Ibiza—one of the scenic Balearic Islands—sits off of Spain's Costa Blanca (White Coast). Because it's an island, getting to Ibiza is not as straightforward as driving your car. However, there are plenty of flights and ferries departing from Spain's mainland each day.
Flying is the fastest way to reach Ibiza and is best done via one of Spain's larger cities. You can catch direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Flights range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the departure city.
If you prefer to reach the island via ferry, the two main ports on the mainland include Denia and Valencia. Ferries take about 2-3 hours from Denia and 5-7 hours from Valencia. Both cities are well-connected to Madrid by car, public transportation, and/or plane. Ferries also run from Barcelona's port, although they take a bit longer at 9 hours.
If you're looking to extend your trip and want to see more of Spain, this 21-day itinerary combines Barcelona and Madrid with Andalusia and the Balearic Islands.
From Valencia
Duration: 45 minutes - 7 hours
Valencia is one of Spain's largest coastal cities, complete with an airport and a large port. The fastest way to reach Ibiza from Valencia is by plane. Direct flights—operated by RyanAir, Iberia, and Vueling Airlines—take just 45 minutes.
Although it’s much slower and not as convenient, you can also reach Ibiza from Valencia by ferry. Ferries range from 5-7 hours and usually depart at night, arriving in Ibiza very early in the morning. If you prefer the ferry and want a morning or evening departure, it’s best to use the port in Denia (see the last option).
Once in Ibiza, regional buses and shuttles reach most of the other towns around the island. However, it’s best to explore its scenery by car as there are numerous beaches and hiking areas not serviced by buses. Rental cars are available at both port cities and the airport, as are private transfers, tours, and scooters.
From Denia
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Denia is a small city set on the Costa Blanca just south of Valencia. It's a port city with regular ferries departing to Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands. Denia serves both of Ibiza's ports, with morning ferries taking a bit longer than evening departures.
For more information on travel around the island of Ibiza, see the previous option.
From Barcelona
Duration: 1 - 9 hours
Barcelona is connected to Ibiza directly by plane and ferry. Operated by both RyanAir and Vueling Airlines, flights are much faster and arrive in just one hour. But if you prefer to go by ferry, you can take an overnight sailing. Ferries depart Barcelona at 10:00 pm and arrive in Ibiza around 7:00 am.
For more information on travel around the island of Ibiza, see the first option. If you have a few extra days to extend your trip, you might be interested in this eight-day itinerary exploring both Ibiza and Barcelona.
From Madrid
Duration: 1.5 hours
The fastest way to travel to Ibiza from Madrid is by plane. Direct flights leave throughout the day and take about 1.5 hours. In addition to RyanAir and Vueling Airlines, Air Europa also serves this route.
For more information on travel around the island of Ibiza, see the first option.