Ibiza : What budget to travel? Money and currency

The currency in force in the Balearic Islands is the euro. All credit cards work. Checks are rarely accepted. Visitors over 14 years old must pay a small "sustainable tourism tax". If life is cheaper in Spain than in France, in the Balearic Islands this is not always the case. In July and August the prices of hotels and restaurants soar in Ibiza. And don't forget that if you come to party, the disco budget will add to the bill!

Ibiza : What budget for activities and outings?

Ibiza offers the perfect ingredients for a wide range of water sports, including kayaking, sailing, paddle surfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving. Prices vary according to the activity: from around €35/50 per half-day for kayak/surf equipment rental, to €50/60 for diving. For those wishing to discover the island from a different angle, in a quieter atmosphere, it's important to point out that these sports can be enjoyed in both summer and winter, ideally from September-October onwards, after the last wave of tourist departures. Ibiza's incredible climate and natural setting are ideal for hiking, running and cycling. Bike rentals range from €10/15 to €25 a day, depending on the model.

While not necessarily inexpensive, Eivissa's fashion boutiques are brimming with unique items that can't be found anywhere else, especially those related to Ad-Lib fashion. When it comes to gourmet products, you'll find great bargains in the island's various stalls featured in this guide.

A beer costs between €2 and €3 in Spanish bars, while the price of cocktails, depending on the venue, varies from €6 to €15. In discotheques, where admission can cost from €20 to €60, drinks tend to cost around €10 for a beer and €12/15 (or even more) for a cubata (a simple mixture of alcohol and juice, such as rum and coke, gin and tonic, etc.). The price of admission to most of the island's nightclubs can be daunting, but there are a few strategies for finding cheaper or even free ones! The port of Ibiza is full of opportunities. Just go there and you'll be mobbed by street vendors offering reduced rates. Some bars advertise this fact: they offer up to 50% discount on the sole condition of having a drink in their establishment. Free tickets are of course interesting, but they're only valid early in the evening, and the drink isn't included! You'll find them in certain stores displaying signs for the evening in their windows; but also on certain large beaches (Platja d'en Bossa, Ses Salines...), where nightclubs parade groups of gogos advertising the evening with pockets full of free tickets to hand out.

Ibiza : What is the budget for eating?

You can eat very well for very little money in Ibiza. Local produce is good and restaurants are plentiful. If you opt for a few tapas to share or a lunchtime menu, you can get by for €10/15. However, good restaurants are also plentiful and the bill can easily rise. However, there are a few restaurants in town serving a dish of the day for around €10/12. Give preference to local products and dishes: burrida de ratjada (boiled skate with crushed almond coulis) or sofrit pagès (a dish made from lamb, chicken, sobrassada and potatoes) for example.

Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are generally lower than in France (with the exception of discotheques and similar establishments). Ibiza's pastry shops are highly recommendable (especially the delicious ensaïmadas), as are the famous hierbas ibicencas!

Ibiza : What is the budget for accommodation?

On an island that derives most of its wealth from tourism, the accommodation on offer is very, very, very plentiful: camping cabins, youth hostels, boutique hotels, luxury establishments, private villas... There's no shortage of choice. As prices have a tendency to skyrocket during the high season, we strongly recommend that you book your accommodation well in advance of your departure, a few months in advance if possible. You'll not only have the advantage of being able to choose your accommodation, but also that of obtaining acceptable rates.

Rural tourism. For those seeking tranquillity, manyagroturismo (rural tourism) establishments have opened their doors. These are generally old fincas (traditional houses) converted into small hotels, usually luxury ones. Often located in the hinterland, these houses offer 6 to 10 rooms and all the comforts of a 4- or 5-star hotel. The charm is there, but you have to pay the price!

Camping. Unauthorized camping is forbidden, and there are only half a dozen official campsites. There's no need to bring your caravan, as boat passage is prohibitively expensive. For motorhomes, the island is most welcoming from October to May. Outside this off-peak season, Ibiza is far too busy for the guardia civil to tolerate stops outside the campsite. In any case, you'll have a hard time getting around and parking.

Ibiza : Travel budget and cost of living

To get to Ibiza on your own from France, flying is certainly the cheapest and fastest option. The average price of a flight from Paris to Ibiza ranges from €100 (or even less) to €300.

To give you a rough idea of the budget you'll need to allow on site, a double room costs between €45 and €70 in the "good and cheap" category, between €70 and €150 in the "comfort or charm" category, and from €150 for the luxury category. Generally speaking, you'll need to pay a certain price to enjoy a quiet stay away from the hordes of tourists, as it's the big hotel chains that charge the most attractive prices, unfortunately in charmless, concrete resorts (Sant Antoni, for example).

For meals, expect to pay at least €12, around €20/25 in a standard restaurant and from €35/50 in a more chic establishment.

For sporting activities, expect to pay €35-50 per half-day for a surf/kitesurf/kayak rental and €50-60 for a scuba diving excursion, while you'll pay €10-25 per day for a bike rental.

As for nightlife, prices can vary enormously depending on the event, the season, the venue and the artists programmed. A nightclub ticket generally costs between €15 and €80.