How to do Ibiza holidays in your 30s

I’ve travelled to Ibiza quite a few times over the years and I have to say that this Balearic Island is one of my favourite places to visit on holiday. I’ve been a few times since hitting 30, and it’s still a great destination to head to with a group of friends or your partner.

The vibe is super relaxed and chilled and I always have so much fun when I visit. Over the past couple of years I’ve definitely grown up a lot – I now prefer exploring or chilling out to dancing til dawn and so here’s my guide to doing Ibiza holidays in your 30s.

Your 30s is actually a fantastic time to visit Ibiza. You’re likely to have more money than when you were in your 20s which means that you can enjoy everything the island has to offer without scrimping.

Ibiza is notoriously expensive so you do need a bit of cash behind you before you go.

You’re also a lot wiser and probably more interested in things other than partying and so you can explore some of the nicer parts of the island too.

The journey to Ibiza

You can fly to Ibiza from all major airports in the UK. I usually fly from Manchester to Ibiza and the flight is around two and a quarter hours.

You can sometimes pick up cheap flights, as all the budget airlines fly there and quite a few flights are available each day. You may also be able to save money by booking a package holiday for your Ibiza trip which includes your accommodation and flights so be sure to check before you book.

If you’re travelling to Ibiza for the first time and you’re in your 30s then just brace yourself for the journey there. It’s likely that the plane will be quite rowdy, full of people on their first girls/lads holiday.

You can’t fight it so you’re just going to have to go with it!

Grab yourself a prosecco from the trolley and just thank your lucky stars that you’re not one of the flight attendants having to deal with this. I wouldn’t bother bringing a book to read but noise cancelling earphones might be a good shout.

How to get from the airport to your hotel in Ibiza

There are several options once you arrive at the airport. If you’ve booked a package holiday then transfers are probably included or you can choose to book a private transfer.

If you prefer to wing it, you can get a taxi from outside the airport, there’s always a queue of them outside, even if you arrive late at night. A taxi from Ibiza airport to San Antonio costs around 40 euros.

There are also buses on the island. I got the bus from San Antonio to the airport and it cost around 4 euros.

When to visit Ibiza

The summer season in Ibiza runs from when the clubs have their opening parties in May to the closing parties at the end of September. The busiest part of the season is from mid-June until the first week of September and then the weekend of the closing parties.

I usually like to visit in June or early July when the island starts to get busy or later on in September, just before the closing parties.

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Things to do in Ibiza

There’s so much to do in Ibiza and it isn’t all raving and misbehaving (although there’s a fair bit of that!). Here are some of my favourite things to do on the island.

Catch the sunset at Cafe Mambo

My favourite thing to do in Ibiza is watch the sunset on the rocks outside Cafe Mambo in San Antonio. It’s really iconic and I always find myself getting really emotional as the sun goes down.

Who doesn’t love a beautiful sunset?

You’re not really supposed to take your own drinks, but everybody does, so we bought small bottles of Fanta Lemon (a must when you’re on holiday in Spain!), drank some of it out of the top and then topped it up with vodka. Some things don’t change, even in your 30s!

Once you get to the rocks you’ll be treated to a great soundtrack of Balearic beats from Cafe Mambo and it really seems like an event. Put your phone down and remember to live in the moment.

If you feel like this might not be your thing, you can book dinner at Cafe Mambo instead (or one of the other restaurants on the sunset strip) and watch the sun go down from here.

We booked a table for dinner and sunset at Cafe Mambo in 2023 and there was a minimum spend of €150 per person. This doesn’t sound like a lot (especially with Ibiza prices) but we actually struggled to spend it all and ended up getting two magnums of Laurent Perrier to use it up.

If you hang around Cafe Mambo longer, there are live DJ sets there too with big names playing most nights. They usually start around 10pm and play a short set.

We saw Fatboy Slim there in 2023 and it was absolutely epic.

Head to a beach club or pool party

I must say a beach club is my favourite day of a girls holiday. There’s day time drinking, a little bit of dancing, the pool to cool off, and a bed to relax on, what’s not to like?!

There are lots of beach clubs and pool parties around the island and while I haven’t tried them all (give me time!), here are some of my favourites.

O Beach

O Beach is definitely the one if you’re looking for a party vibe and it’s a favourite with reality TV stars from TOWIE and footballers. Jack Grealish went there this year!

They have special events and guest DJs all week during summer as well as performances by dancers and acrobats.

I would definitely recommend getting a bed – they’re right by the pool and you get a lot of the money that you spent on it back in drinks which, while it’s definitely not cheap, makes it more cost effective than just paying for entry and hoping there’s a sun bed free.

Blue Marlin

If you’re looking for a more classy, grown up vibe, then I would definitely recommend Blue Marlin.

Located in Cala Jondal, it’s about half an hour in a taxi from San Antonio. We paid around €30 for our trip.

We got a couple of day beds here and there was more of a laidback feel to it. There was a DJ a bit further away from the beds, so you could get up and dance if you wanted to.

Again, there was a minimum spend per bed and this can be spent on both food and drinks. The food was really good, I can definitely recommend the steak sandwich!

Also, the frozen cocktails were great!

Blue Marlin is right on the beach, so you can go for a dip in the gorgeous clear sea here too.

Wi-Ki-Woo

Another Instagrammable place, Wi-Ki-Woo is also a hotel so you can stay there too. With art deco style decor in pastel pinks and mints, it’s the perfect place if you want some good photos of you and the girls.

Think heart-shaped inflatables, pink scooters, swings, and a lifeguard chair. The vibe here was also laidback so it’s a nice way to spend the day if you’re thinking of partying later.

The minimum spend was also a lot more reasonable here so it’s a bit more affordable if you’re trying to do Ibiza on a budget.

Reggae Reggae Beach

Reggae Reggae Beach is perfect for chilled days. It’s around the bay from San Antonio at Playa Pinet beach and you can walk there or catch a boat.

Music is provided by Global Reggae Bar and you can enjoy amazing views over the bay, refreshing swims in the sea, and some exotic cocktails. There’s also a barbecue for food.

Take a road trip around the island

Ibiza is a really small (but perfectly formed!) island and so it’s easy and quick to get around. I would massively recommend renting a car while you’re over there and just pulling over and stopping when you see something you want to explore.

I’ve discovered lots of little beaches with beautiful clear water that are popular with locals but are a bit off the beaten track. Just open your map (paper map, not Google!), point to somewhere and head there!

Ibiza Town

The capital of Ibiza has a Gothic-style cathedral and renaissance fortifications, alongside amazing tapas and lots to explore. There’s also a port here where you can jump on a boat trip.

I would recommend doing a free walking tour of Ibiza Town to get to know this beautiful city. This walking tour takes you to the historic walled centre of Dalt Vila, the town hall, and Plaza de la Vila.

Playa den Bossa

If San Antonio is the party capital then Playa den Bossa is its ever so slightly older and cooler sister with the longest beach on the island, there are plenty of beach bars to unwind and enjoy a cocktail in on those balmy summer days.

Portinatx

A really quiet resort in the north of the island, Portinatx has a gorgeous beach with crystal clear, shallow water and a couple of beautiful restaurants on the cliff top overlooking the beach. If you’re travelling to Ibiza with your family then this is a great place to base yourselves.

Es Cana

Visit Es Cana for the most famous hippie market on the island. The market happens weekly and is packed with stalls selling kaftans, jewellery and incense.

You’ll also get a bit of live music here as there are often drummers setting the beat.

Take a sailing trip around Ibiza

One of the most unique things to do in Ibiza when you’re in your 30s is to go sailing. Live it up on the high seas with boat rentals Ibiza to see the island from a different angle.

We rented a yacht from Van Dutch Yachts on one of the days this year and it was so much fun. You pay a price to rent the yacht and you can also choose a drinks package with your fave tipples.

We went for a couple of bottles of Moet and Whispering Angel, amongst others. The yacht has paddleboards on it so you can head out on these, and a bluetooth sound system to get the party going.

Our captain took us to Formentera where we could swim to a white sand beach, as well as some caves, and to a spot to watch the sunset.

If you’re looking for even more of a party scene then you can do a boat party. I’ve done the Pukka Up boat party a couple of times and you get sangria on tap and cheap entry to O Beach the next day too.

See a DJ at Ushuaia

Now I’m in my thirties, I find that I don’t like to stay up as late as I used to and so I prefer day parties. Ushuaia is a great spot as it’s outside and runs from 5pm until 11pm.

I went to F**k Me I’m Famous, David Guetta’s club night which has been running on the island for years. Even though the music wasn’t my fave, the atmosphere was fantastic and the visuals with lasers, balloons, and acrobatics were brilliant.

Drinks here are pretty pricy with a vodka Red Bull setting you back around 24 euros, so just something to be aware of.

Enjoy an evening at Pikes

Pikes is a boutique hotel, around a 15-minute taxi ride into the hills near San Antonio. It was the setting for the Wham music video for Club Tropicana and it has been a celebrity haunt for years.

Pikes have different events and DJs on most days and cater for a slightly older crowd. It’s free to get in but you have to request guestlist entry and you have to be over 27 to get in.

I absolutely loved the vibe here. There was a bar and barbecue outside until around 11pm and then DJs playing house music inside for the rest of the night.

Where to stay in Ibiza

Hotels in San Antonio

When I visit I usually stay in San Antonio, which is really the heart of the party scene with beach clubs, bars and the famous sunset strip. I’ve also stayed in Portinatx in the north of the island which is great for families or couples and a good base from which to explore the island.

Hotel Playasol Marco Polo I has a really central location, near to the West End and Eden nightclub. I stayed here a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

The bedrooms were clean and modern with air con and the pool area had plenty of beds and a nice atmosphere. Despite its location, it wasn’t noisy at night time.

There was no DJ so it was pretty chilled outside. Breakfast was also included and there was a really good selection of cooked breakfast items, pastries and continental meats – a great way to start the day.

Book Hotel Playasol Marco Polo I

Ibiza Rocks Hotel – On a previous trip we stayed at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel which we also really enjoyed.

The pool area had more of a party atmosphere but the rooms were slightly basic and could do with some modernisation. It wasn’t very boujie, which is what I was expecting!

They have live music and DJ events throughout the summer and guests get free entry to all events that are on during their stay.

Book Ibiza Rocks

Cubanito Ibiza is one of the most Instagrammable hotels on the island and a great place to stay. It is located a little further away from the bay area and the West End, past Cafe Mambo, which is great if you want a quieter location.

The rooms are super cute. We stayed in a Junior Suite which had a bar, Smeg fridge, and Cuban-inspired decor.

There is a small pool and a lovely area around it for relaxing. They have a roof terrace with a bar which hosts salsa events once a week.

They also serve really good food including breakfast and lunch. I had the nachos for lunch one day which were really tasty.

Book Cubanito Ibiza

Check out more places to stay in San Antonio here.

Hotels in Playa D’en Bossa

Playa d’en Bossa is home to the longest beach on the island plus famous clubs like Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants here too.

I personally prefer to stay in San Antonio just to be close to Cafe Mambo for the sunset, but Playa d’en Bossa is a great choice if you want to be close to the clubs.

Torre Del Mar sits around the corner from the main beach at Playa d’en Bossa, just off Sa Punta beach, and boasts modern rooms with sea or mountain views. The pool area is one of the hotels best features with light blue water, in-pool sun beds and chilled vibes.

There are DJs and singers in the afternoons and there’s also a bar and restaurant where you can get cocktails. The food here is really good and they serve things like nachos, burgers, burritos and poke bowls.

Amenities include a spa, rooftop terrace, evening entertainment, and free yoga classes.

If you want to explore further afield you can catch a boat to Ibiza town or the island of Formentera.

Book Torre Del Mar

Where to eat in Ibiza

Like the other Balearic Islands (and, let’s face it, Spain as a whole), Ibiza has some fantastic options when it comes to eating out. As I said earlier, being in your 30s often means you have a bit more spare cash – and you’re probably not saving all your money to spend on booze!

Places to eat in San Antonio

Fresh Ibiza – Round the corner from Cafe Mambo, you’ll find Fresh Ibiza which only opened a couple of years ago. The food was really great – I had the lamb kebab pitta which was really tasty and a good portion size – you don’t want to eat too much when you’re out.

We sat outside on the sunset terrace, drank lots of sangria and watched fire performers, there was a really nice atmosphere.

Cafe Bondi – I’ve been here a couple of times before, and I’m always really impressed with the food. Bondi Ibiza is in the main part of San Antonio, just off the beach and it has a healthy/clean eating sort of vibe, serving lots of juices and smoothies.

Luckily, they also do cocktails which are incredible – I can highly recommend the sex on the beach. I had a vegetable pitta with sweet potato fries which was really yummy.

Rio – Without a doubt, the best meal of the trip was the dinner we had a Rio. We were looking for somewhere really good to have a paella and Rio was the top rated on Trip Advisor so we headed over.

We weren’t disappointed as we were presented with an enormous paella to share between the four of us which was packed with delicious seafood. It was full of flavour and there was plenty left over once we were all full.

After this, we headed up to Rio’s rooftop bar to enjoy some more glasses of wine.

Golden Buddha – This lounge club is a great place to watch the sunset as well as get a couple of drinks and dinner. They have a small menu with pizzas and a couple of other options.

I had the Thai red curry which was delicious. The portion wasn’t huge which was nice, as I don’t like to be too full before hitting the bars.

Urban Lounge Ibiza – Urban Lounge Ibiza is a great choice for breakfast and pitchers of mimosas. I had a breakfast burrito here which was yummy.

Orange Corner – On the sea front in San Antonio, Orange Corner is a cool chill out bar serving food like burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. There’s a really nice vibe here and some delicious cocktails are on offer.

Places to eat in Playa D’en Bossa

The Bull – Located on the seafront, The Bull is a great place for breakfast and an iced coffee overlooking the sea. We enjoyed a full English and a breakfast bagel here and both were delicious.

Ammos Greek Restaurant – Who eats at a Greek restaurant when in Spain? Me, that’s who!

Ammos has got a gorgeous setting just on the beach, around the corner from Ushuaia. I loved the decor inside, it really did feel like being in Greece.

I wasn’t blown away by the food and it was very pricey so I think you’re paying for the style, rather than the substance.

What to wear in your 30s in Ibiza

If you’ve been to Ibiza before you’ll know that the dress code is pretty chilled and anything goes. Leave your heels at home as you’ll be dancing all night long so a pair of trainers or sandals is perfect and can take you from day to night.

Denim cut-off shorts, elephant pants, and tie dye won’t look out of place.

For beach clubs, go for a statement swimming costume. Anything with sequins works well! Add to this a cute cover up, sunnies and sandals and you’re good to go. Don’t forget the suncream though, we are sensible now we’re in our 30s!

There’s also a big focus on wellness in Ibiza so if you want to do some exercise or practice yoga or meditation while you’re here, you won’t look out of place. Bring some shorts and a sports bra for this.

If you want more tips on what to wear in Ibiza in your 30s, check out my Ibiza packing list.

So that’s it – how to do Ibiza holidays in your 30s. It’s all about delicious meals with glasses of wine or sangria, beach clubs and sunsets, and hotels which may be slightly pricier than what you would have stayed in when you were 20.

I still really love Ibiza holidays and I definitely think the island has got something to offer people of all ages so I’d recommend visiting Ibiza in your 30s. Roll on next year!

Have you done any Ibiza holidays in your 30s? Let me know your top tips for having the best time on the island!

Why is Ibiza called the White Isle?

The nickname the White Isle was created by Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol in 1912 after he visited Ibiza. It’s thought that he might have been inspired by the use of whitewash on country houses and churches.

| This post is part of a paid campaign for the Spanish Tourist Office to promote the Balearic and Canary Islands as part of their #SpanishIslands campaign. All views are my own and I have not been instructed on what to include. |