When to go
If you're here for the clubs: late June through mid-September. Opening and closing parties (early June and early October) are legendary if you can time them. If you're here for the island itself: May, early June, late September, and October. Almonds bloom in February — a stunning, secret week. November to April is for slow living, walks, and yoga retreats.
Where to base yourself
Ibiza Town and Marina Botafoch for nightlife within walking/short cab distance. Santa Eulària for families and a calmer pace, still close to everything. Sant Josep for beach access (Cala Comte, Cala Bassa, Salines). Sant Joan and the north for the quiet, agrotourism, sunset cliffs. Don't stay in Sant Antoni unless you specifically came for West End nightlife — it's a different demographic.
Best beaches and calas
Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta — short walk between two coves, both crystalline. Cala Comte for the sunset (arrive by 5pm in summer). Aguas Blancas on the east coast — clothing-optional, dramatic cliffs. Cala d'Hort with views of Es Vedrà (the magnetic rock everyone Instagrams). Cala Xarraca for snorkeling. Es Cavallet and Salines for the beach-club scene.
What to eat and drink
Bullit de peix (fish stew with rice) is the canonical Ibizan dish. Sofrit pagès (peasant stew, only in winter). Flaó for dessert (mint-cheese tart, very local). Ibiza's hippie-organic farm scene means excellent vegetable-forward cooking — La Paloma in San Lorenzo and Aubergine near Santa Gertrudis are reliable. For a splurge: Sa Capella or Es Boldadó. The beach clubs (Blue Marlin, Nikki Beach, Beachouse) are an experience but expect €40 cocktails.
The clubs (if that's why you came)
Pacha (the institution, Ibiza Town), Ushuaïa (open-air, Playa d'en Bossa, daytime parties), Hï Ibiza (across from Ushuaïa, indoor superclub), Amnesia (San Rafael, classic), DC10 (Mondays only, underground crowd). Tickets sell out — book 2-4 weeks ahead via the official websites or Tixr. Resale sites overcharge 2-3x. The boat parties are a separate scene worth doing once.
Getting around
Rent a car if you're staying outside Ibiza Town. In peak summer, traffic between Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni gridlocks 7-9pm and 1-3am — plan around it. Taxis are scarce and expensive at night; use Cabify or pre-book. The boats from Ibiza to Formentera (30-min ferry from Ibiza Town to La Savina, every 30 min in summer) are the best day trip you'll do.