Exploring Ibiza Off-Season

We headed to Ibiza during the off-season to experience the ‘other side’ of the island. Walking, biking, beaching and swimming were our main activities each day, and Ibiza is a beautiful spot for all of those.

This Balearic island is home to sandy beaches, hidden coves, turquoise waters, lush mountains (little ones), cycling routes, walking routes and so much more.

Thinking about getting some sun during shoulder seasons? We’re excited to share some insider tips and recommendations from our trip. If you’ve ever wondered what Ibiza is like beyond the peak summer months, keep reading.

Why Visit Ibiza in the Off-Season?

Despite being the off-season, Ibiza still enjoys pleasant weather with temperatures around 17 to 24 degrees in April and the other side of summer in October. This means plenty of sunny days and blue skies, perfect for outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer. 

When we wanted the airport was quiet – no long lines or crowded terminals. Once we set foot on the island, it was clear that the off-season offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling summer months.

With fewer tourists around, we found we didn’t need to make reservations at restaurants or plan my itinerary in advance – total flexibility and freedom to explore at our own pace. Pretty ideal for travellers like us who don’t want to book up their holiday time with by the hour plans.

And let’s not forget about the cost savings – accommodation prices are significantly lower in the off-season, making it better for your budget. It’s worth noting though that Ibiza isn’t a cheap destination.

When is the Off-Season in Ibiza?

Ibiza’s high season is the summer months: May, June, July, and August. You have some shoulder months either side, which are March and April in spring and September and October in the autumn. The winter months of November, December, January and February are very quiet and don’t have guaranteed good weather.

If you’re interested in clubbing, the biggest clubs start opening at the end of April and run through until September. When we visited in early April, there were a few clubs open and a few DJs had started arriving, but if you’re there for the music then you’d want to wait until the last weekend of April. 

Where to Stay in Off-Season Ibiza?

From the charming village of San Josep to the nature-rich surroundings of San Vincent, we loved exploring the different places on the island. Whether you prefer the tranquillity of the countryside or the vibrant atmosphere of the town, there’s something for everyone in Ibiza.

There’s a couple of things to consider when choosing accommodation:

  • There are a lot of beautiful towns and villages inland, like San Carlos and San Gertrudis, but you’d probably only want to stay somewhere like this if you’re planning to rent a car. 
  • If you want to closer to a beach but still tucked away in quiet nature, we would recommend Villa Norte by San Vicente where we stayed. It’s a 25-minute walk to the beach through fields and woodlands. You’ll need a car to stay here.
  • If you don’t want to rent a car, we’d recommend staying in Ibiza town. The old town is surprisingly beautiful, lined with many nice bars and restaurants. 
  • The clubs are actually dispersed across different parts of the island, so there isn’t a strip you need to avoid (other than a street or two in the main tourist town of San Antonio where we wouldn’t recommend staying). 

Best places to stay Ibiza off-season - Charlie on Travel

What to Do in Off-Season Ibiza?

Off-season activities in Ibiza are abundant and particularly good for laid-back outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, and exploring charming villages were amongst our favourite things to do in Ibiza.

Those seeking relaxation can indulge in leisurely beach days or scenic boat trips around the island. In the off-season, the weather is good for beach days and sun-bathing but the sea and pools are a little too cold for swimming in our opinion.

  • Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Track Beaches

No trip to Ibiza is complete without a visit to its stunning beaches, and the off-season provides the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems away from the crowds. We highly recommend the soft sand beaches of San Vincent and Cala Nova for their pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.

  • Navigating Ibiza’s Trails and Tracks

For outdoor enthusiasts like us, Ibiza’s network of hiking and biking trails offers a chance to explore the island’s natural wonders up close. Apps like AllTrails and WikiLoc are useful for discovering hidden paths and secluded spots. 

Blue Water at San Vicente Ibiza - Charlie on Travel

Eating Out in Ibiza

From traditional Spanish dishes like paella and tapas to vegan and farm-to-table options, there’s something to please every palate. Be sure to check out local coffee shops and eateries for a taste of Ibiza’s culinary delights. Here are some of our favourites:

  • Mui Mía Café in Ibiza Town – Maybe the most beautiful cafe we’ve ever visited!? A perfect pitstop for coffee, juices, pancakes, eggs and brekkie.
  • Pizzería Enfarinarte in San Carlos – The pizza place we couldn’t remember the name of in our Ibiza podcast. This unassuming pizza joint was our fave pizza spot in Ibiza.
  • GranOla in San Josep – Newly opened when we visited in April, this coffee shop was the best coffee we had on the island plus there were delicious croissants, toasts and burrata.
  • Chez Bibi von Bakery in San Gertrudis – A great patisserie with raspberry tarts, madeleines, croissants and all sorts. Service is slow, but you’ll be sitting in their sunny garden while you wait.

How to Get Around Ibiza

We highly recommend renting a car in Ibiza, especially if you plan on staying outside of Ibiza town. We used Discover Cars to compare rental car prices and reviews and booked our rental through them. We picked up and dropped off our car at Ibiza airport, making it very convenient.

Is Ibiza Worth Visiting in Off-Season?

Absolutely, yes. Exploring off-season Ibiza was super fun and a great option for a more relaxed and authentic island getaway. Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, historical villages or good food scene, Ibiza has something for everyone to enjoy year-round.