7 Best Things To Do In the Port of Ibiza | Guide For Cruisers

Welcome to the cruise port of Ibiza, Spain! (Post updated: March 2024)

Ibiza is the third largest Balearic island after Palma de Mallorca and Menorca, located off the eastern coast of Spain’s mainland. Although considered one of the world’s top-rated party destinations, Ibiza is also renowned for its UNESCO-listed medieval old town, gorgeous beaches and beautiful nature. The island is also called “Eivissa”, which is the Catalan version of “Ibiza”. The group of the Balearic Islands that includes Ibiza is also called Pityusic Islands (Pitiusas) or “Pine Islands”. In this article, read about:

• Ibiza cruise port (Ibiza cruise terminal, getting around, helpful cruise tips)
• 7 best things to do in Ibiza port & best Ibiza shore excursions

Read also our cruise port guides to Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Valencia, Ajaccio, Sardinia (Cagliari), Civitavecchia (Rome)

Port of Ibiza

Medium-sized/large cruise ships dock at Pier Botafoc (aka Puerto Botafoc and Es Botafoc) located approximately 4 km/2.5 miles (a 1-hour walk or a 10-15 minute drive) from Ibiza City (aka Eivissa), the capital of Ibiza island. You can reach the old town either on foot or by a shuttle bus provided by your cruise line for an additional fee.

Some smaller ships may dock at Levante Quay in Ibiza Harbour (Eivissa Harbour), located at the foot of the old town. Alternatively, if all the berths are occupied, cruise vessels may anchor in the sea and cruise passengers are transported ashore via tender boats.

Getting Around Ibiza Port

• Pier Botafoc is flat and wheelchair-accessible. The cruise terminal building is located at the end of the pier, next to the large parking. Here, you’ll find a tourist information office and a ferry terminal serving ferries to and from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca (Note: Some ferries, including the ones serving Valencia, Dénia and Formentera island depart from Ibiza Harbour, located a few kilometers further).
• There’s not much to do around the port area itself. The main activities, shopping and sightseeing are centered around Ibiza’s old town and Ibiza Harbour (aka La Marina Ibiza, Marina Eivissa and Marina Botafoch), the city’s luxurious marina located at the foot of the old town.
• Playa de Talamanca is the nearest beach to the port, located 1.5 km/0.9 miles (a 20-minute walk) from the cruise terminal.
• The currency in Spain is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs and banks are available in Ibiza Town.
• You may encounter long queues for the shuttle bus as these are sometimes limited. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi to Ibiza’s old town. Taxis are available on the pier and the ride takes only 10 minutes. You can also take a low-cost City Boat that departs from the City Boat Botafoc Terminal (located within the ferry terminal) to La Marina Ibiza. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Finally, there is a Port Bus that runs between the cruise terminal and La Marina Ibiza. The bus stop is located next to the cruise terminal building and buses run every 30 minutes.
• Ibiza has a wide and reliable bus network, and moving around the island by local bus is both cheap and convenient. There is no central bus station; the main bus stops are lined along Av. d’Isidor Macabich and Av. d’Espanya streets in Ibiza Town. If you’re staying overnight and want to experience Ibiza nightlife, you can use the Discobus which connects the main beach resorts, towns and clubs all night long. Check the Ibiza bus schedules and fares at https://ibizabus.com/
• Roads in Ibiza are well-maintained and clearly marked, so renting a car is another great option. Check out Ibiza rent-a-car deals and prices
• The majority of the shops in Ibiza are closed between 1:30 pm and 4 pm during siesta time, while shopping centers and big department stores are open all day until 9 pm or 10 pm. Museums and cultural landmarks are normally closed on Mondays.
• Ibiza Airport (Aeroport d’Eivissa) serves the islands of Ibiza and Formentera for domestic and international flights. The airport is located 12 km/7.5 miles (a 15-minute drive) southwest of the Ibiza cruise terminal.
• Book a private transfer to/from Ibiza port
• Explore Ibiza tours and activities
• Check out the best hotels in Ibiza Town

7 Best Things to Do in the Port of Ibiza

Ibiza is world-known for its amazing nightlife and diverse music and dance scene. Besides world-class clubs and top-rated nightlife spots, Ibiza is also famous for its beautiful old town and harbour.

The old town is divided into two parts: the upper town (Dalt Vila) and the lower town (La Marina and Sa Penya district), dotted with countless restaurants, shops and cafes. You can explore the cultural landmarks, picturesque local markets and the island’s breathtaking beaches, or discover its natural treasures and unique countryside.

Before I share the best things to do in Ibiza, I invite you to grab your copy of the “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide”, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Ibiza), packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Dalt Vila

The fortified Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed old town dating from the Renaissance period. It is accessed through the 16th-century Portal de ses Taules, the most impressive of five accesses to the walled old town.

Dalt Vila is hilly, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear. Already from the Portal de ses Taules gate, you can spot the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria which dates from the 1200s and offers spectacular views of the coast. Right next to the cathedral, the archaeological museum Museu Arqueològic d’Eivissa i Formentera offers a remarkable insight into the prehistoric and historic periods of Ibiza and Formentera. At a stone’s throw from the cathedral, the Castle of Ibiza (Castell d’Eivissa) with its massive fortifications offers unmatched panoramic harbour and sea views.

While there, you can also visit Se Capelleta Interpretation Center where you’ll discover remains, burial sites and artifacts from Punic, Islamic and Roman periods.

Ibiza is often referred to as “Isla Blanca” or “White Island” due to the traditional use of whitewash to cover the façades of houses, public buildings and historic landmarks such as monuments and churches. You can simply get lost in the maze of narrow, medieval cobblestone streets, gaze at marvelous facades, and explore Dalt Vila’s cozy restaurants, shops, art galleries, and cafes.

Check out Dalt Vila tours and activities

2. Ibiza Harbour

Ibiza Harbour is often referred to as Marina Eivissa, Marina Port Ibiza, La Marina Ibiza, and Marina Botafoch. The marina lies at the foot of the fortified old town next to Barrio de La Marina (La Marina district) and along the prominent Passeig Joan Carles I street.

Besides the ferry terminal, La Marina Ibiza features a wide range of entertainment and dining options, beach clubs and upscale hotel resorts. It is the most glamorous area of Ibiza Town that never sleeps, filled with luxurious superyachts and world-class entertainment including Casino de Ibiza – a unique leisure complex, part of the luxurious Ibiza Gran Hotel.

3. Ibiza Beaches

Ibiza boasts beautiful golden and white sand beaches, hidden bays and coves, and offers a variety of water activities. Here are some of the best and most popular beaches in Ibiza:

• Platja d’en Bossa – A long, sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters, lined with lively beach clubs, hotels, restaurants and cafes. It is located 11 km/7 miles (a 15-minute drive) southwest of Ibiza port.
• Playa de Talamanca – It is the nearest beach to the cruise port (a 5-minute drive/a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal). Because of the vicinity of the town, Talamanca Beach is quite popular and often crowded. Here you’ll find a few cafes and restaurants, changing rooms, showers, restrooms and sunbeds/umbrellas for rent. The beach is sandy.
• Cala Salada – This beautiful bay is located on Ibiza’s west coast, 20 km/12.5 miles (a 30-minute drive) west of the cruise terminal.
• Calla Bassa – A long crescent-shaped white sand bay on the island’s west coast, located 25 km/15.5 miles (a 40-minute drive) from the cruise terminal. The beach boasts calm and crystal-clear turquoise waters, numerous facilities, and a couple of restaurants/bars. Popular activities here are snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and kayaking.
• Calla Comte – Surrounded by dunes and rocky cliffs, Calla Comte is one of the island’s most visited and attractive beaches. Located just a few kilometers away from Calla Bassa, this beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets.

Check out the list of Ibiza beach tours and activities

4. Can Marca Caves

Cova de Can Marçà is located on Ibiza’s northern coast in Port de Sant Miquel, approximately 23 km/14 miles (a 30-minute drive) from the port of Ibiza. The ancient cave is over 100,000 years old and was used by pirates and smugglers who hid their contraband inside the cave.

Nowadays, visitors can enjoy stunning sea views from the openings of the cave, marvel at a 9-meter (30-foot) subterranean waterfall, admire the spectacular rock formations and take in the atmosphere followed by music and light show.

Explore Can Marca Caves tours and activities

5. Las Dalias Hippy Market

If you are looking for an authentic shopping experience, head to Las Dalias de Ibiza flea market, an oasis of colors, tastes and smells. With over 300 alternate lifestyle stalls, the market celebrates Ibiza’s hippy heritage and offers handmade and locally produced goods, from jewelry and leather goods to unique souvenir art, clothes and much more! There are several bars and restaurants in the area, with many dining options, live DJ music and a fantastic ambiance.

The market is open on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is located a 10-minute walk from Sant Carles, a pretty little town with its shops and bars. Las Dalias market is situated around 21 km/13 miles (a 30-minute drive) northeast of Ibiza Town.

6. Es Vedrà

Isla de es Vedrà is a rugged, uninhabited limestone islet located off the southwestern coast of Ibiza. This mysterious rock island has always been at the center of numerous myths and legends, that you can best discover on a guided tour or a coastal cruise.

Explore es Vedrà tours and activities

7. Formentera

Ibiza’s little sister island is located just a 40-minute boat ride from Ibiza Town. With its pristine white sand beaches and incredible turquoise waters, Formentera is a paradise for beach lovers. The island has been a popular destination for hippies since the 1960s and features a more relaxed and laidback vibe than Ibiza.

Snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing are popular activities here, while nude sunbathing is allowed on most of the beaches. The ferries to Formentera depart from the port of Ibiza every 30 minutes in high season.

Explore Formentera tours and activities

Wrapping Up

Whether you decide to explore Ibiza’s medieval old town, hit the beaches, or explore the island’s countryside, this beautiful port offers many options for everyone! Make sure you plan your day ahead to get the most out of the port of Ibiza.

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Read also our cruise port guides to Lisbon, Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia (Florence), Livorno, Naples, Cannes, Villefranche (Nice)

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