Mistakes We See Every Summer and How to Avoid Them
Let's be clear from the start: in Ibiza we welcome visitors with open arms. Tourism is a fundamental part of our economy and culture, and we love sharing this island.
But after decades of observation, there are patterns that repeat every season and prevent many tourists from making the most of their stay. With all the affection in the world, here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Thinking Ibiza Is Only About Partying
This is probably mistake number one. Ibiza has spectacular nightlife entertainment, no one denies that, but reducing the island to that is like going to Paris and only visiting the Eiffel Tower.
What you're missing if you only go out clubbing:
- Cultural heritage declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Exceptional Mediterranean gastronomy
- More than 80 beaches and coves
- Protected marine reserves and surprising nature
- Charming villages frozen in time
- A spiritual energy you won't find anywhere else in the Mediterranean
Dedicate at least half your trip to exploring, resting, and connecting with what really makes Ibiza special.
Mistake 2: Not Booking Anything in Advance During Summer
Improvisation has its charm, but in July and August it can play tricks on you. I've seen frustrated visitors who can't get a table at any decent restaurant on a Saturday night because everything is booked.
What You Should Reserve Before Arriving
- Popular restaurants (especially weekend dinners)
- Boat excursions (they fill up weeks in advance)
- Car rentals (lower prices and better availability)
- Water activities (kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding)
Mistake 3: Underestimating Distances and Traffic
Ibiza is a small island, about 40 kilometers from north to south, and many people think getting from one point to another takes ten minutes. In winter, maybe. In August, a 20-minute journey can turn into an hour of traffic.
Tip: plan your day by zones. If it's beach time in the north today, eat and dine in that area. Don't try to cross the island three times in one day during peak season.
Mistake 4: Getting Sunburned on Day One
The Mediterranean sun is treacherous, especially for those coming from colder climates. The sea breeze tricks you because you don't feel the heat, but the UV rays are doing their work.
- Use high SPF sunscreen from the very start
- Reapply it every two hours
- Avoid direct exposure between 12:00 and 16:00
- Your skin and your vacation will thank you
Mistake 5: Going to the Most Famous Coves During Peak Hours
Cala Comte, Cala Bassa, Ses Salines... They're all beautiful, but if you arrive at noon in August you'll find impossible parking and a crowded beach.
The Local Solution
- Arrive before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM (sunset light is also the most beautiful)
- Explore lesser-known coves: Ibiza has dozens of small coves that never get crowded
- Ask the locals—we'll be delighted to recommend you less touristy spots
Mistake 6: Not Trying Local Cuisine
Many visitors stick to the comfort zone of pizzerias and burger joints. Ibiza has a delicious gastronomic tradition of its own:
- Bullit de peix (traditional seafood stew)
- Ensalada payesa (Ibizan peasant salad)
- Sofrit pagès (stew of local meats and sausages)
- Flaó (fresh cheese tart with mint)
These are dishes with centuries of history that tell the culture of this island in every bite. And traditional Ibizan cuisine restaurants usually have the best prices.
Mistake 7: Not Respecting the Natural Environment
Seagrass (posidonia oceanica) is a fundamental protected ecosystem for the clarity of our beaches' water. Behaviors we must avoid:
- Leaving trash on beaches
- Pulling up seagrass from the shore
- Making fires in forested areas
- Anchoring over seagrass meadows
Take your trash with you, use portable ashtrays, and respect the signs marking protected areas. Help us preserve what makes Ibiza unique.
Mistake 8: Not Venturing Outside the Tourist Zone
Sant Antoni has its waterfront and sunset bars, but just ten minutes by car you have villages like Sant Mateu with 18th-century churches surrounded by vineyards. The island's interior is dotted with traditional estates, olive oil mills producing extraordinary oil, and rural restaurants where time stands still.
Step out of your comfort zone and discover authentic Ibiza. It's the one that truly enchants and makes many visitors end up staying to live here.
Quick Summary
- Ibiza is not just nightlife: dedicate time to exploring the real island
- Book restaurants and activities before arriving in summer
- Plan by zones to avoid crossing the island multiple times a day
- Sunscreen from the first minute
- Famous coves: early morning or at sunset
- Try authentic Ibizan gastronomy
- Respect nature and the seagrass
- Venture into the island's interior