What do tourists really think of Ibiza at the end of their holidays? Asked at the airport before flying home, visitors from Spain and abroad gave a picture that goes well beyond the island’s party image.
The food
Many said the island’s food was one of the best surprises of their trip, from seafood to beachside restaurants. A group of friends from Murcia who return every summer said they come for the sunsets, the beaches, the restaurants and the time together. They had not noticed the island feeling more crowded than before, despite the debate over overtourism.
The nightlife
Ibiza’s clubs remain a major draw, with some visitors returning year after year for the world’s best DJs. A visitor from the United States who said he had been to the island ten times came specifically for the music, although he noted that some streets seemed less clean this year.
But not everyone goes clubbing. A New Yorker on the island for his cousin’s stag party said nightclubs were not his thing, and spent his evenings in restaurants instead.
A quieter side
Several visitors were surprised by how safe and relaxed they felt. A Portuguese couple said Santa Eulària was peaceful, family-friendly and charming. Others said they had expected the island to feel intimidating, but found it welcoming.
Es Vedrà
For many, the highlight was not a club or a beach but Es Vedrà, the rocky islet off the west coast. Visitors spoke of a special energy that was hard to describe, and “good vibes” was a phrase repeated by people of many nationalities.
Taxis
The most common complaint was transport. Several visitors spoke of long waits for taxis and high prices, and one group said they had paid €100 for a ride of 10 to 15 minutes after unknowingly using an illegal service. Pirate taxis remain a recurring problem in Ibiza every summer, and the authorities advise visitors to use official taxi ranks, licensed apps or public transport.
Ibiza and Formentera
Many travellers combined the two islands. A Mexican mother living in Miami agreed to her son’s request to experience Ibiza’s nightlife, but insisted on spending part of the trip in Formentera. After a week on both islands, she concluded that Formentera was the place for peace, boat trips and beaches, while Ibiza provided the party nights.
Beyond the image
The interviews suggest that many visitors leave with a different idea of Ibiza from the one they arrived with: an island of nightlife, but also of food, landscapes, quiet villages and a relaxed atmosphere that brings people back year after year.
