while there may be no current ban, there are impending changes afoot. Some restaurants and bars already require patrons to step outside of the premises completely, so please ensure you check your surroundings and ask the staff for permission first.
The age of consent
The age of consent in Spain is 16, and sexual relations with minors under the age of 16 years is illegal and forbidden. Having sex in public is not allowed - this includes beaches, even if they seem quiet and deserted at nighttime! Police will not have any qualms about stopping any fun and issuing fines.
Remember, always use a condom and your common sense!
The above information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but may be subject to change.
Text last updated: 4 February 2026
