After spending 10 nights in Ibiza – staying three nights in Figueretes, one night in Es Canar and six nights in San Antonio, as well as taking day trips to places like Santa Eulària and Portinatx – I got a good feel for what it’s actually like to stay in different parts of the island.

Ibiza may be a small island, but the areas feel surprisingly different. The west coast is lively and famous for its sunsets, Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària feel more cosmopolitan, while the north feels much quieter and more relaxed.

Whether you’re travelling solo like I was for most of my trip, visiting with family (I spent my first three nights travelling with my Dad), planning a party holiday or something else, there’s a base in Ibiza that’ll suit your trip.

And by the way, you absolutely don’t have to visit Ibiza for the nightlife, despite what the internet might make you think. If you’re visiting for beaches, hiking, pretty towns or simply relaxing by the sea, there are plenty of places you’ll love!

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1. Figueretes – Best Base for First-Time Visitors ⭐

Figueretes, a suburb of Ibiza Town, was the first place I stayed during my trip, and it really felt like the perfect ‘welcome to Ibiza’ – a relaxed introduction to the island while putting everything within easy reach. After staying here for three nights in Hotel Vibra Vila, I can say it feels like one of Ibiza’s most underrated bases. I actually spent my time in Figueretes with my Dad as he joined me for the start of my trip, and he also loved it!

I love that it has everything you’d want from a beach destination – a promenade, sea views, waterfront restaurants and a series of sandy coves with easy swimming access. Yet it’s right by the vibrant Ibiza Town. Having beachy vibes steps from your accommodation, while also being within walking distance of Ibiza’s lively marina and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila (Old Town), is hard to beat!

That’s not all – on the other side of Figueretes is Playa d’en Bossa. A lovely long sandy beach by day, Playa d’en Bossa transforms into one of the island’s most famous nightlife destinations by night. This means that if nightlife is something you’re looking for, Figueretes gives you a relaxing base while keeping some of Ibiza’s biggest clubs within easy reach.

What I also loved about staying in Figueretes was how easy it made exploring the rest of Ibiza even without a car. Ibiza Town’s main bus station is around a 10–15 minute walk away, with direct connections to destinations such as San Antonio, Santa Eulària and Portinatx.

You can even catch a boat directly from Figueretes for a day trip to Formentera – one of my favourite experiences in Ibiza and definitely worth adding to your itinerary. (Although I ended up taking that trip from San Antonio!).

It’s also one of the easiest places to reach from the airport, which I really appreciated after arriving on a night flight. The airport bus takes around 20 minutes, while a taxi can get you there in around 10 minutes. The airport bus stop was literally a 20-second walk from my accommodation!

For me, this convenience was a huge part of why Figueretes worked so well – I could enjoy a quieter base while still having Ibiza’s main sights and beaches within easy reach.

✨ If you’re considering staying in Figueretes, I’ve written a more detailed guide on whether Figueretes is a good base in Ibiza, including more about the area, beaches and what it’s like to stay there.

Where I stayed in Figueretes: Hotel Vibra Vila

During my three nights in Figueretes, I stayed in Hotel Vibra Vila, which was honestly ideal – I really enjoyed my stay here and definitely recommend it! When I visited in May 2026, the hotel had actually just reopened after being renovated, which gave it bonus points – everything felt fresh and new.

My twin room was more spacious than I expected and had a good-sized balcony. There was also a mini fridge in the room which was handy, the only main thing I’d say that was lacking was a kettle! I had no issues with noise, and honestly just had a really lovely stay.

A couple of standout features of the property include the rooftop pool and a dedicated co-working space (as a remote worker, I appreciate this even if I didn’t use it). They also have single rooms, making them a great option for solo travellers!

The real highlight is the location – it’s perfect. It’s not quite beachfront, but it almost feels like it (just without the beachfront price tag!) – the beach and promenade are just a minute’s walk away. There are also some excellent food options just steps away – Coolture Café Ibiza does some really good and reasonably priced pizza, and I had a really good burger at the brunch place just opposite (I forgot the name!).

Other places to stay in Figueretes

While I absolutely recommend a stay in Hotel Vibra Vila, there are definitely other options worth considering depending on your budget and vibe. Some good options include:

• Hotel Ibiza Playa (beachfront stay) – a beachfront hotel with sea views and direct access to the promenade.
• Eurostars Ibiza (more upscale) – a more upscale option with a rooftop pool and modern design.
• Sud Ibiza Suites (apartment-style stay) – a great choice if you prefer having more space, self-catering facilities and a more independent style of stay. The beachfront location is also a big selling point.

Figueretes is best for:

• First-time visitors
• Solo travellers
• Travellers without a car
• Anyone wanting beaches, culture and nightlife nearby

Maybe skip if:

• You want a quiet rural escape
• You want to be right in the middle of Ibiza’s club scene

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2. San Antonio – Best for Sunsets, Budget Travellers & Exploring ⭐

When I was looking at staying in San Antonio, everything I kept seeing focused on its party scene (and I wasn’t visiting to party!). I’d also read plenty of comments from people saying to skip San Antonio altogether, which honestly made me question whether I’d made the right decision. But I prefer to experience places for myself and come to my own conclusions, and I’m glad I did.

Accommodation in San Antonio is generally some of the most affordable on Ibiza, especially if you’re travelling solo like I was. It’s actually home to Ibiza’s only hostel, Amistat Island Hostel Ibiza, making it the obvious choice if you’re travelling on a tight budget or hoping to meet other travellers. Honestly, the affordability was the main draw for me. I ended up spending six nights in San Antonio, splitting my stay between Hostal Adelino and Hotel Tropical. Both worked really well for my budget, although they offered quite different experiences – I’ll go into those a little more below.

One thing I was slightly unsure about before booking was the noise. I’d read that staying in San Antonio could mean dealing with a lot of nightlife nearby and therefore potentially not a lot of sleep! However, even staying in the central area, although a little outside the heart of the West End party scene, I never had any issues. Although honestly, I was usually so tired after exploring all day that maybe I just slept through anything happening nearby!

After spending six nights here, I realised San Antonio was actually a much better fit for me than I expected – not only because of the affordable accommodation, but also because it made a great base for exploring more of the island.

For me, one of the best things about staying in San Antonio was how easy it made exploring Ibiza, even without a car. I found myself hopping on the bus to gorgeous west coast beaches such as Cala Tarida and Cala Comte, hiking from town to Cala Salada, and even taking a day trip to Portinatx in the north. Ibiza Town is also easy to reach by direct bus, while the harbour makes trips to Formentera and boat excursions, from snorkelling trips to party boats, really convenient.

✨ I’ve written a more in-depth guide on the best day trips from San Antonio, which you can check out here.

San Antonio is also around a 55-minute direct bus ride from the airport, with buses running until the early hours of the morning, making for an easy transfer even on a late-night flight.

But what about San Antonio itself? It’s not the most picturesque spot in Ibiza, but it’s still a lively waterfront town on a Mediterranean island – you’re surrounded by sea views, a marina, a waterfront promenade, beaches right in town and gorgeous sunsets, so it’s hardly a bad place to be! Evening runs ending by Caló des Moro to watch the sunset were one of my favourite things to do – the complete opposite of the party scene. I promise, it’s okay to go to San Antonio and not party!

Where I stayed: Hostal Adelino and Hotel Tropical

I spent five nights at Hostal Adelino and one night in Hotel Tropical. These properties are just a few minutes walk from each other, but do differ a lot!

Hostal Adelino is one of the most budget-friendly choices – during my trip, it was just a few euros more for a single room here than a hostel dorm bed in town. I love that they offer single rooms, making them a great option for solo travellers looking to keep costs down. It’s pretty basic, but it’s clean, and the rooms also come with a fridge, which is handy for storing snacks and drinks. There’s also a small pool, although honestly I didn’t get around to using it as I was out exploring all day. All in all, for the price (I paid just €36 a night), Hostal Adelino worked really well as a base for exploring the area and taking day trips.

For my final night in Ibiza, I stayed at Hotel Tropical. If you plan to spend more time in your accommodation itself, this is more the kind of place I’d recommend. It has facilities such as a large pool, gym and a buffet restaurant. I was honestly pretty sad I arrived late and left early so didn’t get to use the facilities as such. If you’re a swimming lover as I am, this is me telling you, you could swim laps in that pool (maybe just not in peak hours of peak season!) – it’s like a ‘proper pool’ hotel pool!

I booked last minute (as in, 10 minutes before arriving!) and I actually got a room upgrade! My room at Hotel Tropical was nicer than I’d imagined it to be from the photos I’d seen online, and I even got a balcony with a pool view. I also appreciated having a kettle in the room, as I didn’t have one anywhere else I’d stayed!

What I really couldn’t believe was that it only cost me €47 (one of the perks of visiting just outside peak season!). It honestly felt like such a treat for my last night, and I really wish I’d been staying longer. Hotel Tropical is the kind of hotel you could happily spend up to a week at.

Other places to stay in San Antonio

There are plenty of other great accommodation options in San Antonio depending on your budget and travel style. A few worth considering include:

• Amistat Island Hostel Ibiza (budget & sociable) – Ibiza’s only hostel, making it a great option for solo travellers, backpackers or anyone looking to meet other travellers.
• TRS Ibiza Hotel (luxury stay) – a stylish adults-only resort with multiple pools, a more upscale atmosphere and all-inclusive options.
• The Purple Hotel (boutique option) – a small adults-only hotel with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Apartamentos Orvay (apartments) – a top-rated option if you prefer having more space, self-catering facilities and the flexibility of an apartment stay.

San Antonio is best for:

• Budget travellers
• Sunset lovers
• Party-goers
• Travellers wanting to explore the west coast beaches and beyond without a car

Maybe skip if:

• You want a peaceful, rural escape
• You’re looking for a luxury resort atmosphere

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3. Es Canar – Best Quiet Beach Stay ⭐

After three nights in Figueretes, I spent one night in Es Canar, which very nearly turned into two because I loved it so much. In the end, the budget traveller in me won, and I moved on to the cheaper San Antonio!

Es Canar is located on the north-east of Ibiza, and feels much more like a traditional beach holiday destination than a party resort. I honestly really liked the atmosphere here – it was lively, in a chill way, but also so easy to find peaceful spots that made it feel very different from the likes of Figueretes or San Antonio.

A highlight of staying in Es Canar is being so close to the gorgeous Cala Nova – my hotel, BLUESEA Coral Beach, was just a 5-minute walk away! While the town has a beach right in the centre, Playa Es Canar, which is convenient if you like plenty of amenities nearby, Cala Nova is a real beach highlight. Cala Nova is in a more natural setting, with a forest backdrop and a boardwalk trail leading down to the white sand. It’s also quite big, so despite its popularity there is space for everyone!

If you head a little further from Cala Nova, you’ll find the beautiful Cala Llenya. I actually came across it on a morning run and got to experience it before anyone else’s beach day had begun. It was pretty dreamy and it may actually beat Cala Nova as my favourite beach in this area! This spot is quieter even throughout the day seeing as it’s just that little bit further from town – but it’s well worth visiting!

One of my favourite things to do was the Es Canar coastal walk to Santa Eulària. I joined onto the coastal path by Cala Martina, at the opposite end of town from Cala Nova, where I was met with an easy to follow, non-strenuous coastal walk leading to the marina of Santa Eulària. There are gorgeous little beaches and coves dotted along the route too where you can stop off. It makes for the perfect mix of an active morning and a relaxing afternoon – I spent the afternoon on the beach in Santa Eulària. And if you don’t want to walk back again, you can hop on the bus which takes only around 20 minutes – that’s what I did!

The biggest downside is that Es Canar isn’t the most convenient base for exploring the wider island without a car. While there are direct buses to Ibiza Town and the airport, reaching many other parts of Ibiza usually means changing buses in Santa Eulària or Ibiza Town, which can make journey times much longer.

I spent around a day and a half in Es Canar (I didn’t leave for San Antonio until around 8pm), and for me, that felt like the perfect amount of time. I got to enjoy the beaches, walk to Santa Eulària and really soak up the relaxed atmosphere, although I honestly could have stayed another night or two.

As an active solo traveller who likes spending each day exploring somewhere new, I probably wouldn’t choose to base myself here for a whole week. But if your ideal Ibiza holiday involves lazy beach mornings, coastal walks and relaxed evenings rather than nightlife, I think you’ll absolutely love Es Canar.

Overall, I’m really glad I stayed in Es Canar rather than just visiting for the day. It gave me the chance to slow down, enjoy the beaches and coastal walks at my own pace, and experience a completely different side of Ibiza.

Where I stayed: BLUESEA Coral Beach

I stayed one night at BLUESEA Coral Beach, and for me it was a great budget-friendly choice in Es Canar. The location was the biggest selling point – it was only around a five-minute walk to Cala Nova, making it easy to get there before it got too busy. It’s also within walking distance of Es Canar’s restaurants, shops and bus stops.

I actually got lucky and was upgraded to a triple room, so I had loads of space during my stay (although I definitely wouldn’t expect this as standard!). As someone who usually stays in hostels, having a hotel room with a balcony, a swimming pool and breakfast included almost felt like luxury! I also booked the hotel on a half-board basis, which I found good value. The food wasn’t anything particularly fancy, but it was convenient to have a buffet dinner waiting after a day of travelling and exploring.

If you’re looking for a luxury resort, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if, like me, you’re after an affordable base in a great location for exploring Es Canar and spending time at Cala Nova, I think it’s a solid choice.

Other places to stay in Es Canar

• Hotel Anfora Ibiza (more upscale hotel option) – a popular, stylish 4-star hotel in Es Canar with modern rooms, multiple pools, a gym and a good location close to the beach. A great choice if you want something a little nicer while still staying in Es Canar.
• Ibara Ibiza Hotel Boutique (boutique stay) – a beautiful seafront boutique hotel in Es Canar, ideal if you’re looking for a more peaceful and stylish stay.
• Apartamentos Sofía (apartment-style stay) – a great option if you prefer having more space and the flexibility of self-catering. Located in the centre of Es Canar, it’s close to the beach, restaurants and local amenities, with apartments featuring kitchen facilities and balconies.

Es Canar is best for:

• Couples
• Families
• Relaxing trips

Maybe skip if:

• You want easy access to the whole island without a car
• You’re visiting Ibiza primarily for nightlife
• You prefer a lively town with lots happening after dark

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4. Santa Eulària – Best for a Relaxed, More Upscale Stay ⭐

Although I didn’t stay overnight in Santa Eulària, I spent an afternoon exploring the town after walking from Es Canar, which gave me a good feel for the town.

Santa Eulària is the main town in this area, and feels like one of the more elegant spots on Ibiza. The marina has a luxurious feel to it, while the palm-tree-lined promenade feels chic but relaxed. Playa de Santa Eulària is a sandy beach in the heart of town, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants around. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice for a relaxing holiday.

Arriving along the coastal route from Es Canar, I was surprised by just how different Santa Eulària felt. As soon as I reached the marina, I could immediately tell Santa Eulària had a more affluent feel than the other places I’d visited. Honestly, I almost felt a little out of place in my sports clothes from the walk, and like I should’ve been dressed up a bit more!

Santa Eulària can be an excellent base as it’s pretty well connected to other parts of the island (including the airport) by bus. From here there are direct buses not only to the likes of Ibiza Town and San Antonio, but to Portinatx, Es Figueral and Cala de Sant Vicent, making exploring the quieter northern areas much easier than from other bases.

Evening atmosphere-wise, Santa Eulària definitely delivers more than the likes of Es Canar does. Just don’t expect the DJs and superclubs of the more party-focused Playa d’en Bossa or San Antonio – if it’s a proper party scene you’re after, you’ll need to travel elsewhere!

I actually looked at staying here, but as a solo budget traveller booking fairly last minute, accommodation was generally more expensive than elsewhere on the island. That said, if you have a bigger budget or are travelling as a couple or family, I think Santa Eulària would make a fantastic base.

Although Santa Eulària has a lot going for it, I actually think my stay in Es Canar suited me better. I loved being able to walk to more natural beaches like Cala Nova and Cala Llenya, which gave Es Canar a slightly more relaxed and beachy feel that matched the kind of Ibiza trip I was after.

I can absolutely see why so many people choose to stay in Santa Eulària. If you’re looking for a more refined, relaxed base with excellent transport links, a beautiful marina and plenty of restaurants, it’s definitely worth considering.

Where to stay in Santa Eulària

I didn’t personally stay overnight in Santa Eulària, so I can’t give a first-hand accommodation review. But these are some accommodation options worth considering:

• W Ibiza (luxury beachfront stay) – a stylish 5-star hotel right on the seafront, ideal if you’re looking for a more luxurious Ibiza experience with excellent facilities and views.
• Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel (luxury stay) – a high-end option with a peaceful atmosphere, spa facilities and a more refined feel.
• Boutique Apartments Marsol Ibiza (apartment-style stay) – a great option if you prefer having more space and the flexibility of an apartment stay while still being close to Santa Eulària’s beach, promenade, restaurants and marina.

Santa Eulària is best for:

• Couples or families looking for a relaxed Ibiza getaway
• Travellers wanting a more upscale feel
• Foodies who want plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby
• Travellers without a car who still want good connections around the island

Maybe skip if:

• You’re visiting Ibiza mainly for nightlife
• You’re travelling on a tight budget
• You want a more rustic, quiet escape surrounded by nature

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5. Portinatx – Best for a Quiet North Ibiza Escape ⭐

I visited Portinatx on a day trip from San Antonio, and it felt like the perfect quiet escape from my more lively base on the west coast.

✨ I’ve written a full guide on whether Portinatx is worth visiting, including the beaches, things to do, my day trip experience and whether I’d recommend adding it to your Ibiza itinerary.

Located in the north of Ibiza, Portinatx feels worlds away from the island’s famous nightlife scene. Even compared with Es Canar, which is already a chilled beach destination, Portinatx has a more peaceful aura to it. Surrounded by pine-covered hills, crystal-clear waters and beautiful coves, it’s a stunning place that showcases Ibiza away from the more built-up areas, while still offering the convenience of a resort town.

I honestly had such a lovely time there, and I feel like I got a good feel for Portinatx in just one day – it’s a very small and compact town. There are a couple of gorgeous beaches right in town – S’Arenal Gros and S’Arenal Petit – and there’s also a great hike to Punta de Moscarter lighthouse. If I had been spending longer in Portinatx though, I definitely would’ve hiked even further along the coastline!

While a day felt long enough for me – with time to enjoy the beaches and hike – I can absolutely see why people choose to stay here. If you’re looking for a quieter, more remote-feeling area of Ibiza, especially if you’re travelling with kids or simply want easy beach days, Portinatx could be a great choice.

It’s also a good option if you’re planning to hire a car in Ibiza, as you’ll have the freedom to explore more of the island while returning to a peaceful base. However, exploring by bus from Portinatx isn’t the most convenient. There are direct connections to Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària, but for many other destinations you’ll need to change buses. It is doable though – I travelled there by bus from San Antonio with a connection in Ibiza Town, and the journey took around 1 hour 45 minutes. However, I personally wouldn’t want to spend that long travelling by bus every day if I was using Portinatx as my base for daily island exploring.

Where to stay in Portinatx

• Barceló Portinatx (adults-only resort option) – a stylish adults-only hotel close to the beach, with pools and a more relaxed resort atmosphere. A good choice if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway without being completely isolated.
• Six Senses Ibiza (luxury family-friendly option) – a stunning luxury resort in northern Ibiza, ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. Despite its upscale feel, it’s also a great choice for families, with dedicated kids’ activities and plenty of facilities.
• Apartamentos Portinatx (apartment-style stay) – a good choice if you prefer having more space and the flexibility of self-catering while staying close to Portinatx’s beaches.

Portinatx is best for:

• Quiet beach holidays
• Couples
• Families
• Travellers who want a slower pace
• People with a car who want to explore the north

Maybe skip if:

• You want Ibiza nightlife on your doorstep
• You want lots of restaurants/bars/cafés within walking distance
• You’re travelling without a car and want to explore everywhere

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Final thoughts: Where should you stay in Ibiza?

After spending 10 nights exploring different parts of Ibiza, I don’t think there is one single “best” area to stay – it really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.

If it’s your first time in Ibiza, I’d lean towards Figueretes. It gives you the easiest introduction to the island, with beaches, Ibiza Town and great transport links all nearby.

If you’re travelling on a budget or exploring Ibiza without a car, San Antonio is a surprisingly good choice. Despite its party reputation, I found it to be one of the most convenient bases for seeing more of the island.

For a slower beach holiday, Es Canar or Portinatx would be my picks, while Santa Eulària is ideal if you want something a little more polished and relaxed.

Personally, I loved experiencing all these different sides of Ibiza. If I returned, I’d happily stay in Figueretes again for convenience, or choose Es Canar for a more laid-back beach escape!