Logistics · Destination Guide

Ibiza and Formentera

Clear Mediterranean water, Posidonia meadows, wrecks, arches, and beach-to-boat island hopping

Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 25 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

Primary airport: Ibiza Airport (IBZ)
Typical transfer: 15 to 25 minutesute drive to Ibiza Town or port in normal traffic; about 35 minutesutes by fast ferry from Ibiza to La Savina
Entry requirement: Spain is in the Schengen Area.
Getting around: On Ibiza, taxis, buses, rental cars, scooters, and hotel transfers work, but peaksummer queues are real.

Getting There

Fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), then continue by road to your Ibiza base or by ferry to Formentera. Formentera has no airport and is normally reached by sea from Ibiza to La Savina, with the standard fast crossing around 35 minutes. Ibiza also has mainland Spain ferry links, but most international dive travelers fly. If the itinerary includes both islands, plan luggage and dive gear around ferry stairs, taxi queues, and the possibility that a windy day changes boat plans.

Airports

Ibiza Airport

IBZ • LEIB

7.5 km to Ibiza Town; onward ferry from Ibiza port to La Savina for Formentera • 15 to 25 minutesute drive to Ibiza Town or port in normal traffic; about 35 minutesutes by fast ferry from Ibiza to La Savina

Primary air gateway for Ibiza and Formentera, with year-round Spanish links and many seasonal European routes. Aena notes the airport is about 7.5 km from Ibiza Town and serves both islands.

Transport: Taxi, Airport bus Route 10 to Ibiza bus station and ferry-port area, Pre-booked hotel transfer, Rental car, Private transfer, Ferry onward to Formentera

Getting Around

On Ibiza, taxis, buses, rental cars, scooters, and hotel transfers work, but peak-summer queues are real. Aena lists airport transport by car, bus, and taxi, and Route 10 links the airport with Ibiza bus station and the Formentera ferry-port area. On Formentera, the island is ideal for bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and compact rentals. Vehicle access is regulated from June 1 through September 30, so do not assume you can bring a car or scooter across without Formentera.eco authorization.

Entry Requirements

Spain is in the Schengen Area. EU, EEA, and Swiss travelers can enter with a valid national ID or passport. Many non-EU visitors, including typical short-stay tourism markets, are limited to 90 days in any 180-day Schengen period unless they hold a visa or residence status. Spain may ask for proof of accommodation, purpose of stay, funds, and onward or return travel. The EU Entry/Exit System applies to relevant non-EU travelers, and ETIAS is expected to become mandatory in late 2026 for eligible visa-exempt travelers. Always verify your passport, visa, and airline rules before departure.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Most visitors rent tanks and weights locally but bring mask, computer, SMB, exposure suit, and personal regulators if they are picky. If moving between islands, pack gear in ferry-manageable bags and rinse carefully because accommodation drying space can be limited. For Es Freus reserve dives, carry proof of certification, dive insurance, and any operator-requested paperwork. For no-fly planning, keep the last day shallow, snorkel-only, or topside.

Practicalities

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, ferry offices, and dive centers, but carry some cash for small beach kiosks, lockers, buses, tips, and remote coves. Ibiza is generally more expensive than mainland Spain in summer, and Formentera can feel premium because supply and transport are constrained.

ATMs are easy in Ibiza Town, Santa Eularia, Sant Antoni, La Savina, and main Formentera villages. Withdraw before remote beach days, because machines and card terminals can be inconvenient or busy in peak season.

Electricity

220V/230V • 50Hz • C, F

Spain uses round-pin European sockets. Most modern chargers are dual voltage, but travelers from Type A/B countries should bring adapters and check any camera, scooter, or battery charger labels.

Communications

Spanish and EU mobile networks provide strong coverage in towns and most beach areas, with weaker pockets around cliffs, caves, and offshore islets. EU roaming often works for EU plans. Non-EU travelers should compare eSIMs before arrival or buy a local SIM in Ibiza Town. Download ferry tickets, maps, and operator contacts before crossing to Formentera.

Language

Spanish and Catalan are official, with local Balearic variants in everyday use. English, Italian, German, and French are common in tourism, dive centers, ferries, and hotels. Learning a few Spanish greetings and conservation terms helps with smaller villages and official paperwork.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers scuba, freediving if relevant, medical evacuation, missed ferries, and baggage. For individual scuba permits in Balearic marine reserves, accident and civil-liability insurance are part of the authorization requirements. DAN Europe or equivalent dive coverage is strongly recommended for wreck, deep, or multi-day dive plans.

Packing list

Bring a 3mm wetsuit for peak summer scuba if you run warm, a 5mm or hooded vest for May, October, winter, thermoclines, or repetitive diving, and a rashguard for snorkeling. Pack SMB and spool, dive computer, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, reusable bottle, dry bag, water shoes, and a light layer for night ferries.