My Perfect 48 Hours in Ibiza: Sunsets, Sangria and Going Out Out

I spent four summers living in Ibiza, working as a holiday representative, looking after holidaymakers who generally had considerably less responsibility than I did. These days, I return almost every year for a holiday, and I’ve also photographed plenty of the island professionally.

You’d think I might have had enough by now. Apparently not.

Ibiza has this electricity. There’s the music and nightlife, obviously, but also the history, the food, the coastline and those evenings when you’re perfectly happy doing very little. This is how I’d spend two days there, preferably at the beginning of September, when things feel a little less frantic.

First afternoon: straight to the rooftop

I’d base myself at INNSiDE Ibiza Beach in San Antonio Bay. I’ve stayed several times, and it gets the balance right for me: comfortable rooms, lovely staff, a beach downstairs and a rooftop that makes leaving the hotel surprisingly difficult.

We’ve found booking directly cheaper than the other options when we’ve stayed, so it’s worth comparing.

Reception regularly showcases local artwork. In 2023, I bought a huge painting of Ibiza Town’s harbour and Dalt Vila, which then needed taking off its stretcher, rolling up, transporting home and stretching again. A slightly more complicated souvenir than a fridge magnet, but I love it.

After checking in, I’d head upstairs. The rooftop pool is small, cold and exactly what I want on a sunny afternoon. There are beds for lounging, views across the bay towards San Antonio, and a DJ providing enough atmosphere without making you feel you’ve accidentally checked into a festival.

My order is vodka and Fanta Limón. Sunshine, music, a cold pool and that view. I’m in no rush.

First evening: sharing plates and a sunset

For dinner, I’d book an early table at Tapas Ibiza. Definitely book. It’s popular for a reason, and I’ve eaten there with so many different groups of friends that choosing the dishes has become a familiar group negotiation.

Everything goes in the middle. Garlic prawns, calamari, deep-fried brie and hummus are among my favourites, preferably accompanied by sangria. Their menu changes, but the sharing is half the pleasure: everyone gets involved, and everyone inevitably wants the last bit of something.

The atmosphere is buzzing. It’s somewhere I return to because I know we’ll have a good evening.

You could walk there from the hotel, but you’re on holiday. Take a taxi, then walk dinner off on the way to the Sunset Strip.

Café Mambo has the atmosphere, and a table there can be a lovely way to spend the evening if you’re happy with the bill. Personally, I also love sitting on the rocks out front. You still get the sunset and the atmosphere without needing to pay for a prime seat.

I struggle to explain an Ibiza sunset without sounding ridiculous. It’s the view, the music, the people, the whole thing. It’s one of those Ibiza moments that makes more sense when you’re sitting there experiencing it.

After dark: a wander through Ibiza Town

After sunset, I’d take a taxi to the old harbour area of Ibiza Town, by La Marina.

From there, the plan is mostly to wander. Browse the shops, follow the narrow streets and venture into Dalt Vila. If you fancy the climb, head towards the top. If you don’t, find a bar. Both are perfectly respectable holiday decisions.

Wear decent trainers. Those polished cobbles can be slippery, and there’s nothing especially glamorous about going arse over tit on your way to a cocktail.

Around Passeig de Vara de Rey and neighbouring Plaça del Parc, there are plenty of places to stop. I don’t have a rigid bar itinerary. We tend to choose somewhere we like the look of, have a drink and move on when we fancy it.

Then there’s the harbour, where we spend a completely unreasonable amount of time discussing which superyacht we’d buy if we won the lottery. It’s important to be prepared.

I wouldn’t go too hard on the first night. One or two drinks. Maybe six.

Day two: breakfast, beach and very little urgency

I’m usually at breakfast shortly before they start clearing it away. INNSiDE’s breakfast has loads of choice, with good omelettes and plenty of picky bits. Allow time to enjoy it.

Then I’d head to Cala Bassa for a couple of hours. Clear water, lovely sand, swimming, sunbathing and people-watching. That’s enough of an agenda.

For lunch, I’d either eat around the beach or head back towards the hotel. El Kiosco, on Carrer Granada, is a handy option nearby. I like their salads and pizzas, and it suits the sort of lunch where nobody needs to make a production out of it.

Back at Pinet Beach by the hotel, I’d stop at Global Reggae Bar for a cocktail. Good music, great atmosphere and strong drinks. Choose whichever cocktail takes your fancy, but don’t underestimate it.

Afterwards, I’d finish the afternoon at the hotel’s rooftop pool. There’s no requirement to keep moving just because you’ve only got two days.

Second evening: paella with a view of Es Vedrà

For dinner, I’d book El Carmen at Cala d’Hort and ask for a table at the front of the terrace. Table requests aren’t guarantees, but this is where I’d want to sit: looking towards Es Vedrà as the evening light changes.

My order is mixed paella and sangria. The paella is to die for, and the setting makes it an evening I’d happily repeat.

Es Vedrà is probably my favourite place on Earth. I couldn’t tell you exactly why. It just is. There’s something about it that gets to me, and I know plenty of other people feel the same.

I’d go straight to the restaurant rather than trying to squeeze another activity in beforehand. Give yourself time to sit, eat and enjoy being there.

A hire car makes exploring easier if you’re a confident driver, but for this evening I’d take a taxi. I’d speak to the hotel about getting there and back, rather than leaving the return journey until the moment we wanted to leave. TaxiClick is useful to have downloaded too.

Then it’s time to go out out

After dinner, I’d return to the hotel, change and head towards San Antonio for a few drinks. I’d probably go to the West End. It’s changed over the years and is quieter than I remember from my seasons living here, but it’s still somewhere I’d start the evening.

For the night itself, I’d give you two choices:

Pikes is quirky, different, and an excellent place to people-watch. Sort your guest list beforehand rather than simply turning up. Events have a strict 27+ policy, and although guestlist registration is free, the current entry terms include a charity donation.

My personal choice would usually be Amnesia, depending on the music. I love trance: Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, and the sort of night where I know I’ll struggle to leave. I’ve also had brilliant nights at the Kevin & Perry events, so I’d check the calendar before deciding.

That’s my biggest clubbing tip: choose the night for the music. You might be desperate to experience a particular club, but if you don’t enjoy what’s playing, the famous name won’t rescue your evening.

I’ve started at Pikes before heading on to a club, but you don’t need to do both. Pick what appeals and give yourself time to enjoy it.

I’d aim to reach Amnesia around 1am. From there, it’s down to your stamina. A couple of hours is perfectly acceptable. So is staying until morning, although your enthusiasm for the breakfast buffet may depend on how that decision goes.

I’d also look at what VIP actually includes before dismissing it. Sometimes a better view, quicker entrance or a bit more space is worth considering. I still enjoy being in the mixer, but the older I get, the more I occasionally appreciate room to move.

Paying a fortune for a bottle of vodka, though? No thanks.

The final morning: reluctantly leaving

Late breakfast, another stretch by the pool if time allows, then the deeply unpopular business of checking out.

These two days barely scratch the surface. There’s so much history, culture and coastline I haven’t touched on, plenty more to do inland, and Formentera waiting for another trip.

But I wouldn’t try to cram all of that into this one. I’d rather leave having enjoyed myself than having completed a list.

Besides, I’ll almost certainly be back,
Lee

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Lee Charlton

Lee Charlton is a UK-based commercial and travel photographer who spent four summers living in Ibiza and still finds an excuse to return almost every year. His work takes him around the world, photographing destinations, hotels and experiences for travel brands.

See more of his work at www.leecharltonphotography.com.