With its reputation for frenetic nightlife, it may come as a surprise to learn that the old walled town of Ibiza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its architecture. The Dalt Vila (old town) is guarded by massive medieval walls built to keep out marauders, with both cathedral and castle at the top. Just inside the main gate to the town you’ll see the elegant Plaça de Vila spread out before you with its restaurants and cafés. An ideal spot for a meal or some tapas.

Sa Penya
Just outside the citadel, the district of Sa Penya offers up a maze of passages and narrow alleys flanked by whitewashed houses with iron balconies. The area is crammed full with boutiques, bars and restaurants and a “hippy” market on Carrer d’Enmig. Highly atmospheric, you’ll rarely enjoy a better chance for people watching.

Marina Botafoch
Rub shoulders with the jet-set at the Marina Botafoch. Take a stroll along the quays and jetties for a good look at the huge luxury yachts moored there. Or sit outside one of the cafés or restaurants to enjoy the view and soak up the cool, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Talamanca Bay
A short distance from the marina is the more peaceful Talamanca bay and beach with its soft white sand. The resort is close enough to the city to lie in the sun during the day and then go back in the evening for a night of clubbing.

Ibiza Nightlife
It's no secret that Ibiza has some of the most spectacular and famous clubs and bars on the planet. The buzz begins roughly in May and starts to wind down in October, so there’s plenty of time for partying. A lot of the action is centred in the stylish Sa Penya quarter or the narrow streets of the old town. Most venues are open between midnight and 6am and famous names include Pacha, Amnesia and Space.
 

When you’re ready to leave the Ibiza's city locations behind, jump in your Avis hire car to discover its surrounding areas.

Drive your Ibiza car rental out to the island’s wooded interior and rugged coastline with hidden coves and out-of-the-way beaches. With Avis, you can explore wherever you choose with freedom and convenience and without being tied to schedules.

White Island
Winters on La Isla Blanca or “the white island” are especially mild, perfect for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Spring, with the almond trees in bloom, is also an excellent time to visit. Family holidays are a guaranteed success in places such as Santa Eulalia, 10 miles north of the city, and the small resorts in the less developed northeast. Perfect to visit in your Avis car rental. Swimming in some of the cleanest and clearest water in the Med is another good reason for booking your holiday here.

Cova de Can Marçà caverns
Why not go underground for a visit to the Cova de Can Marçà caverns in the north with their spectacular coloured lights? Turn off to the right just before Port de Sant Miquel and drive around the headland to reach the caves. Multilingual guided tours last around 30 to 40 minutes. Once back at the surface you can stop for a drink on the terrace and enjoy the view of the cliffs and azure water.

If you prefer more sporty activities, Ibiza offers great opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as walking, riding, cycling, diving, kayaking and rock climbing, all of which can be easily accessed in your Ibiza hire car.

One of Europe’s earliest settlements after the Phoenicians discovered it in 654BC, Ibiza is rich in prehistoric relics as well as remnants from its time under Roman rule. Crumbling medieval churches, fortified castles and stone bastions remain as evidence of numberous invasions by the Vandals, Byzantines and Moors, before the island joined the Balearics in the 1800s.

The steep ascent of the island’s burgeoning tourist industry was led by free-spirited travellers in the 1960s – and the bohemian markets in the old towns of Ibiza and Santa Eulària des Riu continue to sell hippy trinkets. Today’s diverse wave of visitors includes discerning party-goers, cosmopolitan sun-worshippers and those seeking a cultural fix alongside a beautiful coastline.

The island’s busiest time is the height of summer, when the shore-hugging resorts bristle with beach-goers and the buzzing hubs of Ibiza Town and San Antonio, a 40-minute to drive to the northeast, play host to an electric clubbing scene. Visit prior to May or after September for a more laid-back getaway, as the balmy Mediterranean warmth continues throughout spring and autumn.

UNESCO World Heritage-classified Dalt Vila (Ibiza’s old town) is hemmed by towering old city walls and the eerie Necròpolis del Puig des Molins; an ancient burial site housing around 4,000 tombs. Potter around the independent boutiques and jewellers lining the Carrer de Sa Carrossa square before exploring the Museu d’Art Contemporani d’Eivissa, built on an archaological site dating back to 6BC. Feeling peckish? Take your pick from thrumming cafés and bodegas serving tapas, Ibizan wines and bullit de peix (fish stew with rice).

Due to its compact size, even Ibiza’s northernmost beaches, cherished by in-the-know locals, lie within comfortable driving distance when you hire a car with Avis. Just 40 minutes away is Cala Benirrás, a peaceful fishing village which skirts 300 metres of raw coastline and dazzlingly clear waters – ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Alternatively, wind past sleepy white-washed houses, almond orchards and undulating olive groves to call in on the emblematic ibicenco villages of San Juan de Labritja and San Miguel. Here, artisan craft fairs and folk dances commandeer the church’s courtyard every Thursday. Purchase a souvenir before stopping by San Rafael, a settlement close to Ibiza Town that’s reputed for its beautiful pottery.

With so much rustic countryside to explore, a hire car with Avis offers you the freedom to truly make the most of your trip to Ibiza.

We’ve unlocked Spain’s driving rules for your journey to help keep you safe and avoid the unexpected. Familiarise yourself with our comprehensive guide.

- Is it worth hiring a car in Ibiza?

Hiring a car is the best way to explore the White Isle. From powdery soft beaches and hidden coves to vibrant hippy markets and the unrivalled lush green beauty of its interior, hiring a car will ensure you get to experience everything.

- How old do you have to be to hire a car in Ibiza?

The minimum age to rent a car in Ibiza is 21 years old.

- Is driving in Ibiza easy?

Ibiza is very easy to drive around. Roads are in good conditions and the scenery that you pass by along the way is spectacular.

- How big is Ibiza?

Ibiza is 21 miles in length and just 12 miles wide. You can typically drive from one end of the island to the other in less than 1 hour.