Ibiza is a safe destination, but it pays to be prepared
Let's start with the most important point: Ibiza is a very safe island. The rate of violent crime is very low and the vast majority of visitors enjoy their stay without any incidents. That said, as with any popular tourist destination, there are sensible precautions to take.
As an Ibizan who has lived here all his life, I'll tell you what you really need to know for a peaceful and worry-free stay.
Essential emergency numbers
Save these to your phone before you arrive:
- 112 — General emergencies (police, fire, ambulance). Works throughout Europe with multilingual operators
- 091 — National Police
- 092 — Local Police
- 062 — Civil Guard
- 061 — Medical emergencies
- 900 112 112 — Emergency services in the Balearics
112 works even without mobile coverage from your operator and without a SIM card. It's the number you should always remember.
Personal safety: sensible precautions
In tourist and nightlife areas
- Pickpockets operate in crowded areas, especially Ibiza port, San Antonio at night and markets. Keep your wallet in a safe place
- Don't leave valuables visible in your car, not even for five minutes
- Be careful with drinks in clubs and late-night bars: don't accept drinks from strangers and keep your eyes on your glass
- If you go out partying, arrange a meeting point with your group in case you get separated and your phone runs out of battery
At the beach
- Don't leave your phone, wallet or car keys unattended. Use a waterproof bag that you can take into the water
- Beach flags are important: red (swimming prohibited), yellow (caution), green (safe swimming)
- Watch out for currents in some coves open to the sea. If you get caught in one, don't swim against it: swim parallel to the coast
- Jellyfish occasionally appear. If stung, apply salt water (never fresh water) and go to the pharmacy for antihistamine cream
Healthcare
Ibiza has a quality healthcare system with a public hospital and health centres distributed across the island.
Main healthcare facilities
- Hospital Can Misses (Ibiza city): 24-hour emergencies, the main hospital on the island
- Health centres: in Ibiza, Sant Antoni, Santa Eulària and Sant Josep. Handle minor emergencies
- Pharmacies: well distributed across the island. Look for the on-call pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) information posted on any pharmacy door
Healthcare coverage depending on where you're from
- EU citizens: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives you access to public healthcare on the same terms as a Spanish citizen
- Non-EU citizens: a travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended. Emergency care is always provided, but hospitalisation can be expensive without insurance
- Private clinics provide care without waiting lists but are significantly more expensive
Never travel without medical insurance or the European Health Insurance Card. An ambulance transfer or hospitalisation without coverage can cost thousands of euros.
The sun, water and natural hazards
- Heat stroke: the most real danger in summer. Drink water constantly, avoid the sun between 12:00 and 16:00, wear a hat and sunscreen
- Dehydration: more common than you might think, especially if you combine beach time with alcohol. Always carry water
- Sea urchins: in rocky areas, their spines pierce when you step on them. Wear water shoes or reef sandals
- Forest fires: high risk in summer. Never light fires or throw cigarette butts in forest areas. Fines are severe
If you have a legal problem
- In case of theft, file a report at the police station (necessary for travel insurance). The National Police in Ibiza have experience with tourists and usually have English-speaking staff
- If you need consular assistance, contact your embassy or consulate. Many European countries have an honorary consulate in Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca
- Always carry a photocopy of your passport and keep a photo on your phone. If you lose the original, it makes procedures much easier
Road safety
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l in blood (0.3 for novice drivers). Checks are frequent in summer
- Never drive a motorbike or scooter under the influence of alcohol: motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of hospital admission for tourists in summer
- Secondary roads are narrow with blind curves. Exercise extreme caution
Quick summary
- Emergencies: 112 (always works, multilingual)
- Ibiza is very safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas
- Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EU) or travel insurance (non-EU)
- Hospital Can Misses: 24-hour emergencies in Ibiza city
- Protect yourself from sun and dehydration: the most real danger in summer
- Respect beach flags and watch out for currents and jellyfish
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and a photo on your phone
- Don't drive under the influence, especially on a motorbike: frequent checks and dangerous roads