Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Ibiza
Looking for a cheap car rental in Ibiza? With Economybookings, you can easily compare different providers to find the best deals on the island. Whether you're planning to relax in quiet coves or enjoy the nightlife, a quick search can help you save time and money.
- Compare pickup locations - Select the whole island instead of just the airport to unlock more options and often lower prices.
- Slightly adjust pickup and return times - Even changing the booking by an hour can affect the final rate.
- Choose a compact car - They're more affordable and easier to park, especially during the busy summer months.
- Book early - Prices rise quickly in peak season, especially in August. Booking in advance ensures better rates and availability.
Tips when renting a car in Ibiza
- Ibiza limits the number of rental cars and private vehicles during the summer. Between June and September, this means fewer cars available and higher prices, so it's wise to book early.
- Pick up your rental car at Ibiza Airport (IBZ), where you'll find the widest selection.
- In Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, restricted parking zones (ORA) operate with extended hours in summer (mornings and afternoons; Sundays and holidays are usually free). Always check the maximum stay time on your ticket to avoid fines.
- Popular beaches like Ses Salines, Cala Comte, and Cala Bassa often have full car parks by midday. Access may be regulated once they fill up. Arrive early or go later in the day, and use official parking lots.
- Choose a small car to navigate narrow streets and crowded areas. If you're traveling with a group, a mid-size car might be a good balance of comfort and maneuverability. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially at busy beaches.
Driving tips in Ibiza
- Always carry your driver's license, rental contract, and insurance documents.
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left, and always signal your intentions.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks; make sure you stop for them.
- Roundabouts require attention. Pick your lane before entering: the inner lane for overtaking and the outer lane for exiting. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and signal right when you exit.
- Watch out for scooters and motorbikes, especially in high season when traffic increases in tourist areas. Check your mirrors frequently and signal early —motorcycles often pass between cars in traffic.
- Popular gas stations include Repsol, Cepsa, and BP.
- Spain has strict alcohol laws: the limit is 0.5 g/L (0.3 if your license is under two years old). Fines can easily exceed €500.
Speed limits
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on secondary roads.
- 50 km/h (31 mph) on city streets.
- 30 km/h (19 mph) on residential or narrow streets.
- 20 km/h (12 mph) in shared pedestrian zones.
During peak season, traffic is heavier, so driving below the speed limit is often safer.
Road signs
Road signs in Ibiza follow European standards: simple icons, speed in km/h. Directional signs are often in both Spanish and Catalan, but are easy to understand. In downtown Ibiza, watch for restricted access zones marked with clear signage allowing only residents or authorized vehicles. Many urban roads are limited to 30 km/h, and these areas are well marked. Signage toward beaches, coves, and tourist spots is frequent and easy to follow.
Tolls and restricted zones
There are no toll roads in Ibiza; driving across the island is free. However, from 2024, vehicle entry is limited during the summer. If you're bringing your own car by ferry (or renting from another island), you'll need to apply for prior authorization and pay an ecological tax of around €1 per day (up to €5 max) to drive between June 1 and September 30. Rental cars picked up directly in Ibiza are already authorized, so you won't need to do anything extra.
Discover Ibiza by car
Ibiza may be famous for its parties, but the island has a peaceful, natural side that's best explored by car. With your rental car, you can reach hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, like Cala Saladeta or Cala d'Hort, far from the crowds. Take scenic drives through pine forests to charming inland villages like Santa Gertrudis and experience rural Ibiza. For unforgettable sunsets, drive to the Es Vedrà viewpoint or Cala Comte beach.
When to Visit
Ibiza is world-renowned for its nightlife and turquoise coves, with a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters.
- May-June: Pleasant temperatures, the island is lively but not overcrowded; clubs start the season with opening parties, and the vibe is more relaxed.
- July-August: Hot weather, packed beaches, and peak nightlife with international DJs. Perfect for party seekers, though it's the busiest and most expensive time.
- September-October: Still warm, the sea is ideal for swimming, and the island is calmer after the summer.
Languages & Communication
Both Spanish and Catalan are spoken in Ibiza. Street names and signs are often in Catalan (e.g., Ibiza appears as "Eivissa"), but Spanish is the main language in daily life. As a popular international destination, it's easy to get by in English in tourist areas like Ibiza Town or Sant Antoni. Many locals working in hotels, restaurants, and clubs speak English fluently, and you'll also hear some Italian and German.
Currency & Payments
Ibiza uses the euro (€). You can use your card almost everywhere—from beach clubs and restaurants to shops. Still, it's a good idea to carry some cash for hippy markets, beach bars, or small purchases in rural towns. ATMs are easy to find in main urban areas and tourist hubs.
Top driving routes from Ibiza
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Ibiza's most unique spots at your own pace, from turquoise coves to hippy markets and whitewashed villages:
- Sant Joan & Northern Coves: Drive through the peaceful north, stopping in the whitewashed village of Sant Joan de Labritja and visiting beaches like Xarraca and Benirrás, famous for their drum-filled sunsets.
- Western Coves (San Antonio): From Sant Antoni de Portmany, visit stunning beaches like Cala Salada, Cala Bassa, and Cala Conta—great for snorkeling and known for dreamy sunsets.
- Southern Beaches & Es Vedrà: Explore the Ses Salines Nature Reserve, with beaches like Ses Salines and Es Cavallet, then head to Cala d'Hort for incredible views of the mystical Es Vedrà islet.
- Las Dalias & Dalt Vila: Spend the morning at the hippy market in Las Dalias (Sant Carles), then explore the walled Old Town of Ibiza (Dalt Vila) with its narrow streets, viewpoints, and unique charm.
- Inland villages: Drive inland to discover rural Ibiza in villages like Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera or Sant Agustí d'Es Vedrà, with whitewashed churches, traditional restaurants, and a peaceful bohemian vibe.
