Where to stay in Ibiza

Hotels

There is a vast array of hotel options to suit every budget and taste. It's highly recommended that you book in advance if planning a visit during the peak season between May and September. Many hotels close for the winter months, so again it is worth checking specific accommodation in advance.

While the resorts of Playa d'en Bossa, Talamanca, San Antonio and Santa Eulalia are largely dominated by package holiday resort hotels and cheap pensiones, Ibiza's Old Town and the northern rural heartlands have seen an increasing number of upmarket boutique hotels opening in recent years.

An Ibiza institution, the Gran Hotel (tel: +34 971 806 806;www.ibizagranhotel.com) is a luxurious option in a convenient location (a ten-minute walk from Ibiza Town). For five-star accommodation that’s out of the centre of town, Aguas de Ibiza (tel: +34 971 319 991;www.aguasdeibiza.com) is the go-to, or for something more remote, Hacienda (tel: +34 971 334 500;www.haciendanaxamena-ibiza.com) is perched 180m (591 ft) above sea level and is a 30-minute drive from Ibiza Town. Culture vultures after authentic Ibizan life should head to Mirador de Dalt Vila (tel: +34 971 303 045;www.hotelmiradoribiza.com), a former 19th-century estate high up in the old town with views across the historic port to Formentera.

Grading: Most hotel accommodation is classified from 1 to 5 stars or hostels with pensiones classified from 1 to 3 stars. Also, look out for the 'Q' symbol issued by the Spanish Tourist Board that designates the establishment achieving set tourism standards.

Bed and breakfast

These are an excellent option for those on a budget or planning to spend the bulk of their time and Euros in the nearby bars and clubs. Known locally as pensiones or casas de huéspedes (pensions or guesthouses) they are mainly located in the party centres of Ibiza Town and San Antonio.

Camping

Ibiza boasts seven campsites that offer a good range of facilities. It should be noted that camping is only allowed on licensed premises.

Other accomodation

Though not necessarily a cheap option, Ibiza is well-populated with villas and fincas (traditional farmhouses) for holiday lettings and very often come with their own pool and cleaning service. Most offer peaceful, rustic seclusion amongst pine-covered hills that offer spectacular views of the island's dramatic interior and coastline.

Another more affordable self-catering option is the plethora of apartments available for rent. Though primarily located in the main towns and resorts, they are ideal for those who don't want to rely on eating out in hotel dining rooms every night.

Ibiza still holds great appeal for the backpacker generation, and while there isn't a huge choice of hostels, there are some located in the main towns of Ibiza Town, San Antonio and Santa Eulalia. All offer local amenities, nightlife and attractions within cheap and easy reach, making them a popular budget option.

There are an increasing number of rural spa and wellness hotels on Ibiza offering all manner of mind and body relaxations and rejuvenations amongst indulgent and tranquil surroundings. Atzaro (tel: +34 971 338 838;www.atzaro.com) and Can Gall (tel: +34 971 337 031;http://cangall.com) are particularly luxurious options.