Despite its reputation as a clubber’s paradise, Ibiza isn’t all about superclubs, world-famous DJs and all-night parties. In fact, many people who visit this Spanish island avoid the nightlife entirely, aware that it has much more to offer – even when the superclubs are closed.
Ibiza’s off-season runs from October to April. But Ibiza veterans understand that just because the crowds have left, it doesn’t mean the fun is over. In fact, many prefer the island at this time of year, when prices are cheaper, there are fewer tourists and there’s more time to interact with locals.
What is there to do in Ibiza during the off-season?
Wellness retreats, hippy markets and coastal hikes… There’s no danger of being bored on the White Isle during winter. Here are some top activities that will keep you entertained long after the hordes of tourists have left:
Nature
Ibiza is famous for its sandy beaches and mesmerising San Antonio sunsets but venture inland and you’ll discover rolling hills and valleys that provide some spectacular hiking. The cliffs along the coastline in the northwest are great for hikes too, especially at sunset.
Sunset over Ibiza Town
Retreats
In the 1980s and 1990s, Ibiza gained a reputation for offering alternative lifestyles, and, in addition to the hedonistic partygoers, people interested in health and spirituality began visiting the island.
Today, Ibiza is home to a diverse array of wellness and yoga retreats. A peaceful alternative to the island’s party scene, they range from luxury resorts to more rustic eco-retreats, with many running year-round programmes.
Hippy markets
Ibiza’s hippy markets date back to the 1960s when artists, hippies and free spirits settled on the island, forming a bohemian community that continues to thrive today.
Some hippy markets to visit during the off-season include:
- Las Dalias Hippy Market, near San Carlos
- Es Canar Hippy Market, near Santa Eulalia
- Sant Jordi Flea Market near Sant Jordi, south of Ibiza Town
- Santa Eulalia Market
One of Ibiza’s many hippy markets (martin SC photo via Shutterstock)
Events and festivals
There are various events and festivals in Ibiza throughout the year, such as the Ibiza Food and Wine Festival, typically held in late October, the Three Kings Festival in January, the Ibiza Jazz Festival and the Mediterranean Film Festival, both usually held in November.
Clubs and bars
While nightlife is limited during Ibiza’s off-season, you can still dance the night away in smaller venues in San Antonio and Ibiza Town, which occasionally host local DJs and bands.
Beaches
In the off-season, Ibiza’s beautiful beaches are less crowded and temperatures are more bearable. This means you may find them even more pleasant at this time of year.
In the colder months, you probably won’t want to swim or sunbathe, but you can enjoy leisurely strolls on famous beaches like Cala Comte or Cala d’Hort without encountering another soul.
What’s the weather like in Ibiza during low season?
From October to April, the weather in Ibiza is generally mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from about 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Nights are cooler, dropping to around 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F), especially in January and February.
Compared to the summer months, the off-season sees increased rainfall, with November and December being the wettest months. Often, though, rain showers are short and are followed by periods of sunshine.
What’s the holiday rental market like in the Ibiza off-season?
If you’re thinking about buying a holiday home in Ibiza, you may be concerned about whether you’ll be able to rent it out in the quieter months. As with most seasonal destinations, rental prices in Ibiza do usually drop during low season, but you can increase your chances of renting your property by offering monthly or medium-term leases, which will appeal to digital nomads, remote workers and long-stay tourists.
Additionally, events like Christmas and New Year’s Eve tend to bring a surge in rentals, with people visiting the island to escape the traditional festivities back home.
Cala Portinatx, Ibiza
Where’s the best place to buy property in Ibiza?
If you’re thinking about buying property in Ibiza, there are plenty of places on the island that have thriving local and expat communities, with shops, restaurants, bars and other amenities open all year round. Here are some examples to get you started with your property search:
- Ibiza Town
- Santa Eulària des Riu
- San Antonio
- Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
For more information about buying property in Ibiza, download our buying guide: How to successfully buy a property in the Balearic Islands.
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