The White Isle has long attracted visitors from the USA, drawn by its beaches, music, food, creative spirit and famously open-minded atmosphere. While this may have once required a long and tiring trip, things are about to change for Americans visiting Ibiza, as the journey is set to get a whole lot simpler.
From 31 May 2027, United Airlines will operate four weekly nonstop flights between Newark and Ibiza, running through to 7 October. The new route will be Ibiza's first direct air connection with the United States and is expected to make the island even more accessible to American travellers.
Read on to know how to experience the full beauty of what Ibiza has to offer.
Ibiza is much more than clubs
Let's clear up one misconception straight away: Ibiza is not simply a party island.
Yes, its electronic music scene remains one of the world's most influential, but the island also has a fascinating history, atmospheric villages, stunning beaches, rural landscapes, excellent restaurants and a strong local culture.
The best Ibiza holidays usually combine the famous island experiences with a little exploration of your own, so make sure to allocate enough time to take it all in.
Time never feels wasted when you spend your days wandering slowly around Ibiza Town and exploring its fortified old town, Dalt Vila.
You could spend mornings driving through the pine forests and agricultural countryside, visiting the whitewashed villages, or taking in island culture at a museum. Your afternoon can then be dedicated to browsing the famed hippy markets, picking up a few island souvenirs and gifts for those back home, before relaxing at one of Ibiza's beautiful sandy coves. Of course, the day must end with an Ibiza sunset to take your breath away.
Be sure to browse our regularly updated events calendar both before you arrive and while you're here. Packed with concerts, local fiestas, exhibitions, activities and independent events, it is your go-to guide to the island's creativity, culture and what's happening during your stay.
And don't overlook Formentera, Ibiza's smaller neighbouring island. It is a true paradise. Regular ferries make the crossing from Ibiza quick and easy, making a day trip perfectly feasible.
Adventuring Ibiza
Outside of the resorts, the island is surrounded by lush countryside, with winding small dirt tracks that open up to stunning forests and clifftop views. A guided tour is the best way to experience this, as their knowledge of the secret trails and hidden gems is second to none.
Ibiza's beauty isn't only contained to land, but also to the dazzling Mediterranean sea it is surrounded by. To dive into this properly, you could raise your adrenaline on a watersport adventure - in whatever daredevil fashion you fancy - or embark on a boat trip for a more relaxing sightseeing tour.
For a top-tier experience, we suggest chartering a boat and exploring the aquamarine waters, the magical islet of Es Vedrá, or its stunning sister island, Formentera.
Ibiza is surprisingly family-friendly
For somewhere so closely associated with nightlife, Ibiza offers a remarkable amount for families.
Across the island there are many beaches with shallow water and activities, including boat trips and excursions, aimed at younger visitors.
Of course, giving younger ones a glimpse of the free-spirited life - often with a fantastic musical backdrop - could well be on your list, and the island offers many ways to let go and have fun as a family. If you're travelling with teenagers, who may want a little more freedom and to make their own independent memories, then there's plenty to keep them entertained.
Outside the busiest resort areas, the island also has a slower pace that suits those who want to spend dedicated family time together.
Getting around
Ibiza is small enough to explore easily; think of idyllic coves, sandy beaches, peaceful rural landscapes and charming villages and towns. There is a great summer bus network, taxis are widely available, and car hire is a cinch - see our Island transport page. Uber also operates on the island (although its pricing strategy will come as a shock to those of you used to using it in the States), and private transfers can be a good idea if you’re in a larger group.
If you have a US driving licence, it’s important to check before booking what paperwork and licence requirements are needed, to ensure there are no last-minute issues when you collect your vehicle.
Where to stay
Ibiza offers everything from major luxury resorts and a breathtaking range of hotels to tiny rural fincas, family-run guesthouses and private villas.
Think about what sort of holiday you want before booking. Ibiza Town works well for restaurants, culture and nightlife; Santa Eulalia offers a more relaxed resort atmosphere; while the north and interior provide a more authentic experience. San Antonio combines a lively resort atmosphere with famous sunsets, waterfront bars and easy access to the island’s west-coast beaches.
If privacy is important, a villa or rural hotel can offer a very different side of the island.
What about the food?
Come hungry.
Ibiza's food scene extends far beyond beach clubs and restaurants. Traditional Ibicencan cooking, fresh seafood, tapas, international cuisine and increasingly sophisticated contemporary restaurants all have a place here.
Don't be afraid to eat like a local, either. A simple meal in a village bar can be every bit as memorable as a long lunch at a destination restaurant.
And yes, tipping is customary. Around 10 per cent is appreciated for good service, although it is not compulsory.
Now about those famous parties...
Ibiza’s electronic music scene is a little different from what you might be used to in the States. While House music has enjoyed a resurgence across America, Ibiza has been nurturing its club culture for decades.
There’s still plenty of big-room EDM if that’s your thing, but the island’s dancefloors cover a much broader spectrum of music for you to experience. Tech House is a major player, but you’ll also find plenty of Techno, Minimal, Reggaeton, the occasional bit of D&B and, increasingly, more underground sounds.
This can be found across the island's famed super-clubs, and in its great collection of more intimate venues, such as 528 Ibiza, Cova Santa, Akasha and Pikes - each offering a very different take on the Ibiza clubbing experience.
Boat parties are also a quintessentially Ibizan experience, plus there are the island’s legendary beach clubs, like O Beach, Blue Marlin and Playa Soleil, where music is only part of the attraction.
Basically, Ibiza is an entire ecosystem of parties, venues, boats, beach clubs and unexpected adventures, and half the fun is discovering your own way through it.
Our party calendar is Ibiza's definitive guide to the island's clubbing scene, with up-to-date listings of parties, DJs and events and the all-important tickets. It is the best place to start exploring what’s on during your stay, from major residencies and headline DJs to smaller parties and one-off PAs.
Make the effort to meet people
Ibiza has always been known for being an open-hearted melting pot that welcomes people from any background. The island's well-earned reputation for being a tolerant, welcoming destination is as valid today as it was 50 years ago.
This inclusivity extends to the LGBTQIA community, which is why Ibiza is one of the world's most gay-friendly destinations, with an open-minded atmosphere that extends from beaches and bars to hotels, clubs and events.
In Ibiza Town, Calle de la Virgen is the heart of the island’s LGBTQIA scene, with bars, restaurants, boutiques and fetish shops. Figueretas is also a popular LGBTQIA area, with plenty of LGBTQIA-friendly hotels and apartments across the island. Ibiza’s inclusive nightlife includes dedicated clubs and parties, while Ibiza Pride, usually held in June, is a major date on the European LGBTQIA calendar. Many of the island’s nudist beaches are equally relaxed and welcoming.
What to wear
Ibiza is famously relaxed when it comes to dress.
Beachwear is perfectly normal around the coast, while shorts, T-shirts and sandals are generally fine for daytime sightseeing and casual restaurants. Having said that, wearing a bikini or walking around shirtless on the street, in restaurants, on transport and in shops is not permitted.
Naturally, some of the island's smarter restaurants, hotels and clubs (especially VIP sections) expect something more polished, so it pays to check before heading out.
Ibiza also has its own distinctive fashion tradition: Adlib, which emerged in the 1970s and remains part of the island's creative identity. Flowing fabrics, tassels, and embroidery help to keep you cool in the summer heat; however, outside of the hottest months (June, July, August), you may need a light layer. The months before and at the end of this time are cooler and less crowded, and show the island in a different light.
Make sure to know what the island's weather has in store before you close your case.
Be a responsible visitor
Ibiza's water resources are scarce, especially in summer. Visitors can help by using water sparingly, avoiding unnecessary towel changes and following local advice.
The same applies to the island's beaches and countryside: take rubbish with you, be aware of non-smoking beaches, avoid damaging dunes or vegetation and leave the natural environment as you found it. It's not just the island we want to keep in pristine condition, but also our visitors. Staying safe while away from your homeland should be a top priority.
Good to know
On Ibiza, almost everyone speaks English to a greater or lesser degree (though don't let that stop you practising your Spanish with the locals - they'll appreciate the effort), which makes communicating easy.
Now you've got the big picture, head to our active forums to swap tips, ask questions and connect with fellow Ibiza visitors. Welcome on board, and enjoy the island!
