Our Guide for A Thrilling 2-Day Ibiza Road Trip
We decided to rent a camper van for a two-day Ibiza road trip since it’s the perfect vehicle for exploring this island paradise! There are so many places to rent a camper or caravan in Ibiza, with different prices and conditions. We found Camper Van Ibiza to be the best option, and we’re so glad we did!
Ibiza is a special island paradise that attracts travelers from all over the world with its unique charm and vibrant energy.
During summer season, world-renowned DJ’s headline at popular nightclubs such as Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaïa. The island becomes the focal point for one of the most extravagant and unforgettable party scenes anywhere on Earth.
That is what Ibiza is famous for.
But, Ibiza also has a quieter side with crystal-clear beaches, hidden coves and stunning cliffs. The Ibiza in winter season that allows you to enjoy the fresh and open air without the crowds.
This second facet of Ibiza is what we came to road trip for and what we’ll be featuring in this guide!
We had our flight from Valencia to Ibiza late one Friday night, and we arrived at the airport at around 10 pm.
Prior to our departure, the owners of Camper Van Ibiza had given us some great recommendations for places to stay, eat, and explore, which allowed us to plan our trip with much more ease.
To our surprise, they came to pick us up in our rented camper and took us to their usual pick-up and drop-off point. There, they showed us all the features and workings of what was about to be our home-on-wheels for the weekend.
It is important to be aware that wild camping and overnight stays are generally not allowed in Ibiza during the summer. You will even find places where they’ve placed no trespassing signs. Because of this, several campsites throughout the island offer their services to accommodate all types of campers, RVs and motorhomes.
However, most of these campsites are closed during the winter season and overnight stays are allowed in some places. So, let’s first clarify what the differences are between camping and an overnight stay.
Camping involves setting up a tent or shelter outdoors in a specific location. In Spain, camping is not allowed everywhere; it’s only permitted in specially designated areas such as private campsites.
If you camp in a national park or nature reserve, not only is it completely forbidden, but you could also face a hefty fine. There are exceptions where camping is allowed, but only if you obtain prior permission from the local council or the relevant authorities.
Overnighting means spending the night in a place without needing to set up a tent or shelter. For example, sleeping in a van or motorhome is considered overnighting, as long as there is no camping gear spread out around the vehicle, such as tables and chairs, or even an open awning.
In Spain, it’s important to remember that it’s also not permitted to overnight just anywhere, so it’s always advisable to look for designated parking areas for this purpose. If it’s not allowed, this will be clearly indicated with a sign at the entrance.
With only two nights to spend in Ibiza during our road trip, we decided to overnight on two opposite ends of the island. Our first night would be spent on the west side near the airport and the second on the northeast end of the island.
The GPS led us through a rather broken path. Visibility was minimal and we strongly considered looking for alternatives, but we pressed on.
Our persistence was soon rewarded as we finally emerged into a large, open clearing – the site of our first night’s stay. We couldn’t see or go any further since we were facing what seemed like an empty expanse.
City lights shined brightly in the distance but not enough to overwhelm the inky black darkness in front of us that had transformed into an amazing and unexpected viewing gallery of the starry night sky.
In the morning, we discovered that there was, indeed, a better road, offering a much smoother access to our location. Regardless, there was no regret as this was turning out to be a real adventure!
Our journey eventually brought us to this quaint little beach, where we found plenty of parking options. We opted for the convenience of the beach parking lot, although the quiet field a bit further up the hill was our first choice—it was already bustling with early arrivals.
We imagined that we’d wake up to the cove’s turquoise waters and the spectacular scenery calling us out of our camper van.
However, as dawn approached, a different kind of wake-up call interrupted the morning serenity. Around 5:00 AM, the once quiet little beach transformed into a hub of activity as local fishermen began their day, bringing with them the noise of cars, chatter and clanking equipment.
For those in pursuit of peace, this picturesque spot might present a challenge. The beauty of the cove is undeniable, but the early morning hustle might disturb those looking to linger in bed for a bit longer.
If you decide to overnight here, consider retreating to the higher field, where you may be able to enjoy the setting without as much early disturbance.
Although we didn’t stay at these locations, they were strong contenders and we’ve included them in the MyMaps below.
Seeing as time was a bit tight, we had to choose wisely the places we wanted to see and the routes we wanted to take. This wasn’t an easy task for a number of reasons.
Ibiza has many coastal paths that allow you to see hidden coves and walk along the cliffs. However, in 2011 there was a severe wildfire that required mobilisation of Spain’s national resources, including the army. So, this presented a few challenges.
On top of that, the days in winter are shorter and we had to choose trails that could be hiked in just a few hours. In the end, we decided on two routes; short, medium difficulty, respecting the recovering flora and fauna and, most importantly, accessible to the trailhead with a camper van!
The route is a 7 km circular hike from the quaint Portes del Cel restaurant. Our journey to Cala de Corral d’en Guillem was filled with scenic detours, enhancing our adventure and circling us back to our starting point. Although a more direct route exists, we opted for the full loop to fully embrace the stunning landscapes.
The path is filled with gentle descents and lush scenery at every turn. However, be prepared for a bit of scrambling as you climb out of the cove—an exciting challenge for those who enjoy a little thrill! Despite this, the route remains accessible for most hikers.
Our trek concluded at the breathtaking Sa Penya Esbarrada lookout. Here, we were treated to sweeping views of the dramatic cliffs that define the area. It’s a perfect spot to capture some memorable photos or simply soak in the natural beauty.
If you’re planning your visit in the winter, you’ll find parking easily available as the restaurant closes for the season. Summer visitors, however, should consider an early start to beat the parking rush.
Just 10 km away lies Sant Antoni de Portmany, a delightful coastal town known for its bustling port and picturesque promenade—a must-visit for extending your day trip.
What an incredible adventure! This circular route spans about 7km, begins at the stunning Cala de Xarraca beach and leads us to the secret caves of Levante. On our return, we took a detour through Cala Es Canaret, a charming, secluded spot rarely touched by tourists.
Luckily, parking was a breeze at Cala de Xarraca, thanks to its ample parking area. We visited during the winter when the crowds are thinner, which was perfect. However, keep in mind that this cove becomes a hotspot in the summer, so it’s wise to arrive early to secure a spot.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but there’s a stretch just before you reach the caves where the path gets a bit overgrown.
For this part, we recommend using GPS to guide you. We’ve detailed these directions on our Wikiloc track to help you out if you have trouble getting oriented.
The first cave we encountered was not only spectacular but also easily accessible, making it a great spot for a quick explore.
The second cave features a natural bridge and provides a unique experience, especially since it’s off the beaten path.
On the internet, you’ll stumble upon countless recommendations for prime sunset spots across Ibiza. The island is rich with picturesque coves, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs, each offering a front-row seat to some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see.
After much research and consideration, we narrowed down our list to two locations:
Nestled just 10 minutes away from the quaint villages of San Juan and San Miguel, you’ll find Cala de Benirràs. On the drive there, you’ll wind through lush hills before arriving at this cherished spot in the north of Ibiza.
Upon arrival, you’ll find two free parking areas capable of accommodating around 400 vehicles. But make no mistake—during the high season, this popular destination fills up fast! Arriving early is key to snagging a good spot.
The beach itself is a stunning mix of pebbles and sand, flanked by rocky outcrops perfect for climbing to get a panoramic view of the sea and the iconic Cap Bernat rock formation, affectionately known as “God’s Finger.”
Enhancing the beach’s vibrant atmosphere, a charming hippie market springs to life here every day, except Wednesdays and Thursdays. From late morning until dusk, browse through an array of stalls featuring trendy fashion, unique accessories, and handmade crafts—a perfect slice of local culture and creativity.
Tucked away among rolling hills and lush pine trees, Sa Caleta offers a serene escape with its unique blend of reddish sand and rugged rocks. It’s no wonder we chose this charming spot for our second sunset experience in Ibiza.
The journey to Sa Caleta involves driving down a rustic dirt road, leading directly to a very convenient parking area beside the bay’s only dining spot, Restaurante Sa Caleta. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite before or after soaking in the natural beauty of this location.
Just a few steps from the restaurant, you’ll find a well-trodden path until you reach a detour which leads to a hidden tunnel. Beyond this, a natural ‘window’ opens up, framing the vast, tranquil sea.
It’s from here that we watched the spectacular sunset, where the sky’s vibrant orange hues faded seamlessly into the similarly colored rocks—a truly breathtaking scene.
Ibiza, famous for its vibrant beaches and electrifying summer parties, transforms into a peaceful winter retreat that’s just as enchanting. During the cooler months, you can go on leisurely hikes to see the island’s stunning turquoise waters and secluded coves; all without the usual crowds!
Choosing to visit Ibiza in February was perfect for us, as we prefer quieter, less crowded environments. The island’s peaceful winter atmosphere allowed us to truly appreciate its natural beauty, wandering through landscapes that felt like they were reserved just for us.
Additionally, traveling during the off-season proved to be a smart move financially. We benefited from significantly lower prices on flights, accommodations, and car rentals, making our stay both enjoyable and affordable.
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Warning: Mountain sports are inherently dangerous and a mistake can get you seriously hurt or worse! The information we post in this blog is only meant to be a guide, and should by no means be considered professional advice. If you lack the skills or are unsure about what you’re doing, hire a professional guiding service to teach you hands-on. We will do our best to provide links to trained professionals in the area wherever possible.
Don’t just travel… Adventure!
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