The neighboring Spanish Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza each boast stunning beaches, old world charm, vibrant nightlife and unique landscapes to discover. Combining both destinations into one epic full day or overnight trip offers the best of both islands amidst the clear sparkling waters of the sunny Mediterranean Sea. This complete guide covers planning logistics, top attractions, where to eat and party, souvenir shopping spots and everything in between for an unbelievable Mallorca to Ibiza day trip!
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Mallorca to Ibiza Day Trip
The two islands are separated by approximately 150 kilometers of the Balearic Sea. Reaching Ibiza from your home base in Mallorca takes under an hour by air or just over 3 hours by fast ferry, perfect for a long day trip. Here are travel options and durations:
Flight
Year-round flights fly daily from Mallorca’s PMI to Ibiza’s IBZ airport in only 35 minutes. Airlines like Vueling, Air Europa or Iberia Express have fares as low as €60 roundtrip with major discounts if booked well in advance or traveling off-peak in the fall and spring shoulder seasons. Be at the airport 45 minutes before departure time for domestic flights. Roundtrip flights give you a few hours on Ibiza with last return options leaving around 5 to 6 PM.
Fast Ferry
Ferries transverse between the port of Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza City’s Marina Botafoch port most days of the week all year minus January-March. Balearia catamarans complete the crossing in 3 hours 15 minutes with basic fare prices around €80+ round trip per adult booked online ahead of travel and during promotions. Onboard you’ll find a cafe, bar and comfortable airline-style reserved seats both interior and out on the deck to enjoy island hopping by sea in style. Schedules allow for around 6 hours of exploration on Ibiza before the last ferries depart back to Mallorca late evening allowing for overnight stays as well. Advance reservations are wise as seasonal sailings often fill up fast.
Getting Around Ibiza
Getting between top beaches, island villages, nightclubs and nature reserves across Ibiza requires independent transport or booking convenient day tours. Recommended options include:
Rental Car
Driving grants the most flexibility to explore far flung coves and countrysides at your own pace. Reserve well beforehand for the best rates on rentals pickup upon airport or ferry terminal arrival. Secure parking not always obvious for rural locations. Auto gearboxes take getting used to on Ibiza’s winding, narrow roads. Gas stations easily found. Consider adding GPS rental for unfamiliar driving.
Bus
Public bus systems like Ibiza Connexion efficiently connect main island towns of Ibiza City, Santa Eulalia del Río, Sant Antoni de Portmany, San Josep and San Antonio. Use Google Maps to plot routes and schedules involving one or more transfers to reach remoter beaches and attractions by bus. Purchase tickets cash onboard. Buses generally run late April to October exclusively so check current status.
Taxi
For door to door transfers, pre-book taxis or request rides via app for top destinations. Average 15 minutes wait time for pickup. Ideal for realizing harder to reach sites not possible on public transportation while enjoying informative commentary from knowledgeable local drivers. Fares for full day charters around €280. Regular per ride quotes given ahead of scheduling, pay cash or card to driver.
Guided Day Tour
Leave navigation and planning behind through all-inclusive group excursions across top Ibiza sights like D’Alt Villa, beaches and caves with expert guides. Operators like IbizaTours.org provide hotel transport, commentaries and amazing insider access including select meals and activities lasting 8 to 12+ hours starting under €100 per adult. Pre-registration required. fabulously stress-free!
| Transport Type | Cost Per Day (approx.) | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | €55-150 | High |
| Bus Ticket | €15 | Medium |
| Taxi Ride | €90 | Medium |
| Guided Tour | €70-150 | Low |
Top Things to Do in Ibiza in One Day
Defying Ibiza’s party island reputation, beyond throbbing nightclubs revealed here waits over 80 beaches bordering crystalline coves, 40 nature preserves dotted with walking trails and a UNESCO listed old town crowned by a formidable 16th century citadel. To experience iconic Ibiza highlights in a single day trip, follow this expert roundup:
Morning: D’Alt Villa UNESCO Site
No trip to the White Isle skips its magnificent capital, Ibiza Town, crowned by the UNESCO heritage site defensive fortification of D’Alt Villa constructed in the 16th century during the Roman-Carthaginian Wars to shield residents from pirates and invaders entering the harbor below. Today this remains Ibiza’s hallmark attraction offering magnificent panoramas from the fortified ramparts along with a winding warren of hippie chic gift shops, clothes boutiques and al fresco cafes lining the stone-paved lanes of the enchanting old quarter.
Top things to see include the Catedral de Santa Maria d’Eivissa Gothic cathedral built atop an ancient mosque and the archaeological museum showcasing Phoenician and Roman artifacts found on Ibiza spanning 654 BC onwards. Grab breakfast on the go at one of many tapas kiosks or churro stands as you take in the scenery then continue exploring below along the tree-lined La Marina promenade or dip into boutique filled lanes ascending towards Sa Penya district’s food market. The perfect introduction to quintessential Ibiza steeped in history!
Mid-morning: Santa Gertrudis Village
After getting your fill of Ibiza Town’s monuments and fortified walls, take a short drive north to the most beautiful inland village Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera 25 minutes away. Stroll along sleepy streets lined by traditional whitewashed homes punctuated by vibrant bougainvillea vines in pink, purple and orange hues with intermittent stops at craft shops and art galleries like Nell Ensoll Contemporary Glass featuring stunning hand blown glass objects made locally on Ibiza by German artisan Claus Bonnén.
Have an indulgent long lunch on the terrace of Wild Beets restaurant savoring market-driven vegetarian cuisine made from garden herbs and ingredients grown just steps away. Don’t miss hitting boutique shop Musset for bohemian women’s dresses and ethnic jewelry before having an afternoon coffee break on the patio of Finca Los Molinos eco-hotel admiring views of verdant countryside all around. The perfect reset button between Ibiza’s coastlines!
Afternoon: Cala Comte Beach
After recharging in pastoral Santa Getrudris village, head west towards the upscale resort area of San José to one of Ibiza’s most beautiful turquoise coves, Cala Comte protected beach, about 32 km from Ibiza’s town center. This quintessential Balearic strand appeals to everyone from families with kids building sandcastles to posh yachters and celebrities anchoring boats offshore seeking privacy. More casual visitors can access the 200 meter long golden sand beach lapped by calm azure shallow waters via a staircase descending from the cliff side free parking lot above.
Relaxation activities range from sunbathing under beach umbrellas to swimming and paddle boarding rentals. Beachside services span massages, pedal boat rentals to two easy dining options – family-run beach bar Kiosko Cala Comte and elegant Beach Club Sunset Ashram known for amazing Asian fusion cuisine, chill Ibiza soundtrack and unparalleled sunset views. Leave room for cocktails atop 360° rooftop bar Sunset Ashram later too! Cala Comte satisfies any picture perfect vision of a romantic or rejuvenating visit to Ibiza’s stunning sea and shores.
Evening: Dalt Vila Sunset & Nightlife
As dusk descends during summer months, Ibiza’s old town Dalt Villa fortifications set aglow by golden hour sun rays creates a magical backdrop like no other location in Europe. Find a rooftop perch at hip Sa Punta restaurant along the northern ramparts in time to watch the sunset sink towards silhouetted Formentera island on the horizon. Pop downstairs to their cocktail bar to sample artisanal gin and tonics infused with aromatic fruits and herbs like orange blossom, rose or lemon verbena.
Then as the skies fade to pinks and purple pastels, descend to the base of D’Alt Villa’s grand entrance portal to the pulsating La Marina district where legendary nightlife explodes from the largest concentration of international and glamorous dance clubs on island like megaclub Pacha, Lío cabaret or underground techno joint Heart. Not ready to call it a night? Keep reveling by taxi or bus 15 minutes north to bohemian village San Antonio for round two of dancing and after parties until the sun rises over Ibiza once more!
Where to Eat and Drink
Enjoying laidback al fresco dining and celebrating from beach bars to see-and-be-seen lounge clubs represents integral components to an Ibiza day trip. Recommended favorites across top locations include:
Ibiza Town
- La Oliva: Elegant fine dining on La Marina promenade with amazing Mediterranean cuisine
- Madison: Trendy Sa Penya Market eatery for burgers, salads and people watching
- 13 Restaurant & Beach Bar: Iconic beach club on Talamanca Bay for upscale lunch or sunset cocktails
Santa Gertrudis
- Wild Beets: Farm-to-table vegetarian plates in a zen garden patio ambiance
- Bar la Fruteria: Cozy orange tree dotted café known island-wide for artisan cakes
San Jose
- Sunset Ashram: Plush Asian Fusion bites with unmatched views from Cala Comte
- La Escollera: Relaxed Mediterranean plates and harbor vistas along San Jose waterfront
Sant Antoni
- La Troya: Quintessential Spanish tapas menu steps from lively San Antonio marina
- Villa Mercedes: Sophisticated dining and excellent wines in restored island manor estate
Signature Drinks
- Hierbas Ibicencas: Popular Italian aniseed liqueur only made on Ibiza
- Friginals: Namesake local gin processed with over 20 botanicals like rosemary and lemon
What to Buy: Best Ibiza Souvenirs
Bring a piece of Balearic island magic home through these popular Ibiza souvenir ideas sure to impress family and friends!
Style
- Boho chic maxi dresses and flared pants in bright prints
- Artisan jewelry crafted in beach stones or 925 silver
- Es Padrís leather purses, sandals and belts handmade since 1940
Home Décor
- Signature graphic t-shirts and tank tops in flower motifs
- Wall tapestries and beach bags silkscreened by local artists
- Painted ceramic tableware glazed in iconic squiggle and wave designs
Edibles & Gifts
- Gourmet sea salts harvested along the coast in stunning glass jars
- Fruity extra virgin olive oil from interior groves
- Hierbas Ibicencas liqueur and beautifully bottled Friginals gin
For affordable bohemian fashion straight from Balearic artisans and designers, don’t miss a stop at the huge Las Dalias hippie market open from April through October in San Carlos village often coined the spiritual center of the island. Elsewhere shopping boutiques concentrate heavily within Ibiza Town and Santa Gertrudis. Haggling politely negotiates additional savings off tagged prices on original artworks and jewelry especially.
Return from Ibiza to Mallorca
Prepare to check out of hotels or beach clubs at least 3 hours prior to the last evening ferries or flights back to Mallorca. Build in extra buffer because delays frequently occur and you don’t want to risk getting stranded overnight. Here are transit durations returning:
Flight
Airlines operate flights until as late as 9:30 or 10 pm to Palma de Mallorca from Ibiza allowing you nearly a full day and night of fun before departing. Airport queues move slower during peak party season. Show up 90 minutes early to clear baggage check and security in time. Airlines accept online check-in 24 hours beforehand to save further time.
Fast Ferry
Ferries make the return crossing from Ibiza City port to Mallorca in just over 3 hours well into the evening with the lastDeparting Ibiza at 9 pm and arriving Palma port just before midnight. First morning connections also available year-round. Purchase tickets early online as summer weekends sell out fast. Allow 30 minutes ahead to queue and board before scheduled departures.
If renting a car, allot at least 3.5 hours returning cross-island adding potential traffic delays plus petrol fill ups and tolls. Confirm if 24-hour vehicle return policies apply to avoid steep overnight fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to see both Mallorca and Ibiza in one short trip?
The most time efficient method is flying roundtrip between the two islands. Flights last only 35 minutes with several daily connections to maximize your time. Ferries take over 3 hours one-way limiting exploration opportunities.
How much time do you need in Ibiza to have a good experience?
During a day trip, 6 to 8 hours on Ibiza allows you to see top highlights like Ibiza Town, island villages, busy beaches and sunset views before late evening flights or ferries back to Mallorca. Staying overnight permits enjoying famous nightlife too!
What is there to do in Ibiza besides clubbing?
While famed for partying, Ibiza offers far beyond just nightclubs! Top daytime attractions range from 80 beautiful beaches in tiny coves to hiking forested interior nature reserves and touring hilltops towns like Santa Gertrudis full of boho boutiques, galleries and organic cafes in the interior countryside.
Is Ibiza safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Violent crime is extremely rare on Ibiza with tourist police patrolling heavily. Practice the same street smarts as usual traveling alone. At clubs, never leave drinks unattended to avoid possible drugging. Taxi rides between areas advised late evenings over walking remote roads when celebrations escalate.
What is better – renting a car or taxi in Ibiza?
Renting a car yields the most flexibility reaching remote cliffside beaches, villages and nature reserves across the 543 km2 island otherwise unviable on public transportation. But taxis work efficiently for point to point trips between top destinations without hassles finding parking or navigating Ibiza’s winding hilly roads. Pre-book fixed rate taxis for cheaper pricing. Consider combining both options.
Conclusion
In the ultimate Mediterranean island hopping adventure, Mallorca and Ibiza each deliver stunning coastlines, world class nightlife, bohemian villages, nature reserves and historic monuments within reach in one epic day or overnight trip. Thanks to quick flights clocking just 35 minutes travel time between islands, you can easily blend the highlights of Palma then party to your heart’s content in Ibiza before returning recharged with souvenirs, snapshots and memories for a lifetime. Following this guide detailing transportation logistics, top sight itineraries beyond just clubbing as well as the best dining, shopping and hidden beach coves across both Mallorca and Ibiza proves two legendary Spanish islands are better than one!