The best way to explore every fascinating corner of this idyllic island is by car. At only 45km long and 25km wide it’s easy to discover much of Ibiza in a day. Just make sure you park up to dip your toes in the warm and welcoming waters of the Balearic Sea as you go.

When leaving the airport, join the E-20 and you’ll be in Playa d’en Bossa – home to many of the island’s superclubs – in just five minutes.

Alternatively, continue on this road and you’ll reach Ibiza Town in around 15 minutes. From here you can explore mainland Spain and its neighbouring islands via ferry. Hop on board for a day trip to the likes of Formentera, Valencia, Palma, Dénia, Majorca or Barcelona.

From Ibiza Town, join the E-10 and journey to the north of the island. Here you’ll enjoy a totally different atmosphere to the party-loving towns of the south.

As you drive deeper into the heart of the island, the rugged coastline melts away, transforming into a lush forested countryside peppered with white-washed villages. Make for Portinatx on the northern tip of the White Isle for golden and uncrowded beaches.  

Join the PM-803 from the airport, or C-731 from Ibiza Town, and in 25 minutes you’ll reach the popular resort of San Antonio. By day, follow the palm-lined promenade round to Caló des Moro beach and sink into the sand. By night, soak up the electric atmosphere at the world-famous Café Mambo as you watch the sun sink from the sky.

While in Ibiza, you’ll drive on the right and give way to the left. Speed limits will vary, although these will be well signposted, ranging from 120km/h on motorways to 50km/h in urban areas.  

The White Isle, raver haven, a sun lover’s paradise – there are many names we could call Ibiza and various ways for you to discover the one that is for you.

On one hand, the world’s top DJ’s spin the decks at clubs that stay open until the sun peeks above the horizon at dawn. On the other, the calm, turquoise waters of the Balearic Sea lap against golden sand with a backdrop of gorgeous greenery and hidden coves.

It’s this heavenly combination that continues to draw in visitors who have fallen in love with Ibiza’s unique lifestyle.

Old Town tranquillity

Ibiza Town might only be a short drive from Playa d’en Bossa, home to epic nightclubs, but it feels like another planet entirely.

While revellers are queuing up to party the night away, back in the capital the quaint cobbled streets transport you back to a time long before the birth of club culture. 

Stroll through the old quarter of Ibiza Town and you’ll find it has an abundantly rich past. Renaissance walled buildings, Eivissa Castle and Catedral de Santa Maria de Ibiza form the tapestry of history here – it’s no wonder it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Step inside the fortified walls of Dalt Vila – roughly translated as upper or higher town – and work your way up to the 14^th century cathedral to enjoy an elevated view across Ibiza. Gaze down on white-washed houses and the city’s port, then wander among the cobbled streets packed with quirky craft shops.

Fabulous Formentera

For a change of surroundings, take a scenic ferry trip across the glimmering sea to reach the smallest island in the Balearic archipelago, Formentera.Some ferries allow you to travel with your hire car, so once you disembark you can begin exploring the picture-perfect coastline with ease.

Peace and quiet await in this idyllic bolthole, while the beaches here have been likened to those in the Caribbean. The azure waters are crystal clear, the sand is pure white and small coves and steep cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to this unspoilt beauty.

Spend a day lazing on the shores of Platja Illetes, the best stretch of sand in Formentera, before heading back.

Get back to nature

Seek out the serenity of northern Ibiza, famed for its spectacular forest scenery and bohemian, laidback lifestyle. It’s the ideal place to go on a hiking expedition and the perfect spot for a yoga retreat.

Drive to the small village of Sant Joan de Labritja and take part in a class at Ibiza Yoga. Feel the gentle heat of the sun warm your back as you stretch out, moving your body from warrior one to downward-facing dog. In such a picturesque setting, it’s easy to let go of stress and unwind.

End your day in style at Benirràs, a beautiful bay surrounded by forested cliffs. As the sky begins to change colour, the beach is frequented by drummers and bongo players.

The vibe is totally relaxed and happy, so just sit back, soak up the hypnotising rhythms and take it all in.

Car rental from Ibiza will enable you to explore both sides of the island, taking you from party towns in the south to wellness retreats in the north and everything in between.