So you fancy an Ibiza getaway, but want to make sure you do more than just lie on a sunlounger or see inside a club's walls? Well, our special itinerary is here to show you how to make the most of just a few days on Ibiza - taking in all its beauty, with many adventures and memory makers along the way.
72 hours isn't a lifetime, but it can become an Ibizan dream filled with moments that stay with you forever, when you know how to pack it properly. And take a little guidance from the experts...
Bright blue skies, crystal-clear waters, quaint towns, incredible food and laser-filled dancefloors can all be accomplished: Your 72-hour Ibiza tour starts here.
Day 1: Ibiza Town and a south coast beach
To make the most of your time, we suggest being smart and booking an early morning flight. Yes, you may feel a little tired, but nothing that the island's finest café con leche won't sort out. First, grab a taxi or a bus to your hotel and drop off your bags, freshen up, before grabbing breakfast to set yourself up for a day of adventure.
Vara de Rey in full bloom
La Cava, situated on the pretty central promenade of Ibiza Town's Vara de Rey, is a wonderful place to dine, as is island institution Le Croissant Show, located on the bustling market square; it is a cafe you should at least try once. For great value breakfast with a sea view, Skinny Kitchen on nearby Figueretes beach offers spectacular views of the bay to take in as you start your day. If you fancy a more chic sea view experience, head to the stylish Beachouse on Playa d'en Bossa beach.
The view of the cathedral inside the fortified walls of Ibiza's old town, Dalt Vila
Renergised, it's now time to get started on some sightseeing in the beautiful capital of Ibiza Town, with the first stop being a walk up the ramp into the majestic fortified Old Town, Dalt Vila. With a history spanning centuries, take some time to explore its cobbled streets and walk up to the cathedral, admiring the views along the way.
If you're a culture vulture, why not nip into one of the museums to expand your knowledge about the island's past and present days.
Las Salinas, a shimmering invitation to break up your day
A lovely reward after a morning of sightseeing would be to head to the Las Salinas beach, an easy bus trip or 10-minute car journey away. With crystal-clear waters and beautiful sands, it is one of the coolest beaches to lay your towel. Depending on the day, you may even spot a parade or two, who will try their hardest to entice you onto the dancefloor that night.
After your beach soujourn, why not try out NoHo Beach Club for a cocktail refreshment, or head a little further around the bay to Es Cavallet beach and La Escollera, to take in the relaxed Ibiza vibes. Both are open all year, so there's no excuse not to visit. On the way back, marvel at the beautiful pink hues of the salt flats, especially stunning at sunset time.
Now, freshly washed, scrubbed and with stomachs rumbling, it's time for dinner, which in Spain means 22:00. You can of course go earlier, but when in Ibiza...
The vibrant, bustling streets of Ibiza Town offer a feast for the senses and the stomach
Once you've decided what time to go, you must then make the difficult decision of where. The choices are almost endless and cater to every sight, sound and experience you could wish for - it would be impossible for us to specify just one. Our only recommendation would be to use our restaurant guide to Ibiza Town and to reserve in advance if you've set your sights on a favourite.
Day 2: The golden west coast
After breakfast, it is time to hit the road and head to the stunning beaches on the west coast. Clear waters, fine sands and a special energy await, which will take you no time to soak up.
Cala Comte, a divine beach on the west coast of Ibiza
Take your pick from the sandy shores of spots such as Cala Comte, where you can gaze at the pretty outlying islands, or for a view of the majestic San Antonio Bay, try the stunning sands of Cala Bassa. For a plusher experience with plump daybeds and an array of dining options to suit your day, a trip to Cala Bassa beach Club is a treat you can savour until sundown.
If public transport is your vehicle to venture this side, you'll be pleased to know both buses and water taxis offer a regular link from San Antonio Town. There is also the option to be ferried around and take them both in, along with unlimited drinks to lubricate the journey in between.
The only way to celebrate another glorious day in Ibiza
Speaking of sundown, after a long day under the gaze of the Ibizan sun, it would be rude not to wish it goodnight in the correct fashion, which is where Ibiza's famous Sunset Strip comes into play.
Here, open restaurant terraces adorn the entire promenade, offering front row seats with a flavour-filled meal and cocktail as extra company. Alternatively, you could find a spot to perch on the rocks, before allowing one of the many fantastic eateries in San Antonio to fill your stomach.
Whichever you choose, both areas bustle with happy holidaymakers and an energy which swims with excitement and anticipation as to what the night has in store. Yes, it's that time.
Rave on, under the laser-lit sky at Amnesia
If Ibiza were a religion, perhaps its clubs would be the temples, dispensing a special brand of carefree hedonism that is unique to the island and one you simply must bow down to on this night.
Pacha, [UNVRS], Hï Ibiza, and Amnesia are just a few to select from, and we can't claim to know which is the right one for you. Therefore, we present our essential clubbers' guide; here you'll find everything to help you refine your selection, detailing each party, club, and even pre-drink venues to kick things off.
The only thing we do suggest is that you grab the night joyfully with both hands and both feet, knowing you are partying in the footsteps of many a happy reveller before you.
Day 3: Relax and see the sights
After a busy few days, and no doubt a late night, today's adventures can be approached at a more relaxed pace. Sit on the open terraces of bars and cafes, potter around pretty towns or relax on the beach to ensure you return home with that holiday glow.
Prepare to have your breath taken away - Es Vedrà is a stunner that must be seen
To experience a day with sights and sands, a trip to Cala d'Hort will give you the best of both, with dazzling views of the islet of Es Vedrà. On the way back, stop off in the charming village of San José for chocolate-box prettiness.
Santa Gertrudis village is a real charmer
You could then drive to the central village of Santa Gertrudis for its cosmopolitan air. The pretty village square is lined with boutiques and restaurants, meaning you can grab a delicious bite at places like Gertrudis Bagel House before continuing the shopping spree. If you'd prefer something more substantial, then Finca La Plaza or The Overall offer stunning settings and menus to sink your teeth into.
If there's time for one more stop, then Benirrás beach, in the north, is a fine contender. Browse the hippy market before taking a final swim with views of Cap Bernat (the Finger of God) in the distance.
If Las Dos Lunas is good enough for the King of Spain, it will certainly be good enough for you
Finally, dinner time. If you would like your final supper and its surroundings to leave their mark, then visiting a restaurant which is as ingrained in the island's history as its club life should be your last call. Establishments such as Las Dos Lunas, Bambuddha and Sa Capella are fine-dining destinations which still remain prominent and acclaimed on the Ibiza restaurant scene, despite their many competitors over the years.
If you want to make the transition from table to airport easier, then restaurants such as Jul's and Cas Costas Grill are superb restaurants to dine and while away the last hours. They also both sit under a 10-minute taxi to the airport, and offer parking facilities if you've hired a car, so there's no excuse to miss your flight.
For a full showcase of every cuisine, or exquisite fusion, whether countryside, beachfront or upon a cobbled path, our restaurant guide is there for you. If you've trusted our expert guidance so far, then we can go one step further and offer you some pre-reading to whet your whistle with one of our restaurant reviews.
Any 72-hour trip needs wheels, so check out these local car hire companies. Plus, if you need somewhere to stay, Ibiza Spotlight's accommodation pages offer an island-wide selection.
Words | Julian Heathcote and Hayley Morgan
Header image | Float Your Boat
