When you were partying like it was 1999 (back in 1999), the Vengaboys were giving it all that about ‘Going to Ibiza’. Turns out they were smarter than they looked because it’s still the most legendary place in Europe to cut loose on a boozy summer getaway. And when somebody says ‘boys’ weekend’, the right answer is ‘Ibiza, baby’. So…
Ibiza Baby!
You’ll no doubt get all the suggestions you need on the best nightlife, but there are other things to do apart from drinking and dancing all night (shock, horror). But we’re not going to get all cultural and suggest a visit to a museum – we’re talking about the incredible beaches!
Cala d’Hort
Just 20 minutes’ from Ibiza Town, when you’re looking for a quiet place to snooze away a few hours and top up the tan, this is it. From the horseshoe bay you’ll get great views of the island of Es Vedra (said to be one of the most magnetic points in the world!), a few hundred metres offshore. The beach is about 150 metres long, and if you stake your place near the three restaurants you’ll be set for liquid refreshments.
- Get there: Cala d’Hort is in the southwest of the island. Follow the signs to Cala Carbo then turn right at the T-junction down to the bottom of the steep hill.
Cala Longa
This beach not only has the good looks, it has the good times to back it up. It’s a proper resort in its own right and can boast one of the biggest beaches on the island, at about 100 metres wide and 200 metres long. There are all kinds of watersports, including parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving and beach volleyball. There are loads of bars, cafes and restaurants to get a party started, and if you plan on hitting the clubs straight from a day at the beach, there’s direct transport to Playa d’en Bossa – home to some of the most famous clubs of all, including Pacha, Space and Privilege.
- Get there: Cala Longa is in the east of the island. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Ibiza Town, easily within reach of a taxi, bus, or even a ferry.
S’Arenal
The resort of San Antonio is well worth checking out on a day trip. There’s loads going on along the promenade – including some really buzzing bars – and it’s a great place to pick up some cheap drink voucher handouts for later! Even though the beach is really popular, it’s very long, so you don’t feel too crowded – and there are not as many families as some of the others. It’s a great place to hop on a half-day boat trip, and there are plenty of watersports. If you get bored with the beach, head up to Itaca for some beers and beats at any time of the day!
- Get there: San Antonio is on the western side of the island about 30 minutes’ taxi or bus ride away.
Las Salinas
If you want to rub shoulders with the beautiful people, brush up your posh accent and head over to Las Salinas, to see and be seen. With amazingly clear water, a lovely long (1.5km) crescent beach, and some pretty ritzy bars, you can bust the budget and be kings for a day by ordering lunch and cocktails to be delivered to you while you tan! You can hire catamarans, pedaloes and electro boats, and if you fancy letting it all hang out with the jet-set crowd (quite literally), there’s even a quiet nudist section. Oh, and you’ll float amazingly well here, if that’s handy for the hangover – the salt content of the water is extremely high, hence its name.
- Get there: Las Salinas is on the south coast and can be reached by taxi in 10 minutes, or direct bus service. You can also hire a bike and cycle or walk.
Cala Tarida
Wipe the sunscreen off your smart phone and get ready to become the world’s best photographer – or at least look like it. Possibly one of the island’s most picturesque beaches, Cala Tarida has the iconic turquoise waters and fine white sands the west coast is renowned for. You can sunbathe, snorkel out around the rocks, or jump in and try the watersports – including scuba diving. Or, you can just sit in the sun and take selfies of your tan against an awesome backdrop to make your mates at home jealous – your call.
- Get there: Cala Tarida is on the west coast of the island, about a 35-minute taxi ride away. You can also take a bus, via San Antonio.
Talamanca
The closest beach to Ibiza Town, Talamanca is a great place to spend a whole day. There’s restaurants, bars, sunbeds, sea, and sand – what more could you want? It’s also a great place to kick back and people watch – especially the left over clubbers snoozing there in the early morning. On Ibiza there’s always someone who’s going to wake up feeling worse than you…
Get there: It’s five minutes’ drive away, or get out in the sunshine and walk there! It’s just out of town past the marina.
So there you have it – just a few of the beaches you can sample on your boys’ break. Grab a towel, slap on the sunscreen and get out there and enjoy them! No further instructions required.
Local tip: There are also a few more lesser-known beaches in this blog post if you’re looking for a few quiet hours in the sun.
Top Ibiza party tip: For anyone who’s out of the loop (that could be you, Mr-Married-With-Two-Kids-Who-Hasn’t-Seen-a-Dancefloor-In-Years), take heart – turns out that partying in 2016 is actually not all that different to 1999!
How to get to Ibiza Town from Ibiza Airport
Getting the boys there is not only easy, it can also be really cheap. There are plenty of regular direct scheduled flights from the UK (with more in high season), including easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines (although, sadly, not Venga Airways!), with flights starting from as little as £28. Once you’ve landed, the easiest way to get straight to your hotel is with one of the convenient Ibiza airport transfers. Shuttle Direct offers budget-friendly shared transfers, or between your mates it can be just as cheap to book a private vehicle.
If you’re coming from mainland Spain there are regular ferry connections to Ibiza from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia. The high-speed ferry from Barcelona to Eivssa or Sant Antoni takes around four hours. You can also book a transfer with Shuttle Direct to take you from the port to your accommodation.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Piscis – The Hotel Piscis offers budget beating accommodation without feeling like you’re missing out on anything – including the view! Close to the beach, a walk from the clubs, and including an excellent buffet breakfast, this adults-only hotel is budget by name but certainly not by nature.
Hotel Bossa Flow – The ideal boy’s retreat on Ibiza, the Hotel Bossa Flow is on the doorstep of the beach and the best clubs. With a unique psychedelic-themed décor, spacious modern suites, and a fabulous pool and bar, you can relax and enjoy one of the most original and quirky hotels on the island.
Hotel Club Cartago – If you fancy doing a lot of sitting around in rooftop bars, the Hotel Club Cartago is for you! You can’t get better value than an all-inclusive hotel, and this one has it all. You’ll be kept busy relaxing at the two pools, steaming in the sauna, enjoying some tapas, and, of course, drinking beer on the stunning rooftop terrace. You might even take a few steps down to the beach!
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a renowned and trusted airport transfer provider servicing a huge range of destinations throughout Europe and North Africa. With economical shared or private transfers, we offer a fast, friendly convenient service for every budget. Our easy to use online booking system allows you to confirm your arrangements instantly, and an experienced local driver will meet you at the airport, cruise port, or railway station to take you and your luggage safely and swiftly to your accommodation.
