The island of Ibiza has a reputation as a hotspot for ravers and boho-glam hippies, but the only times that I’ve ever visited this stunning Balearic isle are under the far more docile circumstances of docking at Ibiza cruise port. So, pals: whilst I might not be an expert on partying at Pacha, I definitely know a thing or two about making the most of a tight time schedule. Here’s my personal tips for docking in Eivissa, the island’s capital and home to Ibiza cruise port.
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- Where is Ibiza cruise port?
- How to get from Ibiza cruise port to the Old Town
- A brief introduction to Ibiza
- Exploring Ibiza’s Old Town
- My favourite places to eat and drink in Ibiza town
- Beaches near Ibiza cruise port
Where is Ibiza cruise port?
Ibiza cruise port is located in the island’s capital, Eivissa, which is on the south coast. (Eivissa is actually the Catalan name for Ibiza, FYI. Catalonia being the autonomous region of Spain of which Barcelona is the capital.)
How to get from Ibiza cruise port to the Old Town
When I say Ibiza cruise port is located within the island’s capital, you might be disappointed to hear that it’s actually slightly outside of all the action. In fact, Ibiza cruise port is almost 2 miles away from the centre of the old town.
Technically it is possible to walk from Ibiza cruise port into the town- I’ve done it myself- however the walk is long and if you’re arriving at the height of summer the temperatures can be excessively hot. Put bluntly, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, although the saving grace is that the terrain is completely flat.
Assuming you’re not up for walking, the options are either a taxi, the local port shuttle bus, or your cruise ship’s shuttle bus (if they offer it.) There’s a taxi rank directly outside the cruise terminal, and although taxis in Ibiza aren’t cheap, this is a great option if you’ve not got a lot of time on your hands, or want to travel somewhere specific.
Both shuttle bus options will drop you at the same spot, along the waterfront just outside of the old town, and although the local shuttle is cheaper, it’s also less reliable. Personally I’d recommend sticking with your cruise ship’s bus if they have one.
Woah, we’re going to Ibiza: a brief introduction to the island
Also known as the ‘White Island,’ Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands, which sit in the Mediterranean Sea just off of the eastern coast of Spain. And I’m telling you now, pals: these islands are beautiful. Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera are the largest of the Balearics, although there are plenty of smaller islands dotted amongst the archipelago, characterised by rocky shorelines, bright green pine trees and turquoise water.
Ibiza’s journey to becoming the so-called ‘party capital of the world’ really began during the 1960s and ’70s, when hippy gatherings would take place on the island. Over time this evolved into a much wilder party scene, and across the 70s, 80s and 90s, more and more super clubs (not to be confused with supper clubs- completely different vibe there), sprang up on the island. Rave culture, open-air pool parties and after-hours parties became all the rage, and Ibiza continues to be a popular place for DJs to debut new music, whether house, techno or trance.
But it’s not just all party party party around here, and if you’re docking in Ibiza cruise port there are plenty of things to do whether you’re in the party mood or not. The old town is downright stunning, there are beaches galore, and if you do fancy a fiesta, you needn’t look far.
Is Ibiza Old Town actually worth exploring?
Absolutely, 100%, Ibiza’s Old Town is beautiful. Basically, once you get off of the shuttle, or out of the taxi, or reach it on your slightly achey own two feet, just head upwards. The old town- known as Dalt Vila- is a UNESCO world heritage site enclosed within a seven sided wall and topped with a cathedral like a cherry on top of a cake.
Cobblestone streets wind their way uphill, and although they’re lined with boutiques, bars, galleries and restaurants, the further you climb towards the top, the more residential buildings there are. What a pretty neighbourhood. From the top of the walls you can take in some incredible views of the coastline, the rest of the town, and over the water to the island of Formentera. And even on a super-busy day, all you need to do is take a detour off of the beaten path to find more peaceful streets.
And one of the most appealing aspects of having Ibiza cruise port included on an itinerary, is that the old town is really easy to explore on foot. Big enough to feel like it needs to be explored, but small enough that you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on anything by the time you head back to the ship.
Eating and drinking in Ibiza: my tips
This is not an extensive list, pals, because firstly I refuse to put the dodgy spots on here and secondly my knowledge of Ibiza restaurants is limited. Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of eateries to choose from. But these are three places which I would undoubtedly recommend to one and all docking at Ibiza cruise port.
For mouthwatering tapas (or entire meals) with exquisite wine pairings, Sa Vida Wine Restaurant is an absolute gem if you’re craving something special. There’s outdoor seating available, the service is super-personal and there are vegetarian options available. I bloomin’ love this place.
I know this is Spain, not Italy, but sometimes in life you just need a pizza don’t you? In which case, head to Lamargarita Pizza. Located on a corner of the pedestrianised Passeig de Vara de Rey, this is a great little casual spot to grab a pizza in the sunshine. The prices are decent and the pizza is delectable.
S’Escalinata is in a brilliant location along some steps within Dalt Vila. The vibe is relaxed, with colourful decor and beanbag seating, and its a beaut place to sit in the sunshine and enjoy a delicious plate of food or a few drinks- whether coffee, smoothies or sangria, they’ve got you covered.
Are there any beaches near Ibiza cruise port?
Yes indeed there are plenty of beaches near Ibiza cruise port: you just need to know where to look.
Playa de Talamanca is the closest beach to Ibiza cruise port; just exit the port on foot and then head to the right. There are ‘playa’ signs to follow, and it’ll take about 10-15 minutes to reach. The beach is a long sandy cove with quite shallow water, which makes it great for families, and there are also a few restaurants and bars there. Here it is on google maps.
Platja de Ses Figueretes is on the opposite side of Dalt Vila to the cruise port, but it’s a good option if you want to see the city as well as have some beach time. This is another sandy beach, which can get busy as it’s so close to the centre of town.
Of course, if you’ve got time to get a little further away, you could always hop into a taxi at the cruise port and head further out of town. My boyfriend and I discovered Cala Olivera by zooming in and out over and over again on Google Maps (it’s my favourite way to stumble across new locations other than literally stumbling across them), and spent a delightful afternoon at this hidden cove down an extremely well-hidden dirt road.
So pals, whilst Ibiza is definitely a place perfect for partiers, it’s also an ideal stop for a fleeting visit on a cruise. Even if you’re after a bit more of a chilled experience. Stroll through the old town, enjoy some mouthwatering tapas (you know it makes sense), cool down at the beach, and be back in time for tea. Easy.