A Complete Guide to Moving and Living in Ibiza, Spain
|
Everything you Need to Know About Relocating to Ibiza, Spain…
Warning this article might make you hop on a plane and start your dream life in Ibiza!
If you ever wondered what it would be like to live on the island of Ibiza, the remarkable Spanish island floating in the Mediterranean than this post is for you.
Ibiza, or Eivissa in Catalan, is an island off the southeastern coast of Spain that is part of the Balearic archipelago. It is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the world and has a magical and tranquil feel unlike any other on the planet.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the bureaucracy and all the hoops you seem to be jumping through to get your move to happen, check out my How to Move Abroad e-book to help you make the right decisions and make your transition as smooth as possible.
Three of the very best things about living and moving to Ibiza
Tranquility: The peace and quiet experienced on the island of Mallorca is incredible. While the island swells during the summer and is known for parties and celebrations, the reality is if you know where to live and what locations to avoid it is a very serene and quiet location.
Contact with nature: Ibiza is surrounded by nature with stunning golden beaches, pine forests, fresh water marshes and many indigenous plants and animals. After traveling the world it is still one of our favorite locations to appreciate diverse natural landscapes and beauty.
Safety: Life on Ibiza is extremely safe. Ibiza has a warm community feel where everyone looks out for each other. The crime rate is far lower than the rest of Europe and the the majority of locals and tourists report feeling very safe here. It has a small town feel where you learn peoples names quickly and everyone is friendly.
Get Started Today!
How to Move Abroad
A Workbook to help you make the right choices
Use our easy to follow roadmap to help you find the perfect location to start your new life.
Moving and Living in Ibiza: Pros and Cons
Let’s get into some of the most important issues you will have to consider when moving to Ibiza.
Accommodation and Location
Choosing a residence is a crucial first step in deciding to make Ibiza your permanent home. We highly suggest looking for housing during the off season as you will find far more inventory.
There is a large selection of housing options ranging from one bedroom apartments to multi-room homes and estates. There is a spectrum of cost for housing available and everyone is sure to find something that suits their needs. Idealista is your best bet for scoping and finding real estate.
We highly suggest getting temporary housing for a bit while you determine which part of the island you prefer. Some people love being closer to the action and having more amenities close by, while others prefer to be out in nature and solitude.
It takes living on the island for a short period to determine what part of the island you prefer. We have outlined in much more depth in a different blog post how to find a house abroad…so be sure to take a look!
Remember that due to the seasonal nature of Ibiza some parts of the island can look and feel very different in the summer due to far more tourists visiting the island. One of the best parts of living on the island is that the crowds disappear in the winter and you have the entire island to yourself!
Best Places to Live in Ibiza
Among the different locations of Ibiza, San Antonio has many English-speaking people who live there all year. While locations like Playa d’en Bossa are much more touristed and can sometimes feels like a ghost town in the off season as many shops and restaurants close for several months.
Most of Ibiza is open all year, however due to the amount of tourists that arrive in the summer you want to make sure you choose a location that suits your needs and does not get either too quiet or too crowded based on your preference.
If you are willing to live outside town a bit you will have many more options when it comes to housing. You can look around in the quieter areas or choose a lovely house in the hills. Places like Santa Eulalia and Santa Gertrudis, are lovely locations especially if you live in Ibiza with a family.
It is helpful to have transportation such as a car our scooter when living in these areas that are a bit further out so that you can get into town easily with your own transportation.
There are several international and Spanish school choices for your children throughout the island, Be sure to check out our blog post on how to find a school overseas for your child when moving abroad.
Deciding on the location and house for your new life in Ibiza is central to making the transition successful. The great news is there are many locations and options to suit different tastes and desires!
Living Costs in Ibiza
Living costs in Spain on average are approximately 30% less expensive than those in the United States. You will find housing, utilities and food costs to be less in Ibiza than the United States. However, the costs are higher on the island than many other locations in Spain.
Housing options are available at many price points, form very reasonable prices to out of this world expensive for estates on the outside of town.
Be sure to avoid certain tourist supermarkets and restaurants during the year as they are known to raise prices during high season.
There is good local transportation around the island and it is a great way to save on gas and transportation costs. If you are looking to buy a car or scooter check out our post on the best way to go about buying a car overseas.
Winter in Ibiza
While people normally associate Ibiza with sunshine and celebration, the reality is winter time on this amazing island is one of the most beautiful seasons and our favorite time to be there. When everyone leaves the island and goes back home, you are left with a piece of paradise all to yourself. The locals are kind and peaceful and there is a wonderful community of both Spaniards and expats alike. There is hiking and swimming to be done and a peaceful and slow Mediterranean feel.
The temperatures are perfect and there are plenty of activities to do year round. There are lively celebrations including Kings Day in January as well as the lively Flower Power celebration.
You can get amazing inexpensive tapas, sit on the beach, shop and take part in the many community activities Ibiza has to offer.
The Perfect Mediterranean Climate
For most non-Ibizans, weather is one of the biggest factors when deciding whether or not to make Ibiza their permanent home. Making a home in a new country with a perfect climate that allows for year round sun, outdoor activities and pleasant weather is a very influential factor for those looking to relocate and move to Ibiza.
The weather on Ibiza has an average of 300 sunny days per year and a warm, pleasant Mediterranean climate. With exceptionally hot summers (particularly in July and August) and cooler winters (below 10°C), the average yearly temperature in Ibiza is a pleasant 18°C. So while there are some hot days in the summer and some colder days in the winter, overall the climate is mild. We especially love the rain storms that come in during the spring and how you can easily swim in the water year round.
Sophisticated Gastronomy and High-Quality Regional Products
The food culture in Ibiza has seen tremendous growth in the last several years. During this period, Ibiza has experienced a genuine culinary revolution attracting chefs who are known for their inventive and avant-garde cuisine.
The predominant cuisine is traditional Mediterranean food including fresh fish and produce. However, there are restaurants of every type throughout the island making it an ideal destination for people who love a diverse culinary scene.
One of our favorite aspects of Ibiza’s culinary landscape are the farms around the island and the emphasis on farm to table dining. A growing number of restaurants on the island prioritize using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often organic, to create the most amazing dishes.
You can find small markets and farms all over the island to stock your own pantry allowing for a healthy and easy lifestyle on the island. One of our favorite places on the island is a regenerative farm where they deliver seasonal boxes of fresh produce. Be sure to check it out.
Travel Channels with Mainland Spain and the Rest of Europe
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean island with excellent transport connections to the mainland and major European cities, Ibiza is the perfect spot for you. There are regular flights and ferries year round making it easy to get to and from the island. The number of flights and ferries slows during the winter, but there are still many options to get you where you want to be.
On top of that, if you are a resident in the Balearic Islands, your flights and ferries to the mainland are close to free! What a perk!
You can fly directly to Ibiza from cities like London, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Paris, and Zurich in the winter. And there is easy access to mainland Spain year round.
Peace, Safety, and Harmony with Nature
Ibiza is a year-round safe haven for its residents as well as tourists and its crime rate is lower than the European average.
The island has peace and quiet throughout and many secluded areas that have lovely communities full of homes and breathtaking natural scenery. It is a place many people go to find solitude set amongst some of the most stunning natural backgrounds.
The pace is slow and peaceful and has a wonderful community vibe of both expats and locals.
Advantages Regarding Wellness and Sports
Ibiza has a great sport scene with football (soccer) clubs, cycling, and tennis played throughout the island. It is easy for kids and adults a like to find lessons and clubs to join year round.
There are also various sporting events throughout the year including sailing races, mountain bike competitions and golfing events.
Additionally, Ibiza has emerged as a major center for healthcare and wellness in recent years. Ibiza has a wide selection of private clinics and spas offering cutting-edge treatments and mind-body centers to help people get balanced and centered.
It is an incredible spot to indulge in self-care treatments and wellness at reasonable prices.
Legal Requirements
If you are seriously considering moving to Ibiza there are several options when it comes to staying long term. There are a variety of visa options listed below and while some require that you do not work there are also options for those that want or need to work.
Be sure to explore all of the options as one may work better than another given your unique circumstances. We as a family of five have applied for Spanish visas over the years and while it requires a fair bit of paperwork it is a very straightforward and doable process.
Types of Visas available in Spain
There are several types of visas available to non- Schengen residents. Check out this article about Spanish citizenship and visas for more detail on the subject.
✅ Golden Visa / Investment Visa:
This is an ideal option for those looking to invest in the Spanish economy through either real estate or a business for over 500,000 Euros.
Duration is for 1 year with indefinite 2-year renewals.
✅ Non-Lucrative Visa:
This is an ideal option for those that are looking to retire in Spain or for those that may have a passive income of approximately 30,000 Euros a year.
The duration is for 1 year with indefinite 2 year renewals.
✅ Entrepreneur Visa:
This is an ideal option for individuals looking to start a business in Spain.
The duration is for 1 year and renewable for 4 additional years.
✅ Digital Nomad Visa:
This is an ideal option for international remote workers, digital nomads or freelancers.
The duration is for 1 year with indefinite 2 year renewals.
✅ Spain Work Permit:
This is ideal for employees with a qualifying job offer from a Spanish company.
The duration is for 1 year with indefinite 2 year renewals.
✅ Student Visa:
This is ideal for international students who are accepted into a qualifying university or course of study in Spain.
The duration last for the length of the program.
Should I Choose Ibiza or Mallorca?
Choosing between living in Ibiza or Mallorca depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget, and what you seek in daily life. I’m going to break down the key aspects of each island to help you decide.
Size and Population
Ibiza
Smaller in size, Ibiza has a more intimate feel. While renowned for its vibrant nightlife, it also boasts tranquil spots, especially in the off-season.
Mallorca
As the largest Balearic Island, Mallorca offers a diverse range of environments, from busy urban areas to quiet countryside. Its size provides more options for housing, amenities, and activities.
Lifestyle and Atmosphere
Known for its nightlife and vibrant atmosphere, Ibiza also offers quiet rural areas for those seeking tranquility. This island is better for singles.
Mallorca offers a laid-back, nature-centric lifestyle with charming towns and pristine beaches. Perfect for those who value peace and natural beauty and ideal for families.
Cost of Living
Ibiza is one of the most expensive places to live in Spain, especially when it comes to housing. Groceries, dining out, and utilities are also generally more costly than on the mainland. All in all Ibiza is more expensive to live than Mallorca.
The cost of living in Mallorca is higher than in other regions of Spain. Housing is also particularly more expensive because its an island and the high tourist interest.
Climate
Both have the same warm winters as well as cooler summers than the mainland.
Both have the same warm winters as well as cooler summers than the mainland.
Accessibility
Ibiza Airport has international connections but with fewer options compared to Mallorca. During the off-peak season, flight availability is generally much more limited.
Palma de Mallorca Airport is a major hub with numerous international flights, making travel to and from the island convenient. Public transport is also a lot better than Ibiza.
Schools
Ibiza has fewer educational institutions compared to Mallorca. The island offers public schools and a limited number of private and international schools.
Mallorca boasts a wide array of schools, including many public, semi-private (concertado), and private international schools. You can find curricula in English, German, French, and other languages. This diversity provides families with lots of choices.
Moving to Ibiza FAQ
Yes, Ibiza is one of the most expensive places to live in Spain, especially when it comes to housing. Rent and property prices are high due to demand from tourists and seasonal workers. Groceries, dining out, and utilities can also be more costly than on the mainland. However, expenses vary depending on the area and lifestyle.
Ibiza has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. While summer temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), winters are cooler, with daytime temperatures averaging around 15°C (59°F). It rarely gets cold, but it can be windy and rainy in winter.
Many expats settle in Santa Eulalia, which has a family-friendly atmosphere, or in the quieter northern villages like San Juan and San Carlos. Ibiza Town is popular for its vibrant social scene, while San Antonio attracts younger expats and seasonal workers. Some prefer the countryside for a more peaceful lifestyle.
Final Words on Moving and Living in Ibiza
Living and moving to Ibiza provides a once in a lifetime experience that allows for a unique, tranquil and remarkable experience on one of the planets most beautiful islands.
The process to relocate and move abroad takes planning and courage but is doable and well worth the effort.
Moving to Ibiza allows for a new lease on life. Living on the island shifts your perspective about what life is all about and how to slow down and enjoy the things that really matter.
Like so many others that have made the decision to move to Ibiza you will undoubtedly not regret it!
Get Started Today!
How to Move Abroad
A Workbook to help you make the right choices
Use our easy to follow roadmap to help you find the perfect location to start your new life.
Hello and Welcome!
We started our family travel blog in hopes of supporting other families move abroad and travel the world. Through straightforward, sincere and supportive information we hope to provide a reliable guide for those moving overseas with a family and traveling the globe.
From Our Library
The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Mexico as a Foreigner
Should I Move To France? 14 Pros & Cons Of Living In France (2025)
How To Move To France: Step-By-Step Guide (2025)
