Ibiza Travel Guide: London City to Ibiza, Spain Flights

Europe’s party capital serves up a perfect mix of chilling and clubbing.

Ibiza nightlife rocks but the White Isle offers more than all-nighters and dance parties. Explore further to discover medieval history, charming villages, incredible seafood and dreamy relaxation overlooking the glimmering Med.

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Flying to Ibiza from London City

A direct flight to Ibiza Airport (IBZ) from London City Airport (LCY) takes two hours 30 minutes, touching down about four miles (6km) outside Ibiza Town. Regular buses run from the airport to Ibiza Town bus station, the island’s transport hub, or you can grab a taxi. It’s so compact you can cross the island in around 40 minutes.

Rent a car (pre-booking is wise) and you’ll find your way around quickly, whether you’re looking for sunset bars, party towns or quiet traditional villages. For a more tranquil taste of Balearic beauty, explore the island’s hiking routes. Or hop on the ferry for the 35-min trip to the smaller neighbouring island of Formentera, famed for its gorgeous beaches.

There can be several direct flights between London City Airport (LCY) and Ibiza Airport (IBZ) via British Airways each week, so whatever your travel plans, here's what you need to know about getting there. 

Key Stats

Language

Spanish

Time Difference

1 hr ahead of GMT

Currency

Euro

Ibiza Travel Guide

Whatever you’ve heard about Ibiza, you might be surprised byin our destination guide. It’s known for world-famous superclubs and sunset beach parties, but the island also has some of the most luxurious spas and finest restaurants on the Med. If you’re looking to taste the high life, you’ll find it. For a different pace, head up into the hills to unwind at a tranquil zen retreat or taste local wines at a taverna. Browse our Ibiza travel guide for the essential sights to see, the city’s vibrant night life, food and drink scene, plus events worth checking out.

Essential Sights

Playa d’en Bossa: for partying

Laid-back beach resort by day, home of world-class DJs playing famous venues by night. The whole island is famed for its clubs and bars, but Playa d’en Bossa might be the jewel in Ibiza’s hard-partying crown, where you can dance on the sand at open-air beach clubs and party round the clock.

Dalt Vila:for history

Make time to sample this UNESCO-protected fortified town’s several museums and enchanting atmosphere. Enter through the Portal de ses Taules gateway in the medieval walls, then explore on foot. The Archaeological Museum traces the town’s history from its foundations as a Phoenician settlement around 654BC. Subsequent eras have left their traces in the form of a 13th-century cathedral and 16th-century fortifications. 

Cala Llonga:for families

This easily accessible resort, nestled in the contours of the island, is a stone’s throw from Ibiza Town and great for families. There’s a collection of restaurants and hotels, plus the beach is sheltered by the natural bay, making it big enough to allow space for large groups. Far enough away from the clubs to relax, close enough to head into town if you get the itch to party.

Port of Ibiza

Live it up vicariously with a wander around Ibiza Town’s glamorous port to see mega-yachts and fishing boats moored next to each another in the atmospheric harbour. Choose your speed – a stroll around the boardwalks or a relaxing afternoon in an open-air café. 

Dalt Vila Fortifications 

The historic fortifications dominating the landscape of Ibiza Town make up one of the most impressively preserved sites in Spain. NO wonder UNESCO put its stamp on this attraction. Enter the fortifications via Porte de ses Taules, then wander around the 16th-century walls for the best views of the town. 

Las Salinas Nature Reserve

Only 10 minutes’ drive from Ibiza Town, this protected nature reserve features salt flats, sand dunes, a popular beach and ponds full of pink flamingos. 

Café del Mar

So popular it’s a cliché, watching a famous Ibiza sunset at Café del Mar listening to a chilled DJ set is still one of the quintessential island experiences.

Cala Jondal Beach

Picking which of Ibiza’s sun-baked beaches to visit can be tricky. Beautiful Cala Jondal, backed by a conservation area, is beloved for its serene natural location, though popular with private yacht owners so sunbeds can be pricey.

Nightlife

Ibiza reputation stakes its claim as one of the planet’s top nightlife destinations. Within its compact size, it hosts some of the most famous clubs in the world and welcomes a selection of A-list DJs and celebrity attendees every year, especially during peak summer season. 

Some of the clubs here are household names on other continents, with venues such as Pacha, Ushuaïa and Amnesia all famed for attracting the best DJs in the business. These venues do come with a high price-tag but promise unforgettable nights with good-time crowds. If that’s not your style, you can avoid the superclubs and seek out plenty of exciting smaller venues all over the island.

Nightlife season in Ibiza generally runs from May until October when the major clubs are open. Visit out of season and the smaller clubs still buzz with life, just without the huge summer crowds. 

Food & Drink

Local cuisine in Ibiza offers something for most palates. Seafood-lovers will be in heaven with the sheer array of fresh catch on every menu. There are varied choices for meat and veg eaters too, with lots of must-try delicacies available at restaurants, bakeries and street stalls.

Home-grown produce 

For the best taste of Ibiza, seek out places serving food from the island itself. Ibiza’s nourishing soil grows figs, grapes and olives, its bakers churn out bread made to traditional recipes and the sea teems with life. Much of the local cuisine here is natural, fresh and unfussy, harking back to a simpler time. 

Traditional dishes

Seafood naturally plays a jumbo role in the Ibiza diet. Look out for hearty dishes such as fried squid, garlic prawns and zarzuela, a local fish stew. Away from the coastline, dishes get meatier. One Ibizan classic is sofrit pagès, a substantial stew of multiple meats mixed with potatoes, seasonal vegetables and spices. For dessert? Try ensaïmadas, a traditional snail-shaped sweet treat of light, filled pastry. 

Local wine 

Ibiza may be small but it makes the most of its balmy climate with several vineyards around the island. A good place to start is Sant Mateu d’Albarca, a village in the north famed for its viticulture. Each December it hosts a wine festival, but you can pick up a delicious drink here all year round – try a tasting session at one of the wineries on the edge of the village.

Events

Three Kings Day (Dia de Reyes) January

Spanish tradition means that Christmas vibes carry on until the Three Wise Men arrive on Dia De Reyes, the religious festival of Epiphany on 6th January. The island takes a day off, Spaniards open their presents, floats parade through the towns and everyone enjoys a slice of roscón, a sweet crown-shaped cake.

Day of the Balearic Islands Feb - March

On 1st March each year it’s a public holiday to celebrate the political autonomy of the islands, with a parade featuring carts, traditional dancing and horseback riders. Plenty of activities and concerts also take place around Ibiza in the days running up to and after the main event.

Medieval Fair May

Historic centre of Ibiza Town and a World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila is the setting for this annual medieval fair each May. Over a few days of festivities, you can enjoy re-enactments, concerts, exhibitions, circus and more, with street performers filling the flag-lined streets. 

Party season  May - October

Ibiza has its fair share of high-energy party events. Summer season begins with major opening nights in all the biggest clubs, complete with A-list DJs and performers.

Destinations: Ibiza Travel Guide & Flights